Battery socks?

5 replies · 165 views

jonjkruse
12 posts
#1Nov 17, 2021, 2:34 PM
I'm preparing for another long cold season here in MN. I've used those chemical heater packs between two pairs of socks in the past, but my feet still get REALLY cold. I figured this would be the year I splurge on some winter specific cycling shoes, but it seems like all the options I can find are either poorly reviewed or not available in my size. Usually both.
So, I've turned to the idea of socks that are powered by rechargeable batteries. Anyone have experience with these for cycling? Recommendations?
Thx.
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Djg21-2
37 posts
#2Nov 19, 2021, 9:34 AMedited
I used Hotronics heaters in my skiboots when I worked in skis and had to be on the mountain every day irrespective of weather and temperature. They were great, but that was years ago. I’m now looking at the Hotronics socks for use in my cycling shoes, but they are expensive. I need relatively thin socks to work with my orthotics and custom shoes, and probably would need at least two pair of the socks (with one set of batteries) so I can wash them after each use. The Lenz look good too, but they are even more expensive. The less expensive heated socks all seem to be cotton blends, and cotton is a non-starter for me as it doesn’t insulate when damp or wet. I also don’t want wires that I can feel. REI is having a members-only sale right now and you can save $50 on any one product.
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bnystrom
459 posts
#3Nov 19, 2021, 12:24 PM
Do your feet sweat much? If they do, that's probably why they're getting cold. Once your socks get damp, you're done for.
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GSPChilliwack
91 posts
#4Nov 23, 2021, 8:28 AM
Interested in this. I've developed some circulation issues in my toes, and if they get too cold, it's painful for quite some time. I wear some goretex Shimano MTB shoes, but they're not enough as temps get to freezing. Chem packs have been OK, but heated socks might be the ticket.
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Djg21-2
37 posts
#5Nov 23, 2021, 9:04 AMedited
I broke down and ordered a pair of Lenz socks. They aren’t cheap, but they get good reviews and I figure I will use them in my ski boots too so they will get a lot of use. I should get them soon and will follow up. In the meanwhile, here are a few tips I learned when I skiied and fit ski boots for a living. One pair of socks only — extra socks constrict blood flow. Always wear clean socks. Don’t cram overly thick socks into tight shoes or boots. Wool socks; never cotton. Don’t overtighten your shoes/boots. Wear a hat all the time. I wear a merino wool beanie under my helmet and It helps a lot. If your feet sweat, you can spray them with a powdered antiperspirant like Arrid Extra Dry aerosol before you put on your socks. When you get home, if your shoes are damp, dry them with Drystix or some other type of electric boot dryer.
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bnystrom
459 posts
#6Nov 23, 2021, 10:15 AMedited
An alternative is to use vapor barriers in your shoes, which keep your insulating socks dry. I use a pair of thin liner socks (wool or synthetic, it doesn't seem to matter), covered with thin plastic bags (I used newspaper bags, but any thin plastic bag will work). My thicker insulating socks (I wear wool, but synthetic should work too) go over everything. My feet and liner socks get damp, but my insulating socks stay dry and don't conduct heat away from my feel the way damp socks do. Consequently, my feet stay warm. It works like a charm and doesn't cost anything.

Of course, you still need either shoe covers over regular shoes or winter-specific shoes, depending on the conditions.
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