Sometimes even high-quality shoes made from natural materials cannot protect us from the effects of low temperatures. In the winter season, frozen legs cause significant discomfort. And hypothermia is a direct path to the occurrence of colds, kidney disease, or other unpleasant ailments.
But leading companies and manufacturers of shoes began to produce devices for additional insulation of their products. The most convenient and versatile item that protects our feet from severe frosts are heated insoles.
Varieties of models
This powerful barrier against the cold will not allow our feet to break even at the lowest temperatures. For people who used heated insoles at least once, the reviews were only positive. Fans of winter fishing, skiers and residents of cold regions especially need additional warming of their feet.
According to the principle of operation of the thermal insole, there are:
- Wireless This model is equipped with a miniature battery, which is placed in the heel area. The duration of the heating of the device depends on its characteristics. Insoles can be additionally equipped with a remote control that controls the degree of heating and operating time.
- Wired. A special device is placed inside the insoles, which heats them and evenly distributes heat over the entire surface. The power source and device control system are brought out. The insole and battery are connected using wires. The batteries can be ordinary batteries.
Product Benefits
Many consumers who value comfort in any weather have already tried heated insoles. Feedback from users who have purchased different models indicate a number of advantages and differences.
Advantages of wire insoles:
- Convenience. Since all the inner designs of the insoles are brought out, such devices have a miniature thickness. This allows you to use them in any shoe.
- Duration of work. By changing the batteries in time, you can keep your feet warm for a long time. This is especially important during trips - it is enough to take a replaceable set of food, and you will not be afraid of any vagaries of weather.
- Universality. Thanks to the special design, the wire insoles can be corrected in shape. To do this, trim the excess parts according to special notes.
Advantages of wireless insoles:
- Practicality. These insoles do not contain wires that get confused and interfere.
- Heat. Typically, in these models of insoles, powerful batteries are built in, capable of maintaining the temperature inside the shoe for a long time.
- Comfort. The insole does not need to be customized to fit your foot - all models are presented in standard sizes with the possibility of minor adjustments.
Operating principle
Heated insoles, inside of which there is a heating device, operate by applying a low voltage current.
They are completely safe for humans, and you can use them an unlimited number of times.
A heating element is placed inside the insole , surrounded by a special material, the task of which is to evenly distribute and retain heat. The device is recharged with batteries or batteries.
Disposable insoles
There are models in which heating occurs through the interaction of chemicals. Typically, such insoles are disposable and are sold in sealed films. For use, it is necessary to open the product and remove its top layer. The heating process lasts up to 4 hours. After use, the insole must be discarded.
The indisputable advantages of disposable models are price and convenience. However, factors such as low temperature during heating and dubious safety should be taken into account. Many manufacturers of disposable insoles claim that they are completely harmless. But you should know that if damage to the sealed packaging of the product occurs, the internal chemical components can oxidize and have an adverse effect on the human body.
"Thermacell"
The insoles of this company are wireless. Inside the device there are heating devices that retain heat for 5 hours. Insoles can be adjusted by temperature using the remote control. The surface material does not absorb moisture, and the convenient orthopedic shape of the product provides comfort when walking.
Insoles are not dangerous, it is impossible to burn themselves. Inside the device is equipped with a special sensor that regulates the heating and turns it off if necessary.
The product has 3 temperature conditions:
- without heating;
- warm (38 degrees);
- hot (44 degrees).
Thermacell Insoles come in standard sizes, however, if desired, their edges can be slightly reduced so that the surface of the product perfectly follows the contours of the shoe. Powerful batteries are designed for 2500 hours of continuous operation or 500 recharges from the network. This allows you to easily use insoles for several years.
The surface of the product is made of high-quality hypoallergenic material with antibacterial treatment. The design of the insoles is resistant to deformation, which allows them to be kept in perfect condition for a long time.
According to consumer reviews, this model is made of durable bright material, does not crumple. However, when worn, there is rapid cooling of the surface of the product and some discomfort when walking. According to buyers, Thermacell heated insoles are not suitable for warming in severe frosts and will cause significant inconvenience during outdoor activities.
The cost of the product varies between 4-5 thousand rubles.
"Blazewear"
The heating of the internal element of the products of this company is carried out using batteries or accumulators. Blazewear insoles have a control unit that conveniently attaches to each leg with a soft strap. The temperature limit reaches a level of 46 degrees and lasts for 4-5 hours. On each block there are buttons, by clicking on which, you can start heating or turn it off.
Inside the insoles is a special plate made of carbon fiber. It evenly radiates infrared heat and scatters it across the entire surface. The heating element is in front of the product, under the fingers.
For continuous operation, 3 simple batteries or AA batteries are required . The insole is very thin, only about 3 mm. For convenience, the width and length of the product can be reduced.
For consumers who have tried these heated insoles, reviews were positive. The product is of high quality, keeps warm for a long time. The ability to adjust the size allows you to fit the insoles as accurately as possible on your foot. Blocks mounted on legs cause some inconvenience , but over time, the feeling of discomfort disappears.
The average cost of the product is 2500 rubles.
Where can I get inexpensive insoles?
In winter, it is very important to keep your feet warm. Those who are looking for good heated insoles at an affordable price can be advised to pay attention to Spodogrevom products.
Russia produces products on components of the PRC. The kit includes a charger, as well as a storage bag. According to customer reviews, the products of this company cope with their purpose - insoles are warm for 8-10 hours. The charger in the on mode not only powers the battery, but also additionally dries the surface. The average cost of a pair is 2500 rubles.
For those who want to purchase disposable heated insoles, Sportmaster offers Warm Feet products. The price of this product is about 100 rubles.
According to consumer reviews, the Warm Feet insoles are an excellent option for hiking, fishing, and long periods in the cold. The product keeps warm for 6 hours and is not felt when walking.
Individual insoles
Technology does not stand still, and the French company Sidas made a splash by releasing thermoformed insoles. The manufacturing process takes only a few minutes. You need to stand on a special device that takes the form of your foot. Then insoles placed insoles, heated to the desired temperature.
The shape of your feet instantly transfers to plastic material. Then the insoles cool for 5 minutes. Having cut the contour of the material to size, you get the perfect product that perfectly repeats all the bends of your foot.
Individual Sidas insoles are divided into several types:
- "Volcano";
- "Custom";
- "Nano Set".
The first two models are standard thermoformed products. The Nano Set is a set of heated insoles that includes a charger, 2 batteries and one pair of Volcano.
The cost of Sidas products ranges from 2 to 10 thousand rubles.
DIY heated insoles
For manufacturing you will need:
- thick cardboard;
- toggle switch;
- scissors;
- thin wire (spiral);
- copper wire (diameter 0.75-1 mm);
- insoles from wool;
- 12 volt batteries;
- staples made of medium-sized metal;
- foil.
To begin with, it is necessary to cut a template out of cardboard according to the size of the woolen insoles. It should be carefully stitched with wire around the entire perimeter. Between the lines of the spirals, a gap of about 1 cm is required.
Sew the toe area of the pattern more often than the heel. Combine woolen and cardboard insoles. Attach a layer of foil to the underside.
From the inside of the foot, position the pads of copper wires. Use brackets to secure them. The wires must be passed through the legs and placed in your pocket. There will be a toggle switch connected to the battery. Our product is ready.
It is not difficult to make heated insoles with your own hands, however, it is worth observing the safety rules and carefully adjusting the details. The necessary time for the manufacture of such a product is about three hours.
How to choose the insoles?
If you are going camping, winter fishing or you have long walks in the cold with a stroller, thermal insoles are a great way to forget about cold feet. But among the variety of models it is difficult to make a choice, therefore, when purchasing these products, pay attention to such nuances:
- The size. Since this item is intended for winter shoes, you should be prepared for the fact that the insole will be much wider than your foot. You need to choose either your product size, or an order of magnitude smaller. Some insoles can be trimmed and tailored to fit the shoe.
- Control. Take a look at the models with the remote control. Thanks to this device, you can quickly disconnect the insoles in the car at the entrance to the store and run them if necessary.
- Volume. Some types of heated insoles are much thicker than usual, so you can only use them in wide shoes.
- Time of use. If you are going to go on a long trip, take care of the uninterrupted operation of the insoles. The best solution would be to choose a battery-powered product. During your stay in the cold, you just need to change them, enjoying uninterrupted heat.
- Disposable insoles may be suitable for a short walk. After use, they must be discarded.
- Recharge availability. Some models provide power to the car, which allows you to take care of the warmth of the legs even during the journey. This accessory can be purchased separately.
If you choose the right insoles, winter frosts are not afraid of you.
Features of use
When finished, be sure to unplug the insoles. The product must be stored in a special bag in a dry place. To charge, remove the insoles from the shoes and dry them.
It is not necessary to subject the product to strong loads, bending and deformation. Such actions may damage the heating element.
One of the conditions for maintaining a stable temperature inside the shoe is the right choice of socks. They should be of medium thickness and good moisture removal.
During use, make sure that your feet are not very hot. If the insoles are warm and comfortable, you do not need to add temperature. In the event of a sudden increase in heat, it is better to turn off the device and make sure that it is working.
Insoles are undesirable for active sports, running. Excessive loads in the area of the heating element can lead to breakage or malfunction of the device.
Insoles cannot be washed. Dry them best at room temperature.
Product Popularity
Residents of many countries have already tried heated insoles. Ukraine, Russia, Belarus are famous for cold winters. A long stay in the cold can lead to hypothermia, various diseases and ailments.
Using thermostats, you don’t have to worry about the comfort and warmth of your legs. Long waiting for the bus at the bus stop, winter walks, fishing and hiking will be held in a good mood without fear for their health.
Consumers who used heated insoles received rave reviews. Products are very easy to use and have a long service life. The ability to reduce the size allows the use of insoles even for children, fitting them under the baby's miniature foot.
Basically, all models have a convenient orthopedic shape and a pleasant to the touch surface, which provides complete comfort to the legs when moving.
Insoles in practice have shown their reliability, practicality, durability and effective warming of the legs even in extreme cold.
A high-quality product, subject to simple rules of use, will serve you for several seasons, protecting your body from hypothermia and ailments.