Skip to Content

Toasty Toes Showdown: Heated Insoles vs. Heated Socks – Which Wins?

Toasty Toes Showdown: Heated Insoles vs. Heated Socks – Which Wins?

Share this post:

This post may contain affiliate links. If you click an affiliate link and make a purchase, I may earn a commission. Also, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

When it comes to keeping yourself comfortable while you are out camping, you have quite a few options. Of course, there are natural heaters, warm clothes, and campfires that you can build, but in some places, that doesn’t do enough to keep the cold away.

Some people prefer to warm their whole body by keeping their feet warm, and there are two main methods of doing this. You can either use heated insoles in your shoes, or you can use heated socks.

Considering that there are two options, you might find yourself wondering which one is actually the best one for your situation. Each option has its own benefits over the other, and they both have their disadvantages as well.

For instance, if you want to take your shoes off, but you have heated insoles, you’ll have to risk cold feet.

Knowing which option better suits your needs will help you prepare for your next camping trip, and it will help you keep yourself comfortable while you enjoy your time outdoors.

What Makes Them Different?

It can generally go without saying that while the outcome of using either of these products is the same, your feet become warmer, they warm your feet in very different methods.

Heated insoles are insoles that you can place in your shoes, and they warm you up through the socks you wear. Heated socks keep your feet warm directly.

Heated socks are generally considerably more expensive than heated insoles. Heated socks often run in the low hundreds of dollars for ones that are good quality, last long, and are durable enough to stand up to many hours of use.

On the other hand, you can often get a good set of heated insoles for about half the price of that, which can still be expensive, but very much less so.

Heated insoles are generally more versatile than the sock counterparts, as they come in full-shoe sizes as well as toe warmers specifically.

This means that if your feet are sensitive to temperature changes, or it is only one part of your foot that’s getting cold, you can simply use insoles that are meant for that part of your foot.

Socks are designed to keep your entire foot warm, whether you want your whole foot warm or not.

Which One Is the Best?

While most of this is a matter of opinion, there are certain factors that make heated insoles best for keeping your feet warm when you are camping out in the frigid woods.

For one, there is the price. You can get high-end insoles for around half the price of a good set of heated socks, meaning that you will be able to spend more money on other warm camping gear.

Heated insoles have the versatility that socks don’t offer, allowing you to keep your whole foot warm or just your toes if you would rather.

With insoles, you can also put on as many layers of socks as you feel that you might need, which is important depending on just how cold the nights are going to get. They are also much better for people who have sweaty feet as well.

At the end of the day, if you are looking for a versatile, yet effective method of keeping your feet warm, then you should opt to get some heated insoles.

On the other hand, if you are looking for a very quick method of keeping your feet warm, then the socks might be the best option, as they are in direct contact with your feet.

--

If you want more backyard tips including recipes, how-tos and more, make sure you subscribe to my youtube channel

Share this post:

PhiLiP SchMidT

Monday 22nd of February 2021

Hey Ben. I appreciative the time you have taken to share your 'pearls of wisdom.' I spent a good amount of money on a pair of Oboz 10" Bridger Insulated B-Dry boots, but when I cycle in sub-freezing conditions, my toes and the balls of my feet STILL get cold. Aaarrgghh! Now then, here's my question: Because I wear custom orthotics, would heated socks be a better option for me? If so, then could you recommend a high-end pair? PhiL >^•_•^<

Ron Wetzell

Friday 18th of September 2020

I'm looking for a heated sock or insole for running during the winter. What are your recommendations? Thx.

Ron Wetzell