Prepare your sleigh in the summer - says a Slavic proverb. If a sled is not needed, then warm shoes are what is in demand in winter: by outdoor workers, by athletes in winter sports, and simply by pedestrians standing at frosty stops.

But shoes don't always keep you warm. Additional insoles will not help even when you wear several socks. What is the solution: endure the cold again or come up with something, or try something invented by someone?

Ship insoles

Global companies also offer a solution, but at inflated, from the Russians’ point of view, prices for their products for warming feet in winter shoes. To roughly understand what they are, just go to websites that sell heated insoles and look at their photos.

Insoles filled with electric heating elements for long-term use or disposable use are inserted into boots or boots. They were initially, most likely, developed using space technology, and then reached ordinary consumers in countries with cold winter climates, including Russia. This was the case with the now famous “Velcro”, which today is used everywhere in everyday life.

As always, the craftsmen did not stand aside and will tell you what heated insoles are. They themselves contributed to the electric heating of the legs. Let's tell you more about this; it is possible that many people use recommendations for making shoe heat convectors on their own.

What to make a “stove” for feet from?

An insole or orthosis is inserted into a shoe for a number of functions. And more for medicinal purposes - for pain in the foot and joints due to arthrosis and injuries, correction. Not a word about the heat conservation function.

Only in the comments are there messages about how to make simply warm insoles - from felt, foil foam and construction insoles. We will offer ideas on how to make heated insoles. Anyone can cope with this task.

Below are step-by-step instructions on how to make insoles with your own hands. Let's show the example of insoles with autonomous heating from a mini-battery (battery) with adjustable temperature.

There are a number of factors to consider. First: choose insoles with a base that does not conduct heat well - so that they do not “sink” into the sole, but warm your feet. Insoles made of felt with a thickness of 0.5 centimeters are suitable according to their characteristics.

Second factor: experiments have shown that the area of ​​the feet that freezes most in the cold is the toes. So they need to be heated, and the blood heated in them will insulate the rest.

And this will save on energy costs, because electric current is generated not by a powerful car battery, but by the one that powers smartphones and tablets. That is, the battery must fit in the pocket of a person whose feet are heated by the insoles. The best heated insoles on charge.

The heating element of the homemade device is a wire with a predominance of two types of metal - nickel and chromium. It, wound in a spiral for greater power, serves as a heating element for household electric stoves. For insoles, a wire ten times shorter (48 cm) and much thinner (0.3 mm) is sufficient. It can be taken from any non-working 300 watt heater. Sometimes you can buy it at an electrical store for 20 rubles.

Buy a voltage regulator from four volts and above in a Chinese store. If you don’t want to bother with homemade products, buy factory-made electric insoles with charging in the same market.

But the master himself assembled the convector on insoles

The heating thread was laid across the insole so that when walking with bends in the sole, the wires would not move. The entire length of the nichrome is sewn to the base.

There is room for a second layer of heating element. It will be mounted on a leather base, and it transfers heat well to the feet. In this case, little energy is lost, and the skin does not warp from the heating of the elements. The leather insole is sewn to the bottom - the seams will pass between the nichrome threads.

Two nichrome contacts are removed from the insole, two stranded copper wires up to one and a half meters long each (plus and minus the battery) are soldered to them.

Note!

"Power station" for insoles

The main element is a 7.2-volt nickel-metal hydride battery with a current of 5000 milliamps per hour. Without additional charging from the mains, the battery will warm your feet for 5 to 11 hours of continuous operation. The heating of shoes depends on the above parameters - voltage and current.

A 12 volt battery is better. The maximum heating is 60 degrees, but the adjustment keeps it at any comfortable level, and not overheating. It’s worse than frost – it will raise blood pressure in people over 50.

Factory heaters

ThermaCell company offers insoles weighing 0.5 kg each for almost 16 thousand rubles. A strange price, because the same devices will be delivered through an online store much cheaper. It is not clear why the price is being increased. The insoles - for size 46 - only heat up for up to five hours. Then recharge the battery.

The WarmSpa kit has a budget price – through Yandex Market – 3750, on AliExpress – 1450 rubles. But with two batteries, for 3-6 hours of operation. There is a color heating indicator, convenient for adjusting the temperature. The downside is the thick insole - up to half a centimeter.

There are insoles on sale with replaceable batteries made in Russia - they cost about 1,200 rubles. Warms up your fingers well. Batteries can be changed without removing the insoles. Severe frost reduces the voltage and current of the batteries.

Note!

Blazewear insoles are heated by a pair of AA lithium batteries. The compartment with them is attached to the leg with Velcro.

Self-heating insoles from Heat Generator. Chemical heating - up to six hours. The elements are bio-ecological. The insoles are light and comfortable to wear in shoes. The cost is simply ridiculous - less than 300 rubles.

Photo of heated insoles

Note!

Freezing feet in winter is a very pressing problem for the cold regions of our country. Besides being unpleasant, cold feet can have a significant impact on human health, especially for people who engage in active winter sports, enjoy hiking and traveling to colder parts of the world. Everyone struggles with the problem in their own way. Some people wear several layers of socks, some choose warmer shoes, and some don’t go outside at all in winter. But there is a more elegant and simpler way - heated insoles. Let's see what they are, how to use them and how to choose them.

Read in the article

What are heated insoles for and who might benefit from them?

They are mainly used by people for whom prolonged exposure to the cold is important. These are winter sports athletes, tourists, fishermen and hunters. But such insoles can also be used every day - on winter trips to work or school.

Heated ski boot insoles

The success of an athlete largely depends on how convenient and comfortable he feels in his equipment. Excessive clothing restricts movement and adds weight, which has a negative impact on overall mobility. Therefore, heated insoles are an excellent solution for ski boots. They do not require the use of several layers of socks, perfectly warm the feet and, accordingly, improve blood circulation in the lower extremities.

For fishing

Anyone who has ever sat with a fishing rod near a river bank knows that the key to good fishing is patience. In order to get out of the pond, you need to sit in one position for a long time - both in wet autumn and cold winter.

It is natural that the legs, being without movement, freeze faster. Warming foot insoles are simply the ideal solution for any fisherman. Especially for those who love winter fishing.

For hunting

By analogy with fishermen, hunters also have to sit still for a long time. And the weather can be completely different. But most often the process occurs at night in autumn or winter. Battery-powered heated insoles will help keep you warm on long walks in the snow or in an ambush on an autumn morning.

Main types of heated insoles

Nowadays you can find two types of insoles on the market. Some use a classic battery for heating, others are based on a chemical reaction.

On battery

The principle of operation of such insoles is simple. They use a simple heating element from an external power source. In our case - from the battery. The battery is charged from. Typically it takes 3 hours to fully charge the battery. And the insole can work from 6 to 12 hours.

The insole itself is made of a material that retains heat, does not allow moisture to pass through, and is flexible enough to adapt to a person’s foot. Various models of heated insoles can be equipped with a control panel or powered not by a battery, but by replaceable batteries. Thus, it turns out that these are reusable warming insoles for feet.

Chemical

The work of chemical insoles is based on reactions occurring inside them. To activate, you need to open the package so that the insoles are exposed to the open air. In saline-based chemical heating pads, you need to break the stem. These insoles can warm up for 6 hours.

The average heating temperature can be from 36 to 40°C. Due to the fact that chemical components are used for heating, such insoles are a disposable solution. Once the chemical reaction has expired, they stop heating. On average, heated chemical insoles can be purchased for 50 rubles.

All the advantages and disadvantages of heated insoles

Of course, considering the disadvantages and advantages of insoles in isolation from specific models is very subjective. But they still have common features and characteristics. The main advantage of all heated insoles can be considered autonomous heat in the shoes. Electronic ones allow you to use heating for a long time; after discharging, you can charge them again or change the batteries. However, the shape and structure impose a limitation on shoe size. Due to the fact that a heating element, battery and control unit must be placed inside the insole, their physical dimensions are much larger than usual. In addition, the battery tends to discharge at low negative temperatures. Chemical insoles are completely autonomous and do not depend on energy. However, chemical elements do not last forever and can be used a limited number of times. Usually this is a one-time warm-up for 6 hours. With this type of insoles, it is difficult to control the heating: depending on external factors, the insoles may not warm up to a comfortable temperature or, conversely, suddenly heat up to a burning state. But chemical models are more convenient and comfortable, since they do not contain large blocks. In addition, you can buy disposable heated insoles much cheaper than their reusable counterparts.

The principle of design and operation of electrically heated insoles

Inside the insole there are usually several basic components hidden: a battery for power, a control unit and a heating element. Complex devices with a control panel may additionally contain an antenna. All this fits in a fairly thin insole. The heating element, receiving a charge from the battery, heats up and transfers heat to the leg. That's the whole principle of how the insole works. Craftsmen have already tried to replicate the technology, and many have posted ways to make heated insoles on the Internet. However, the process is very labor-intensive and requires at least basic knowledge and the availability of components for assembly, which sometimes in China are cheaper in ready-made form than separately here. Therefore, it’s better to leave creating DIY battery-powered heated insoles to electronics enthusiasts and techies. Chemical options can either work in a one-time mode, or require heating in water to recharge.

How to choose the right insoles and what to pay attention to

You need to choose heated insoles based on how they will be used. For example, for rare walks or forays into cold climates, you can use inexpensive disposable models. Your feet have warmed up, the action is over - and you can throw them away and put new ones in your shoes.

Chemical reusable insoles are suitable for short but regular walks. For example, every day for one or two hours. After this, they can be warmed up in hot water, and they will be ready for the next walk again. This option will cost a little more than disposable ones, but cheaper than reusable ones.

Thermal insoles for electrically heated shoes are often more expensive. But at the same time they are more convenient, have greater potential and functionality. They are worth choosing when you need to spend a long time in the cold regularly. The average operating time of insoles usually ranges from 6 to 12 hours. Once completely discharged, they can be recharged or the batteries can be replaced, depending on the model. Thus, this is the most convenient option for regular use, but at the same time it is also more expensive.

Main companies and brands of electric insoles for battery-powered shoes

There are many companies that produce this type of product. From Chinese, heated insoles from which you can order from AliExpress, to more serious developers producing reliable and high-quality devices.

ThermaCell heated insoles

One of the most famous manufacturers of electrically heated insoles. The most famous are two types of insoles - with a built-in battery and with a replaceable one. Both types have a control panel with which you can set the mode or turn off the insoles altogether. A simpler option with a non-removable battery can be bought for 7,000 rubles, and an option with replaceable batteries will cost about 15,000 - 17,000 rubles. You can also purchase a car charger separately for 1,500 rubles.

Blazewear

Blazewear has two main types of insoles. Some run on 3 AA batteries, which last for about 5 hours. The battery packs are placed on the leg using Velcro, which is not always convenient. This option costs 2000 rubles.

The second model involves the use of 3000 mAh lithium-polymer batteries. They should be enough for 4-7 hours of continuous operation. The kit also includes battery packs. Thus, by alternating between charged batteries and batteries, you can extend the operating time up to 11 hours. The inconvenience lies in attaching the blocks to the leg. Blazewear battery-powered heated insoles can be purchased for 5,000 rubles.

DiClime

DiClime sells one type of warm heated insoles for shoes, which can be purchased for 1,500 rubles. The device is powered by lithium polymer batteries. The maximum stated operating time is 8 hours. The battery is built-in and cannot be removed. The shape of the insole is made in such a way that it can be trimmed and adjusted to any shoe. The model has , on the basis of which the element is heated.

RedLaika

The brand specializes not only in insoles, but also in heated clothing in general. They have jackets, socks, pants, long johns, and more. But we are interested in the insoles. In fact, the brand has only one model. It’s just that the starting equipment may be different. The simplest version of self-heating reusable insoles with blocks for AA batteries will cost 1000 rubles. Three batteries can power the insole in heating mode for up to 4 hours. A drawback may be the mechanism for attaching the battery pack to the leg.

The version with batteries included will cost much more - 6,000 rubles. The battery capacity is 2600 mAh, according to the developers they should be enough for 5-21 hours of operation.

"Siberian"

Domestic insoles from the Novosibirsk company “Special Thermal Systems”. The base price is 1500 rubles. The insoles are simple, with an external USB cable. Any compatible battery can be used. You can buy ready-made kits right away for 4,000 and 4,300 rubles. Both include a complete kit with a battery. However, the second one also has a special case for wearing on the belt.

Heated insoles - reviews from real users

As for reviews about insoles, everything is not so clear. They are divided approximately 50/50.

So, about ThermaCell insoles, some people write that they are a scam.

Review of ThermaCell

More details on Otzovik: https://otzovik.com/review_319467.html

And someone, on the contrary, praises.

Review of ThermaCell

More details on Otzovik: https://otzovik.com/review_4493951.html

insoles from ThermaCell

Blazewear has a slightly better situation, with 70% of users recommending them.

Review of Blazewear

Review of Blazewear

More details on Otzovik: http://otzovik.com/review_187770.html

Blazewear insoles

As for DiClime, opinions are again divided almost equally.

Review of DiClime

More details on Otzovik: https://otzovik.com/review_316866.html

Review of DiClime

More details on Otzovik: https://otzovik.com/review_371730.html

insoles from DiClime

There are not many reviews about RedLaika. But it is what it is.

Review of RedLaika

More details on iRecommend: https://irecommend.ru/content/slomalis-dvazhdy

insoles from RedLaika

In addition to the models and brands presented in the article, there are also several less well-known and popular ones. For example, insoles from NordClime.

Review of NordClime

More details on Otzovik: https://otzovik.com/review_706761.html

Review of NordClime

More details on Otzovik: https://otzovik.com/review_1488429.html

insoles from NordClime

By the way, there are a couple of reviews from AliExpress. Since they do not have any resonant brand, and the translation usually looks like cuneiform, perhaps the photographs in the review will help readers navigate.

More details on Otzovik: https://otzovik.com/review_5813051.html

Review of insoles from Aliexpress

More details on Otzovik: https://otzovik.com/review_4400222.html

Hunting is the hobby of real men. Adverse weather conditions undoubtedly strengthen a person's character. But now there is no need to freeze while hunting or get wet in the pouring rain, when the production of equipment for hunters has reached its peak. It is especially important to keep your feet warm. Heated insoles have been developed specifically for this purpose.

Historical reference

This type of product began to be mass produced about thirty years ago. The first heated insoles were distributed by brands making equipment for skiing. Each type of product was suitable only for a single shoe model. It quickly became clear that the use of this technology does not end only with sports: in cold countries they began to be used as a necessity. So, gradually, the device reached hunters and fishermen.

Why do hunters need

Among hunters there are many opponents of modern innovations. But if there is a kind of “wild” charm in a reed fence made with your own hands, then a negligent attitude towards one’s health is a bad excuse for any person. Heated insoles are indispensable during winter hunting in regions where temperatures drop to -20°C or lower. In such conditions, even extreme sports enthusiasts will be forced to resort to the latest technologies.

Types of insoles

Depending on the heating source, products are divided into two large categories: chemical and battery.

Chemical

Such products are disposable. They are sold in disposable packaging. Often one side of these insoles is self-adhesive. The item must be used in accordance with the instructions. Some models need to be shaken or rubbed before sticking. Some types of products are attached to the sock, others - directly to the shoe. These insoles do not work for long: on average 5-6 hours, the heating temperature is low - 45°C.

Principle of operation

Heating occurs as a result of a chemical reaction of oxidation of iron powder. The mixture also contains sodium chloride to regulate the temperature by absorbing excess heat. Thus, the insoles are self-adjusting and do not cause burns. Some models contain charcoal and small sawdust that absorb odors. The outer surface is covered with a special polymer that does not allow heat to pass out.

Advantages

Chemical products have a number of undeniable advantages.

Among them:

comfortable to wear - no wires or batteries;

There are also children's sizes, which are especially necessary in cold climates.

Flaws

However, these insoles have many disadvantages.

The main ones:

single use;

low temperature (depending on the manufacturer from 39 to 50°C);

short validity period (2-4 hours for budget options, the most expensive ones keep warm for a maximum of 6 hours).

Important note: The temperature of chemical insoles cannot be controlled.

With heating element

These insoles are heated by an energy source - a battery or accumulator. They are divided into two types: wired and wireless.

Wireless

The battery is located inside the item, most often in the heel area. And the main part of the heating element is located under the toes - they get cold more often than other parts of the foot. A special shell made of polymers - artificial plastics and natural rubber - keeps heat inside the device and does not let it out.

Advantages of this design:

convenience due to the absence of wires;

long heat retention time - 9-11 hours;

short battery charging time - about 4 hours.

However, there are also disadvantages.

These include:

inability to adjust the size;

high position of the heel - as if on a heel;

low heating temperature - 50-52°C;

some models are activated only when pressing on the heel.

Wired

The battery is taken out. The length of the wire varies from 40 to 60 centimeters.

Advantages:

size adjustment;

the longest period of work is 11-12 hours;

small thickness;

temperature and heating mode adjustment.

Models of this type also have minor disadvantages.

Flaws:

location of the battery on the lower leg;

high risk of wire breakage and device failure.

Despite the separate location of the battery, the model is absolutely safe, the risk of ignition is completely eliminated.

Design and principle of operation of wired insoles

Since this type of heating insoles is the most effective and has the most complex design, let’s take a closer look at its main components.

Main components

Despite its small size, this invention is a tiny electric heater.

Each device includes:

Heating mode indicator.

Heating zone, which varies greatly among different manufacturers.

Batteries or accumulator with a mini-plug for charging from the mains.

Heating plate.

Sheathing made of thermal insulation material.

Design

The insole has a complex multi-layer design.

It looks like this:

The lower part is waterproofed and anti-slip.

The second layer is a pressure sensor, charger connector, battery, heating element.

Polyurethane absorbent and insulating layers.

High-quality products have arch supports, take the shape of the foot and distribute heat evenly.

Which ones to choose

To make the right choice, you need to decide on the approximate operating time of the heating pad, the required temperature, cost and strength characteristics.

Heating temperature

This parameter is the most important when choosing a product.

It is different for each type:

Chemical heating insoles heat unevenly and uncontrollably to 40-50°C.

Corded batteries have several operating modes in the range of 40-55°C.

Wireless ones are also regulated via the remote control, maintaining a temperature of 42-51°C for a long time.

Exercise stress

In order for heaters to last a long time, it is necessary to choose wear-resistant materials. The strongest is vegetable rubber, the most fragile and short-lived is porous rubber. Polyurethane and synthetic rubber are the best option in most mid-priced models.

In order for the heating pads to maintain their integrity for a long time, they need to be selected for specific shoes, true to size. Durability also depends on the battery: it breaks down quickly if it is exposed to high heat.

Overview of store options

You also need to focus on manufacturers - time-tested brands are more expensive, but are of high quality. Below are the main product brands.

Therma Cell

Exclusively cordless battery models are common, providing the greatest comfort. Continuous use time: 4.5-5 hours. The kit includes a control panel with which you can select one of three available modes. Service life: 3000 hours.

DiClime

The battery is attached to the shin. Heating method - infrared generator. The built-in sensor saves power after a certain period of low activity. This brand is more accessible to the majority of buyers and is a kind of representative of the mass market among goods for hunting and fishing.

Blazewear

This type is universal - suitable for absolutely any type of shoe. Carbon elements provide heating by generating infrared radiation. The control unit is located on the shin or outer part of the boot. The product runs on batteries.

Heat Fabric

These insoles are almost universal foot warmers. They are completely waterproof and powered by a 2600 mAh battery. The size is easily adjustable from 36 to 46. The product has the lowest cost for this quality class, while maintaining the temperature for up to 7 hours. The only drawback: low temperature. Maximum heating is possible up to 45°C.

Insoler

The good heating of the insoles is due to a very powerful battery. Thanks to it, thermal elements are located over the entire area of ​​the foot. Electrical power output efficiency: 98%. The product works up to 11-11.5 hours. There are three heating modes. Maximum - 57°C.

Prices

Product prices greatly depend on the brand, type of heating, service life and maximum temperature. The most budget options cost about $10, the most expensive products cost 350-370.

How to make it yourself

Making heated insoles with your own hands is not as difficult as it seems at first glance. In addition, a craftsman can save a lot of money.

To make heating pads you will need:

felt insoles - 2 pcs;

nichrome wire - 60-65 cm;

MGTF wire with a transverse area of ​​0.2 mm 2 3 meters long;

compartment for 4 batteries - 2 pcs;

three-position switch - 2 pcs;

mini jack connector (socket + plug) - 2 pcs;

crimp sleeve S = 0.2 mm 2 - 4 pcs;

heat shrink tube - 1 meter;

strips of fabric with a Velcro-type lock;

hot glue.

In such a self-made circuit, the heater will be a nichrome filament with a resistance of about 8.9 Ohms. Its length can be changed, the wire can be powered by two or three batteries.

Using crimp sleeves, you need to attach the MGTF wire to the nichrome wire. The wire outside the insole must be at least 50 centimeters in order for it to had can be attached to the boot.

The nichrome heater inside the felt can be laid in a variety of patterns - most often under the fingers. The MGTF needs to be sewn to the insole on the side, heat shrink applied to the unprotected part of the wire, and its end soldered to the plug. The battery compartments can be filled completely or partially, depending on the amount of energy required. DIY insoles are ready!

Care and operation

There are rules that must be followed for all types of products.

break the tightness of the protective casing;

wet heating pads;

bend, tear the wire and subject it to excessive tension.

Heating pads must be dried immediately after use. High mechanical loads and overheating can shorten the service life of the device.

Video

In this video you will learn how to make heated insoles with your own hands without extra costs.

• Heated insoles are conveniently and easily cut to the correct size for your shoes.

  (from 35 to 47)

• Inside there is a carbon plate that emits infrared heat; The heating temperature reaches

  51 degrees

  ;
• Duration of continuous operation: from

  4 to 7 o'clock

  (depending on the selected mode on the battery).
• Battery size: 70x49x14 mm, weight is only 75 g!
• Also included are two blocks for AA batteries. In total, using batteries and batteries, Continuous heating time will be up to 11 hours!
• Lithium-polymer batteries with a capacity of 3000 mAh are used for operation;
• The button on the battery allows you to adjust the heating (3 modes); The battery also has a charge level indicator;
• The insole does not interfere at all and is not felt in the shoes - its thickness is only 3 mm.;
• For all products Blazewear (UK) distributed by 6 month warranty;
• Electric insoles certifieds in Russia (PCT).
• Equipment: Heating insoles (2 pcs.), batteries (2 pcs.), 220V charger for 2 batteries (1 pc.), fastening (2 pcs.), battery blocks (2 pcs.).
• If you would like to buy heated insoles wholesale, please write a request by email

One of the many positive reviews about our heated insoles:

Katrich, user of the site otzovik.com: “Now my problem of freezing feet in cold weather is solved. When I go outside, I turn on the insoles and after 2 minutes I already feel how they warm up. The heating temperature is 40 - 45 degrees. Constant work is not required, since the heat is retained for quite a long time, so I turn them on/off several times during a walk. I am very pleased with the thermal insoles, now walking in frosty weather has become pleasant, because when your feet are warm, you yourself do not freeze."
You can read the full review and review of heated products on the website

Our collection of useful homemade products for hunting, fishing and tourism has been expanded! Today you will learn how to make heated insoles with your own hands.

Hello site users. I’m glad to share with you my useful winter homemade product - heated insoles. The main task in this is to select materials so that downward heat loss is minimal and heat transfer to the feet is maximum.

To make insoles we will need:

• purchased felt insoles - the basis of the product;

• nichrome thread (taken from the spiral of a 300 W heating device, approximately 0.3 mm thick);
• heat-conducting tape - for additional fastening of the thread to the base, in addition, for the convenience of installing insole elements for sewing, without reducing the heating of the thread itself (who is interested in tape, you can look here http://ali.pub/pa5f4);

• genuine leather for the top layer of the product. It has good thermal conductivity, and it also holds the heat of the thread well (it does not melt or curl like synthetics). But you can use other material with similar characteristics. For example, leather substitute or denim.

• fuse (for insurance, mounted in the wire cut, in my case 2A);
• power regulator (was replaced with a lightweight, compact and cheaper one) but it has a power reserve (there is a link in the description of the video).
• wires for installation (I recommend buying them at an auto store, they are softer, don’t harden too much in the cold and are of better quality, but a little more expensive than those found in electrical goods (the length and cross-section are in the video);

• Velcro for mounting batteries and regulator.

Dear readers, you can see additional information and assembly nuances in the video and its description. Watch, discuss, send your options.