Heated insoles are a wonderful way of keeping your feet warm in the face of bitterly cold temperatures. With most of them using a battery, it’s a fair question to ask whether or not they are safe. It’s a question that we’ll look to answer here.
Are Heated Insoles Safe?
Yes, they are very safe. The batteries are low powered and use low voltages. Even if there was a malfunction with them, there wouldn’t be any danger for the user, even in contact with water.
Why are heated insoles safe?
The main reason that heated insoles are safe is that the batteries only produce a small voltage. Even if that charge did somehow get to your body, any pain would be barely felt. In the worst-case scenario, you won’t be in any danger.
In reality, it’s not something that you’re ever going to be exposed to due to the quality of the battery and the safety standards that they have to adhere too. Most batteries have a high level of water resistance and can even be cleaned easily with water.
Due to the lower level of amps, you also won’t have to worry about the battery overheating. Whether it is under your foot or strapped to your ankle, it will stay relatively cool and provide that steady stream of warmth to the heating element.
If you ever felt the insoles getting a little too warm them you can always switch them off. Some even have remote controls so you can turn the temperature down. With all these factors, safety doesn’t have to be a concern.
The health benefits of wearing heated insoles
It’s easy to turn the question on its head and ask is it safe to not wear heated insoles? There are plenty of reasons why wearing them can be a great benefit to your health. Here we look at some of them.
Frostbite – If you’re going to be out in frozen landscapes then frostbite is always a real danger. Heated insoles can help to save you should you get into trouble and prevent the onset of other conditions such as hypothermia.
Circulation – Poor circulation can cause a range of issues. As your body reduces blood flow to your extremities when you cold, you need a way of keeping your hands and feet warm. Heated insoles can be a perfect way to keep that blood flowing.
Posture issues – As your feet get cold you move them around and scrunch up your toes, this can cause you to walk differently. This change in posture issues can then cause other issues with your legs and back, along with other areas.
How heated insoles work
Heated insoles are battery powered but there are differences in where this battery is placed. Some will have them inserted into the heel of the insole whereas others will have it externally connected, with many of them being strapped around the ankle.
This battery will then connect with either a heating pad or heating wire, often made out of carbon. A heating pad will usually offer isolated heating in the front of the insole rather than complete coverage. The heating wire can be fed throughout the entire shoe for wider coverage.
The amount of power sent to these heating elements can often be controlled by the user with some having remote controls. In either case, the heating element will be completely embedded into the insole and will be protected from any water.
There are a few different designs out there but they all work off the same premise. They also all have to comply with the highest level of safety guidelines. Whatever type of heated insole you get, you can be confident that it is completely safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are heated insoles any good?
Many people love using heated insoles. The amount of heat you get is quite high and it will keep them warm without feeling as though they are overheating. Most of them are very well made but cheaper brands can have reliability issues.
You want to make sure you’re getting your insoles from a tried and trusted source.
Where can I use heated insoles?
Heated insoles are versatile and can be used in a wide variety of different settings. It could that you’re skiing, setting out on a hiking trip, or even heading to a sports stadium in the middle of winter. Wherever you are, your heated insoles can support you and give you that extra warmth.
How long do heated insoles last?
The answer to that will depend on the brand and the quality of the product. There are some options out there which can give you continuous heat for up to 8 hours on a lower setting.
On the highest setting, you can expect the heat to come through for approximately 3-4 hours.
What is better, heated insoles or heated socks?
Both of them can be highly effective in keeping your feet warm and will often work in a very similar way. Some people find heated socks to be a little too restrictive and also the heating element is often in a small and isolated area.
The better one, however, is often going to come down to personal preference but heated insoles are very easy to use.
Who makes the best heated insoles?
There are many respected manufacturers of heated insoles out there. The best insole is going to depend on what your needs are as their designs can be a little different and you may prefer one type over another.
Whichever one you choose, you want to make sure that you’re getting a highly rated model to ensure you’re getting the required quality.
How do you make heated insoles?
You could make your own heated insoles using carbon fiber tape or wire but this isn’t going to be advised. Unless you’re completely confident in what you’re doing, you can never be too sure that you haven’t made a dangerous mistake.
Heated insoles are safe as they are made to professional standards and a safe level of current.