Warmth from the ground up.
In short: for most people, rechargeable heated insoles with a remote control are the best choice: they go into boots you already own, warm the sole of your foot, and you change the level without taking your boots off. Insoles with button control are simpler but less handy once laced up. USB insoles only work with a cable, which suits a desk more than a walk. Chemical insoles are light and need no charging, but are single-use and not adjustable. Fit matters as much as heat: an insole that makes your boot tight feels cold.
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Gløde does not sell heated insoles. We compare the types honestly, based on how they work and what manufacturers state, and we show what we do sell to keep the rest of you warm.
The types compared
| Type | Power | Control | Runtime | Cut to size | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rechargeable insoles with remote | Battery built into the heel | Remote or app | A few hours on high, much longer on low | Often, along trim lines | Hunting, skiing, sideline, work boots |
| Rechargeable insoles with button | Battery built into the heel | Button on the insole | A few hours on high, longer on low | Often, along trim lines | Walking, everyday boots |
| Insoles with external battery | Battery pack clipped to the boot or ankle | Button or remote | Depends on the battery | Often | Long days, when you want to swap batteries |
| USB heated insoles | Cable to a USB port or power bank | Sometimes on the cable | As long as the power lasts | Sometimes | Desk, cold floors, sitting still indoors |
| Chemical insoles | Air-activated heat pack | None | Several hours, single use | No | Occasional use, backup, travel |
What to look for
Fit and thickness
Heated insoles are thicker than a normal insole, especially at the heel where the battery sits. Take out your current insole and put the heated one in its place. If your toes touch the front or your heel lifts, the boot is too tight, and a tight boot feels cold.
Cutting to size
Many insoles come in a size range and can be trimmed. Use your old insole as a template and cut along the marked trim lines only. Never cut into the heating element or the battery area. When in doubt, cut a little less and try again.
Control
A remote control or app lets you change the level while your boots stay on. With a button in the insole, you set the level before you put your boots on. On a long, changing day, the remote is worth it.
Runtime
Manufacturers often quote the runtime on the lowest setting. On the highest level it is much shorter, often only a few hours. Cold weather also shortens battery life. Plan for the level you will really use.
Where the heat sits
Most insoles warm the front of the foot, under the toes and the ball of the foot. That is where the cold ground pulls heat away first. Some also warm the heel.
Water and cleaning
Many heated insoles are water-resistant rather than fully waterproof; check the product information. They usually cannot go in the washing machine. Wipe them with a damp cloth and let them dry at room temperature. Follow the manufacturer's instructions.
Interested? We'll let you know.
Gløde is considering adding heated insoles. Leave your email and we'll send you one message if we launch it. No newsletter unless you ask for it.
We only use your email to send you one message about this. More in our privacy policy.
Type by type
Rechargeable insoles with remote
The most convenient type. The battery is built into the heel, the remote fits in a pocket, and you turn the heat up at the start of a cold wait and down when you walk. The downside: the battery cannot be swapped, so you charge the whole insole.
Rechargeable insoles with button
Same idea, fewer parts. You press a button on the insole before you put the boot on. Fine if you mostly use one level.
Insoles with external battery
The battery hangs outside the boot or around the ankle. The insole itself can be thinner, and you can swap a battery on a long day. The cable and pack can get in the way when walking.
USB insoles
Plug them into a USB port or power bank. Practical at a desk or on a cold floor at home. Not made for walking around.
Chemical insoles
Thin, single-use insoles that warm up when exposed to air. Light, no charging, handy as a backup on a trip. They need air to keep working, so in a tightly closed boot they can warm less than you expect.
Heated insoles or heated socks?
Insoles warm your foot from below and let you wear your own socks. They do little for the top of your toes, and they take up space in the boot. Heated socks warm the toes, sometimes the sole too, and work in any boot with room. In a tight ski boot, thin heated socks often fit better. Read our guide to the best heated socks for the full comparison.
Which type for which situation?
- Hunting and fishing: insoles with a remote; you stand or sit still for hours.
- Working outside: rechargeable insoles in your work boots, if there is room.
- Skiing: insoles if your ski boots have space, otherwise thin heated socks.
- Sideline and stadium: insoles with a remote, or chemical insoles for the occasional match.
- Walking the dog: warm wool socks and insulated boots are often enough while moving.
- Home office: USB insoles or slippers with heating.
Safety basics
Start on a low level. Remove the insoles if they feel too hot or uncomfortable. Do not sleep with them on. Charge them with the supplied charger, keep the contacts dry and do not use insoles with damaged cables or swollen batteries. Heated insoles are not meant for small children, or for anyone who cannot clearly feel when something gets too warm.
What Gløde offers today
We do not make heated insoles. We do keep your hands and core warm, and our power banks supply 5 V USB.
Keeping your upper body warm too? See our heated vest comparison.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best heated insoles?
For most people, rechargeable insoles with a remote control, at least three heat levels, trim lines for a good fit and a heel that does not make your boot too tight.
How long do heated insoles last on one charge?
It depends on the battery and the heat level. On the highest level often only a few hours, on the lowest much longer. The figure on the box usually refers to the lowest level.
Can you cut heated insoles to size?
Many can, along the marked trim lines. Never cut into the heating element or battery area. Use your old insole as a template.
Heated insoles or heated socks?
Insoles warm from below and let you keep your own socks, but take up space in the boot. Socks warm the toes and suit tight boots better. Choose based on your boots and where you feel the cold.
Can you wash heated insoles?
Usually not in the washing machine. Wipe them with a damp cloth and let them dry at room temperature, following the manufacturer's instructions.
Are heated insoles waterproof?
Many are water-resistant rather than fully waterproof, so check the product information. Keep the battery area dry and let the insoles dry after a wet day.
Does Gløde sell heated insoles?
No, not at the moment. Leave your email in the form on this page and we will send you one message if we launch them.
Interested? We'll let you know.
Gløde is considering adding heated insoles. Leave your email and we'll send you one message if we launch it. No newsletter unless you ask for it.
We only use your email to send you one message about this. More in our privacy policy.
All our heated clothing comparisons →
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