This is my review of the Rechargeable Heated Insoles from Thermacell. In my opinion, they are a more expensive option that offers plenty of versatility, comfort, and traits for skiers who need some extra help keeping their feet cozy.
Keep reading to learn more about the pros and cons of this heated insole, who it is best for, and other similar alternatives to consider.
Contents
Quick Summary
- Where to buy: Amazon
- Best for: Skiers who ski in extremely cold or freezing environments. Also for those whose feet often run cold while they ride or those who just need some extra warmth.
- Pros: These insoles are well-made, soft, and have a solid-but-plush construction that cushions your feet. They offer plenty of versatility through three heating options as well. There is also a wireless remote and a list of extra features.
- Cons: The soles are not maneuverable. They also don’t offer a lot of options when it comes to cutting to get the right fit. Charge could also be a bit more reliable.
- Alternatives: Outrek 2, Winna Heated Insoles, Dr. Warm Rechargeable Insoles
How accurate is the sizing on these?
These heated insoles are true to size. As long as you follow the company’s sizing chart you should see good results.
How long do these batteries last on one charge?
It depends on their setting. On medium they last between four and five hours. You’ll get a little bit less when they’re on high.
Are these waterproof?
No. The insoles are water resistant. They will not do well if fully submerged or soaked through.
Why Trust Me
I’ve been hitting the slopes since I was a kid. I enjoy getting out in the snow and have hands-on experience with a wide range of different skiing items. I spent ample time researching these insoles, looking at their traits, and seeing how they hold up in different conditions.
Detailed Review of Thermacell Rechargeable Heated Insoles
The rechargeable heated insoles from Thermacell are a solid, if not a little pricey, option perfect for skiers with cold feet. They are easy to use, provide you with a lot of versatility, and have a ton of features that make your time on the slopes more enjoyable. The fit is a bit more fixed than some would like, and they don’t last too long, but the soft materials and insulation will keep your feet comfortable run after run. With over 500 charges, the soles will give you a lot of use.
Warm, but Not Hot
When looking at heated insoles, the most important factor to consider is warmth. This area is what they’re for, and it’s the area where the Thermacell insoles excel. These are designed to make your feet warm without ever becoming too hot. You’re going to get enough heat throughout your foot to stay toasty, but you’ll never overheat when you’re pushing up or down the mountain. There’s no sweaty feeling or extra moisture build-up when you have these on.
That’s largely because the insoles have a small vented area that sits under the balls of your feet. That’s the only place the heat comes from, meaning you don’t get any extra in your heels or arches. That can be a bit of drawback when it comes to even warmth, but the system works well enough at ensuring your foot doesn’t get cold.
Something else worth noting is that the insoles come with three different heat settings. That gives you a lot of versatility other models lack. You can have them completely off, at 100 degrees Fahrenheit, or at 111 degrees Fahrenheit. That isn’t the most precise system around, but it’s more than enough to ensure you’re able to get the exact amount of warmth you want.
Comfort and Fit
The insoles are well-cushioned, which gives them a comfortable texture. They sit softly on your feet and the extra material that provides the strong insulation also helps to reduce discomfort. The sturdy foam material works brilliantly with the cloth top layer to ensure you get a soft feel with a strong base beneath it. You want your insole to make your boot even more comfortable, and that’s exactly what these do.
If there’s one downside, it’s that fit doesn’t have much give. What you buy is largely what you’re going to have to use. The electronics inside the soles prevent you from bending or manipulating them. On top of that, while you can cut them a bit, there isn’t a ton of room to do that. Luckily, the sizes are exactly as advertised. You might have to get used to having something else in your boot, but you won’t even notice the insoles after a few runs.
Additional Traits
Another plus of these insoles is their numerous features. While they don’t overwhelm you, Thermacell backed up the reasonably slimmed-down look with plenty of useful traits. That includes the different temperature settings, fully rechargeable lithium-ion battery, as well as the drawstring travel bag. Each of those simply adds to the usability and provides you with a complete item.
However, as great as the above add-ons are, the best feature is the wireless remote. Being able to operate the insoles with just the touch of a button is a godsend on extremely cold days. This is the one trait that pushes these insoles around similar models with similar characteristics. You can also recharge them a whopping 500 times. Even if the battery life only gives you roughly five hours of constant use, these will last for years before running out.
Price and Value
For their price, I think the Thermacell Rechargeable Heated Insoles are a worthy purchase for those who absolutely need some extra warmth out on the slopes. Though those that only want a bit of extra insulation have much better options at lower prices, those that want a lot of versatility when it comes to heating their feet will like what these offer. They have plenty of padding and insulation. You get quite a few features on top of that too.
What I Like
The heating range is something I really appreciate with these inserts. Too often heated insoles provide either too much or too little warmth. These get around that by giving you options. You can completely cut the extra heat, get a little bit, or crank it all the way up. The three different settings ensure you can always adapt to your environment. I always appreciate extra choices.
I’m also impressed by their usability. Rather than trying to cram too much into the design or overload you with hard-to-use features, Thermacell makes everything on the insoles easy to use. Each one comes with a thick black cloth tab at the back so you can easily take them out of your boots when the time comes. The heel also has a rubber tab that reveals the on/off switch if you want to operate them manually. The wireless remote is fantastic as well.
What I Dislike
If there’s one weak point with these insoles it’s definitely the price. While it’s not too absurd, especially considering the fact that they are rechargeable, you can find many other models on the market for less money. On top of that, the battery could last longer. While Thermacell claims it gives you five hours on medium, it often misses that mark. When turned up to high, you’re definitely going to see a drop. I would have liked more emphasis put on longevity.
The Alternatives
The Rechargeable Heated Insoles provide you with a good amount of extra heat. However, if you want something that costs less or offers a different setup, these will deliver:
- Outrek 2 – Similar in price to the ones from Thermacell, these insoles also give you a rechargeable battery and a comfortable fit. Their top temperature is a bit higher (130 degrees Fahrenheit) but that makes them better suited for the deep winter. I personally love their durable construction, which ensures they’ll stick around for years.
- Winna Heated Insoles – These useful insoles match the Thermacell option in that they give you a wireless remote with multiple heat settings. On top of that, they can easily be cut and formed to perfectly match your boot. The long-lasting battery ensures you’ll get hours of warmth for longer runs as well. As with the Thermacell Insoles, these can be charged 500 times.
- Dr. Warm Rechargeable Insoles – Equipped with a wireless remote, multiple heat settings, and versatile fit, these insoles from Dr. Warm give you most of what the Thermacell options do at a lower price. You aren’t going to get the same insulation or cushion here, but those on a budget will appreciate being able to save some cash without losing any key attributes.
Final Verdict
These Thermacell Rechargeable Heated Insoles offer you a well-rounded, reliable heating option at a premium price. Whether you’re willing to pay that price is completely up to you.
For those with cold feet or who constantly find themselves shivering out on the slopes will absolutely love these. Anyone else, or those on a budget, are better off with something a bit more reasonable.
Either way, there’s no doubt that these insoles are comfortable, durable, and incredibly easy to use.
