Thermacell warming insoles - review

[VixChix]

I hate having cold feet so much so that it almost makes me dread sitting in a tree stand. I've tried the "shake & bake" disposable footwarmers but don't like the way they are "all or nothing" heat from the moment you put on your boots. I also have sweaty feet - even when they're ice cold. I use unscented spray deodorant and wicking liners to help with that, but after a few hours in the cold I find it tough to sit still.

I was contemplating buying a new pair of winter boots. Instead, last Friday on the way home from work I stopped in at a local safety supply store and used the credit card to purchase a pair of the ThermaCell heated insoles. I have to admit that I was quite nervous about spending the money - it's a pretty big investment for me.

I charged them overnight. The next morning I tucked them into my hunting boots and headed for the woods. Mid-morning the cold and wind were getting to me, so I turned on the soles. They worked as advertised!

Without a doubt, those soles were the reason I stayed in my treestand long enough to shoot my buck at 11 a.m.

http://www.thermacell.com/heated-insole ... oot-warmer


If anyone here is considering purchasing them here are a few notes:

They are "warmers" (not "heaters") - they kept my feet comfortable. They don't kick off the heat that the disposables do but that's OK. Comfortable is just what I was hoping for.

They operate on a thermostat and won't kick in unless the temps are below a certain level.

They only warm from the ball of your foot to your toes- the important parts.

You use a remote to turn them on - which means you can leave them off until you need them. No wires. No battery packs.

Two effective temp settings: Medium and High.

The price... my first response was YIKES! But then I rationalized that I'd spend as much on new winter boots for hunting... (and still not be guaranteed warm feet). Also, I'll be able to tuck these into any boots - my rubber boots for turkey hunting, my ski boots, my hiking boots, even my slippers at home if I wanted to. The Thermacell website says they operate for 5 cents an hour - 5 hrs at a time, so 25 cents per use (US pricing).

So far, so good! I look forward to using these for the rest of the season - will post here if I have any issues with them.

[gerald strine]

Thanks Vix for the review let us know how you like them in the long run I get cold feet easy also and this may have promise.

[one shot scott]

That's the best reveiw I've read regarding these. And there is a lot of mixed reviews! I thinks it's because some people expect these to be toe ovens but like you pointed out they don't work quite to that extreme. As long as you feet are not getting cold then they are doing an excellent job. But that price keeps me away from them.

[Dayelight]

Geez. 120 bucks is pretty pricey.
It might be worth it though, if they do their job for a few seasons.
Im tired of cold feet, always been the worst. i even considered getting the columbia heated boots. These might be the ticket. Im interested in hearing how they hold up.
Do you they come with any warranty?

[the elf]

I too have cold feet.Ihave found that most of the cold comes fromwhatever my feet are on-----ground;cold floor of blind or treestand.What I did was to cut a couple of rectangles of 2 inch blue styrofoam a little bigger than each of my boots and place them under the boots on whatever and it seems to help.Going to and from they are in my backpack.My feet also sweat terribly.This seems to help me.

[bigsy]

Thanks Vix had a pair in my hands about a month ago put them back wanted to do a little research on them before shelling out that much, but forgot . Sound like they are what I would want.

[wabi]

And I debated over paying the price for 6 pairs of new wool socks for 3 days before I ordered them.

[robertyb]

I have not tried these Thermacells yet but I also have a problem with cold toes. I like to wear rubber boots when deer hunting and they are usually not very effective toe warmers to say the least. Thus when it gets around 40 degrees F. or under out come the Toasty Toes foot warmers. Till this year......

I bought a pair of Muck Woody Elite Boots. I have not used Toasty Toes yet and have been down in the mid 20s F. a few times already. They are comfortable and warm.

[MADMAX2]

Great info I was just going to post asking if any forum members have tried them
thanks Monica!!

[bugs]

My feet never get cold in my boots but I would love those on my back

[Pydpiper]

My feet tend to get a bit cold in my Mucks, but thats mostly my fault for going a size too small.
So, my question is, are they bulky? I mean my boots are already snug, will these insoles fit? I like them!

[Adrian J Hare]

They are a great item and sure work in a sence, but there are other products out there that can do the same if not better. Yes your going to pay for items that are good like it or not, but 3 years ago I took the plung on a pair of Thunderbolt Socks. Yes they have wires but lots long enough and they run off a Lituim battery but I have yet to have them go died and they heat the whole bottom of your feet. You do not feel the heating device at all and you can walk all day with them. They have 2 settings Low and High and low keeps the frost off but your feet dont sweat. High Look out if you have cold feet it will warm them up in 3 minutes no problem.

Ive heard a number of reviews on the soals and have to say with my experence that I'm more then happy.

Not to take away from your review and the Thermacell insoals they make great products but for the dollar there are a little better products to just you hve to spend $$$$$$ and that why some of us that have bought them or tried them like to give an opinion.

Thanks for the update it is a great review...

[UPSMAN]

For stand hunting, Raven Wear of Canada makes a Sherpa overboot that works great. Kept my feet comfy at 26 below F on my Alberta trip last year.

[Ont_Excal]

Warmest boot out there ::: mickey mouse boots!



http://www.militaryclothing.com/IBS/Sim ... 82935.html

Many sources where you can get these boots. Come in a white version as well.
Only thin sock required.
Warm even when you get a soaker, just pour out the water and wring out the sock or put on a dry one.
Next best thing to electric socks.

Vix:
Thanks for the product review.
Glad they do a good job for you.
Just not in my budget.

[VixChix]

Just wanted to update this...

I've used these through rifle season, and to the end of archery season - now using them for other outdoors activities this winter. They still work great and I have no regrets - except maybe wishing I'd had these ages ago.