ShoppingFootwear

The Best Heated Socks That Keep Toes Warm All Day Long in Negative Temps

Winter is coming, and to brace yourself (and your feet) for the cold and dry winter air, here are some of the best heated socks to try.

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Photo: Getty Images/<br />Maria Kovalevskaya / EyeEm
Updated Nov 23, 2022

Written by 

Taylor Bell

Our editors independently select these products. Making a purchase through our links may earn Well+Good a commission

We’re getting close to that time of year when wearing heated socks will go from style accessory to style necessity to keep our toes warm. As the weather starts dip into cooler temperatures, the season of layering is right on the horizon (hello, jackets, winter hats, waterproof boots). Apart from providing your feet with comfort and warmth, wearing socks that add warmth can also be a way to temporarily improve blood circulation.

Best heated socks, at a glance:

This can especially be a huge benefit for people who regularly spend their time outdoors hiking, snowboarding or just exposed to the elements on a regular basis. The same also goes for anyone who constantly has cold feet. In finding the best of the best, it comes down to preference and fabric. For example, materials like merino wool are commonly used because of its ability to insulate and absorb odor-causing bacteria, something that may be a good fit for those whose feet easily sweat.

We understand that there are a ton of warming socks floating around the internet (some with rechargeable batteries and some with thermal insulation), so we’ve rounded up some on the most top-rated picks below for you to consider for your winter closet and beyond.

Best overall heated socks

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Best rechargeable battery: Snow Deer Heated Socks — $80.00

If you want socks that you can swiftly tuck into your rain boots, consider this pair from Snow Deer. Made of super cozy polyester, these socks are the perfect option to keep your lower half warm during outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing and walking the dog. Each sock has a rechargeable battery that last up to seven hours and that heats up your foot quickly. As a bonus, the battery pockets are small and don’t make your foot look bulky.

Promising review: “I finally got to challenge these socks and they passed. I went on a 2 hour plus bike ride in 25F. I only had them on the low setting while wearing my mountain bike shoes and shoe covers and my toes never got cold.”

Specs:

  • Material: Coolmax
  • Battery: Two lithium-ion rechargeable batteries
  • Heat settings: three, 2–7 hours of battery life; heating area covers whole forefoot and instep
  • Sizes: S-XL

Pros

  • Rechargeable battery
  • Lasts up to seven hours
  • Three heat settings

Cons

  • Some reviewers say you can feel the wires
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Best battery life: Black Squid Rechargeable Heated Socks — $34.00

The Black Squid Heated Socks are another great pick for keeping your toes from freezing during the cold season, because they have a robust battery life, lasting 4–9 hours on a full charge.  There are three heat different settings, and the battery is ergonomically shaped and has an indicator light to let you know how much warmth you have left.

Promising review: “Loved these, wore them on the coldest day of the year skiing and they did not disappoint, had to keep them on low because they worked so well. Great product .”

Specs:

  • Material: Cotton/spandex blend
  • Battery: Two lithium-ion rechargeable batteries
  • Heat settings: three, 4–9 hours of battery life
  • Sizes: 5–14

Pros

  • Lasts up to nine hours
  • Three heat settings
  • Soft cotton fabric

Cons

  • Some reviewers say the toe area doesn’t heat up very much
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Best heated socks for skiing

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Best temperature regulating: Smartwool Performance Ski Sock — $29.00

*Price is per sock*

One thing that caught our attention about these socks is their material and ability to control excess moisture. The socks contain merino wool, which is a type of fabric that insulates heat and traps odors (as we previously stated). At the same time, your feet will stay nice and dry, thanks to the mesh detailing. As an added perk, the socks have cushioning along the shin and foot to help reduce impact on those areas.

Promising review: “I have always loved the smartwool ski socks. Cushion in the right places, nice and tall, comfortable for year round use.”

Specs:

  • Material: Merino wool, nylon
  • Features: Cushioning, mesh paneling for breathability, performance-oriented fit
  • Sizes: S–L
  • Colors: Black, honey gold, twilight blue, seamless toe

Pros

  • Cushioned
  • Mesh ventilation
  • 63% merino wool

Cons

  • Some reviewers say the sock is tight around the calf
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Best lightweight: Pure Athlete Ski Socks — $14.00

The great thing about these socks is that you don’t have to worry about them not fitting into your ski boots. In general, these socks are going to be much thinner and lightweight fit, which is great for mildly cooler days. That said, these socks are still considerably warm and can keep your feet from overheating, thanks to the blend of merino wool, polyester, and nylon fabrics.

Promising review: “I own many different brands and weights of ski socks and if the weather is cold, these are absolutely the best. As other reviewers have commented, they keep your feet warm in all but the coldest weather without chemical heaters. I have skied for several hours in sub-freezing weather without a problem. In fact, the only time my toes ever got cold was after several hours of skiing in temperatures close to 0 F.”

Specs:

  • Material: Merino wool, nylon, spandex
  • Features: Moisture-wicking, seamless toe, shin paneling, no-slip cuff
  • Sizes: S/M and L/XL
  • Colors: 23 different colors

Pros

  • Nylon/merino wool blend
  • Lightweight
  • Seamless toe

Cons

  • Some reviewers say they are thin
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Best multi-pack: Hylaea Store Merino Wool Ski Socks - 3 Pack — $21.00

In terms of getting the biggest bang for your buck, you may have hit the jackpot with these Hylaea socks. Yes, they keep your feet warm and have moisture-wicking properties that make ski-friendly, but they also have a bit of compression mixed into their design to ensure that the socks won’t slide down.

Promising review: “Best socks I have ever worn. Warm without being thick and bulky. They wash very well. I hung them to dry, then put them in dryer on low to fluff. Perfect! Great support with light compression, so comfortable to wear all day and my ankles are not the least bit swollen in the evening. I love these socks so much I bought a pair to wear each day.”

Specs:

  • Material: Merino wool
  • Features: Moisture-wicking, odor-resistant, cushioned, achilles tendon support
  • Sizes: M–XL
  • Colors: 8 different colors

Pros

  • Merino wool
  • Padding in the shin area
  • Moisture-wicking and odor-resistant

Cons

  • Some reviewers say the compression is tight
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Best warming socks

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Best insulated: Busy Socks Winter Warm Thermal Socks — $13.00

If you’re expecting another season of painfully cold temperatures and extreme weather, these Busy Socks may be worth considering adding to your wardrobe. These socks help really give you the maximum amount of insulation, thanks to the thick and fuzzy lining. They also have an elastic cuff that hugs your calve so you don’t have to worry about readjusting your socks under the dozens of layers of clothes you piled on in the morning.

Promising review: “I’ve been looking for socks to wear around the house and in bed when it’s uber cold here. They’re usually too small, too tight, too thin, or cheaply made. These are PERFECT. Really heavy duty and well made. It’s like triple sock. They tops are really stretchy so they’re effortless to slide on and they don’t bind. And they look GREAT. Very happy.”

Specs:

  • Material: Acrylic, poltester, elastane
  • Features: Thick yarn, cushioning, fuzzy lining, reinforced toe
  • Colors: 5 different colors

Pros

  • Insulated
  • Thick cushioning
  • Seamless and reinforced toe

Cons

  • Some reviewers say they slide down
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Best mid-length: Hot Feet Thermal Socks — $25.00

If you like to spend your time camping or wandering through nature of any kind, these socks should be on your radar to take on your next outdoor adventure. Made with soft acrylic fabric and designed to trap heat, these socks have an extra thick lining that prevent your feet from losing heat during harsh snowy and windy weather. They’re also moisture-wicking so your feet can stay dry.

Promising review: “These socks are very soft and comfortable. They are tall enough to go about half way up between your ankle and knee so they warm up your ankles and lower calves. I have chronically cold feet and these are simply awesome. They stay up but aren’t so tight they leave an indent around your leg. They actually made me warm enough I could shed an extra sweatshirt I was wearing. Ordering them again so I will always have a clean pair to wear when sitting or in bed. They are thick enough they may not fit in your athletic shoes or boot unless they are extra roomy. Great socks!”

Specs:

  • Material: Acrylic, polyester, spandex
  • Features: Moisture-wicking, brushed inside lining, machine-washable
  • Sizes: One-size
  • Colors: 16 different colors

Pros

  • Thick
  • Moisture-wicking and breathable
  • Brushed inner lining

Cons

  • Some reviewers say they slide down
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Best moisture-wicking: DG Hill Thermal Socks — $18.00

If you like your socks on the thick side, then that’s exactly what you’re going to get here. With over 15,000 ratings and over 2,000 five-star reviews on Amazon, theses socks are hands down a fan-favorite for their comfort and thickness. The magic comes from the thermal yarn and extra warm fleece at the cuff and lining.

Promising review: “I purchased these for my husband who works outside in the winter. Tonight my feet were cold and I couldn’t find my slippers, so I grabbed his socks. He had mentioned that he loved them BUT he didn’t tell me they were like wearing a warm fuzzy cloud! I’m stealing them from him now!”

Specs:

  • Material: Acrylic blend
  • Features: Moisture-wicking, odor-resistant, cushioned, fleece lining
  • Sizes: M–L
  • Colors: 15 different colors

Pros

  • Windproof
  • Moisture-wicking and odor-resistant
  • Cushioned

Cons

  • Some reviewers say they are tight
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ShoppingFootwear

The New Hoka Bondi 9 is the Brand’s Most Run-Friendly Version Yet—Here’s Our Honest Review

We tried the Hoka Bondi 9 and can attest: It's a running-ready upgrade to the brand's most cushioned shoe. Read our full review here.

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Photo: W+G Creative
Published Jan 25, 2025

Written by 

Hannah Singleton

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The Hoka Bondi has always been unapologetically maximalist. It’s big, bold, and has sky-high cushioning that kicked off a revolution in running shoes. But despite its standout comfort used by everyone from nurses to marathoners, past versions felt more like walking shoes than true running shoes because of their bulk. Now—with the release of the redesigned Hoka Bondi 9 ($170)—this shoe is finally living up to its full potential. With softer foam, a more responsive feel, and a stable base, this version is ready to run.

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Hoka Bondi 9 — $170.00

Colors: 6 | Sizes: US 4 – 12 | Weight: 9.3 oz | Heel-to-toe drop: 5 mm

Pros:

  • Cushioned but stable for a variety of paces
  • Upgraded supercritical EVA foam for a softer, more responsive feel
  • Durable for daily training

Cons: 

  • Ankle cuff is relatively stiff
  • Not the fun color selection I’ve come to expect from Hoka
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First impressions of the Hoka Bondi 9

The Bondi 9 stays true to Hoka’s roots, and my first thought when unboxing it was that it hasn’t gotten any sleeker—but it’s still all about the comfort. Right out of the box, the thick cushioning looked as inviting as ever. I pushed my thumb into the foam to assess its softness and rebound and was pleasantly surprised to find it a bit more plush than the Bondi 8.

The aesthetics left me feeling a little underwhelmed though. The pair I tested came in a minty green (Blue Spark/Mint Fluorite) with a contrasting black ankle cuff that felt mismatched. When I checked the other available palettes online, I was disappointed to find that few of them delivered Hoka’s usual vibrant, head-turning colors. Hopefully, more options will roll out in the future.

My review

What I love

Over two weeks, I logged more than 25 miles in the Bondi 9 sneakers, testing them during walking and running workouts, including hours-long incline “hikes” on the treadmill and interval training.

I was most impressed by their performance during brisk walks and when I picked up the pace for running intervals. The cushioning feels slightly firm at slower speeds but has a satisfying bounce when running faster. For full transparency, I’m prone to shin splints, and I felt a bit of shin discomfort during slow jogs, but the pain disappeared when I transitioned to a faster pace.

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Photo: Author

That said, the new supercritical EVA foam is a huge step up from the Bondi 8, which I considered more of a walking shoe than a running shoe due to its firmer, less responsive cushioning. The Bondi 9 offers a softer, springier feel, making it versatile for both activities.

On the treadmill, I noticed the shoe’s exceptional stability. Many max-cushioned shoes can feel wobbly underfoot (especially on the treadmill, where I tend to space out), but the Bondi 9’s wide base and “Active Foot Frame” technology create a secure, supportive ride.

And in my short testing period, this shoe felt super durable. Hoka also incorporated “durabrasion rubber” into the outsole to combat high-wear areas, which should extend the shoe’s longevity. I haven’t tested it long enough to notice any degradation, but knowing the legacy of the Bondi line, I have no doubts it will last for hundreds of miles.

What I don’t love

That said, the Bondi 9 has a few downsides. I found the toe box snug during the first few miles, which required a bit of a break-in period before I felt fully comfortable. If you have wider feet, consider ordering the wide version to avoid this issue. I also think that the padded upper might feel a bit thick in hot weather, as it lacks breathability.

Final thoughts

The Bondi 9 isn’t Hoka’s flashiest or fastest option (My go-to for speed work is the Mach X and I prefer the Clifton 9 for long runs), but it’s a really solid shoe with serious durability that outlasts anything else that the brand offers. Unlike race-day shoes that you need to care for like a baby, this is a pair you can confidently wear for daily training, errands, and long walks without worrying about the cushioning wearing out too quickly.

If you’re a beginner runner curious about max cushioning, the Bondi 9 is a fantastic place to start. It’s cushy, versatile, and plush without feeling unstable—a rare combo for a max-cushioning shoe.

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How Often Should You Replace Your Running Shoes? A Podiatrist Weighs In

Wondering "how often should I change my running shoes?" We chatted with a podiatrist to find out everything you need to know.

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Photo: Stocksy/Bonninstudio
Updated Jan 23, 2025

Written by 

Amber Sayer

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After investing in a great new pair of running shoes, you want to get the most out of them. But before you know it, you’ve racked up 300 to 500 miles—the point when most sneaker manufacturers tell runners and walkers to replace their shoes.

Experts in This Article

Bruce Pinker

board-certified podiatrist at Progressive Foot Care

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Browse through message boards, and you’ll find plenty of people claiming those parameters are simply marketing meant to encourage you to buy more shoes. Is the 300 to 500 mile rule founded on research? Do you really need to replace your shoes that often?

Yes, says podiatrist Bruce Pinker, DPM, who works with walkers and runners at Progressive Foot Care in New York. “The midsole, found between the insole and the outsole, breaks down and wears out in this range,” he explains.

He says that the midsole of sneakers is usually composed of ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) or polyethylene-vinyl acetate (PEVA), and the material serves as a shock absorber. However, the rebound effectiveness decreases over time.

“Running or walking without this shock-absorbing material fully intact could possibly lead to injuries,” cautions Dr. Pinker. That could mean stress fractures, shin splints, plantar fasciitis, or runner’s knee.

Additionally, there is some evidence to suggest1 that running in old shoes can cause you to subconsciously alter your biomechanics and gait, which can further increase your risk of injuries.

How can you tell it’s time to replace your shoes?

One telltale sign you need new sneakers is when the outer sole shows that the treads have disappeared, says Dr. Pinker. However, he cautions against using this as the only sign—or first sign—that your shoes are on their way out.

“The outsole may wear out much later than the midsole does,” Dr. Pinker says. This means you might lose the support and the stability of the shoe before those treads show wear and tear. That’s why it’s best to replace shoes based on your mileage, he says. Certain apps that track your walks and runs, like Garmin Connect, let you log the shoes you’re wearing on each outing so it’s easy to know once you’ve hit 300 miles.

Other factors to consider

Keep in mind that not everyone wears down their shoes at the same rate. For instance, if you have flat feet, tend to overpronate, or weigh more, you may be better off replacing your shoes more often (closer to 300 or 400 miles). But if you weigh less or have a more neutral stride, you can probably get away with a longer lifespan of the shoe (400 to 500 miles or more).

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Another thing to remember is that it’s not just about mileage when classifying a running shoe as “old.” The actual age of the shoe, in terms of time, also matters. Construction materials, particularly the EVA foam cushioning and certain gels, break down over time. So you should really replace your shoes after six months, even if you haven’t hit 300 miles in them—especially if you need extra support and cushioning.

Dr. Pinker also adds that you basically get what you pay for when it comes to the durability and longevity. “Higher-quality shoes, such as those from New Balance, Saucony, Brooks, and Asics, often last longer due to preferred materials and construction,” he notes. “Stay with well-known brands.”

Can you make your shoes last longer?

Dr. Pinker says there’s not much you can do to increase your sneakers’ longevity; the materials simply have a lifespan. However, caring for your shoes by cleaning them and keeping them dry can help, along with rotating your shoes (alternating pairs every other day or so) to allow the materials ample time to fully rebound between uses.

“Running on tracks, especially rubberized tracks, can improve the longevity of running shoes, as opposed to running on trails and on dirt,” adds Dr. Pinker.

Although sneakers can be expensive to replace frequently, remember that having quality footwear that isn’t completely worn out will help you feel your best. And what better way to celebrate all those miles you’ve racked up than by treating yourself to a great new pair of kicks?

  1. Kong PW, Candelaria NG, Smith DR. Running in new and worn shoes: a comparison of three types of cushioning footwear. Br J Sports Med. 2009 Oct;43(10):745-9. doi: 10.1136/bjsm.2008.047761. Epub 2008 Sep 18. PMID: 18801775.

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