[mazdamax]

Has anyone had experience with electric socks? I just purchased a pair of Nordic Gear Lectra Socks for $20 at Dick's Sporting Goods and although I haven't field-tested them yet, I have serious doubts.
The heating element in each sock has a resistance of about 1.5 Ohms, so when powered with a 1.5 volt battery, it should put out a toasty 1.5 watts. How is this enough to do anything? Since I can barely feel the warmth with my fingers, how will my toes notice it in low windchill conditions? The manufacturer claims that these socks were designed to keep the feet of North Sea fishermen warm, but I don't see how. Maybe I'm underestimating them.


Does anyone know if it's possible to use a 3 volt power source without burning out the heating element?

Another thing I don't appreciate about the socks is the battery holster at the top of the sock: If the wearer is running or cycling, the weight of the heavy D-cell has a tendency to pull the sock down to ankle level. I wonder if there are any better brands in the same price range.

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[brucewiley]

I used to have some of those type of socks close to 40 years ago (yes, I'm older and they've been around that long) for winter hunting and they actually worked quite well. As you say, for cycling the battery hanging off the top would not work that great. Now I use the chemical toe warmers for each ride.

Bruce

[Wilbur Bud]

I borrowed a pair one time to try them out in the low 20F temperature range and they weren't hot enough. The battery weight and location wasn't really noticeable, but then I usually view more weight as a better workout. Best so far is a larger shoe or boot so your toes are not pinched, with two pairs of socks and the chemical warmers under your toes between the sock laters. That works for hours.

[digger]

I tried the battery heated socks and sadly, I had no luck with them either.

I use chemical warmers between 2 layers of socks. You have to make sure that the air can get at the warmers to work properly.