Electric Socks for fishing....
- Thread starter clarkman
- Start date
I use electric socks and they prevent super cold toes. Don’t expect warmth like a handwarmer in cold lake water, but do expect to stay in the cold water longer. I use a thin wicks-away liner sock and set my heat level to medium. If you go online to A_zon, just purchase ones with the most stars.
I recommend heater socks.
cdnred
Life of the Party
Have you looked into trying out a pair of neoprene scuba boot socks..? They come is various thicknesses and styles to suit your preference. Not that expensive either. Battery socks are always an issue with run time, dying when you need them the most..
www.scuba.com
Socks Wetsuit Boots - Diving Boots & Socks - Buy at Scuba.com
Shop for wetsuit boots including diving boots, scuba diving socks & arctic socks available to buy online or visit our NYC store.
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I am not sure I’d want something sending out electrical impulses blanketing my feet while kicking around in water with 40 inch muskies 
.
This is the first winter I have fished out of a float tube and have tried a number of things. Two pairs of warm socks, two pairs of fleece pants and neoprene kayaking booties over my neoprene wader booties seems to be the best combo so far. I wear the kayak booties instead of wading boots in my flippers for fit anyway. Not toasty but spent 4.5 hours in the water this past weekend and my legs and feet were actually functional when I got out.
.This is the first winter I have fished out of a float tube and have tried a number of things. Two pairs of warm socks, two pairs of fleece pants and neoprene kayaking booties over my neoprene wader booties seems to be the best combo so far. I wear the kayak booties instead of wading boots in my flippers for fit anyway. Not toasty but spent 4.5 hours in the water this past weekend and my legs and feet were actually functional when I got out.
Something that I tried and believed helped for me a few weeks ago for several hours in water my fish finder said was 39° is knee high 15-20 mmHg compression stockings. They increase circulation into the lower legs & feet and acted as a liner sock for my merino hiking socks.
But I'm also sure that 3mm neoprene waders and 7mm cold water dive boots over merino hiking socks, the compression stockings, a midweight merino baselayer, fleece-lined trousers and top, fleece vest, a puffy jacket, and a fleece Inca beanie over a fitted wool baseball hat, that all kept me toasty warm so I didn't need gloves or an outer wind layer helped.
I learned when mountaineering that a warm head & core = warm feet & hands.
But I'm also sure that 3mm neoprene waders and 7mm cold water dive boots over merino hiking socks, the compression stockings, a midweight merino baselayer, fleece-lined trousers and top, fleece vest, a puffy jacket, and a fleece Inca beanie over a fitted wool baseball hat, that all kept me toasty warm so I didn't need gloves or an outer wind layer helped.
I learned when mountaineering that a warm head & core = warm feet & hands.
I've had a pair of these for nearly 2 years.
Amazon product ASIN B07YQ96M7Z
Are they perfect? No but they keep my toes from freezing. For background, I'm about 6' & 185/190 and although I'm fairly active, I can get ice cold feet/toes while sitting in the house. I use the battery powered socks when lake fishing cuz I'm seated in/on my tube for 5-8 hours and don't get enough air circulation to keep the disposable foot warmers active.
Depending upon what you purchase and how cold you get, consider purchasing a second set of batteries. My socks have 3 settings....low-med-high. I run them at high which gives 3-4 hours of battery life. So I end up swapping batteries mid day. This presents two other things to consider...
First, the batteries are kept in a small pocket at the top of the knee high socks and attempting to swap batteries at lakeside can be a pain in the butt because you either need to drop your waders enough to access your knee area or work your arm/hand down while crouched over and trying not to fall in the drink.
To remedy this, I picked up a set of 'extension cords' from Digikey electronics https://www.digikey.co.uk/en/products/detail/tensility-international-corp/ca-2217/1129480 These cords are long enough to allow keeping batteries at waist level for easier swapping.
The next issue with the second set of batteries ( at least for me) was the radio frequency (or whatever they use) is different and so the key fob activator does not work with the second pair. Not sure how this works with Bluetooth linked batteries but might be something to think about. On the flip side, it's no longer an issue for me since the batteries are now much easier to access. Moving on...
Next, durability. Like I noted at the beginning, in one month I'll have had mine for two years. I couldn't tell you how many times they've been used but I try to fish once or twice a week and I use these in the fall and spring...so your guess is as good as mine. Call me gross, but I've never washed them because I didn't want to damage the thin/fine wires. ( and they don't stink
) I also treat them gingerly when in use but still about 2 months ago they both failed.I did some home diagnostics with my multi meter and found the break in continuity was at the plug so be aware of this to limit flexing in that area.
![IMG_5663[1].JPG](https://pnwflyfishing.com/forum/data/attachments/37/37828-664f9ca0b5ca6053822e8663280aa4f7.jpg?hash=Zk-coLXKYF "IMG_5663[1].JPG")
For what it's worth, I ended up purchasing a second set of 'extension cords' and re-wired the plug. I figured it was either 12 bucks for a set of new wires or about $100 for a new set of socks and I'm a cheap dutch guy.
Finally warmth, like I wrote earlier....are they perfect? Nope, but they seem to keep enough of the cold away so I can fish all day...whereas before I would reach a point where I'd have to get out of the water for a while. The heat element/pad is only under the ball of feet and toes....so with these socks your toes are not in a pocket or envelope of heat. Still...for example, I fished 7 hours yesterday. Air temps were in the mid 40's (didn't check water temps) and although there wasn't much wind, it rained solid for the first 3 hours...so overall it was kinda miserable. My feet/toes were cold but not to the point I needed to get out cuz they hurt so friggin' bad.
That's all I can think of at the moment...hope this helps
Mike d
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jaredoconnor
Peabrain Chub
I really want to find some decent electric socks, for my wife. However, Amazon reviews are full of horror stories. Some of the ActionHeat products, for example, gave people bad burns. The only truly reputable brand that I have found is Hotronic, but they're very expensive.
Another issue is the battery technology. I don't think strapping a LiPO battery to one's leg is smart. Strapping a Li-Ion battery to one's leg is even worse. These products should really use NiMH batteries, due to their inherently superior safety/stability, but very few do.
Another issue is the battery technology. I don't think strapping a LiPO battery to one's leg is smart. Strapping a Li-Ion battery to one's leg is even worse. These products should really use NiMH batteries, due to their inherently superior safety/stability, but very few do.
I've tried electric socks before with controller wires running up to my wader chest pocket. They did help hold off the cold a little but battery ran out pretty quickly. Basically they delayed the freezing toes for about 45min, not worth the hassle. I forgot the brand but they were made for motorcyclists. That company also made the plugged in version you can plug it into your motorcycle which is definitely more practical.
Anyone tried waders with rubber boots? I think those would work well to resist the water pressure cutting off circulation and keep a warm layer of air around the feet.
Anyone tried waders with rubber boots? I think those would work well to resist the water pressure cutting off circulation and keep a warm layer of air around the feet.
I ended up ordering a pair of these. That's just it, I can easily handle a little chill, so I don't need something to be completely toasty (that'd be nice obviously).I've had a pair of these for nearly 2 years.
Amazon product ASIN B07YQ96M7Z
Are they perfect? No but they keep my toes from freezing. For background, I'm about 6' & 185/190 and although I'm fairly active, I can get ice cold feet/toes while sitting in the house. I use the battery powered socks when lake fishing cuz I'm seated in/on my tube for 5-8 hours and don't get enough air circulation to keep the disposable foot warmers active.
Depending upon what you purchase and how cold you get, consider purchasing a second set of batteries. My socks have 3 settings....low-med-high. I run them at high which gives 3-4 hours of battery life. So I end up swapping batteries mid day. This presents two other things to consider...
First, the batteries are kept in a small pocket at the top of the knee high socks and attempting to swap batteries at lakeside can be a pain in the butt because you either need to drop your waders enough to access your knee area or work your arm/hand down while crouched over and trying not to fall in the drink.
To remedy this, I picked up a set of 'extension cords' from Digikey electronics https://www.digikey.co.uk/en/products/detail/tensility-international-corp/ca-2217/1129480 These cords are long enough to allow keeping batteries at waist level for easier swapping.
The next issue with the second set of batteries ( at least for me) was the radio frequency (or whatever they use) is different and so the key fob activator does not work with the second pair. Not sure how this works with Bluetooth linked batteries but might be something to think about. On the flip side, it's no longer an issue for me since the batteries are now much easier to access. Moving on...
Next, durability. Like I noted at the beginning, in one month I'll have had mine for two years. I couldn't tell you how many times they've been used but I try to fish once or twice a week and I use these in the fall and spring...so your guess is as good as mine. Call me gross, but I've never washed them because I didn't want to damage the thin/fine wires. ( and they don't stink
I did some home diagnostics with my multi meter and found the break in continuity was at the plug so be aware of this to limit flexing in that area. View attachment 55055
For what it's worth, I ended up purchasing a second set of 'extension cords' and re-wired the plug. I figured it was either 12 bucks for a set of new wires or about $100 for a new set of socks and I'm a cheap dutch guy.
Finally warmth, like I wrote earlier....are they perfect? Nope, but they seem to keep enough of the cold away so I can fish all day...whereas before I would reach a point where I'd have to get out of the water for a while. The heat element/pad is only under the ball of feet and toes....so with these socks your toes are not in a pocket or envelope of heat. Still...for example, I fished 7 hours yesterday. Air temps were in the mid 40's (didn't check water temps) and although there wasn't much wind, it rained solid for the first 3 hours...so overall it was kinda miserable. My feet/toes were cold but not to the point I needed to get out cuz they hurt so friggin' bad.
That's all I can think of at the moment...hope this helps
Mike d
Down side to the hand/toe warmers mentioned by someone is that they typically need O2 to remain activated. Probably not too much of that in my wader legs that are staying submerged.
Also mentioned by someone is the use of a different style of boat...I appreciate the input, but that's the reason I specified early on for use in a more float tube style fishing craft.
I really appreciate all of the input thus far, thanks!
Have always wondered if any of the heated sock brands are getting the job done. Waiting for a PNW approved pair.
I'm with @SARG950 5mil oversized boot foot (circulation)Hodgman's and a pair of wool socks will keep you warm in the worst conditions. all day in the river or on the lake no problem. They're inexpensive and will last for years if you don't bushwhack with them. The biggest down side I've had with this approach is it's kind of like a stretchy band exorcise that never ends on days when your really kicking or hiking. If I know I'm going to go after it, I go with breathable waders and the get out to warm up approach.
FYI - boot foot Hodgman's are a deathtrap out in the lake so ware your PFD if you ever go this route.
I'm with @SARG950 5mil oversized boot foot (circulation)Hodgman's and a pair of wool socks will keep you warm in the worst conditions. all day in the river or on the lake no problem. They're inexpensive and will last for years if you don't bushwhack with them. The biggest down side I've had with this approach is it's kind of like a stretchy band exorcise that never ends on days when your really kicking or hiking. If I know I'm going to go after it, I go with breathable waders and the get out to warm up approach.
FYI - boot foot Hodgman's are a deathtrap out in the lake so ware your PFD if you ever go this route.
jaredoconnor
Peabrain Chub
I had the exact same thought. I haven't seen any that could have the battery above your knee.
Regarding the Mobile Warming sock, there is essentially no wiggle room for battery placement with the sock 'as is'. It is basically just below the knee and more likely the top of the calf.
The 'extension cord' from digi key is 3' long....so grab a 3' long string and see where that ends up on your body. I could probably keep the batteries in a chest pouch if I had one. But the pockets of my sweatpants is good enough for me.
These look like they could work as long as you can fit them inside the neoprene booties.These do look legit. There’s a couple versions of them on their website…
ActionHeat Rechargeable Heated Insoles with Remote
The ActionHeat battery heated insoles are perfect for anyone with cold feet! Whether you are hiking your favorite trail, watching a football game, or working outdoors, you will love the warmth and comfort of the ActionHeat insoles. With built-in, ultra-fine heating panels strategically placed...actionheat.com
I bought a pair of Flambeau Heated Socks in 2018. Picked up two extra sets of batteries off of Ebay. I think these are discontinued.
They don't get my feet toasty warm, but my feet don't get cold.
I can recharge the batteries from the USB ports in my camper so being out of juice is never an issue.
I usually wear a thin liner sock between these and feet.
In really cold weather I might wear a merino wool sock over the heated sock
They don't get my feet toasty warm, but my feet don't get cold.
I can recharge the batteries from the USB ports in my camper so being out of juice is never an issue.
I usually wear a thin liner sock between these and feet.
In really cold weather I might wear a merino wool sock over the heated sock
I played around with the ones I just ordered off Amazon. On level 1, it's about body temp, level 2 nice and toasty all around, level 3? nope. I never tried level 4. But I wore them around the house this morning on level 2 and got nearly 5 hours of warmth before the batteries died....should be good to go here.
You may not need to run them continuously. May not even need them until after the first pee break.
good point. But it's still a good data set to have...
Glad to hear you purchased a set.
Bruce Baker
Life of the Party
I heard about a company named Ororo from YouTube personality Fly Fish Dan. He has their vest and loves it. A friend of mine bought a vest for his girlfriend and she loves hers. I saw that they made heated socks.
www.ororowear.com
ORORO Heated Socks | Cold Feet No More | Battery Powered
No more cold feet with ORORO heated socks. Breathable, soft, and elastic material wraps up your feet with larger heating areas that cover the whole solo of your feet. Perfectly keep your feet warm while sitting in the cold office, lying on the couch on winter nights, or walking your dog in the...
www.ororowear.com