Advice on Boot Heaters

[thetrailboss]

So it has become pretty clear to me that if Ms. Trailboss and Trailboss are going to ski this winter, she is going to need some bootheaters. Today's temps at Sunapee were pushing 30 F and her feet were very cold.

This is something that I have considered before in the past, but have been holding back because of price. So far, I've found two models that might work.

Do any of you have heaters like these? Were they easy to put in? Do they last long? Did you do it yourself or have someone do it for you?

Here are the models I'm considering:

http://ecom1.sno-ski.com/product102.html

http://www.skiessentials.com/prod.itml/icOid/21490
(I think these are the same....)

[riverc0il]

Today's temps at Sunapee were pushing 30 F and her feet were very cold.

what type of socks is she wearing? were her boots fitted by a good boot fitter? i can't imagine any ones feet should be cold at only 30F with appropriate ski socks and a well fitted boot. i have skied at well below 0F with no feelings of cold in my feet, and my feet are generally ice cubes.

[thetrailboss]

Originally Posted by riverc0il

what type of socks is she wearing? were her boots fitted by a good boot fitter? i can't imagine any ones feet should be cold at only 30F with appropriate ski socks and a well fitted boot. i have skied at well below 0F with no feelings of cold in my feet, and my feet are generally ice cubes.

I know, I know. She did get her boots fitted, she was wearing wool socks as usual, and she did insert some 'dead' foot warmers. In the past when she has used the foot warmers, she has been happy. She just has poor circulation.

[Terry]

I bought Hotronic 3.5 heaters for myself and my wife. They are the best investment I have made in ski equipment. I can ski all day long at below zero temps and my feet never get cold. I bought them at the local ski shop and they installed them for me for no charge. I can use them for a couple of days before recharging. Definately worth it!

[riverc0il]

wool socks? hopefully not thick ones? how about a thin pair of ski socks to reduce sweating? i used to get cold feet and discovered the reason was too heavy socks.

[ctenidae]

Mrs Trailboss clearly has the same problem as Mrs Ctenidae. It's all in her head. At least, most of it is. I'd be willing to bet that you can put whatever footwarmers you want to in there. Don't tell her how much they cost, just tell her they're the best, and everyone said they rock, and she could bake bread in those boots if she wanted to. Make sure she's wearing the right socks ("they" say you should wear these thinner socks- increases heatflow. It's a Brownian Motion kind of thing. Convection, and all that) She'll be all set, even if you never turn them on.

At least, that's what's worked so far with Mrs Ctenidae. Granted, it's cost me about 15 different ski jackets now (5 each of light, medium, and heavy coats), but I've finally convinced her of the importance of base layers, and nearly of the fact that the coat is really just to stop the wind. OF course, if she (or Mrs Trailboss) ever reads this, we're all sunk.

Show the research, show the results, never show any doubt.

[Chris_skis]

Has anyone have experience with Therm-ic products?

While I do not have too much problem with cold feet, in some situation when the temperature is very low, I wish that I would have something like to cut the coldness out a bit.

[SkiDog]

Originally Posted by Terry

I bought Hotronic 3.5 heaters for myself and my wife. They are the best investment I have made in ski equipment. I can ski all day long at below zero temps and my feet never get cold. I bought them at the local ski shop and they installed them for me for no charge. I can use them for a couple of days before recharging. Definately worth it!

Same here hotronics...LOVE IT.....they last all day and i've never had them above the 2 setting..nice n toasty..

M

[SKIQUATTRO]

i have an issue as well with getting cold feet, even in warmer temps. Its not just when skiing, its when i'm out road riding, mountain biking, or just walking around town, I have poor circulation...considering boot heaters as well.

[bigbog]

Originally Posted by riverc0il

wool socks? hopefully not thick ones? how about a thin pair of ski socks to reduce sweating? i used to get cold feet and discovered the reason was too heavy socks.

Ditto...to the letter! Trailboss, you have to get her some of the Smartwool Ultra-lights as a Holidays gift....they are The Best!