Therm-ic Boot Heater Installation

[RootDKJ]

So I scored these Therm-ic boot heaters off Tramdock during the summer and when I went to install them, I wasn't happy with the stock footbeds. I got the elements that you can add to an existing footbed and I'm glad I waited.

Anyway, here's the pics I took.

My boots (Nordica Speed Machine 12)

Removed the liner from the shell

Superfeet Green footbed.

Line the heating element up

Mark my cut line

Cut hole and stick wire through

Duct tape to secure the wire

This covers the element. It has an adhesive backing.

Trimmed to fit

Cut a slit in the boot liner to stick the wire through

I eventually, taped the wire up the back of the liner, and where the wire comes through but didn't get a pic of it.

Finished!

I did use them yesterday, but it was pretty in the mid-30's. Can't wait to try them for some night skiing soon!

 

[wa-loaf]

Nice, good work. I'd only say you cut too big and too high of a hole in the liner.

 

[andyzee]

What didn't you like about the original footbeds?

 

[Philpug]

I just installed Hot Tronics M4's in my boots this season. They are very nice and am glad that I did so far.

 

[o3jeff]

Nice, good work. I'd only say you cut too big and too high of a hole in the liner.

And what keeps the liner from tearing more when you put the on and take it off?

 

[Glenn]

Looks good Root! I used the flat food beds that came with the heaters. They actually work just fine for me so far. They are rather flat though and I had my doubts.

 

[RootDKJ]

Nice, good work. I'd only say you cut too big and too high of a hole in the liner.

Too big, maybe. I'm comfortable with where on the liner I cut the hole however, as it doesn't add any tight radius bends to the wires.

What didn't you like about the original footbeds?

They were really flat and I pronate. My podiatrist had recommended the Superfeet's to me as an alternative to getting custom orthotics done.

And what keeps the liner from tearing more when you put the on and take it off?

A healthy covering of duct tape.

Looks good Root! I used the flat food beds that came with the heaters. They actually work just fine for me so far. They are rather flat though and I had my doubts.

Thanks. They are going to get a good trial tonight.

 

[Beetlenut]

Used mine at Mt Snow last Wednesday when I think the temps didn't get above 12 degrees all day. Can't beat warm feet! This is the second season I've had them in my boots, and it was a good investment!

 

[Mildcat]

Nice idea taking pictures and posting a how-to Root. When I installed some Hotronics in my older boots the directions said not to duct tape the wires directly to the liner because when you flex the boot it will tug on the wires possibly damaging them. It said to tear a piece of tape lengthwise in half and stick the half down the center of a full piece (sticky side to sticky side). That will allow the wires to slide when the boot is flexed.

 

[RootDKJ]

Where does everyone have their power packs mounted? The best place I could figure out was on the instep side of the boot, attached to the velcro (part of the) power strap.

 

[wa-loaf]

Where does everyone have their power packs mounted? The best place I could figure out was on the instep side of the boot, attached to the velcro (part of the) power strap.

I think most folks clip them to the back of the cuff, it's the least likely place to get hit by something and ripped off.

 

[RootDKJ]

I think most folks clip them to the back of the cuff, it's the least likely place to get hit by something and ripped off.

I couldn't make that work on my boots. Maybe I'll play around with it some more.

 

[severine]

So here's a question... do these distort custom footbeds? I wasn't in the market for boot heaters but with how cold my toes got yesterday, it may be a consideration. However, I have custom footbeds and after all the time and money put into that, I don't want to do anything that would screw them up.

Root, BTW, nice job!

 

[Beetlenut]

Where does everyone have their power packs mounted? The best place I could figure out was on the instep side of the boot, attached to the velcro (part of the) power strap.

I use to mount them on the side of my boot, but every now and then, one of them would turn off from me hitting it against something. This off season I noticed extension wires for sale at my ski shop. This allowed me to mount the battery packs on my pants waist. Keeps them warmer and easily accessible during the ski day. I'm thinking the wires running down the back of my ski pants must give off some marginal heat too!

 

[RootDKJ]

So here's a question... do these distort custom footbeds? I wasn't in the market for boot heaters but with how cold my toes got yesterday, it may be a consideration. However, I have custom footbeds and after all the time and money put into that, I don't want to do anything that would screw them up.

Root, BTW, nice job!

Thanks.

I would say no, but you do need to cut a slit in to them, and your boot liner.

 

[Beetlenut]

So here's a question... do these distort custom footbeds? I wasn't in the market for boot heaters but with how cold my toes got yesterday, it may be a consideration. However, I have custom footbeds and after all the time and money put into that, I don't want to do anything that would screw them up.

Root, BTW, nice job!

I installed mine into some custom footbeds. As long as you take your time and do it right, all they do is make you custom footbeds warmer. I should point out that when using the heaters in really cold weather, your feet aren't going to be wicked warm. They're just not going to be cold. The heat that these heaters put out, pretty much just cancel out the cold around your toes. Although you can feel the heat on a 25+ degree day, or at home in your living room.

 

[RootDKJ]

Quick update (sorry for the crappy cell pics, battery is charging on the Canon) -

Added a "conduit" on the liner for the wire (thanks for the suggestion Mildcat).

Used a couple of wire ties to make a bracket on the back of the boot.

It's on there pretty solid.

 

[Mildcat]

Added a "conduit" on the liner for the wire (thanks for the suggestion Mildcat).

Conduit! It would have been so much easier to describe if I could have thought of that word! :dunce: :-D

 

[bigbog]

If the back of your boots end up taking hits often....outer-side of cuff(on both) always worked(being a non-night-gates crasher)..or one boot inner..the other outer.

$.01 guess.

 

[RootDKJ]

So my wire tie straps to hold the batteries didn't pass the test.