DIY USB heated insoles. Heated insoles - how to make them yourself and features of use in extreme conditions Do-it-yourself warm heated insoles

Sometimes even high-quality shoes made from natural materials cannot protect us from low temperatures. During the winter season, frozen feet cause significant discomfort. And hypothermia of the body is a direct path to colds, kidney disease or other unpleasant ailments.

But leading companies and shoe manufacturers began to produce devices for additional insulation of their products. The most convenient and versatile item that protects our feet from severe frosts are heated insoles.

Types of models

This powerful barrier from the cold will not allow our feet to get cold even when people who have used heated insoles at least once had only positive reviews. Fans of winter fishing, skiers and residents of cold regions especially need additional insulation of their feet.

According to the principle of operation, thermal insoles are:

  1. Wireless. This model is equipped with a miniature battery, which is placed in the heel area. The duration of heating of the device depends on its characteristics. The insoles can be additionally equipped with a remote control that regulates the degree of heating and operating time.
  2. Wired. A special device is placed inside the insoles, which heats them and distributes heat evenly over the entire surface. The power source and device control system are located outside. The insole and battery are connected using wires. Ordinary batteries can be used as batteries.

Product advantages

Many consumers who value comfort in any weather have already tried heated insoles. Reviews from users who purchased different models indicate a number of advantages and differences.

Advantages of wired insoles:

  • Convenience. Since all the internal structures of the insoles are placed outside, such devices have a miniature thickness. This allows them to be used in any shoe.
  • Duration of work. By changing the batteries in a timely manner, you can keep your feet warm for a long time. This is especially important during hikes - all you need to do is take a replacement power supply, and you won’t be afraid of any vagaries of the weather.
  • Versatility. Thanks to their special design, wired insoles can be adjusted to fit. To do this, you need to trim off the excess parts according to special marks.

Advantages of wireless insoles:

  • Practicality. These insoles do not contain wires that get tangled and get in the way.
  • Heat. Usually, powerful batteries are built into such insoles that can maintain the temperature inside the shoes for a long time.
  • Comfort. The insole does not need to be adjusted to your foot - all models are presented in standard sizes with the possibility of minor adjustments.

Operating principle

Heated insoles, which have a heating device inside, operate using low voltage current.

They are completely safe for humans, and they can be used an unlimited number of times.

The inside of the insole is surrounded by a special material, the purpose of which is to distribute and retain heat evenly. The device is recharged with batteries or from the mains.

Disposable insoles

There are models in which heating occurs through the interaction of chemicals. Typically, such insoles are disposable and sold in sealed films. To use, you must open the product and remove its top layer. The heating process lasts up to 4 hours. The insole should be thrown away after use.

The undeniable advantages of disposable models are price and convenience. However, it is worth considering factors such as low temperature during heating and questionable safety. Many manufacturers of disposable insoles claim that they are absolutely harmless. But you should be aware that if damage to the product occurs, the internal chemical components may oxidize and have an adverse effect on the human body.

"Thermacell"

The insoles of this company are wireless. Inside the device are placed that retain heat for 5 hours. The insoles can be adjusted according to temperature using the control panel. The surface material does not absorb moisture, and the comfortable orthopedic shape of the product provides comfort when walking.

The insoles are not dangerous, it is impossible to get burned by them. Inside the device is equipped with a special sensor that regulates the heating and turns it off if necessary.

The product has 3 temperature modes:

  • without heating;
  • warm (38 degrees);
  • hot (44 degrees).

Thermacell insoles come in standard sizes, but if desired, you can reduce their edges slightly so that the surface of the product perfectly follows the contours of the shoe. Powerful batteries are designed for 2500 hours of continuous operation or 500 recharges from the network. This allows you to use the insoles without problems for several years.

The surface of the product is made of high-quality hypoallergenic material with antibacterial treatment. The design of the insoles is resistant to deformation, which allows them to be kept in perfect condition for a long time.

According to consumer reviews, this model is made of durable, bright material and does not wrinkle. However, when worn, there is a rapid cooling of the surface of the product and some discomfort when walking. According to buyers, Thermacell heated insoles are not suitable for keeping warm and will cause significant inconvenience during outdoor activities.

The cost of the product varies between 4-5 thousand rubles.

"Blazewear"

Heating of the internal element of products from this company is carried out using batteries or accumulators. Blazewear insoles have a control unit that is conveniently attached to each foot using a soft strap. The temperature limit reaches 46 degrees and persists for 4-5 hours. Each unit has buttons, by pressing which you can start heating or turn it off.

Inside the insoles there is a special plate made of carbon fiber. It evenly emits infrared heat and disperses it over the entire surface. The heating element is located in front of the product, under the fingers.

For continuous operation, 3 simple batteries are required or the insole is very thin, only about 3 mm. For convenience, the width and length of the product can be reduced.

Consumers who have tried these heated insoles have had positive reviews. The product is high quality and keeps heat for a long time. The ability to adjust the size allows you to adjust the insoles to your foot as accurately as possible. Some blocks are attached to the legs, but over time the feeling of discomfort goes away.

The average cost of the product is 2500 rubles.

Where can you buy inexpensive insoles?

In winter, it is very important to keep your feet warm. Those who are looking for good heated insoles at an affordable price can be advised to pay attention to Spodogrevom products.

Products are manufactured in Russia using components from China. The kit includes a charger and a storage bag. According to customer reviews, the products of this company cope with their purpose - the insoles are warm for 8-10 hours. When the charger is turned on, it not only powers the battery, but also additionally dries the surface. The average cost of a pair is 2500 rubles.

For those who want to purchase disposable heated insoles, Sportmaster offers Warm Feet products. The price of this product is about 100 rubles.

According to consumer reviews, “Warm Feet” thermal insoles are an excellent option for hiking, fishing, and prolonged exposure to the cold. The product keeps warm for 6 hours and is not felt when walking.

Custom insoles

Technology does not stand still, and the French company Sidas made a splash with the release of thermoformable insoles. The manufacturing process takes only a few minutes. You need to stand on a special device that takes the shape of your foot. Then insoles heated to the desired temperature are placed in the pressure areas.

The shape of your feet is instantly transferred to the flexible material. Then the insoles cool down for 5 minutes. By cutting the contour of the material to size, you get an ideal product that perfectly follows all the curves of your foot.

Individual insoles “Sidas” are divided into several types:

  • Volcano;
  • "Custom";
  • Nano Set.

The first two models are standard thermoformed products. The Nano Set is a set of heated insoles that includes a charger, 2 batteries and one pair of Volcano.

The cost of Sidas products ranges from 2 to 10 thousand rubles.

DIY heated insoles

For production you will need:

  • thick cardboard;
  • toggle switch;
  • scissors;
  • thin wire (spiral);
  • copper wire (diameter 0.75-1 mm);
  • wool insoles;
  • 12 volt batteries;
  • medium-sized metal staples;
  • foil.

First, you need to cut out a template from cardboard according to the size of the wool insoles. It should be carefully stitched with wire around the entire perimeter. You need to leave a gap of about 1 cm between the lines of the spirals.

Sew the toe area of ​​the template more often than the heel area. Combine wool and cardboard insoles. Attach a layer of foil to the bottom side.

From the inside of the foot, place contact pads made of copper wires. Use staples to secure them. The wires must be threaded through the legs and placed in the pocket. There will be a toggle switch connected to the battery. Our product is ready.

It’s not difficult to make heated insoles with your own hands, but you should follow safety rules and carefully adjust the parts. The required time to make such a product is about three hours.

How to choose the right insoles?

If you're going hiking, ice fishing, or have long walks in the cold with a stroller, thermal insoles are a great way to forget about cold feet. But among the variety of models, it is difficult to make a choice, therefore, when purchasing these products, pay attention to the following nuances:

  • Size. Since this item is intended for winter shoes, you should be prepared for the insole to be much wider than your foot. You need to choose either your product size, or an order of magnitude smaller. Some insoles can be cut and adjusted to fit the size of your shoes.
  • Control. Take a closer look at models with a remote control. Thanks to this device, you can quickly turn off the insoles in the car, when entering the store, and start them up if necessary.
  • Volume. Some types of heated insoles are much thicker than regular ones, so they can only be used in wide shoes.
  • Time of use. If you're going on a long hike, make sure your insoles work smoothly. The best solution would be to choose a product that is recharged by batteries. During your stay in the cold, you just need to change them, enjoying the continuous warmth.
  • For short walks, disposable insoles may be suitable. They should be thrown away after use.
  • Availability of recharging. Some models provide a power connection to the car, which allows you to take care of the warmth of your feet even while on the road. This accessory can be purchased separately.

If you choose the right insoles, you won't be afraid of winter frosts.

Features of use

When finished using, be sure to unplug the insoles. The product must be stored in a special bag in a dry place. To charge, remove the insoles from the shoes and dry them.

There is no need to subject the product to heavy loads, bending or deformation. Doing so may damage the heating element.

One of the conditions for maintaining a stable temperature inside the shoes is the correct choice of socks. They should be of medium thickness and wick away moisture well.

During use, make sure that your feet do not get too hot. If the insoles are warm and you feel comfortable, there is no need to add temperature. In case of a sudden increase in heat, it is better to turn off the device and make sure it is working properly.

It is not advisable to use insoles during active sports or running. Excessive loads in the area of ​​the heating element can lead to its breakdown or malfunction of the device.

The insoles cannot be washed. It is best to dry them at room temperature.

Popularity of products

Residents of many countries have already tried heated insoles. Ukraine, Russia, Belarus are famous for their cold winters. A long stay in the cold can lead to hypothermia, various diseases and ailments.

Using thermal insoles, you don't have to worry about the comfort and warmth of your feet. Long waits for a bus at a bus stop, winter walks, fishing and hiking will take place in a good mood without fear for your health.

Consumers who have used heated insoles have had rave reviews. The products are very easy to use and have a long service life. The ability to reduce the size allows you to use insoles even for children, adjusting them to the child’s miniature foot.

Basically, all models have a comfortable orthopedic shape and a pleasant-to-touch surface, which provides complete comfort to the legs when moving.

In practice, the insoles have shown their reliability, practicality, durability and effective warming of the feet even in severe frosts.

A high-quality product, subject to simple rules of use, will serve you for several seasons, protecting your body from hypothermia and illness.

With the arrival of real cold weather, everyone thinks about how to feel comfortable in such uncomfortable conditions. Due to the fact that winters are sometimes quite harsh, everyone wants to be thoroughly insulated. Sometimes warm, classic things are not enough and it comes down to such little things, it would seem, like insoles. Heated insoles will significantly improve the feeling of comfort and also protect against various colds.

Some fishermen need heated insoles, since they spend almost the entire daylight hours outside in the winter. Heated insoles will allow you to forget about the burning cold and feel comfortable even in the harshest conditions. It is very important to have warm insoles when fishing in the wade, even in the summer. Being in the water for a long time, the feet freeze to such an extent that they stop bending. Of course, you can put extra socks on your feet, but using heated insoles is the best option.

If your feet freeze in winter, it’s easy to get sick, even if you haven’t spent much time in the cold. The use of heated insoles will create a heated space between the sole and the foot, which will prevent you from getting a dose of hypothermia. This means that the fisherman’s body will remain healthy, without colds.

Many people are interested in how heated insoles work. How do they all work?

The design of the insole is quite simple: in its hollow part there is a heating pad. It is made of such material that your feet can stay warm for several hours. The front part is made of perforated material, which helps to quickly warm the toes. The lower part is designed in such a way that the heat is evenly distributed throughout the foot.

On the market you can find low-quality products that do not meet the declared functions. In this regard, you need to know by what criteria insoles are selected and from which manufacturer.

When choosing heated insoles, you should pay attention to the following details:

  1. The operating principle of the product is based on a chemical reaction. As a rule, they are disposable and this is their main drawback. Before use, the top layer is removed from the insoles, which leads to the start of a chemical reaction. The validity period of such an insole is no more than 4 hours. The advantage is the simplicity of the device, low price, and therefore accessibility.
  2. The operating principle is based on a built-in heating element operating from a low-voltage source. This type of insoles is considered the safest, especially since they can be used for a long time. The device takes up little space thanks to its slim design. The model is absolutely safe for humans. In addition, the heating temperature is regulated.

Design

Heated insoles are:

Which indicates technical progress, which was even projected onto the insoles. The design is simple and has no wires, which is what interests many potential customers. The insole is controlled using a remote control. The device has a small battery in its design.

Advantages of such models:

  • Can be used with any type of shoe.
  • The shelf life is about 3 years, although much depends on the intensity of use.
  • Possibility of adjusting temperature conditions.

They differ in that they have a remote control unit connected to the heater using wires. The insole is also connected to the battery with a wire. You can use regular AA batteries as a power source.

Advantages of such models:

  • In appearance, this is a regular insole that can fit any shoe.
  • The ability to quickly replace the battery, which allows you to warm your feet longer.
  • Due to the simplicity of the design, the insole can be adjusted to fit any shoe size.

Heated insoles are absolutely safe and if they get wet, you can simply dry them.

Prices for heated insoles

Prices may vary depending on the manufacturer, and you can purchase them either in a supermarket or in an online store.

Manufacturers of heated insoles

This is a modern wireless product powered by a lithium-ion battery. Warms your feet for 5 hours, after which you need to charge the battery and use it again. Operates from a remote control that controls three operating modes. The product is designed to operate up to 3000 hours.

This development is suitable for various types of shoes and holds heat perfectly. There is a carbon plate inside the insole, and heating comes from a source of infrared radiation. The heating element is located at the top of the insole. The control panel can be mounted on the shin or on the upper side of the shoe. The device runs on batteries, and the charge is controlled on the control unit.

The device includes a battery that is attached to the shin. It works on the principle of an infrared radiation source. The device also includes a sensor that uses battery capacity very economically.

It is very important in winter to feel that you are surrounded by warmth. This is especially true for fishermen who are out in the cold all day. If your feet are warm and do not freeze, then your whole body feels comfortable. As a rule, the feet always freeze first, after which the whole body begins to feel discomfort.

The best option is heated insoles. At the same time, it is worth noting that buying a factory product is an expensive pleasure, although the choice is huge. Don't despair, because you can make them yourself.

To do this, you should stock up on the following elements:

  • Felt insoles and 60 cm nichrome wire.
  • MGTF wire 0.2 mm 2, about 3 meters.
  • Battery compartment for 4 batteries – 2 pieces.
  • Three-position switch – 2 pieces.
  • Mini-connector – 2 pieces (socket + plug).
  • Crimping sleeve 0.2 mm 2 – 4 pieces.
  • Heat shrink tube – 1 m.
  • Velcro.
  • Glue.

If all the elements are prepared, then you can begin to independently manufacture such a useful device. For heating, thin nichrome wire is used here. The device runs on several batteries, the capacity of which is enough for several hours of continuous operation.

When the device is working, the nichrome will be hot, but you should not panic. Before installing the nichrome thread, it should be tested for heating by connecting it to a power source. If the wire gets very hot, it can be lengthened, and if it gets too hot, it can be shortened. In any case, even the slightest heating will be enough to prevent your feet from freezing. The average current consumption from 2 batteries should be approximately 270 mA. In this case, it is easy to choose the capacity of the power source that will provide comfort for your feet throughout the day.

The MGTF wire should be secured to the nichrome using crimp sleeves. The sleeve is put on the nichrome, after which the stripped end of the wire is inserted here. Crimping can be done using pliers. The length of the wire is taken with a margin. After final assembly of the device, the excess wire will be removed.

The most crucial moment here is to correctly position the heating element (nichrome). At the same time, it should be remembered that the fingers are always the first to freeze, so the heating element should be carefully secured along the entire perimeter of the insole, and especially in its toe. The MGTF wire is attached to the side of the insole, after which a heat-shrinkable tube is stretched over it. Well, finally, the wire is soldered to the mini-connector. The insoles are ready, so you can begin installing the battery compartment. One cell of the compartment should serve to house the second part of the mini-connector, as well as a three-position switch. All connections are carefully soldered and filled with hot glue. On the reverse side you need to drill a couple of holes for attaching Velcro. That's it, homemade heated insoles are ready to use.

Without heat, especially in winter, and even when fishing, it is very difficult to survive the whole day, especially in severe frosts. If your feet are constantly warm, then warming up your body will not be a problem at all, and heated insoles will help with this.

Our collection of useful homemade products for hunting, fishing and tourism has been expanded! Today you will learn how to make heated insoles with your own hands.

Hello site users. I’m glad to share with you my useful winter homemade product - heated insoles. The main task in this is to select materials so that downward heat loss is minimal and heat transfer to the feet is maximum.

To make insoles we will need:

  • purchased felt insoles - the basis of the product;

  • nichrome thread (taken from the spiral of a 300 W heating device, approximately 0.3 mm thick);
  • heat-conducting tape - for additional fastening of the thread to the base, in addition, for the convenience of installing insole elements for sewing, without reducing the heating of the thread itself (who is interested in tape, you can look here http://ali.pub/pa5f4);

  • genuine leather for the top layer of the product. It has good thermal conductivity, and it also holds the heat of the thread well (it does not melt or curl like synthetics). But you can use other material with similar characteristics. For example, leather substitute or denim.

  • fuse (for insurance, mounted in the wire cut, in my case 2A);
  • power regulator (was replaced with a lightweight, compact and cheaper one) but it has a power reserve (there is a link in the description of the video).
  • wires for installation (I recommend buying them at an auto store, they are softer, don’t harden too much in the cold and are of better quality, but a little more expensive than those found in electrical goods (the length and cross-section are in the video);

  • Velcro for mounting batteries and regulator.



Dear readers, you can see additional information and assembly nuances in the video and its description. Watch, discuss, send your options.

These are winter insoles with autonomous heating from the battery with adjustable temperature.

What materials are used for this product?

During production, several important principles were taken into account. Firstly, the base of the insole should be made of a material that does not conduct heat well. This is necessary to ensure that there is no heat leakage down to the sole. Accordingly, there should be good heat transfer upward towards the foot. Therefore, to create this useful product with my own hands, I used ordinary felt insoles 5 millimeters thick.

To save on energy costs, it was decided to place the heating element only in the front part of the insole, that is, only where the feet will touch. For this purpose, a nichrome thread 48 centimeters long was used, the wire cross-section was 0.3 millimeters. This is a nichrome thread from a 300 Watt heating device. This is the thinnest wire that the author has found. Purchased at a regular hardware store for 20 rubles.

The temperature is set by a voltage regulator purchased from this Chinese store. Go and write in the search: Voltage regulator from 4 volts. In the same store you can buy ready-made heated insoles.

How the master combined all the parts into finished insoles

The nichrome wire was laid across the insole so that when bending there would be no creases or displacement of the wires. The wire is evenly sewn to the base. In some places double-sided tape is glued so that a second layer can be installed. It is made of genuine leather, which is a fairly dense material that transfers heat very well from the thread to the feet with minimal heat loss and can withstand the heating of the threads themselves. The seams will run between the wires.
After the firmware is completed, the excess parts will be cut off and the insole can be prepared for further installation. Two ends of 2 centimeters each are brought out from the insole. The thread is laid in a zigzag, the distance between the strips is 2 centimeters, in the nose part it is 1.5 centimeters.
We take two pieces of stranded wire 1.5 meters long. In this case, a wire for car audio was used. It is of very high quality, flexible and less dull in the cold. The wire cross-section is 0.05 millimeters. We connect this wire to the insole. In order to make the connection as thin as possible, it is twisted and clamped with a metal sleeve.

The whole thing is covered with heat-shrinkable insulation on top. We lay the wire, sew it along the bottom side with regular threads to the middle of the sole.
So, the insoles are ready, stitched, wires are connected. It turns out neat. If possible, you can put another insole, sew it or glue it. This will significantly reduce heat loss.
Next, measure the required length of wire and cut off the excess. Now we connect the insoles in series to the required connections. You can use regular connections purchased from a car dealer.

We measure 15 centimeters and make two cuts. There is one such connection on each insole. We install the remaining part of the entire structure.
Detachable connections create convenience in that you can quickly disconnect the contacts and change shoes and dry the insoles.

Power supply for electric insoles

The entire shoe heating circuit is powered by a nickel-metal hydride battery with a voltage of 7.2 volts, 5000 milliamps per hour. Operating time from 5 to 11 hours of continuous operation. The power source may be different. The degree of heating of the insoles depends on the voltage and current. Heating is noticeable from 4 volts. High-quality work from 5-12 volts. The maximum operating temperature is 60 degrees, this is an excessive temperature, but the material can withstand it. The battery and regulator are attached to a leather strap and attached to the waistband.

Heating depending on the regulated voltage (approximately):

4V-0.6A=23-27 C
5V-0.7A=27-32 C
6V-0.8A=32-35 C
7V-0.9A=35-37 C
8V-1A=40-42 C
12V-1.3A=65 C