Best Heated Ski Boots – 2023/2024

Editor's Note: This post contains affiliate links. While we may earn a small commission, our recommendations remain unbiased and are based solely on our independent research. Learn more about us.

Heated ski boots feature a battery-powered heating system integrated into the boot liner. The built-in heater is usually controlled either by a button on the boot or via Bluetooth using a smartphone app. Heated ski boots come with an adjustable setting, to keep the boot comfortably warm at a variety of different temperatures.

Although only a few ski boot manufacturers make and sell heated models, it’s important to ensure you find the right heated ski boot for your skill level, usage needs, and desired ski conditions. We researched the latest heated ski boot models, analyzing the reviews, discussions, and user comments to narrow down the list.

Top Picks

What are Heated Ski Boots

Heated ski boots are still a relatively new ski boot product that aims to make cold feet on the slopes a thing of the past.

The most significant feature of these boots is the built-in battery-powered heating system. The most popular system is the Therm-IC ski boot liner integration system, which features an integrated control panel on the upper cuff. This panel allows skiers to choose between four settings, ranging from off to high, and providing anywhere from four to 18 hours of use.

The heating system can be controlled by a button on the boot or via Bluetooth and a smartphone app, allowing skiers to adjust settings based on their activity level or ambient temperature.

Best Heated Ski Boots for Women

Nordica HF Elite Heat W (GW) – Top Pick

The Nordica HF Elite Heat Women’s ski boot is designed for comfort. It features the Therm-IC fully integrated heated liner, as well as a rear-entry system that enables you to put the boots on without having to use your hands.

The heating system can be controlled via a button on the liner cuff or the Therm-IC smartphone app. The heated liner is powered by a 9.62Wh lithium battery that can last for four hours on the maximum heat setting, and 18 hours at the lowest setting.

The boot is a medium flex boot that caters to intermediate skiers. The boot is a medium volume boot with a last of 102mm, so it caters to skiers with a bit of a wider foot and who want a little more volume in the boot and the calf area. The shell is heat moldable; however, the liner is not heat moldable. There is no power strap, so unless you have a snug fit the boot might feel a bit loose on more challenging terrain or if you push the boot harder.

Best Heated Ski Boots for Men

Nordica HF Elite Heat

Just like the Nordica HF Elite Heat Women’s ski boot, the men’s model also features the Therm-IC fully integrated heated liner. It also features the rear-entry system which makes it easy to put on the boots.

The heat is controlled by a button on the liner cuff or via the Therm-IC smartphone app. The heated liner is also powered by the 9.62Wh lithium battery which provides a run time of four hours on the highest heat setting, and 18 hours at the lowest setting.

The boot’s 110 flex is suitable for intermediate to advanced skiers. The boot, designed for medium-volume feet, features a 102mm last, accommodating skiers with wider feet who seek additional space in the boot and calf areas. Its shell is heat moldable, but the liner is not. And because it lacks a power strap, the boot may feel somewhat loose on challenging terrain or during aggressive skiing, unless the fit with your foot is perfect and it fits snugly.

Benefits of Heated Ski Boots

There are three key benefits to investing in heated ski boots:

Comfort

If you have chronically cold feet when skiing, or are looking to increase your comfort on especially cold days, heated ski boots are sure to improve your experience.

More time spent skiing

With warmer feet, you will be able to extend your day on the slopes and reduce frequent stops to the ski lodge to warm up.

Less pain

Finally, heated boots can reduce the amount of discomfort or numbness you feel in your toes as they adjust to warmer environments, like at the lodge when you are taking your boots off.

Key Features for Heated Ski Boots

Manufacturers currently making heated ski boots, such as Nordica, Rossignol, and K2, all have partnered with Therm-IC to build the heated liner for their boots and use the Therm-IC app to control the heat via smartphone or a button on the liner.

Battery Life

The lithium battery life of the heated ski boots we researched ranged from four to 18 hours, given a full charge. The battery life primarily depends on the heat setting you choose.

The liner contains the charging cable that can be accessed by removing a velcro cover to the liner’s charge port and then connecting it with the external power supply. It takes about four to five hours to fully charge the liners.

Ski Boot Heating Elements

The Therm-IC liner has heating elements spread throughout the liner. Heating elements are primarily located near the toes. The insole area is not heated, presumably so that the liners can be used with custom ski orthotics.

Longevity of Heated Ski Boots

The battery determines the lifespan of a ski boot’s heating feature. Most lithium batteries experience a yearly decline in performance, mirroring the typical behavior of rechargeable batteries in electronic devices.

Proper care and maintenance of the battery will extend its lifespan. Checking the battery’s condition and following the manufacturer’s guidelines for charging and storage will maximize the battery’s performance and longevity.

Lastly, the quality and durability of the heating elements themselves play a significant role in the overall longevity of the ski boot’s heating feature. High-quality materials are less prone to breaking down, as some users have experienced.

Temperature Adjustment

The heat settings in heated ski boots can be managed with a button on the boot liner. This button provides the ability to switch between three heat levels, allowing the user to adjust the heating power as needed.

Additionally, the heating can be controlled via the Therm-IC smartphone app. This app, using a Bluetooth connection, provides a broader range of heat settings, but may not be accessible in remote locations.

Do Heated Ski Boots Work?

Heated ski boots aim to fend off cold rather than excessively heat the feet. Their gentle warmth maintains comfort in cold conditions, enabling a focus on skiing without the discomfort of overly cold or warm feet. Many users of heated ski boots initially expected to feel a noticeable warmth. Instead of toasty feet, they experienced a lack of cold, a significant improvement from their prior experiences.

As a relatively new product, heated ski boots are not yet perfected. Some owners have experienced design flaws which caused understandable frustration among owners.

Maintenance and Care

To ensure the longevity and efficiency of heated ski boots, it’s important to maintain the battery properly. Operating the boots within a 20 to 80-percent battery range is recommended, as this is standard battery hygiene for lithium batteries, helping to preserve their life and performance.

When storing heated ski boots during the off-season, choose a location with a moderate temperature that won’t negatively impact the lithium batteries. It’s advisable to store the boots with the battery charged to around 50 to 60 percent, which is optimal for maintaining the health of lithium batteries during periods of inactivity.

Traveling

The FAA regulates devices and luggage containing lithium-ion batteries. Devices with these batteries are permitted in both carry-on and checked baggage, as long as you notify the airline when checking in for your flight or checking your bags online. However, spare lithium batteries must be transported in carry-on luggage, due to their potential fire risk.

Proper packaging and handling of these batteries are required to prevent short circuits and accidental activation. Travelers should ensure batteries are removed from the heating connection and have their terminals properly insulated, usually by being taped. Airlines may require you to show compliance with these regulations at various airport checkpoints.

Conclusion

A relatively new product in the ski gear market, heated ski boots are quickly becoming popular among skiers seeking the comfort they provide. Despite increasing demand, these boots come with challenges and design flaws that can cause frustration.

While the heating feature is intriguing, the importance of a good fit remains paramount when buying ski boots. Skiers should prioritize finding boots that offer the right fit, performance, and desired features, ensuring a balance between comfort, performance, and functionality.