As a ski racer, I used boot covers against cold feet. They helped, but with the covers on I couldn't open my buckles. That problem is why I started ZAN SKI.
Below, I compare ski boot covers with boot heaters and heated socks. You'll see how they work, what they cost and which one fits your cold feet.
The short answer
Boot covers keep heat in and help keep snow out. Boot heaters add heat. If your feet get cold on the chairlift, in the wind or on cold days, start with ski boot covers. They cost less and need no charging. If your feet freeze even on calm days, or you have poor circulation, boot heaters or heated socks may be the better choice. You can also use both. If you already have heated socks and your feet still get cold, boot covers are a very good addition.
What are ski boot covers?
Ski boot covers, also called boot gloves or overboots, go over the outside of your ski boots. Most are made of neoprene, the same material as a wetsuit, and straps hold them in place.
Boot covers don't make heat. They work like a jacket for your boots. They block the wind and slow down heat loss through the plastic shell. This helps most on the chairlift, where your feet hang in the wind and you hardly move.
Boot covers also help keep snow out of your ski boots. That helps more than you might think. When snow gets into a boot and melts, the inside gets wet, and wet boots make cold feet. Toe warmers and heated socks add heat, but they don't stop snow from getting in.
The old problem with boot covers is the buckles. Many covers sit over them, so you have to take the cover off to open or close a buckle. ZAN SKI boot covers have a magnetic flap instead. You open it with your gloves on, reach your buckles and close it again.
What are boot heaters and heated socks?
Boot heaters, also called boot warmers, use a battery to make heat. There are three common types:
- Heated insoles replace the normal insole in your ski boot. A heating element sits under your toes, and a cable runs to a battery that clips onto the boot.
- Heated ski socks (electric socks) have thin heating wires in the fabric and a battery at the top of the sock.
- Heated liners replace the whole inner boot. They cost the most.
Most heated socks and insoles have a few heat levels, and some work with a phone app. You charge the batteries every night. Cheap heated socks cost less, but their batteries often last only 3 to 5 hours, even on low.
Ski boot covers vs. boot heaters: side by side
| Ski boot covers | Boot heaters and heated socks | |
|---|---|---|
| How they work | Keep the heat in | Add heat with a battery |
| Price | Lower. ZAN SKI: €60 per pair | Higher. A set with batteries often costs €180 to €300 or more |
| Battery life | No battery. They work all day. | On low, often 8 hours or more. On high, often 3 to 5 hours. |
| Charging | None | Every night |
| Inside the boot | No change. They go on the outside. | Insoles replace your normal insole. Heated socks are thicker than thin ski socks. |
| Wind and snow | Block the wind and help keep snow out of the boot | No protection. Snow can still get in and melt. |
| Buckles | Many covers sit over them. ZAN SKI has a magnetic flap for buckle access. | No effect |
| Best for | Cold chairlifts, wind, snow and cold days | Very cold feet, poor circulation and very cold days |
Which keeps your feet warmer?
Boot heaters make heat. On a very cold day with the battery on high, they can warm your feet more than any cover. But the battery runs down, and on high it may not last the whole day. Boot covers can't make heat, but they work all day with no charging. Heaters also don't stop snow. If snow gets into your boots and melts, wet boots can cool your feet even with the heater on.
The best choice depends on when your feet get cold. If your toes freeze on the chairlift and in the wind, blocking the wind often helps a lot. If your toes are cold from the first run, even on calm days, you probably need extra heat.
When to choose ski boot covers
- Your feet get cold on the chairlift or in the wind.
- You want warm feet without batteries or charging.
- You don't want anything extra inside your boots.
- You want to keep snow out of your boots.
- You already have heated socks or boot heaters, but your feet still get cold.
- You want to spend less.
- You want to open your buckles on the lift. Then pick covers with buckle access, like ZAN SKI.
When to choose boot heaters or heated socks
- Your feet are cold from the first run, even on calm days.
- You have poor circulation or Raynaud's. Talk to your doctor too.
- You often ski when it's far below zero.
- You stand still a lot, for example as a ski instructor or as a parent on the slopes.
- You don't mind charging batteries and paying more.
Can you use boot covers with heated socks or boot heaters?
Yes. If you already have heated socks or boot heaters and your feet still get cold, boot covers are a very good addition. The heater makes the heat. The cover blocks the wind, helps keep snow out and helps hold the heat inside the boot.
With covers on, you may get by on a lower heat setting, and a lower setting makes the battery last longer.
What about toe warmers?
Disposable toe warmers are small heat pads that stick to your sock over the toes. Foot warmers are the same idea, shaped like an insole. They are cheap and easy to try. You can use each pair only once, and they take a little space in your boot. They make a good backup. They are also a cheap way to find out if extra heat helps you before you buy heated socks or boot heaters.
Boot covers and boot heaters: common questions
Are boot heaters worth it?
They can be, if your feet are cold even with boots that fit and thin socks. A good set costs €180 to €300 or more, so try the cheaper fixes first: the right socks, looser buckles and boot covers.
How long do boot heater batteries last?
It depends on the battery and the heat level. On the lowest setting, a good battery often lasts 8 hours or more. On the highest setting, many last only 3 to 5 hours. Very cold weather can drain batteries faster.
Do ski boot covers work in very cold weather?
They help, because they block the wind and slow down heat loss. But they can't make heat. If your feet still get cold on very cold days, add heated socks, boot heaters or toe warmers.
Do boot covers keep snow out of ski boots?
They help. Boot covers sit over the boot shell and help stop snow from getting in, so the inside of your boots stays drier. Heated socks and toe warmers can't do that.
Can I open my buckles with boot covers on?
With many boot covers, no. You have to take the cover off first. ZAN SKI boot covers have a magnetic flap. You can open and close your buckles with your gloves on, and the covers stay on your boots.
Do heated socks fit in tight ski boots?
Not always. Heated socks are thicker than thin ski socks, and the wires can press on your foot in a tight race boot. Try them in your own boots before your ski trip.
Warm feet and buckles within reach
I made ZAN SKI because I didn't want to choose between warm feet and boots I could open. ZAN SKI covers wrap your ski boots in insulating neoprene, and the magnetic flap gives you your buckles back. One pair costs €60, and returns are free for 30 days.
Shop ZAN SKI boot covers or read 12 tips to keep your feet warm in ski boots.