What’s one of the main problems we Canadians encounter in the winter? Cold feet! And we all know how miserable that can be. It makes it hard to stay focused on our outdoor activities, and it’s almost impossible to get our frosty toes warm again when we finally make it inside. Wouldn’t it be great if there was a better way?
Luckily, heated socks exist. With a variety of styles and sizes out there, every single person who steps foot outside in the winter can do it with warm feet. Not only do they keep your toes warm, but they can help you maintain a warmer body temperature overall.
If you’re looking to treat yourself to some heated socks, we want to make sure you get the right ones. They’ll vary in price, temperature range, heating levels, and more. If you want to get the best pair for your feet, you’ll think about every feature.
This comprehensive guide will investigate the best heated socks in Canada in 2024 and outline the criteria you should consider when purchasing. Let’s dive right into our top five products.
The Best Heated Socks Right Now
Our Top Pick for The Best Heated Socks
Trazon HS-Par Heated Socks Review
What We Think of the Trazon HS-Par Heated Socks
There are so many things to appreciate about the Trazon HS-Par Heated Socks. If we had to pick one favourite, though, it would be the battery design. Their ergonomic shape makes them comfortable to wear, and since they aren’t very bulky, they won’t interfere with your pants. Plus, they only take two hours to get a full charge, and you’ll get 3.5-8 hours of heat when they’re fully juiced up.
The setup for the controls is also really user-friendly. On the top of the battery, you’ll see what heat setting you’re on and how much battery life is left. Say goodbye to guessing! The temperature range is also unbeatable, and since you have four heat settings in that range, these socks offer more adjustability than most pairs out there.
This pair of heated socks has very few cons. We would prefer that the price was a little bit lower, but you really can’t go wrong with the quality. We also would like to see a wash bag included, but really, everything about these heated socks is designed with you in mind.
What Reviewers Are Saying About the Trazon HS-Par Heated Socks
Reviewers are enjoying the Trazon HS-Par Heated Socks. The charging time is a lot shorter than many other brands they’ve used in the past, and the battery life is reliable even in cold weather. The thing people seem to love the most is the adjustability of the temperature—with four settings instead of the usual three and a wider range, everybody can find their perfect temperature for the weather.
Trazon HS-Par Heated Socks Specifications
Colour: Black and grey
Material: Cotton and spandex
Sizes Available: 2
Battery Life: 3.5-8 hours
Charge Time: 2 hours
Heat Settings: 4
Temperature Range: 95ºF to 160ºF
Trazon HS-Par Heated Socks Pros and Cons
Pros:
Amazing battery life for the relatively short charging time
Ergonomic battery shape is comfortable to wear and not too bulky
Temperature range and adjustability are unbeatable
Very easy to identify remaining battery life and selected temperature
Cons:
Our Final Thoughts on the Trazon HS-Par Heated Socks
Performance: 5/5
Usability: 5/5
Price: 4/5
Quality: 5/5
All in all, the Trazon HS-Par Heated Socks are an exceptional choice no matter what you plan to do while you’re wearing them. They’ve got all the essentials you need, plus a bunch of user-friendly, thoughtful additions. With these socks, you’ll get to enjoy the winter months a whole lot more.
Our Upgrade Pick
Lenz 5.1 Toe Cap Regular Fit Heat Socks Review
What We Think of the Lenz 5.1 Toe Cap Regular Fit Heat Socks
If you’re hunting for a luxurious pair of heated socks, socks like you’ve never worn before, the Lenz 5.1 Toe Cap Regular Fit Heat Socks are the ones to get. With a combination of functional fibres, silk, and merino wool, they’re incredibly comfortable, stretchy, and (most importantly) breathable and moisture-wicking. They extend up to your knee and have protectors in all the important areas (shin, toe, and heel).
We love the comfort cuff. It’s a thick band that helps keep the sock in place. It’s stretchy enough for thick calves, too. A laundry bag is also included for keeping the socks safe in the washing machine, which is a nice touch. Our favourite feature is the companion app, though. It lets you adjust the temperature without needing access to the battery pack. Undeniably convenient, right?
The only thing that disappoints us is the price tag. Not only are the socks themselves very expensive—almost three times the cost of the average pair—but you also have to pay a lot more for the batteries on top of that. While we love the quality, that price won’t work for everybody.
What Reviewers Are Saying About the Lenz 5.1 Toe Cap Regular Fit Heat Socks
Reviewers have a very high opinion of the Lenz 5.1 Toe Cap Regular Fit Heat Socks. The batteries aren’t too bulky on the sock, and the fit is perfect for everybody. People like how easy the temperature is to change with the free app, and the material feels great. The long battery life is probably their number one favourite thing about them.
Lenz 5.1 Toe Cap Regular Fit Heat Socks Specifications
Colour: Black
Material: Merino wool, silk, and functional fibres
Sizes Available: 3
Battery Life: Up to 14 hours
Lenz 5.1 Toe Cap Regular Fit Heat Socks Pros and Cons
Pros:
Knee height with shin, toe, and heel protectors
Temperature can be controlled via a smartphone companion app or the battery
Comes with a laundry bag for machine washing
Comfort cuff keeps the sock in place
Cons:
Our Final Thoughts on the Lenz 5.1 Toe Cap Regular Fit Heat Socks
Performance: 5/5
Usability: 5/5
Price: 3/5
Quality: 5/5
Overall, the Lenz 5.1 Toe Cap Regular Fit Heat Socks are top-of-the-line. You’ll be paying for that quality, but your feet will thank you a million times over. It’s got features you simply cannot find anywhere else, and the best quality around.
Our Budget Pick
Parner ES01 Heated Socks Review
What We Think of the Parner ES01 Heated Socks
We’re excited to tell you about the Parner ES01 Heated Socks. They’re budget-friendly, but don’t sacrifice performance. The battery life is great, which means you can wear them for hours without needing spare batteries or a break for charging. The three heating levels are effective, too, so you’ll be able to adjust the temperature of the socks to match the weather.
There are three things that every sock material needs to be—soft, breathable, and stretchy. This pair has them all. The one-size-fits-all approach works here! The battery pockets have Velcro to keep them secure, and the batteries themselves are proven to charge at least 500 times. With the addition of a mesh bag for safe washing in a machine, these socks pack tons of value for a great price.
Now comes the part we don’t like as much—the stuff that doesn’t quite meet expectations. The 10-minute heat-up time is our main concern. Unless you’re ultra-patient, there are going to be times when it feels like decades rather than minutes for that warmth to kick in.
Also, these socks come with large batteries, so you may struggle to wear close-fitting pants. Our final issue? You’ll feel the wires on your calves and the heating pads under your feet.
What Reviewers Are Saying About the Parner ES01 Heated Socks
Reviewers are pretty happy with the Parner ES01 Heated Socks. Especially for the price. They don’t love that they can feel the wires in the foot and calf, and the batteries are too bulky for some pant types, but that’s to be expected with a budget-friendly option and they understand that. The heating performance and battery life are exceptional, so people are happy with them overall.
Parner ES01 Heated Socks Specifications
Parner ES01 Heated Socks Pros and Cons
Pros:
Battery pocket has a Velcro closure for security
Socks are breathable, soft, and stretchy
Battery is proven to last for at least 500 charges
Comes with a mesh bag for washing in a machine
Cons:
Our Final Thoughts on the Parner ES01 Heated Socks
Performance: 5/5
Usability: 4.5/5
Price: 5/5
Quality: 4/5
All in all, the Parner ES01 Heated Socks are our favourite choice for budget-conscious shoppers. They aren’t perfect by any means, but they won’t let you down in the areas that matter most. If you’re looking for a slow entry into heated socks, this pair is our top recommendation.
Also Great
Begleri SR-F009P Heated Socks Review
What We Think of the Begleri SR-F009P Heated Socks
The Begleri SR-F009P Heated Socks are something to admire. It’s no wonder they’re our runner-up. The combed cotton material is pure luxury—not only is it cozy and soft, but it’s also super breathable and wear-resistant. Even if you wear them every day, you won’t have to replace them for a while. The heat is evenly distributed around your entire foot too (except for the heel), so you won’t have any cold spots!
The good times don’t end there, though. Once you turn the socks on, it’ll only take a couple of seconds for you to feel the heat. This feature is a lifesaver if you ever forget them and need to warm up fast.
The battery life on these socks is amazing—you’ll be able to wear them for a whole day without recharging. When they do run out of juice, they’ll charge two times faster than many other pairs thanks to the higher-voltage battery.
We only have one complaint about these socks, and it’s that they don’t come in more than one size. If your foot/calf won’t be happy in these socks, we feel for you. Because they’re amazing. If you’re lucky enough to have the right foot size, we wish you warm, happy feet!
What Reviewers Are Saying About the Begleri SR-F009P Heated Socks
Reviewers absolutely love the Begleri SR-F009P Heated Socks. Everybody agrees that they are basically flawless. The one-size-fits-all approach might not be great for everybody, but there aren’t any complaints floating around yet. The all-day battery life is a huge hit, and the heat is very effective. The fast charging is super convenient, too. People want to wear them all the time.
Begleri SR-F009P Heated Socks Specifications
Begleri Heated Socks Pros and Cons
Pros:
Only takes 1-2 seconds to feel the heat kick in
Heats the entire foot in front of the heel
Material is breathable and wear-resistant
High voltage battery charges quickly (2x faster than competitors)
Cons:
Limited sizes
Our Final Thoughts on the Begleri SR-F009P Heated Socks
Performance: 5/5
Usability: 5/5
Price: 4/5
Quality: 5/5
Overall, the Begleri SR-F009P Heated Socks are one of the best options money can buy. They aren’t the cheapest option and only come in one size, but if they fit your foot and your budget, you’ll never want to take them off.
Snow Deer Battery Heated Socks Review
What We Think of the Snow Deer Battery Heated Socks
The Snow Deer Battery Heated Socks are an awesome pair for all-around use. Whether you’re boosting circulation during a trip to the grocery store, you spend all day walking around outside, or you’re fighting a chill during winter sports, they’ve got everything you need to stay warm and comfy. A reliable battery life is only the beginning of their benefits.
These socks are made of a three-material blend that dries five times faster than cotton. Even when you’re working hard in the cold, your feet will stay nice and dry. We love the strong elastic cuffs—they help the socks stay up and can stretch for every calf size. The padded toes and heels help relieve pressure while you’re on your feet, and the buttons on the battery pockets keep things secure.
There are only a couple of minor low points we want you to know about. First, there are parts of the sock that are thinner than the rest, and you will feel the wires under your feet in those spots. Most people get used to the feeling, but others find it too uncomfortable. Also, the socks are very tall, so you might need to prepare for a different fit than you’re used to.
What Reviewers Are Saying About the Snow Deer Battery Heated Socks
Reviewers are really happy with the Snow Deer Battery Heated Socks. Even the low setting does a good job of keeping feet warm, and there are enough sizes to go around. Multiple people have mentioned that the non-reinforced areas are thin enough to feel the wires, but for most, it doesn’t cause enough discomfort to make them unwearable.
Snow Deer Battery Heated Socks Specifications
Colour: Black, grey, or black and grey
Material: Polyester, nylon, and Elasthen
Sizes Available: 4
Battery Life: 2-7 hours
Charge Time: 4 hours
Heat Settings: 3
Temperature Range: 140ºF maximum
Warranty: 1 year
Snow Deer Battery Heated Socks Pros and Cons
Pros:
Has a padded and reinforced toe and heel
Battery pocket has a button to keep it secure
Strong cuff elastic fits every calf and stays up
Fabric blend dries 5x faster than cotton for dry feet
Cons:
Our Final Thoughts on the Snow Deer Battery Heated Socks
Performance: 5/5
Usability: 5/5
Price: 4/5
Quality: 4/5
Overall, the Snow Deer Battery Heated Socks are a well-rounded pair that will work for everybody. They have a couple of undesirable features, but they’re effective and relatively affordable. You won’t be looking for a replacement for a while.
How to Properly Choose Your Heated Socks
Price
Most heated socks will be priced under $100, and you’ll get great performance at this price point. Some pairs will be less than $50, and others may cost several hundred all-in. In general, more expensive heated socks will have more reliable performance, a higher-end blend of materials, and better longevity.
Battery Life
The battery life of heated socks is a key factor to consider while you’re shopping. They will always have a range since they last longer on the lower settings than the higher ones. Typically, this range falls between two and four hours on the high settings and eight and 14 hours on the low settings. A longer battery life is always a good thing!
Number of Heat Settings
Every individual will have a different preference for the temperature of their feet and a different sensitivity to heat. That’s why it’s so important to get a pair of socks with heat settings that work for you. Most heated socks offer three levels of heat, but some rare models will offer four. You’ll want to pay attention to the temperature range within each setting to make sure it’ll work for your needs.
Material
Most heated socks will be made of cotton, and this is a solid choice since it’s a soft and moisture-wicking material. Some pairs will be made of higher-end materials like wool and silk, but you’ll pay more for that luxury.
Temperature Range
The temperature range of heated socks is just as important as the number of heat settings. It’s what determines whether you’ll be warm enough outdoors, and whether there are settings that are cool enough to be toasty but not feel like you’re burning up. It’s a delicate balance. Generally, a range between 100ºF and 150ºF will be enough versatility.
Disclaimer: The prices displayed are accurate at the time of publication. We’ll do our best to keep them as up-to-date as possible, but you may see slight changes. The products in this list are ranked by independent third parties. Rankings are based on both reviews and independent testing.
The federal government is ordering the dissolution of TikTok’s Canadian business after a national security review of the Chinese company behind the social media platform, but stopped short of ordering people to stay off the app.
Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne announced the government’s “wind up” demand Wednesday, saying it is meant to address “risks” related to ByteDance Ltd.’s establishment of TikTok Technology Canada Inc.
“The decision was based on the information and evidence collected over the course of the review and on the advice of Canada’s security and intelligence community and other government partners,” he said in a statement.
The announcement added that the government is not blocking Canadians’ access to the TikTok application or their ability to create content.
However, it urged people to “adopt good cybersecurity practices and assess the possible risks of using social media platforms and applications, including how their information is likely to be protected, managed, used and shared by foreign actors, as well as to be aware of which country’s laws apply.”
Champagne’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment seeking details about what evidence led to the government’s dissolution demand, how long ByteDance has to comply and why the app is not being banned.
A TikTok spokesperson said in a statement that the shutdown of its Canadian offices will mean the loss of hundreds of well-paying local jobs.
“We will challenge this order in court,” the spokesperson said.
“The TikTok platform will remain available for creators to find an audience, explore new interests and for businesses to thrive.”
The federal Liberals ordered a national security review of TikTok in September 2023, but it was not public knowledge until The Canadian Press reported in March that it was investigating the company.
At the time, it said the review was based on the expansion of a business, which it said constituted the establishment of a new Canadian entity. It declined to provide any further details about what expansion it was reviewing.
A government database showed a notification of new business from TikTok in June 2023. It said Network Sense Ventures Ltd. in Toronto and Vancouver would engage in “marketing, advertising, and content/creator development activities in relation to the use of the TikTok app in Canada.”
Even before the review, ByteDance and TikTok were lightning rod for privacy and safety concerns because Chinese national security laws compel organizations in the country to assist with intelligence gathering.
Such concerns led the U.S. House of Representatives to pass a bill in March designed to ban TikTok unless its China-based owner sells its stake in the business.
Champagne’s office has maintained Canada’s review was not related to the U.S. bill, which has yet to pass.
Canada’s review was carried out through the Investment Canada Act, which allows the government to investigate any foreign investment with potential to might harm national security.
While cabinet can make investors sell parts of the business or shares, Champagne has said the act doesn’t allow him to disclose details of the review.
Wednesday’s dissolution order was made in accordance with the act.
The federal government banned TikTok from its mobile devices in February 2023 following the launch of an investigation into the company by federal and provincial privacy commissioners.
— With files from Anja Karadeglija in Ottawa
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 6, 2024.
LONDON (AP) — Most people have accumulated a pile of data — selfies, emails, videos and more — on their social media and digital accounts over their lifetimes. What happens to it when we die?
It’s wise to draft a will spelling out who inherits your physical assets after you’re gone, but don’t forget to take care of your digital estate too. Friends and family might treasure files and posts you’ve left behind, but they could get lost in digital purgatory after you pass away unless you take some simple steps.
Here’s how you can prepare your digital life for your survivors:
Apple
The iPhone maker lets you nominate a “ legacy contact ” who can access your Apple account’s data after you die. The company says it’s a secure way to give trusted people access to photos, files and messages. To set it up you’ll need an Apple device with a fairly recent operating system — iPhones and iPads need iOS or iPadOS 15.2 and MacBooks needs macOS Monterey 12.1.
For iPhones, go to settings, tap Sign-in & Security and then Legacy Contact. You can name one or more people, and they don’t need an Apple ID or device.
You’ll have to share an access key with your contact. It can be a digital version sent electronically, or you can print a copy or save it as a screenshot or PDF.
Take note that there are some types of files you won’t be able to pass on — including digital rights-protected music, movies and passwords stored in Apple’s password manager. Legacy contacts can only access a deceased user’s account for three years before Apple deletes the account.
Google
Google takes a different approach with its Inactive Account Manager, which allows you to share your data with someone if it notices that you’ve stopped using your account.
When setting it up, you need to decide how long Google should wait — from three to 18 months — before considering your account inactive. Once that time is up, Google can notify up to 10 people.
You can write a message informing them you’ve stopped using the account, and, optionally, include a link to download your data. You can choose what types of data they can access — including emails, photos, calendar entries and YouTube videos.
There’s also an option to automatically delete your account after three months of inactivity, so your contacts will have to download any data before that deadline.
Facebook and Instagram
Some social media platforms can preserve accounts for people who have died so that friends and family can honor their memories.
When users of Facebook or Instagram die, parent company Meta says it can memorialize the account if it gets a “valid request” from a friend or family member. Requests can be submitted through an online form.
The social media company strongly recommends Facebook users add a legacy contact to look after their memorial accounts. Legacy contacts can do things like respond to new friend requests and update pinned posts, but they can’t read private messages or remove or alter previous posts. You can only choose one person, who also has to have a Facebook account.
You can also ask Facebook or Instagram to delete a deceased user’s account if you’re a close family member or an executor. You’ll need to send in documents like a death certificate.
TikTok
The video-sharing platform says that if a user has died, people can submit a request to memorialize the account through the settings menu. Go to the Report a Problem section, then Account and profile, then Manage account, where you can report a deceased user.
Once an account has been memorialized, it will be labeled “Remembering.” No one will be able to log into the account, which prevents anyone from editing the profile or using the account to post new content or send messages.
X
It’s not possible to nominate a legacy contact on Elon Musk’s social media site. But family members or an authorized person can submit a request to deactivate a deceased user’s account.
Passwords
Besides the major online services, you’ll probably have dozens if not hundreds of other digital accounts that your survivors might need to access. You could just write all your login credentials down in a notebook and put it somewhere safe. But making a physical copy presents its own vulnerabilities. What if you lose track of it? What if someone finds it?
Instead, consider a password manager that has an emergency access feature. Password managers are digital vaults that you can use to store all your credentials. Some, like Keeper,Bitwarden and NordPass, allow users to nominate one or more trusted contacts who can access their keys in case of an emergency such as a death.
But there are a few catches: Those contacts also need to use the same password manager and you might have to pay for the service.
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Is there a tech challenge you need help figuring out? Write to us at onetechtip@ap.org with your questions.
LONDON (AP) — Britain’s competition watchdog said Thursday it’s opening a formal investigation into Google’s partnership with artificial intelligence startup Anthropic.
The Competition and Markets Authority said it has “sufficient information” to launch an initial probe after it sought input earlier this year on whether the deal would stifle competition.
The CMA has until Dec. 19 to decide whether to approve the deal or escalate its investigation.
“Google is committed to building the most open and innovative AI ecosystem in the world,” the company said. “Anthropic is free to use multiple cloud providers and does, and we don’t demand exclusive tech rights.”
San Francisco-based Anthropic was founded in 2021 by siblings Dario and Daniela Amodei, who previously worked at ChatGPT maker OpenAI. The company has focused on increasing the safety and reliability of AI models. Google reportedly agreed last year to make a multibillion-dollar investment in Anthropic, which has a popular chatbot named Claude.
Anthropic said it’s cooperating with the regulator and will provide “the complete picture about Google’s investment and our commercial collaboration.”
“We are an independent company and none of our strategic partnerships or investor relationships diminish the independence of our corporate governance or our freedom to partner with others,” it said in a statement.
The U.K. regulator has been scrutinizing a raft of AI deals as investment money floods into the industry to capitalize on the artificial intelligence boom. Last month it cleared Anthropic’s $4 billion deal with Amazon and it has also signed off on Microsoft’s deals with two other AI startups, Inflection and Mistral.
