Keep Feet Warm in Winter With Hand Warmers

Although many residents of cold winter states purchase thick socks and boots to keep their feet warm, they still suffer with cold feet as temperatures drop below zero. But, they don't have to. Ironically, it's not toe warmers, but rather hand warmers that can be safely and effectively used to keep the feet toasty warm. Hand warmers are sold by a variety of companies such as Hot Hands, Penguin, and Hotties. They're sold as a package of 2 and are commonly found in grocery stores, Dollar General, Wal-Mart, Menards, and some auto parts supply stores such as Auto Zone or Advance.

The package should say that the hand warmers give at least 8 hours of heat. Each hand warmer measures only about 1 1/2 by 2 1/2 inches. They are odorless and environmentally safe. The packets are usually filled with iron powder, water, salt, activated charcoal and vermiculite and cost around $1.00 per packet of 2.

The hand warmers are shaken to activate the warming ingredients and then placed inside each shoe at the toe part. It's advisable and may even be necessary to purchase a pair of shoes for the winter that are a size too big to allow for the extra bulk of the hand warmers. Once opened and shaken, hand warmers may take up to twenty minutes to reach maximum heat. Walking with them in the toe part of shoes allows for just enough air to circulate for the maintenance of maximum warmth.

Hand warmers may even be used to keep the feet warm inside the house as they can be placed in the toe part of house shoes. They're also excellent to keep hands warm if wearing mittens. However, if the mittens are thin and the temperature very low, not as much warmth will be generated. Hand warmers can even be placed in pockets where they should receive adequate air to generate warmth. If all air is cut off they will not heat.

Cold hands and feet can hinder work in the work place and at home. A sweater can be worn to keep warm and blankets provide overall covering for warmth, but gloves and shoes aren't worn in the house. Due to rising energy costs, many Americans are keeping the thermostat down to save on their bills. It's good to know that hands and feet can be kept warm safely and economically by using hand warmers. Every little problem eliminated helps to make for a more comfortable winter season.