Kristy I think I have an answer for you! I have gotten frostbite several times. The worst was two years ago working in the shop, not even cold! They turned black, blistered and were soooo painful I had to wrap all my toes in gauze for weeks. It was about 7 months before the black and purple all went away and I got most of the feeling back. Nerves are still damaged, and I have a hard time telling if they're cold or hot. I didn't know they were frostbit until the next day, didn't feel cold to me at all that day! I've damaged them so much over the years, hardly have any feeling in my poor toes. Most people don't get it, it's IMPOSSIBLE to keep my toes warm, I've tried EVERYTHING. They are just too damaged.
My feet sweat when they're cold, which is all year even in summer. They are ice cold 365 days a year, and I can't feel it so can't tell when they get TOO cold. I can get frostbite quickly, and have already this winter to 3 toes. So heat packs just die within an hour in my boots, even with antiperspirant. I've tried everything! Now I think I have it. This is exactly what I bought.
http://cozywinters.com/shop/th-1140-1230.html
It is the longest lasting and shortest charging model they have. I haven't worn them sledding yet, just working. Wore them about 5-6 hours yesterday, and 5 or so today. I was cold, and hands freezing cause I was working on a horse, but my feet were toasty warm with one thin wool sock, on the lowest heat setting. The middle setting is quite warm, but might be necessary for very cold days. The high setting is even warmer, and I doubt I'll need to use it that much unless my feet are already cold. The lowest setting you can barely feel any heat at all, but my toes never got cold (an absolute first for me!!!!!).
I am sold on these so far. I will wear them sledding soon and test out the longevity of the batteries. I researched lots of kinds and thought these were the best for me as they charge fast and last up to 20 hours. You can get cheap ones, but the reviews were mostly bad, as to lasting only a few hours. After I've worn them a bit more and tried them sledding I'll put up a better review. So far I'm sooo soooo happy! They are worth way more if they hold up and do what they're supposed to!
. I have tried different socks, added a silk sock under my socks, added more insoles to make less room in the boot. Just don't have a fix besides adding hand/foot warmers to the boot. I wear a 7.5 shoe, so had to go w/ a size 8 HMK (7 to small), so there is a bit of room hence the adding of extra insoles.....I have tried to not have them tight on the calves/ankles incase cutting off the circulation. Just no worky
