Actualy Chris there is a modern cure...I have reviewed (a few years back now ) some electronically heated insoles.
I got them from Scarpa but do not know if they still do them.IIRC they were rechargable and had a remote switch - so no dangly wires.
SWMBO hijacked them after the review and I forgot about them... I will see if I can dig out the review.....
Article submitted by John Fenna
Magazine: Sporting Shooter
Working Title: Scarpa: Grizu Heating Supported Footbed
Subject Area: Reviews
Rights Granted: Text: Copyright John Fenna. First British Serial Rights only.
Photographs: Copyright John Fenna. Single use, non exclusive,
UK editorial rights only.
Date: December 2007
SCARPA: GRIZU HEATING SUPPORTED FOOTBED
An elegant solution for the problems anyone who really suffers with cold feet, is the Grizu, a patented footbed that includes a Micro Processor controlled rechargeable Lithium battery powered heating unit.
Each pair of footbeds comes with a battery charger with twin leads that plug directly into the insoles so you can charge both at the same time, and a remote control so you do not need to take your boot off to switch the unit on.
Fitting into almost any boots or shoes, the footbeds are designed to keep the temperature inside your footwear at around 38 degreesC/100 degrees F, work in even quite humid conditions and, if soaked, will switch off to protect themselves and will work again once dried.
The footbeds and remote have red flashing lights to show they are working, are flexible and pretty comfortable (although not having as much shock absorption built in as most footbeds) and will work for about 5-6 hours before needing a recharge that takes about 4 hours, and can be recharged before they are totally drained.
The review sample came with a 2-pin plug that only fitted my shaving socket, or would need an adaptor.
Coming in a smart, heavy duty zipped nylon case with full instructions, a set of Grizu Heating Support Footbeds costs around £140 and come in sizes 6-11 (39-46)
For more information contact The Mountain Boot Company (Scarpa):
www.scarpa.co.uk
Tel 0191 296 0212
There we go!