Costco Heated Socks Recall Issued After More Than a Dozen Burn Injuries: CPSC

Recall expected to prompt wave of Costco heated socks lawsuits as consumers report additional burn injuries linked to battery-powered foot warmers.

Federal safety officials are warning consumers to immediately stop using certain 32 Degrees heated socks sold at Costco, following reports that the battery-powered foot warmers may overheat.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced the 32 Degrees heated socks recall on April 23, indicating the products have been associated with at least 14 overheating incidents and 13 burn injuries, including reports of second-degree burns.

As a result of these actions, product liability lawsuits are expected to be filed in the coming months over burn injuries linked to the devices.

Battery-Powered Foot Warmer Risks

Battery-powered foot warmers, such as heated socks, are marketed to keep feet warm during outdoor activities like hiking, camping and working in cold environments. These products rely on rechargeable lithium-ion battery packs, which can malfunction and generate excessive heat, posing a serious risk of burns.

Following a number of incidents in recent years, attorneys indicate the latest recall is likely to prompt additional Costco heated socks lawsuits, particularly for individuals who suffered injuries while using the products as intended.

A series of heated insole and foot warmer lawsuits have already been filed nationwide, with plaintiffs alleging defective designs and inadequate safety features caused severe burns, nerve damage and, in some cases, the need for surgical treatment. Many of these complaints also name Amazon as a distributor, seeking to hold the company liable for selling the allegedly dangerous products.

Costco Heated Socks Recall

The 32 Degrees recall involves approximately 207,806 pairs of heated socks sold nationwide at Costco stores and online in recent months for between $30 and $46. According to the CPSC, the battery packs may overheat during certain high-intensity activities. This could lead to dangerous temperature buildup during normal use.

The affected products are black heated socks available in medium, large and extra-large sizes. The logo “32° HEAT” is displayed on the battery pack, its packaging, the instruction manual and the outer retail box.

Consumers are being instructed to stop using the heated socks immediately and return them to Costco for a full refund.

Questions about the recall can be directed to the manufacturer by phone at 833-997-2452 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, by email at recall@32degrees.com, or online at www.32degrees.com/recall or www.32degrees.com, by clicking “Sock Recall” at the bottom of the page under “Support.”

Foot Warmer Lawsuits

The latest recall is expected to spur a new wave of Costco heated socks lawsuits, adding to broader safety concerns surrounding battery-powered foot warmers sold through major retailers, including Costco and Amazon.

Claims are likely to center on consumers who suffered burns or related injuries, with allegations that the products were defectively designed, lacked adequate temperature controls or automatic shutoff features, and were sold without sufficient warnings about the risk of overheating.

These lawsuits build on similar litigation filed in recent months involving other heated foot products. Earlier this year, an iHeat heated insole lawsuit followed a CPSC warning urging consumers to stop using certain products sold on Amazon after reports of fires, explosions and overheating incidents. At least eight burn injuries were reported, including cases involving second- and third-degree burns.

Around the same time, a Tajarly heated insoles lawsuit was filed after another federal safety alert linked the products to ignition incidents and burn injuries, with some requiring extended hospitalization. 

As a result of these occurrences and others, attorneys have been actively reviewing foot warmer lawsuits in recent months. The Costco heated socks recall is expected to add to the growing litigation, as more consumers come forward alleging the products malfunctioned during normal use and caused serious injuries.

Heated insole injury lawyers are evaluating cases nationwide, focusing on incidents where battery-powered foot warming devices allegedly malfunctioned during normal use and caused severe harm, including:

• Burns to the feet or toes
• Overheating or fires
• Emergency medical treatment or hospitalization
• Surgical procedures such as skin grafts and lasting pain
• Scarring or reduced mobility

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