Exploding Heated Insoles Sold on Amazon Prompt Urgent Federal Warning Over Burn and Fire Risks

Consumers across the country are being urged to immediately stop using iHeat heated insoles following multiple reports of severe injuries and fires. Federal safety officials say the product, sold online for nearly two years, poses a serious threat even when turned off.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued the warning on July 10, advising the public to dispose of the product properly through local hazardous waste facilities. At least 11 incidents have been reported involving the heated insoles, including eight cases of burn injuries, some of which resulted in second- and third-degree burns. The insoles, which come in black or red and feature a lithium-ion battery operated by remote control, were sold on Amazon between November 2022 and July 2024 at prices ranging from $48 to $80.

The manufacturer, Zhangfengqing, operating under the name iHeat in China, has not responded to the CPSC’s attempts to initiate a recall or provide additional safety information. Due to the fire risk, CPSC stresses that the insoles must not be thrown in household trash or typical recycling bins, nor should they be placed in used battery drop boxes at retail stores.

Instead, consumers are instructed to contact their local municipal hazardous waste collection center for proper disposal. If unsure whether a local center accepts damaged lithium-ion batteries, residents should call ahead or consult their city’s waste management department for safe alternatives. Improper disposal can result in fire hazards in garbage trucks, landfills, or recycling facilities.

These defective products add to growing concerns over the safety of small consumer electronics containing lithium-ion batteries. Consumers who have experienced a safety incident with this product are encouraged to report it through SaferProducts.gov to aid future investigations and possible enforcement actions.

Article by multiple contributors, based upon information from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission press release.

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