Heated covers HOTBOOTS: No more frozen feet on football benches

A unique innovation has appeared on the Czech market – heated covers HOTBOOTS, providing a welcome solution for all football players, both professional and amateur. This unique project was created thanks to the collaboration of the Department of Textile Evaluation at the Faculty of Textile Engineering at the Technical University of Liberec, the company OutdoorKWAK, and the textile laminate manufacturer SVITAP.

How did it all start?

The idea came from Karel Kozma, an active footballer and coach, who struggled for years with the discomfort of frozen feet during matches. "I've been playing football all my life, and the feeling of frozen feet on the bench has always been paralyzing. The worst is during winter training, when you're waiting on the field in January for the second half. The cold starts creeping in from your feet, making it really hard to get moving again. But no one knew of a simple and effective solution," Kozma recalls. 

About three years ago, as every winter season brought back the same problem, Kozma started thinking about a solution. The idea came from an electric heating blanket, and he began considering how its principle could be adapted to warm feet. He approached experts at the Textile Faculty of the Liberec University, where, under the leadership of Roman Knížek, the development of a new product began. The OutdoorKWAK company collaborated on pattern design and production of the first prototypes, while the special three-layer laminate was supplied by SVITAP.

What makes HOTBOOTS so special?

The core of HOTBOOTS is a three-layer laminate with a nanomembrane, used to create a protective heating bag. Inside the lining, there are three integrated heating plates, powered by a connected power bank lasting up to two hours. Players step into the bag with their football boots on and pull it up over their thighs. Thanks to its nanomaterial, the bag is resistant to rain and wind, keeping the player's feet at a comfortable temperature of 25°C, even when outside temperatures drop below freezing. 

Roman Knížek adds: 
"I was honestly surprised that no one had come up with this idea before Karel Kozma. I'm glad we could help find a solution. This project connects science with practical application and business while involving Czech companies. These are the kinds of projects that make sense at our university." 

Moreover, the smart heating cover is already protected by a utility model. 

Rigorously Tested for Extreme Conditions 

The heated covers underwent rigorous testing in temperatures as low as -15°C, successfully maintaining a constant 25°C for 45 minutes. Thanks to their compact design and a portable bag, which can even be customized with a club logo, HOTBOOTS are becoming an essential accessory for players during the winter football season. 

HOTBOOTS beyond football

Although HOTBOOTS were primarily designed for football players, their potential extends far beyond the football field. They can be useful for other athletes, coaches, and even fans watching outdoor matches. The ambition of the project is to reach not only the Czech market but also foreign football clubs.

HOTBOOTS are available for purchase on the official e-shop hotboots.store, priced at 14,000 CZK.