CPSC Recalls 208,000 Costco Heated Socks After Burn Injuries
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission on Friday recalled 207,806 32 Degrees heated socks sold at Costco after reports of burn injuries and warned consumers to stop using them immediately (New York Times).
The recall follows 14 heat-related incidents, including 13 reports of first- or second-degree burns that were tied to the socks (CBS News). The burn hazard appears when the socks are worn during high-intensity activities that combine heat, excessive friction, moisture, and pressure. They were sold exclusively at Costco stores and online from August 2025 through March 2026 for between $30 and $46 (CBS News).
The episode traces back to customer complaints about burns while wearing the battery-heated socks during exercise and other high-intensity activity, prompting Costco and regulators to investigate (New York Times). Mainstream accounts described the recall as covering more than 200,000 units, but the detailed tally is 207,806.
Consumers are advised to stop using the socks and follow recall instructions from Costco and the CPSC (CBS News). Anyone with a burn should seek medical care.
The recall of 207,806 heated socks highlights a broader trend in consumer product safety, particularly concerning items powered by lithium-ion batteries. CPSC Chairman Peter A. Feldman has noted that the increase in recalls is largely due to a rise in low-quality and unsafe products imported from China, exacerbated by the growing prevalence of e-commerce platforms. This situation is further complicated by the CPSC's enhanced enforcement measures and border screening practices, which are aimed at addressing the influx of potentially hazardous goods.
Moreover, the incidents involving these heated socks underscore the increasing fire and burn hazards associated with lithium-ion battery-powered products. An analysis by Justrite Safety Group indicates that mechanical, thermal, and electrical abuses of such batteries can lead to dangerous failures, a risk that consumers may not fully appreciate when using products designed for high-intensity activities. As recalls like this one become more common, it raises questions about product safety standards and consumer awareness in a rapidly evolving marketplace.
Show source details & analysis (2 sources)
📊 Relevant Data
The recall involves 207,806 units of 32 Degrees branded heated socks, which were associated with 14 heat-related incidents, including 13 reports of first- or second-degree burns.
32 Degrees Recalls Heated Socks Due to Burn Hazard — U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
The burn hazard occurs when the socks are worn during high-intensity activities that generate a combination of heat, excessive friction, moisture, and pressure.
32 Degrees Recalls Heated Socks Due to Burn Hazard — U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
The recalled heated socks were sold exclusively at Costco stores and online from August 2025 through March 2026 for between $30 and $46.
32 Degrees Recalls Heated Socks Due to Burn Hazard — U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
📌 Key Facts
- More than 200,000 heated socks sold at Costco are covered by a recall, according to the Over 200,000 Heated Socks Sold at Costco Recalled After Reports of Burns article.
- The recall follows multiple reports of burn injuries allegedly caused by the heated socks, the New York Times reports.
- Consumers are advised to stop using the heated socks immediately and follow the recall instructions provided, per the New York Times.
- The affected product is specifically heated socks sold through Costco's channels, as detailed in the New York Times report.
- The New York Times published the report on April 24, 2026, under the headline "Over 200,000 Heated Socks Sold at Costco Recalled After Reports of Burns".
📰 Source Timeline (2)
Follow how coverage of this story developed over time
- Confirms that more than 200,000 heated socks sold specifically through Costco are covered by the recall.
- Details that the recall follows multiple reports of burns caused by the socks.
- Reiterates that consumers are advised to stop using the product immediately and follow recall instructions.