How CozyFeet Foot Warmers Help with Cold Feet Issues

If you’ve ever struggled with cold feet in bed or while lounging, CozyFeet might be the perfect solution. Founded during the pandemic by Corinne, this small woman-owned business in Maryland has redefined comfort with its patented foot warmer. In this interview, Corinne shares the inspiration behind CozyFeet, the challenges of launching a new product, and the journey of growing a niche brand.

The Inspiration Behind CozyFeet

SBS – What inspired you to create CozyFeet, and how did the idea come to life? What makes CozyFeet stand out from other foot warmers on the market?

Corinne – Many people are afflicted with poor circulation. As people age, the feet and hands are often the first areas sensitive to cold weather. I’ve always had trouble with cold feet, especially when trying to sleep. I’d crawl into a chilly bed, and while my body would warm up right away, my feet would stay freezing. That left me unable to fully relax and disrupted my sleep. I used to wear socks, sometimes even two pairs, and eventually, my feet would warm up enough for me to fall asleep. But by the middle of the night, I’d wake up feeling too hot and have to take my socks off, which would disturb my rest again.

In February 2021, I came down with the flu and had a high fever. I was bundled up in layers, but my feet were still cold. That’s when I had the idea to slip my feet into the wide sleeves of a Sherpa sweatshirt. I quickly realized that I could use the sleeves to warm my feet separately and gently, without restriction. Once they were warm, I could easily pull my feet out, and the discomfort was gone.

The concept made so much sense to me: I could warm my feet without trapping them in a tight space, and I could even let them touch once they were warm. After that, I scoured the internet to see if there was anything like it out there and found nothing close. I decided to draw up my own design for what became CozyFeet foot warmer. 

Studies show a clear link between warm feet and a good night’s sleep, When your feet are warm, it’s much easier to fall asleep and stay asleep. CozyFeet is different from most foot warmers or socks because it allows you to warm your feet and then easily remove the warmer without interrupting your sleep. This non-restrictive pouch has a separate compartment for each foot and an opening at the bottom so your feet can touch. You can slide your feet in and out without disturbing your sleep, so it’s ideal for people with any type of neuropathy. It’s also convenient and portable without the need for electricity, hot water, batteries, or the help of a significant other’s feet. CozyFeet is truly one of a kind, with nothing else like it on the market.

From Concept to Product

SBS – Can you walk us through the product development process for CozyFeet?

Corinne – Product development started with a sketch, which I then turned into my first prototype by hand-sewing it. Once I saw that the design had potential, my college friend Cindy joined me to help bring a few more prototypes to life using a 25-year-old $99 Euro Pro sewing machine. Friends and family tested the prototype, and based on their feedback, the design was developed into a pattern. I then partnered with a small manufacturer in Chicago to produce the first batch of CozyFeet. The original CozyFeet was made from minky fleece and was unlined, offering a soft and cozy feel right from the start.

Overcoming Challenges

SBS – What was the biggest challenge you faced when launching CozyFeet, and how did you overcome it?

Corinne – The biggest challenge in launching CozyFeet has been effectively marketing the product. While it is currently available on Etsy and at local markets, CozyFeet needs to reach a much larger audience. I’m actively working on building our social media presence and exploring new strategies to boost visibility and awareness. What makes CozyFeet so appealing is that it’s a product people don’t realize they need — until they try it. It’s quickly become an essential item for many, who once did without it and now consider it a staple in their homes. My focus now is to demonstrate its value and usefulness on a broader scale.

The Patent Process

SBS – How did you go about patenting CozyFeet, and what did that process entail?  

Corinne – It was crucial for me to patent the design and trademark the name “The CozyFeet” when I realized that there was nothing quite like it on the market, and it filled a significant gap. For anyone who suffers from cold feet, this product is a game-changer. I began by applying for a trademark of the name. Since I had no prior experience with patents or trademarks, I had to use resources available on USPTO.gov. Fortunately, the site is user-friendly and offers a wealth of helpful information. 

While applying for the trademark, I also submitted an application for a provisional patent, again using guidance from the USPTO website. The provisional patent is valid for two years, after which I applied for a non-provisional patent and am currently awaiting a response. The entire process is detailed and can be time-consuming, but there are so many resources available to guide anyone interested in applying for a patent or trademark.

Made in the US

SBS – Why did you choose to manufacture the product in the US, and what benefits has this brought to your business?

Corinne – I chose to manufacture the product in the United States because I firmly believe in supporting domestic businesses and strengthening the local economy. While it may not always be the most cost-effective choice, the value of American-made products is undeniable. Consumers often associate US-made goods with superior quality, and that sense of craftsmanship and pride resonates deeply with them. Though the price reflects the higher costs of US manufacturing, many customers are willing to pay a premium, knowing their purchase supports the economy and creates jobs here at home. With fabric sourced from California, elastic from Florida, and production carried out in Illinois, I feel that CozyFeet is contributing to the growth of our economy and playing an active role in its stimulation.

Spreading the Warmth

SBS – What has been your most effective marketing strategy for raising awareness of CozyFeet?

Corinne – The most effective marketing strategy for raising awareness of CozyFeet has been the power of word of mouth, driven by customer satisfaction. Many of our customers initially purchased the product for themselves, and after experiencing its benefits, they not only became repeat buyers but also referred CozyFeet to friends and family. This organic promotion has been invaluable in helping the brand grow.

However, I’ve faced challenges in extending our reach beyond this loyal customer base. While word of mouth has worked well within this circle, achieving broader brand exposure has proven more difficult. To scale and reach our full potential, we need to attract a larger, more diverse audience.

One of the key advantages of CozyFeet is its health benefits, particularly its ability to promote better sleep by keeping feet warm. Research shows that warming the feet can significantly improve sleep quality, and emphasizing this benefit could help us connect with customers seeking sleep solutions.

Additionally, CozyFeet provides relief for those with neuropathy and is especially helpful for individuals in wheelchairs, as it’s far more practical than blankets, which can easily get caught in the wheels. The product is also widely used by people undergoing dialysis or chemotherapy, offering them comfort and warmth during treatment.

By highlighting these health benefits and the versatility of CozyFeet, we hope to expand our reach and raise awareness of how our product supports overall wellness in a meaningful, impactful way.

Customer Satisfaction

SBS – How do you manage customer expectations and ensure satisfaction with the product?

Corinne – We manage customer expectations by providing clear and comprehensive documentation that outlines how to use the product, details about the materials, and the origin of the product. This transparency helps set realistic expectations from the start. We also ensure that our customers can easily reach us by including our contact information so they feel supported throughout their experience with CozyFeet.

In addition to communication, we prioritize using high-quality materials in every product to ensure durability and comfort. By focusing on craftsmanship, we strive to exceed customer expectations and deliver a product that not only meets but enhances their experience. Our goal is to create trust and satisfaction with every purchase so customers feel confident and supported.

Design & Materials

SBS – How did you decide on the different fabrics and designs, such as fleece and fur, for CozyFeet?

Corinne – When designing CozyFeet, we initially chose a single layer of minky fleece, celebrated for its ultra-soft texture. While it offered a soothing, comforting feel, we quickly realized that it didn’t provide enough warmth for customers who needed extra insulation. Those with cold feet were looking for something more substantial, so we decided to create a thicker version that would better meet those needs. We now line CozyFeet with Sherpa or faux fur to add an extra layer of warmth and softness — it truly feels like a cozy hug for your feet.

Despite introducing a more robust design, we wanted to preserve the gentle, calming sensation that the minky fleece offers. That’s why we continue to offer the original minky fleece model for those who don’t necessarily struggle with cold feet but still crave the soothing comfort and softness it provides. Our goal is to offer a range of options that cater to different needs while maintaining the luxurious feel that defines CozyFeet.

Growth Through Collaboration

SBS – What kind of partnerships or collaborations have helped you grow CozyFeet, and why?

Corinne – So far, our partnership experience has been limited to a unique collaboration with a local financial management company. We created a custom-made CozyFeet to help promote their slogan, “Don’t get cold feet to invest.” This partnership was valuable at the time, and it led to a few additional sales. However, I’m now actively seeking the right collaboration to help take CozyFeet to the next level.

Ideally, I’d love to partner with companies that offer complementary products, such as blankets, throws, or socks. These types of partnerships could be mutually beneficial, allowing us to reach a wider audience that already values comfort and warmth. For example, teaming up with a brand that sells blankets could allow us to position CozyFeet as the perfect complementary product — enhancing the experience of staying cozy and warm lounging or in bed.  Similarly, collaborating with a sock company could be an excellent way to offer CozyFeet as a natural, high-quality addition for keeping feet warm while sleeping — essentially, a premium version of bed socks.

Additionally, I’m eager to explore partnerships within the healthcare and wellness sectors. CozyFeet has potential benefits for people seeking warmth and comfort for health reasons, and I’d love to expand its use in areas such as therapeutic recovery or relaxation.

By partnering with brands that share our commitment to quality, comfort, and wellness, we can reach new customers who prioritize those values. These collaborations would help increase brand visibility and open up new markets for CozyFeet. I’m excited to explore these opportunities to introduce CozyFeet to a larger, like-minded audience and elevate the brand in the process.

Balancing Quality & Cost

SBS – How do you balance the production of a high-quality product with cost-efficiency for the business?

Corinne – Balancing the production of a high-quality product with cost-efficiency is an ongoing challenge that I’m still navigating. The rising costs of materials and manufacturing have certainly made it more difficult to maintain both high standards and cost-effectiveness. However, I firmly believe that maintaining the quality of our product must remain our top priority, even if it means operating with slimmer margins.

From my experience, customers are willing to invest in a premium product — especially one that is made in the United States. The value of craftsmanship and quality resonates with them, and I’ve seen that people are willing to pay a little more when they know they’re getting a well-made, durable product that will stand the test of time. That commitment to quality is what sets CozyFeet apart, and it’s something I’m determined to preserve as we continue to grow.

Lessons Learned

SBS – What lessons have you learned from running CozyFeet that you wish you knew when you first started your entrepreneurial journey?

Corinne – One of the key lessons I’ve learned from running CozyFeet is the importance of understanding social media. If I had known just how powerful social media is as a sales driver and tool for exposure, I would have made it a bigger focus from the start. Social media provides an incredible opportunity to reach a vast audience, and its ability to connect with potential customers is unmatched. Navigating social media effectively is an essential skill for anyone in the retail business, and I now see it as a crucial part of building a brand and driving growth.

Advice for Innovators

SBS – What advice do you have for other entrepreneurs looking to create innovative solutions in a niche market?

Corinne – My advice to other entrepreneurs looking to create innovative solutions in a niche market is simple: perseverance is key. Starting a new business is incredibly challenging. It requires more time, money, energy, and emotional strength than you can anticipate, and it can often feel overwhelming and intimidating. But the most important thing is to keep pushing forward.

You don’t need everyone in the world to buy from you — just a small, dedicated customer base can make all the difference, and that’s perfectly okay. If you truly believe in your product and are committed to making it the best it can be, success will follow.

Sometimes, success isn’t about becoming an overnight millionaire. It’s about creating a product that fills a need, provides relief, and offers comfort to even a small group of people. For CozyFeet, I believe we’re doing just that — helping people sleep better and offering warmth and comfort. That impact, no matter how niche, is something that makes the journey worthwhile.