My toes are deformed
Arthritis, as well as using my feet for their intended purpose over many, many miles, have misshapen my toes to the point they are crashing into one another.
Vanity aside, scrunched up toes have caused me no end of pain – not blisters, but from ingrown toenails. Yup, right where the “hallux” (big toe) where and “long toe” (second toe) meet. There’s just enough pressure to aggravate the nail.
It has yet to get infected, but it is painful, like stepping on a sharp object. I’ve tried everything from silicone inserts to bunion repair kits without much success.
On the Appalachian Trail, after exposing my unattractive piggies to a friend, he suggested I try toe-socks. Now that all sounded a bit ridiculous. How was I even going to get my toes into toe socks to begin with?
So I just filed that idea away, and forgot all about his suggestion until one day when the toe-socks Gods themselves, Injinji rang me up.
Would you like to consider giving our socks a try? they asked, all generous and confident.
Sure, I guess…why not? Couldn’t hurt, was my half-ass reply.
But let me tell, the day I put on Injinji socks, a disciple was born.
Gloves for your Feet
Founded in California in the late ’90s, the designers were looking to create an anatomic, dry athletic sock for running that would act like a second skin. Today, Injinji is the top sock at the Western States 100-mile Endurance Race – and a popular pick among long-distance walking legends too.
The principal behind Injnji Toe Socks is simple: when toes are healthy, the body is healthy. Keeping toes separated enhances the function and freedom of the foot, not only keeping the foot more comfortable, but also protected.
We might compare traditional socks to a mitten. They’re like a pouch holding your toes snug – sweaty, blistery and deformed-ly. (is that even a word??) Separating your toes allows them to properly align and even splay, distributing your weight. This theoretically results in your entire foot engaged while walking, hiking, backpacking, thru-hiking, trail running, racing, you name it.
There’s a wide variety of socks available to fit any athlete or fashionista’s style: Baselayer, Light-, Original-, and Mid-weights plus one that comes with padded toes. There are hidden, no-show, crew and over-the-calf sizes all in a wild assortments of colors.
For my purposes, I tested both the Ultra-run and Trail socks which are both more cushioned than the other lines.
I have been wearing toe socks every day since they arrived in the mail – for walks long and short, including the steep Trans-Catalina Trail. While putting them on takes some getting used to since it’s a lot like putting on a different sock for each of your ten toes, my toe issues have all but vanished and I feel more in touch with the ground as I move.
Injinji Toe Socks At-a-Glance
Specs
Ultra-run
Fiber Content: 28% CoolMax EcoMade 67% Nylon, 5% Lycra
Padded Toes: Midweight terry througout toes
Protective Cushion: on footbed
Mesh Top: Max ventilation on top of foot
Blister Prevention and Moisture Management: individually wrapped toes
Trail
Fiber Content: 39% CoolMax EcoMade 58% Nylon 3% Lycra
Arch Support: Supportive band for stability
Protective Cushion: on footbed
Blister Prevention and Moisture Management: individually wrapped toes
Warranty: one year
Injinji Socks Pros
Keeps toes separated
This is the no-brainer part. Individually packaged toes don’t rub against each other to create heat and friction that can cause blisters. Comfy cool material is enough to calm down the arthritis-induced ingrown toenail.
Variety of sizes and thicknesses
You will not have a problem finding the sock for your needs, there’s even a ten-toed liner you can wear under traditional socks.
Durable
So far. We’ll see how they do on a hike longer than a week. I really like Cool-Max Eco-Made. How about that wearing recycled plastic bottles are your feet? This polyester fabric is both wicking and breathable. Made by Lycra (part of DuPont) the companyat least appears to making up for past sins and doing right by the environment. Nice work!
True to Size
Injinj is one of only a few socks I’ve worn that actually cup my feet precisely at the heel (Balega does a great job too with their traditional socks) The toes fit well in their slots, but you will want to ensure you carefully fit your toes all the way in. Extra fabric could cause friction.
Injinji Socks Cons
Never quick to put on
As I mentioned above, putting on toe socks takes a bit of getting used to. I can’t always get my pinky toe to stay in its wee housing. In the morning, the last thing you want to do is be bothered by clothing, but to have a chronic toe issue solved makes it all worth it.
Slow drying
Toe socks invariably take longer to dry and can be a bit of a faff in wet conditions. I also found them a lot colder when hiking in the winter. Though I should point out Injinji has a “snow” version that appears made specifically for Minnesota weather.
Conclusion
I am a wholehearted convert to Injinji Toe Socks and I highly recommend them. Give them a try and let me know how it goes!
The toe socks were given to me by Injinji and I am an affiliate, which means if you purchase the socks by clicking through my website, I will receive a small commission. Thank you for your support!
