Injinji Performance Toesock
If you have ever run across a pair of Injinji toesocks in the store, you wouldn't forget. They are distinctive for their patented tetratsok design. What is "tetratsok design"? It is the foot equivalent of putting your fingers in a glove instead of a mitten.
My first impression was that they were designed to reduce the friction and moisture between toes and prevent blistering from "toe-to-toe" rubbing. This seemed logical to me.
After doing a little research online, folks are also saying the design is intended for additional benefits: it enables your entire foot to perform in a more biomechanically natural manner. The “natural running” idea is one that’s gradually gaining traction in the running world. What is "natural running"? Basically, to mimic the feel of running barefoot.
On the trail, you will feel the difference on your very first run in a pair of Injinjis: instead of just rolling over the ground, your toes immediately start moving, gripping and working a little more with your foot and body. This is especially beneficial on trails where you are covering rocks, roots and such, not as much on the road.
One person described it as – it’s like your toes are waking up and saying “Hey! We can do whatever we want in here! This is great!”
Injinjis were very comfortable to wear and to run in, which was one of my concerns before heading out to log some miles. The individual toe sleeves are seamless, and the fabric blend feels very nice against the skin. The Performance Sock features wicking CoolMax on the skin side and nylon on the outside, which helps transfer moisture away from the toes, keeping your "little piggies" dry and blister free. The double-layered welt top holds the shape of the sock and keeps all the parts positioned where they’re supposed to be so there is no bunching up.
Fabric:
70% Coolmax
25% Nylon
5% Lycra
Side note: when you finish up a run, slip off your shoes, and you can slip right into a pair of flip-flops. The toe slides right it and you still have the extra support of the sock while you recover and stretch.
Overall, the Injinjis are a comfortable and interesting option if you have problems with toe blisters, toes rubbing together or if you’re looking to explore the possibilities of running with a more "natural" feel.
Injinji performance Toesocks retail for $12 and can be ordered online through their retail store or at most local running shops (I have never seen them in a bike shop).
