I’ve been wearing Injinji socks for several years now and also like them best of all available toe sock brands. I usually purchase discounted white models and dye them dark grey myself.
Just a generic black dye that is safe to use in your washing machine. Mine is activated with table salt and gives a nice dark grey color (even on mixed fabric) injinjis. I try to get at least 30-50% sales because they are pretty expensive otherwise and the dye-at-home method yields almost the same product.
Thanks for the honest review! The INJINJI cult status had me hyped & my experience was similar. I had the idea that these would be longer lasting bc of the amount they go for. $20 for 1 pair of socks for regular use if not in everyone's budget, and I consider them a splurge. Going into purchasing them knowing that the quality was meh was something I would have enjoyed knowing in advance so I could have purchased more than the 4 pairs that I did. I'm still open to other brands and tbh I started looking at cheap ones online bc I do not think the quality is that great & have holes in between the toe areas on multiple pairs. Yes we all walk different and they'll all wear differently, however, I have had these less than 6 months & I am not impressed. I'll go cheap & just double up on the cheaper & thinner ones in the future until the build quality is better.
Andrew you need to learn how to darn. My Injinji wool toe socks also wear under the first metatarsal joint. Before they go through to a hole I darn them using darning wool. Extends the life 🧶
Bought injinji merino wool socks. Used them only at home and in less than a month there are visible holes in several places. They are really comfy but 35 euros for a pair that I need to repair after a month is absurd. My poly injinji are not that comfy but I used them more that 2 years with no signs of wear.
Yea, I should have mentioned another tip is to never wear wool socks on bare floor. It ruins them super fast. You're better off wearing them inside a lightweight slipper with a sole that's meant to handle direct friction. Funny enough, they'll last longer trail running inside a shoe than just casually walking around the house. The poly Injinji are indeed more durable, but the breathability was poor for me compare to the merino's, so I just have to be extra careful with them.
Yea, it's funny sometimes lighter socks actually hold up better than thicker ones. Maybe Injinji can weave some spider silk in there or something, ha! Good to hear yours are working out well too.
For the past year, I've only worn their Merino wool toe socks, and I don't think I'll ever wear anything else (unless a different company makes the same thing with a lifetime warranty). They have held up super well, and I love how breathable they are. Today I went on a 5-mile walk on a snowmobile trail (which I now understand why it's not a walking trail when there is no snow), which was basically all marsh or mud. My feet got submerged fully several times, yet they were still super comfortable even while soaking wet.
Ha, oh man, I could see that being very muddy. Know what you mean, though, merino just has this magical property of staying warm when wet, much like a wetsuit. Maybe someday Injinji will have a solid competitor, or they'll just find a way to strengthen their socks.
Toe socks were a fad when I was a kid in the 70s, and I had a fun pair with rainbow toes that I loved. Haven't tried any yet lately, since starting into barefoot shoes about 5 yrs ago. I did get turned onto Silverlight foot-shaped light merino hiking socks about a year ago. I like the same things about merino that you do, and the shape leaves the toes free. They also give a lifetime guarantee. Would be interesting to do a mileage test on some different socks.
Yea, I remember seeing rainbow toe socks too, ha. The Silverlight's look cool and 53% merino is decent. Unfortunately, my feet get sweaty if I wear anything but merino toe socks. How long have yours lasted so far?
@@AndrewFolts heh, I don't do nearly the mileage you do, but I have about 100 miles on a pair that isn't showing signs of wear yet. The first pair I had I did a tough-love test on, wearing them for every walk/hike/yardwork session -- at least 3 days/week -- and like slippers around the house. They developed a couple thin & wear-through spots at 6 mos. I was curious and emailed to ask if that was normal expected wear longevity. They said it was not and offered me a replacement pair... which is the one I'm wearing now. One factor with the first pair may be that they were just a bit too big. Not enough to be uncomfortable, but I think a bit of looseness could contribute to wear.
I have 6 boys & only 1 can't wear them because he has very very Extremely wide feet 🦶 that is Exactly just like my foot is. But the rest of my sons love to wear toes socks when it's Extremely cold outside like 20° or 30° Degrees outside with there flip flops 🩴 on. All 6 of my sons Haye wearing shoes & socks because they crush & hurt there feet 🦶 & toes. & the same for me too. My 5 boys love wearing toes socks with there flip flops 🩴 because there toes can spread out like Normal with the flip flops 🩴 on & it's very comfortable they says with the flip flops 🩴 they says. I really like them I just wish I could wear them. My boys are so lucky that they can wear them. Good video buddy thanks you for sharing this.
Feel ya, it's too bad Injinji doesn't make an extra-wide toe sock. Realfoot makes some great extra-wide barefoot shoes, though, and they also have extra-wide bamboo blend toe socks: bit.ly/47yqXS4
@AndrewFolts yeah man that really suck injinji doesn't make extra wide toes socks for people like me with extremely wide feet 🦶. I will look into real foot & the toes socks . Thanks you for sharing this information.
They'd be worth a try sometime, definitely not as durable, but much better in terms of breathability and temperature regulation. Glad you're enjoying the regular ones!
I tried 6 pairs of the hiking Injnjis and the heel lasted no time on all of them. If only Darn Tough made toe socks! I may try Xoskin RapiDriCopper Crew-Wool next. The materials seem tougher, with 40% wool. I'd rather it was over 50%, but they look interesting. I just have a couple of Kitido's at the momment: tougher and thicker than Injinji, but my feet feel a little tangled in there, and they're a bit more awkward to get on, so they don't get the use they should...
Yea, I'm hoping Injinji will come out with a merino 75% V2 that's a bit more durable. I hear good things about Xoskin, although I'm sure the breathability won't be as good at around half the wool content. Darn Tough toe socks would be amazing!
Can you use your clout to ask Injinji to make merino wool tabi socks? I tried toe socks; getting them ready for the washing machine was a pain. Getting them on my feet was also a chore. Switched to tabi socks. All the benefits of toe socks, but with less hassle. I think I own every pair of tabi socks on Amazon that fit a size mens 11/44. I wear through them so fast. Don’t have a problem with sweat or blisters, I apply women’s clinical Secret deodorant on my feet.
Toe socks are a pain at first, but I've perfected my technique and can get them on super fast now. maybe I'll make a video about it. Tabi socks would not work for me, because my toes get sweaty and I need material in between all five, not just two.
Wool is great but unfortunately the durability isn't as good as many synthetics or other natural fibers. Personally, I love the Injinji socks for a couple reasons, firstly because they prevent blisters better than anything else due to how they cradle the foot and prevent any skin on skin contact, and secondly because in cold weather, the individual toe pockets will keep your toes warm better than traditional socks, even much thicker ones. The fact they don't squeeze the foot as much and allow for being a weirdo and wearing flip flops with your socks is a nice side benefit :D
Yea, I keep hoping they'll figure out how to weave in some spider silk or something to improve durability, ha. But you can beat the performance and comfort of wool toe socks, so I'm willing to take the hit on faster wear.
They are indeed more durable. My feet sweat like crazy in them and they stink after only one use, though, so I just swallow the cost of replacing my wool's more often.
I just ordered 3 pairs of the lightweight wool Injinjis. I think I'm just gonna return them as soon as they get here because they were expensive and I don't want them to wear out so quickly. I have a pair of the midweight ones and they're doing fine, but I don't imagine the lightweight would hold up so well. I like the idea of merino wool because they can be worn multiple times before needing a wash, so you only need a few pairs, but I guess I'll have to go with cheaper synthetic ones. 👎
Yea, it is what is is. Synthetic lasts longer, but gets hot, sweaty, and smelly, while wool is less durable, but has amazing breathability and temperature regulation. Maybe keep one pair for hot/long days out and use synthetic when it's less important.
You could like hide the toe socks under normal socks, ha. Belville makes an *almost* barefoot boot with a 2mm drop called the Mini Mil that's military approved. www.bellevilleboot.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=151
During boot camp you will have to wear standard issue gear. I was in the military for five years and the blisters from standard issue gear suck. Go for the Belville mini mil and toe socks as soon as you have the chance. Your feet will thank you during ftx and forced marches.
I have been wearing the Mini-Mils for the last 2 years and can attest they are 100% worth buying and the only regulation minimalist boot I could find. Throw in some suede leather care and waterproofing and they will last you a long time and in any environment, even the cold if you wear thick socks. As for basic -- depending on the branch -- if they even make you wear boots right off the bat, you should be able to wear your own boots. If you have to wear the issued ones, just make sure you get them in a wide and you'll be fine.
I love injinji. I only recently transitioned to vivobarefoot shoes and shortly after bought several pairs of injinji socks. Only problem is that wearing normal socks again feels so weird and uncomfortable.
Which sock model is this? I got the liner sock and, while they're fairly new still, doesn't seem to have the fail point the free gift hiking pair they gave me have. That pair gets thinner right at the ball of the foot in basically the same fail point you're showing. I wonder if the actual liner sock will fail there still in some months...
The Crew is the main one I use. They pretty much all wear in the same spots around the big toe and back of the heel. Someone just recommended repairing them by darning, which is a good way to save money, since the rest of the sock's like new. Will make a video about it.
Having worn Injinji's new 75% and original 65% merino socks the 50% merino creepers would be not great if temperature regulation and moisture wicking are important to you. They would be more durable, though. So it's just a matter of priority, but I prefer a high performance sock that keeps my feet dry/warm/cool and doesn't last as long than a low performance sock that's somewhat more durable but more sweaty/uncomfortable.
I bought six pairs each of Injinji, Creepers and Vibram toe socks a month ago. I wear a size 12.5 shoe so Injinji offers the best fit for me. The fit of the other two brands is great. All three are comfortable. They all seem to wick away sweat and odor without drastic differences. FYI I live in the Arizona desert. Comfort wise the Creepers feel like you have expensive soft pillows on your feet. Injinji feels slightly softer than the Vibram but the Vibram are very comfortable as well. I don’t think you can go wrong with either three. I guess it’s matter of personal preference. All three are expensive.
Yes, very. Merino wool is the warmest, most temperature regulating fabric on earth. I've worn a couple layers of Injinji's down below freezing. You can also do an Injinji baselayer and then a thick Smartwool overtop.
Hey man, I was looking for a cross training shoe that has a similar width toe box as the softstar primal run amoc. I just recently bought the softstar primal runamoc and LOVE the width of the toe box! Any suggestions?
The Be Lenka Dash would be great, as long as you don't need something too rugged. ua-cam.com/video/35YNL1iB5mk/v-deo.html Realfoot Natural Runner bit.ly/47frhoe or Bearfoot Ursus bit.ly/3PEQcKL would be good picks too and a bit tougher. You can also filter for activities, width, etc, with my shoe finder tool: bit.ly/3IZFqM4
*Best Barefoot Socks* (referral links)
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injinji merino wool toe socks - - - bit.ly/3dvdcgk
smartwool hiking socks - - - - - - - amzn.to/47ZyCZJ
*Best Barefootwear* (referral links)
casual shoes - - - bit.ly/3Smg8gx
road shoes - - - - - bit.ly/48XEOBz
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trek boots - - - - - - bit.ly/3SCgP5V
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slippers - - - - - - - - bit.ly/3tNYvNz
website - - - - - - - - www.barefootwear.org
I’ve been wearing Injinji socks for several years now and also like them best of all available toe sock brands. I usually purchase discounted white models and dye them dark grey myself.
@@GammaCorvi Oh that's clever! What kind of dye do you use?
Just a generic black dye that is safe to use in your washing machine. Mine is activated with table salt and gives a nice dark grey color (even on mixed fabric) injinjis. I try to get at least 30-50% sales because they are pretty expensive otherwise and the dye-at-home method yields almost the same product.
@@GammaCorvi May I ask where you find these? Thanks a ton!
Thanks for the honest review! The INJINJI cult status had me hyped & my experience was similar. I had the idea that these would be longer lasting bc of the amount they go for. $20 for 1 pair of socks for regular use if not in everyone's budget, and I consider them a splurge. Going into purchasing them knowing that the quality was meh was something I would have enjoyed knowing in advance so I could have purchased more than the 4 pairs that I did. I'm still open to other brands and tbh I started looking at cheap ones online bc I do not think the quality is that great & have holes in between the toe areas on multiple pairs. Yes we all walk different and they'll all wear differently, however, I have had these less than 6 months & I am not impressed. I'll go cheap & just double up on the cheaper & thinner ones in the future until the build quality is better.
Andrew you need to learn how to darn. My Injinji wool toe socks also wear under the first metatarsal joint. Before they go through to a hole I darn them using darning wool. Extends the life 🧶
That's actually a great idea, thanks, Anni! Just started to watch a tutorial, ha!
Gosh, darn it!
@@FullMetalOtherClothingItem 👍🏼😂
Bought injinji merino wool socks. Used them only at home and in less than a month there are visible holes in several places. They are really comfy but 35 euros for a pair that I need to repair after a month is absurd. My poly injinji are not that comfy but I used them more that 2 years with no signs of wear.
Yea, I should have mentioned another tip is to never wear wool socks on bare floor. It ruins them super fast. You're better off wearing them inside a lightweight slipper with a sole that's meant to handle direct friction. Funny enough, they'll last longer trail running inside a shoe than just casually walking around the house. The poly Injinji are indeed more durable, but the breathability was poor for me compare to the merino's, so I just have to be extra careful with them.
Same experience here. My socks start to wear out at the big toe after several weeks
I’ve only got Injinji socks. Even the light ones have held up well.
Yea, it's funny sometimes lighter socks actually hold up better than thicker ones. Maybe Injinji can weave some spider silk in there or something, ha! Good to hear yours are working out well too.
For the past year, I've only worn their Merino wool toe socks, and I don't think I'll ever wear anything else (unless a different company makes the same thing with a lifetime warranty). They have held up super well, and I love how breathable they are. Today I went on a 5-mile walk on a snowmobile trail (which I now understand why it's not a walking trail when there is no snow), which was basically all marsh or mud. My feet got submerged fully several times, yet they were still super comfortable even while soaking wet.
Ha, oh man, I could see that being very muddy. Know what you mean, though, merino just has this magical property of staying warm when wet, much like a wetsuit. Maybe someday Injinji will have a solid competitor, or they'll just find a way to strengthen their socks.
Toe socks were a fad when I was a kid in the 70s, and I had a fun pair with rainbow toes that I loved. Haven't tried any yet lately, since starting into barefoot shoes about 5 yrs ago. I did get turned onto Silverlight foot-shaped light merino hiking socks about a year ago. I like the same things about merino that you do, and the shape leaves the toes free. They also give a lifetime guarantee. Would be interesting to do a mileage test on some different socks.
Yea, I remember seeing rainbow toe socks too, ha. The Silverlight's look cool and 53% merino is decent. Unfortunately, my feet get sweaty if I wear anything but merino toe socks. How long have yours lasted so far?
@@AndrewFolts heh, I don't do nearly the mileage you do, but I have about 100 miles on a pair that isn't showing signs of wear yet.
The first pair I had I did a tough-love test on, wearing them for every walk/hike/yardwork session -- at least 3 days/week -- and like slippers around the house. They developed a couple thin & wear-through spots at 6 mos. I was curious and emailed to ask if that was normal expected wear longevity. They said it was not and offered me a replacement pair... which is the one I'm wearing now.
One factor with the first pair may be that they were just a bit too big. Not enough to be uncomfortable, but I think a bit of looseness could contribute to wear.
I have 6 boys & only 1 can't wear them because he has very very Extremely wide feet 🦶 that is Exactly just like my foot is. But the rest of my sons love to wear toes socks when it's Extremely cold outside like 20° or 30° Degrees outside with there flip flops 🩴 on. All 6 of my sons Haye wearing shoes & socks because they crush & hurt there feet 🦶 & toes. & the same for me too. My 5 boys love wearing toes socks with there flip flops 🩴 because there toes can spread out like Normal with the flip flops 🩴 on & it's very comfortable they says with the flip flops 🩴 they says. I really like them I just wish I could wear them. My boys are so lucky that they can wear them. Good video buddy thanks you for sharing this.
Feel ya, it's too bad Injinji doesn't make an extra-wide toe sock. Realfoot makes some great extra-wide barefoot shoes, though, and they also have extra-wide bamboo blend toe socks: bit.ly/47yqXS4
@AndrewFolts yeah man that really suck injinji doesn't make extra wide toes socks for people like me with extremely wide feet 🦶. I will look into real foot & the toes socks . Thanks you for sharing this information.
As I said before,I wear Injinji Toe Socks. I do not have any Merino Wool socks.
Injinji Socks are great. They are very well made.
Thanks!
They'd be worth a try sometime, definitely not as durable, but much better in terms of breathability and temperature regulation. Glad you're enjoying the regular ones!
Thank you, Andrew!
You got it. Cheers, Nate!
I tried 6 pairs of the hiking Injnjis and the heel lasted no time on all of them. If only Darn Tough made toe socks! I may try Xoskin RapiDriCopper Crew-Wool next. The materials seem tougher, with 40% wool. I'd rather it was over 50%, but they look interesting. I just have a couple of Kitido's at the momment: tougher and thicker than Injinji, but my feet feel a little tangled in there, and they're a bit more awkward to get on, so they don't get the use they should...
Yea, I'm hoping Injinji will come out with a merino 75% V2 that's a bit more durable. I hear good things about Xoskin, although I'm sure the breathability won't be as good at around half the wool content. Darn Tough toe socks would be amazing!
I started getting monthly pedicures specifically so my toe socks dont tear at the toes anymore at all. Worth it imo
Ha, smart, yes...sharp nails can certainly tear them.
Can you use your clout to ask Injinji to make merino wool tabi socks? I tried toe socks; getting them ready for the washing machine was a pain. Getting them on my feet was also a chore. Switched to tabi socks. All the benefits of toe socks, but with less hassle. I think I own every pair of tabi socks on Amazon that fit a size mens 11/44. I wear through them so fast. Don’t have a problem with sweat or blisters, I apply women’s clinical Secret deodorant on my feet.
Toe socks are a pain at first, but I've perfected my technique and can get them on super fast now. maybe I'll make a video about it. Tabi socks would not work for me, because my toes get sweaty and I need material in between all five, not just two.
Wool is great but unfortunately the durability isn't as good as many synthetics or other natural fibers. Personally, I love the Injinji socks for a couple reasons, firstly because they prevent blisters better than anything else due to how they cradle the foot and prevent any skin on skin contact, and secondly because in cold weather, the individual toe pockets will keep your toes warm better than traditional socks, even much thicker ones. The fact they don't squeeze the foot as much and allow for being a weirdo and wearing flip flops with your socks is a nice side benefit :D
Yea, I keep hoping they'll figure out how to weave in some spider silk or something to improve durability, ha. But you can beat the performance and comfort of wool toe socks, so I'm willing to take the hit on faster wear.
I've found the CoolMax Injinji's far more durable than the wool ones.
They're just as breathable and faster drying but need washing more frequently.
They are indeed more durable. My feet sweat like crazy in them and they stink after only one use, though, so I just swallow the cost of replacing my wool's more often.
I just ordered 3 pairs of the lightweight wool Injinjis. I think I'm just gonna return them as soon as they get here because they were expensive and I don't want them to wear out so quickly. I have a pair of the midweight ones and they're doing fine, but I don't imagine the lightweight would hold up so well. I like the idea of merino wool because they can be worn multiple times before needing a wash, so you only need a few pairs, but I guess I'll have to go with cheaper synthetic ones. 👎
Yea, it is what is is. Synthetic lasts longer, but gets hot, sweaty, and smelly, while wool is less durable, but has amazing breathability and temperature regulation. Maybe keep one pair for hot/long days out and use synthetic when it's less important.
I only wear injinji and barefoot but im joining the military so its back to boots and regular socks so I dont get bullied in boot camp 😂
You could like hide the toe socks under normal socks, ha. Belville makes an *almost* barefoot boot with a 2mm drop called the Mini Mil that's military approved. www.bellevilleboot.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=151
During boot camp you will have to wear standard issue gear. I was in the military for five years and the blisters from standard issue gear suck.
Go for the Belville mini mil and toe socks as soon as you have the chance. Your feet will thank you during ftx and forced marches.
I have been wearing the Mini-Mils for the last 2 years and can attest they are 100% worth buying and the only regulation minimalist boot I could find. Throw in some suede leather care and waterproofing and they will last you a long time and in any environment, even the cold if you wear thick socks. As for basic -- depending on the branch -- if they even make you wear boots right off the bat, you should be able to wear your own boots. If you have to wear the issued ones, just make sure you get them in a wide and you'll be fine.
Thanks for the amazing comments all 3 of you. Im screenshotting all of it for when basic starts in a month!
Hi, did you hang dry these or put them in the dryer?
You should never put merino wool in the dryer. I hang dry mine, and they’re in excellent condition.
I love injinji. I only recently transitioned to vivobarefoot shoes and shortly after bought several pairs of injinji socks. Only problem is that wearing normal socks again feels so weird and uncomfortable.
Ha, so true. At first the toes felt weird and now it feels weird not to have fabric in between them.
Which sock model is this? I got the liner sock and, while they're fairly new still, doesn't seem to have the fail point the free gift hiking pair they gave me have. That pair gets thinner right at the ball of the foot in basically the same fail point you're showing. I wonder if the actual liner sock will fail there still in some months...
The Crew is the main one I use. They pretty much all wear in the same spots around the big toe and back of the heel. Someone just recommended repairing them by darning, which is a good way to save money, since the rest of the sock's like new. Will make a video about it.
I'd love to see a comparison between these and Creepers Toe Socks.
Having worn Injinji's new 75% and original 65% merino socks the 50% merino creepers would be not great if temperature regulation and moisture wicking are important to you. They would be more durable, though. So it's just a matter of priority, but I prefer a high performance sock that keeps my feet dry/warm/cool and doesn't last as long than a low performance sock that's somewhat more durable but more sweaty/uncomfortable.
I bought six pairs each of Injinji, Creepers and Vibram toe socks a month ago. I wear a size 12.5 shoe so Injinji offers the best fit for me. The fit of the other two brands is great. All three are comfortable. They all seem to wick away sweat and odor without drastic differences. FYI I live in the Arizona desert. Comfort wise the Creepers feel like you have expensive soft pillows on your feet. Injinji feels slightly softer than the Vibram but the Vibram are very comfortable as well. I don’t think you can go wrong with either three. I guess it’s matter of personal preference. All three are expensive.
Do they keep the toes warm?
Yes, very. Merino wool is the warmest, most temperature regulating fabric on earth. I've worn a couple layers of Injinji's down below freezing. You can also do an Injinji baselayer and then a thick Smartwool overtop.
Can you please try vibram merino wool socks?
Sure, I'll try to get a pair next time I review some Vibram's.
@@AndrewFolts cool
I wear only injinji socks. They are good for about a year. You start to get holes in your toes
Yea, maybe someday they'll improve the durability somehow, but a stellar sock, nonetheless.
Hey man, I was looking for a cross training shoe that has a similar width toe box as the softstar primal run amoc. I just recently bought the softstar primal runamoc and LOVE the width of the toe box! Any suggestions?
The Be Lenka Dash would be great, as long as you don't need something too rugged. ua-cam.com/video/35YNL1iB5mk/v-deo.html Realfoot Natural Runner bit.ly/47frhoe or Bearfoot Ursus bit.ly/3PEQcKL would be good picks too and a bit tougher. You can also filter for activities, width, etc, with my shoe finder tool: bit.ly/3IZFqM4
Love these socks
Yea, they're my all-time fav's!
Injinji Vs Creepers socks ?
Likely more durable, but at 50% wool (vs 75%) they're going to be significantly less breathable and temperature regulating.