Your feet go through a lot when you’re hiking and you should do your best to take care of them. Obviously, you want to find the right footwear, but what about socks?
INJINJI toe socks are high-performance toe-socks designed to provide all the support, comfort, and functionality you need on a casual day hike or a long-term thru-hike.
They have a ton of different options available, so how do you narrow it down and choose the best INJINJI sock for you?
There are a few factors that you can look at to help you find the best option for you. We’re going to take a look at the material that INJINJI socks are made of, different styles, their weight, and their durability.
Read on to discover how to choose the best toe INJINJI sock for you!
INJINJI Material
There are four different materials that INJINJI socks are made out of. Each has its own benefits and choosing the best INJINJI sock for you will depend on what activity you’re planning on wearing them during.
Cotton
Some injinji socks are made of traditional cotton fibers. Cotton is a great material when you’re looking for comfort and insulation. This material will keep your feet and toes comfortable and warm for long periods.
Cotton also provides a good deal of cushioning of these are a great choice if you’re prone to sore feet. However, this material is also one of the heaviest and can become even heavier when it gets damp.
If you plan on wearing injinji socks while hiking or working out then the ones made of cotton aren’t going to be your best choice. These would be better suited for gentler activities where you’re not going to sweat much.
NuWool
NuWool is INJINJI’s own Merino wool made from the finest Australian wool. This material is an excellent choice for hikers, campers, and outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds.
This material is designed to provide you with maximum comfort and durability while helping to keep your feet warm and dry.
injinji socks made from this material also have odor control qualities so your feet’s scent will stay mild even during the toughest hikes.
COOLMAX
The COOLMAX fiber that INJINJI uses to manufacture some of their socks is designed to be the superior option for keeping your feet comfortable and dry.
This material is advertised to be able to wick moisture from your feet even in the most intense exercise or sporting endeavors. Socks made of this material would be great for rough hikes in extreme conditions.
"They’ll keep your feet comfortable, dry, and help you perform at your best."
Lycra
INJINJI also uses lycra in some of its socks. This material allows a bi-directional stretch that improves your range of movement and flexibility.
Socks made with lycra also provide more compression than others, which will help aid your feet in the recovery process.
These socks are great for hiking over rocky and uneven terrain. They’ll provide all the support your feet need and the range of movement will help your feet navigate even the rockiest mountains while lowering your risk of injury.
INJINJI Styles
Once you’ve determined which material works best for your needs, it’s time to look at the different styles that INJINJI has available.
They have a range of fun colors and design patterns you can choose from, and that’s completely up to your personal preference.
Length
Something you should consider is what length of socks will work best for you. injinji socks come in 6 different lengths.
Choosing the right length for you will be partially personal preference, but there’s also a degree of functionality you should consider.
Hidden
The hidden socks are designed to cut low on your foot and are best used with shoes of the same style.
These socks come with a silicone grip on the inside of the heel that prevents them from sliding down. Hidden length socks are best for everyday use.
No-Show
INJINJI’s no-show socks sit just below the ankle bone and have a tab that prevents chafing on the heel.
These socks are designed to fit well with athletic shoes, so they’re great for working out and day hikes.
Micro
Micro socks sit just above the ankle bone, so they are a comfortable fit with most trail and running shoes.
These are great for most outdoor activities. They’re best suited for short-term activities such as day hikes or a moderate workout.
Micro-Crew
If you’re looking for a sock that still sits low but covers your ankle bone, then the micro-crew socks are an excellent choice.
These socks will protect your ankles from any dirt and debris that gets kicked up while you’re walking, running, or hiking.
Crew
INJINJI’s crew socks sit at your mid-calf. They provide a great deal of protection and support, so they’re ideal for everyday wear and outdoor activities.
Over-the-calf
Over-the-calf socks rest just below the knee, so they provide your entire leg with a barrier against the elements and debris.
"These are great for hiking, running, sports, working out, and everyday wear."
INJINJI Weight
injinji socks have several different weight options. Remember, one pound on your feet is equal to an extra five pounds on your back, so you’re going to want to be mindful of the weight your socks are adding before you set out on a 10-mile hike.
You can choose from INJINJI’s baselayer, lightweight, original weight, midweight, midweight with padded toes, and compression socks.
Baselayer
Their baselayer socks are designed to act as thin liners that provide your feet with plenty of breathability.
They’re going to be the lightest option and are ideal for warm weather hikes or outdoor activities.
Light Weight
These socks are excellent for outdoor activities because they’re light enough to provide great textile feedback, while still providing some cushioning for your feet.
"INJINJI’s lightweight socks also provide you with maximum breathability."
Original Weight
The original weight socks will provide your feet with a good amount of cushioning without feeling as bulky as average socks.
These socks are great for most outdoor activities and will fit comfortably in most shoes and boots.
Midweight
These midweight toe socks are designed to provide you with maximum comfort, durability, and protection.
They’re great for running and hiking because they have padding in the heel and middle of your foot that will keep them from developing blisters even during repeated, hard-impact activities.
Midweight with Padded Toes
The midweight with padded toes socks deliver you all the benefits of the midweight socks and additional protection and comfort for your toes.
"This is a great option for long runs or hikes over rough terrain."
Compression Socks
Compression socks are going to be the heaviest option, but they’re perfect for long runs or hikes.
The compression socks are designed to increase your blood flow and circulation, which will prevent fatigue and keep your feet from feeling sore for longer.
These socks are durable and provide strategically placed mesh pockets to help your feet stay dry and maintain plenty of airflows.
INJINJI Durability
All of INJINJI’s toe socks are designed to be durable and long-lasting. However, finding the right combination of material and weight is essential to choosing the best INJINJI sock for you.
If you’re planning on using your injinji socks for everyday use, then you should consider getting a pair that’s made of cotton or NuWool.
You may want to go with the crew-length socks and something in the original or midweight range. However, if you’re about to take on a rough winter hike, then the best socks for you would be made of COOLMAX or Lycra.
The over-the-calf length would be ideal for this situation because of their coverage, and the midweight socks with padded toes will keep your feet comfortable and warm for the entire trip!
Using the correct socks for your activity will help them last a long time.
All of their socks are designed to be durable, but picking socks that will last under the right conditions will help you keep your favorite socks in rotation for years to come.
Benefits of INJINJI Socks
There are a lot of reasons you should hike in toe socks, and INJINJI’s unique designs provide you and your feet with a lot of great benefits.
Their socks are designed to fit your feet perfectly and allow your toes to splay as they would naturally.
Letting your toes splay instead of keeping them locked up like they are in regular socks will increase your balance and stability. This can be a lifesaver on rough hikes and uneven terrain.
Less Friction
With INJINJI’s separated toe design, there’s practically no friction happening on your feet. This will prevent unpleasant blisters, rashes, and even sores from developing on your feet and toes.
Splayed toes
Allowing your toes to splay as they would naturally do a lot to increase your balance and stability.
The reason for this is that your weight is more evenly distributed when your toes are allowed to work as they would normally.
"This can give you a serious boost during any outdoor or physical activity."
Stay Dry
Socks that are made of moisture-wicking material are great for preventing sweat build-up and the unpleasant side effects that can come along with that- like blisters or rashes.
INJINJI’s separated toes mean that there aren’t any crevices where sweat can build up, unlike traditional socks. This provides you with more protection and comfort.
Range of Movement
Another great benefit that INJINJI’s socks provide is their increased range of movement. Their anatomically correct design allows you to use your toes while engaging in physical activities.
Your toes are necessary for you to keep your balance, and being able to use them more naturally will help your stability even on the rockiest and most uneven trails.
This is an amazing benefit because it can prevent you from succumbing to common hiking injuries like sprained or broken ankles, feet, and toes.
Breathability
The material and design of injinji socks are made with your comfort in mind. Having hat extra breathability will help keep your feet dry and comfortable even during intense physical activities where you build up a lot of sweat.
Being more comfortable means that you’ll be able to go for longer, and keeping your feet dry will help to prevent injuries like rashes, sores, and blisters.
Final Thoughts
INJINJI’s toe socks are great for everyday use, hiking, sports, and other physical activities. There’s a lot to learn about which length, weight, and material are going to be best for you. It largely depends on what you want to use your socks for.
Each type of INJINJI socks comes with the same amazing benefits that can make all the difference whether you’re going for a long hike, taking part in sports, or simply want something comfortable for your everyday use.
This guide answers every question you have about how to choose the best INJINJI sock for you.
