Up Close and Personal with a New Line of Injinji Toesocks

I’ve been a big fan of Injinji socks for quite some time now, even before many of my ultra running and adventure racing friends tried on a pair.  So, I was excited to have a chance to try socks from their new Performance 2.0 Run series, which is set to release next spring. Their Performance 2.0 Trail and Performance 2.0 Sports series are also set to release next spring. This variety of socks will allow you to choose the perfect sock for your use.

New Performance 2.0 Lines to Launch in Spring 2013

First, let me explain some basics of Injinji socks. These socks are easy to differentiate from other socks because they have individual toe sleeves. Without shoes on, these socks are hard to miss. Rather than mitten-like socks, these socks function like well-fitting gloves.

The first question I get from many who see me in these socks is, “Doesn’t the fabric between your toes bug you?” Honestly, it never has bothered me. I actually find it very comfortable and don’t even really notice the toe sleeves, and others who wear the socks generally say the same.

All of you are familiar with blisters and know that they are painful little suckers that demand your attention. However, many of you probably do not know that blisters are primarily caused by moisture and friction. With Injinji socks, you have wicking fabric between your toes and therefore, friction and moisture are greatly reduced between your toes. For those of us prone to blisters on these areas, this is a very good thing.

For the last month, I’ve been running almost exclusively in Injinji socks, rotating through three pair:  one lightweight and one midweight pair made with Coolmax XtraLife fabric blend, and one lightweight pair constructed with Nüwool, an Australian Merino Wool.

Lightweight Nüwool Performance 2.0 RUN series socks

While wearing the socks, I’ve noticed they have a better fit than previous Injinji’s I’ve worn. The toe sleeves are not too big (or too small) and the remainder of the sock fits like a glove. The company has also increased the thread count on this product line which can only be good, because my previous Injinji socks wore out quicker than I would have liked.

Choosing between the lightweight and midweight options might be personal preference. I tend to wear lightweight socks during warm summer runs or when I’m racing marathon distance or less. The midweight socks are great for spring and fall runs. The extra padding of the midweight socks can be really cozy.

Both the Coolmax XtraLife and Nüwool fabric blend choices are very good at wicking moisture from your feet. I prefer to wear the Coolmas XtraLife blend in warm and dry conditions, as this fabric blend is my favorite for keeping my feet cool while working hard.

Sorry, all these socks are out for a run – they were too comfortable to leave in their packages!

The Nüwool socks are perfect when you’re out in cool weather or anticipating extra moisture, like running on early morning dew, or snowshoeing, or if you know you’re going to have water crosses during an adventure race. Even if your feet and socks get wet, Nüwool will help you stay comfortable and warm. But even in warmer conditions, Nüwool does a good job of regulating your feet temperature and does not necessarily make your feet too warm.

Bottom Line: Injinji socks are so comfortable you probably will forget you have socks on. If the durability of this Performance 2.0 series proves to be as enhanced as the company suggests, then I’ll probably never need to buy other socks for running.

Although the Performance 2.0 series will not be available for purchase until Spring 2013, other Injinji products are available now at http://goo.gl/z1cWJ.

Photography by Bryan Cochran at BCochranPhotography.com

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Verified by MonsterInsights