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Injinji Liner + Runner Sock

In this review I take a look at the new Injinji Liner + Sock as well as three of the other types of sock made by Injinji that are great for trails too. I have also written a separate Footcare and Blister Guide for trail runners too which you might find helpful.

Injinji Liner + Runner Sock Super Speedy Review Summary

For some time many of my friends in long distance trail running have been combining an Injinji toe sock combined with a normal running sock on top. The new Liner + Sock means you get this combo ‘straight out of the packet’ with two types of socks made for each other so the ankle and fit is perfect.. This combination means maximum cushioning for your feet with great wicking to keep feet dry and the double layer reduces friction which means you are less likely to get blisters. The individual toes on the ‘undersock’ also prevent the skin on your toes from rubbing together.

I recommend considering sizing a half size up on your trail shoes to accomodate the extra layer and keep in mind that in the height of Summer heat this combo may be too much and you may want to consider one of the other options further down in the blog.

All in all this is the perfect combo for long distance trail runners or hikers who want a comfortable and blister free day on the trails.

PURCHASE $24

Injinji Liner + Sock Full Review

I should start with a confession and an apology. For a few years now I’ve told people that I’m not a fan of toe socks. In 2015 when I was trying to finish my first 100 mile race I found that the ultra narrow HOKA trainers I was using were causing me huge amounts of blisters so I tried toe socks and still got massive blisters. I unfairly placed the blister blame with the toe socks and the Hokas when really this was all the fault of the Hokas.

So I’m sorry. I was wrong. These toe socks are a superb addition to any trail runners kit list and my recent test runs have helped change my mind. I’ve done over 100 miles in wet UK and Scorching hot USA rocky trails and am now a solid convert to Injinji socks.

2 pairs of Socks Working Together

So the new idea here is to match two pairs of socks that fit perfectly against each other and wear them at the same time. It starts with the ultra thin ‘liner sock’. This liner has a high percentage of the Coolmax fibre is designed mainly to wick away moisture from your feet to keep them dry and less likely to get blisters. The individual toes also prevent the skin of your toes rubbing against each other as well so

The Outer Sock

So this is also new for Injinji…In that the outer sock doesn’t have individual toes. Instead the outer sock takes up the strain for cushioning and comfort. There is still a significant amount of the wicking Coolmax fibre but to the touch the outer sock almost feels like its made of soft merino wool. There is extra cushioning on the base of the toes, feet and round the thick and comfortable cuff round the ankle.

Arch Support

The socks also provide some arch support in a noticeable band round the foot and they also have a thinner different texture mesh on top to help wick excess foot sweat away from your skin to keep you blister free.

Fit

The combination of the two socks does add some extra width so it may be worth re-lacing your running shoes to give your feet more width or considering buying your shoes a half size bigger next time you get a pair, but the investment is well worth it for when you are spending more than a few hours on your feet. I also found that the two layers adds insulation which makes these great for running in the depth of a cold winter, but be aware they may be too insulated for a really hot Summer days running on the trail.

These socks are available in a Mens and Womens fit too ( they don’t just shrink it and pink it they actually alter the shape and fit for a womens foot which is great to see).

PURCHASE $24

Other Injinji Sock Options

As well as this new addition I took a look at the other three options that will suit Trail Runners and Hikers all year round.

Injinji Run Lightweight No-Show Sock

These toe socks are the best option for running in the highest temperatures of the Summer.

These socks have the lightest thinnest material possible to keep your feet cool while still wicking away moisture to help prevent blisters. The low ankle also helps keep your feet cooler by exposing your ankles.

I found that these were touch dry incredibly quickly when I ran through streams and puddles and the seamless interior of the sock meant there were no areas that pinched or rubbed.

When I first wore these I felt that they were slightly too big and had a bit of slip round the ankle but after one wash they shrank ever so slightly to a perfect fit.

PURCHASE $12

Injinji Trail Midweight Mini-Crew Sock

These midweight socks are made of coolmax fibres to wick away sweat from your feet. I found that the fit was snug ( which is what you want with running socks) without being too tight. These are the more ‘all rounder’ sock for Spring and Fall.

Cuff Up

One thing I noticed that I really liked was the ‘cuff’. This is the bit at the top of the sock round your ankle. Some socks leave a ‘line’ round this area and can be a bit too tight, but this sock has a very wide cuff which means no specific point of your ankle has too much pressure. When I ran in these socks I found I didn’t get the telltale grooves in my ankle but the cuffs still did a good job of keeping dirt and small stones out of my socks.

As usual these have the individuals toes on the sock to keep the skin on your toes from rubbing against each other. They also have a supporting strip round the arch of your foot to apply a very small amount of support to reduce fatigue. I also noticed that the base of the sock has an increased amount of padding as well to increase comfort.

The socks also have a mesh section on top for sweat. Running shoes have the most potential to lose sweat and excess moisture through the top part where the tongue, lacing and top is so these socks take advantage of this with a different type of thinner mesh to blast moisture through this bit of your shoe keeping your feet dryer and less likely to get blisters.

PURCHASE $15

Injinji Ultra Run Crew Sock

These socks are the ‘long distance cruiser’ of the sock options. As well as the usual Coolmax fibres they have cushioned terry as well underneath the individual toes and the sole of the sock.

Poison Ivy

The socks go half way up the calf as well which means you can go running or hiking in shorts and not worry about poison ivy in the Summer. These socks also have a lighterweight mesh top to help wick moisture away through the top of your foot.

I used this during an awful UK ‘Summer’ day recently on a miserable wet day setting a Fastest Known Time on the 31 mile Wey South Canal Path.

My feet got wet early and the socks did a great job of drying out where possible between the downpours and after a whole day on my feet on the trails and soaking wet feet for a large portion of it I didn’t have any blisters.

PURCHASE $18

Verdict

I’m a big convert back to Injinji socks again. The new Sock + Liner is a great addition and the other three types of socks will also cover other times of year too.

I tested these socks with foot tape too and found the lycra in the material had enough stretch to accommodate toes or parts of your feet that might need pre-emptive taping on long runs.

The prices of these socks are between $12 and $24 too so they give you premium performance without a top dollar price tag.

Best Shoes to Match for Trails ?

In testing I paired these socks with the Topo Athletic Ultraventure Running Shoes. The extra space from the wide toe box of the Topo Athletic shoes works great with Injinji Socks. I took the Injinji Lightweight socks and paired them with these shoes to set a recent 61 mile Fastest Known Time on the Mattabesset Trail recently.

Care of Injinji Socks

These socks are made of synthetic fibres so if they are washed with some care they will retain their wicking qualities. I wash all my trail gear in a cool wash and never tumble dry. I also recommend not using fabric softener as this can block the effectiveness of the wicking material.

About Injinji

Injinji is a California-based toesock company dedicated to the health and performance of feet. But deep down they are so much more. They are innovators, they are adventurers, they are lovers of all things active—most importantly, they are passionate about making the journey of life more comfortable. 

Their patented, five-toe sock design helps enhance the freedom and natural function of your foot inside any shoe, which means less time worrying about discomfort and more time for your next adventure. Wherever you go, there’s a toesock to help you along the way.

Features -Liner + Sock

• Arch Support Supportive band that offers a secure and stable fit.
• Blister Prevention With each toe protected, skin-on-skin friction is completely eliminated protecting your foot from blisters and hot spots.
• Moisture Management Each toe is wrapped in sweat-wicking material so your foot will be drier and therefore more comfortable than in traditional socks.
• Total Foot Utilization When your toes are separated and properly aligned, this allows your entire foot to be engaged in any athletic activity.
• Mesh Top Provides maximum breathability and ventilation on the top of foot.
• Protective Cushion Extra cushioning on the footbed to increase foot comfort.
• Double Cuff A thicker cuff to hold the sock comfortably in place while reducing chafing.
• Padded Toes Extra cushion throughout the toes with midweight terry throughout the toes.
• Fiber Content Liner Fiber content: 63% CoolMax® 33% Nylon 4% Lycra®
  Runner Fiber content: 33% CoolMax® 65% Nylon 2% Lycra®