Injinji Performance Crew Sock

Used as a liner sock with a pair of mid-weight merino wool hikers, I found the Injinji Performance Crew to be exactly what I need for blister free hiking/backpacking. While not the most durable socks, I am pleased enough with them to have purchased a second pair.

Conditions of Testing: My Injinji Performance Crew Socks were used as liner socks with a pair of SmartWool PhD Run Medium Mini Socks on an 6-day, 85-mile hike along the River-to-River Trail in Shawnee National Forest in early April 2014.

Terrain consisted of continuous elevation change similar to hikes in the Appalachian Mountains (although elevation was, overall, lower). I hiked roughly 15-17 miles, with a starting pack weight of 25lbs. 3oz. Day time hiking temperatures ranged in the lower 40's to upper 50's. Day 2 brought continual rain, with my feet thoroughly soaked the entire day. Wet feet continued through mid-morning of Day 3.

My footwear for my 85-mile hike. After Day 2, I stopped
using the Body Glide on my feet and noticed no difference
in performance.

Comfort: Being new to toe socks, I was expecting a "break in" period of getting comfortable with having something between my toes. This was NOT the case. The socks were quite comfortable from the start. However the most important comfort issue was I never had one hot spot during my entire trip. Generally, if I have blisters, it is between my toes after my feet are wet for several hours.

Fit: The top band held the sock in place, and I never dealt with saggy socks. There was no bunching or wrinkling between the toes. Once I put the socks on for a day of hiking, I never had to stop to readjust them or pull them back up. By the end of the trip, the socks still fit well. After machine washing them and wearing them on subsequent day hikes, the fit is still very good. The socks have not stretched out.

Temp Control: Using these as liners, while also wearing the SmartWool socks, my feet were just right, neither too hot, nor too cold. This was both during my 6-day hike in cooler temperatures and during an 8-mile day hike with temps in the upper 80's.

Moisture Wicking: My feet have NOT felt hot and sweaty in these socks combined with the SmartWool.

Odor Resistance: Forgetaboutit! These things smelled atrocious after a couple of days! I couldn't even stomach them hanging on my hammock ridgeline at night. This is not surprising for a synthetic sock. (By the way, the merino wool socks, did not retain much odor.)

Durability: The biggest con to these socks is the short lifespan. As seen in the video below (at 1:55), I noted considerable pilling and wear on the underside of the socks. In total, I've put roughly 93 miles on these socks. I doubt I will be able to get another long hike out of them, but I intend to test that premise.

Summing it all up: I am satisfied enough with these socks to have bought another pair to use after this initial pair wears out completely. They are comfortable. The fit stays true after a few washings (and hours of soaking wet hiking). I wish they smelled better at the end of the day and had more durability to them. But at $10 per pair, I can afford to go through a few pairs a year to prevent blisters.

Keeps them digits from co-mingling and forming blisters while looking ruggedly stylish on the trail.

I started using these socks some four years ago doing seasonal Forest Service trail work. They hold up well if cared for. Used as an under sock to help separate your toes, prevent blistering, keep feet warmer and dryer.

Keep toe nails trimmed or you will wear holes in the ends of the toes. Some synthetic outer sock may cause pilling of inner sock, so I found Merino wool outer sock a better choice. Wash or rinse them at night as they can acquire a rather bad smell.

Keep away from intense heat such as campfires, especially with feet still inside, like all synthetic socks, they will melt. For hot summer use consider Injinji lightweight grey toe sock. They work just as well provided you care for them.

I have not pushed these socks too hard yet. As a trail marathoner, mountain biker, climber, backpacker, mountaineer, and podiatry student, I expect a lot out of anything I put on my feet. These don't overly impress me so far. The material seems cheap, too many seams, and the seams also seem to merge at weak points and look very prone to early wear and tear.

I do fully respect the idea, by trying to put material between the toes, hopefully interdigital blisters can be avoided. Truly, if blisters do occur in between toes, it's most likely due to too tight shoes or an inherent biomechanical problem with your foot.

I'll be the first to pull this review if I do fall in love with the socks, but now... just not that impressed.

Unboxing review on the link below

http://twofeetstuckoutside.blogspot.com/2011/01/injinji-toe-socks-unboxing.html