63 replies to this topic

[StWill]

I'm an over-60 runner who normally runs about 30-40km per week, competing in regular 10km events and have successfully completed Brisbane half-marathons in 2005/6/7. In previous years I have found the extra distance taking severe toll on my feet, with blistering and general soreness.

This year when I collected my entry pack from the In-Training tent at Southbank on the day before, an attractive young lady from a sock stall gave me a persuasive sales pitch about new running socks, a type of foot-glove, which I had not seen before, and though expensive I decided to take up the offer of 2 pairs for the price of one ($29.95). Though I am usually sceptical about claims of new products, given my problems with over-heating feet and toe blisters I felt it was worth a try.

To my utter delight these socks measured up completely to the young lady's claims - my feet did not over-heat or cause me grief, and I did not suffer one blister. In fact, thanks to the good condition of my feet I was able to continue my normal running routine immediately after the event, where in the past I would have a lay-off for at least a week.

As most experienced runners know, completing a set distance is very much "mind over matter" and for me I only ever wanted to put myself through the pain of a half-marathon once a year. However, thanks largely to the pain-free run two weeks ago, I now plan to do my first Gold Coast Half in July.

I urge any runner with similar problems to mine to get hold of "foot-glove" socks - the ones I purchased are "Injinji" brand Performance Tetrasok and presumably available at "In-Training" and other leading running stores. Check the website: www.injinji.com

[azza]

Sounds like an ad to me. StWill, any financial interest in the product?

Edited by azza, 06 May 2007 - 05:23 PM.

[Jogger]

I had a pair once - seemed the same as any other pair of socks, so can't be arsed to buy them from overseas. they were injini's.

[SlowManiac]

any one who says 'other leading running stores' has got to be plugging a product.

[StWill]

SlowManiac, on May 6 2007, 09:56 PM, said:

any one who says 'other leading running stores' has got to be plugging a product.

An unfortunate choice of words maybe, but no, I have no interests financial or otherwise in either socks, shoes, running apparel, nor running stores. Guess my exuberance got me carried away because these socks most decisively helped my feet over the half-marathon, and I felt it was worthwhile passing this information on to anyone who develops sore feet.

[Kato]

Azza - in recent weeks you've plugged Aldi and AMOnlineShopping.com.au, and no-one suggested for a moment that you had a vested interest.

SlowManiac, you plugged Al's Gift Shop and Aldi as well - does anyone question your share portfolio every time you post?

If you boys can't say something nice, don't say anything at all. You've impugned the reputation of two CRs without any evidence as casually as you like. Knowing Steve, he has no need to plant a mole to advertise socks like that. And I'll bet Injinji doesn't either.

[malleyDuck]

i took advantage of the two for one offer also and i have tested them out.
They are comfortable and because each toe is covered seperately you don't get that skin on skin rubbing.

[SlowManiac]

Kato, on May 9 2007, 08:08 PM, said:

Azza - in recent weeks you've plugged Aldi and AMOnlineShopping.com.au, and no-one suggested for a moment that you had a vested interest.

SlowManiac, you plugged Al's Gift Shop and Aldi as well - does anyone question your share portfolio every time you post?

If you boys can't say something nice, don't say anything at all. You've impugned the reputation of two CRs without any evidence as casually as you like. Knowing Steve, he has no need to plant a mole to advertise socks like that. And I'll bet Injinji doesn't either.

Neither of my so called plugs were first posts. I think we are allowed to be suspicious of the motives of first time posters who promote products. There is nothing to stop StWill from defending his motives. I dont think my attack was particularly malicious and I am sure his reputation is still intact. Geez, Azza just asked if he had any interest - surely nothing wrong with that?

I am unsure who the second CR whose reputation I have impugned is but I apologise as that was not the intention.

[thomo]

Any first time poster plugging a product has consistently had their sincerity questioned.

It is best to check the facts before launching at each other.

[azza]

Kato, on May 9 2007, 08:08 PM, said:

Azza - in recent weeks you've plugged Aldi and AMOnlineShopping.com.au, and no-one suggested for a moment that you had a vested interest.

SlowManiac, you plugged Al's Gift Shop and Aldi as well - does anyone question your share portfolio every time you post?

If you boys can't say something nice, don't say anything at all. You've impugned the reputation of two CRs without any evidence as casually as you like. Knowing Steve, he has no need to plant a mole to advertise socks like that. And I'll bet Injinji doesn't either.

I asked a question, and StWill answered (thanks StWill), even acknowledging that the wording was a bit "salesy". StWill's tried the product, liked it, and let us know - great! Asking for clarification is not tarnishing anyone's reputation, it's simply asking for clarification.

[pastyboy]

Another perspective:

We get a hell of a lot of first time posters spamming CoolRunning. Most of them get picked up by the Moderators, either when we view them ourselves, or when they post is reported by a CR member. We mostly delete them, or ask them to take out an ad. It isn't a perfect system (remember 'free runs in Sydney' a while back?, and the 'backpain' spam attack a few years ago?).

Seemed like a fair question posted, and it didn't seem offensive to me. They certainly didn't attack StWill personally, just questioned the content. One of the strengths of CR is that it is a very active community that self polices posts. Compare CR to other communities, where the signal-to-noise ratio is much worse.

If you like the socks - great, go and buy them, write about it here.
If you think any post is spam, then report it.

StWill, thanks for your first post, and welcome to CoolRunning.

[Kato]

Fair enough. I didn't read his first post as an advert, and I don't like spam on the board. It seemed to me like a pleasant enough fella telling us about something he'd nor seen or heard of before. I was going to post to thank him for the information but I didn't.

I didn't think Steve Manning (InTraining) needed another kick in the ribs for having a service to provide, and someone saying so. That was my initial interpretation of Azza and SlowManiac's posts.

Sorry Azza and SlowManiac for jumping down your throats.

[Steve 'The Footman']

Thanks for the defence Kato, but in this type of situation I always think a bit of cynicism is in order. First reading of the first post seems innocent enough if a bit overboard. I think StWill could have picked a better first post. Hopefully StWill will continue to contribute on other topics and prove everyone wrong.

The FACTS:
Injinji were an exhibitor at the Brisbane Marathon Expo which Intraining organised. They were offering a two for one deal at the expo and had an attractive young lady selling them! We do sell them at our shop. They really have little covers for each toe just like a glove.

Perhaps someone else who has used them could comment. I have not run more than 10km in them.

[Whippet Man]

Steve, on May 10 2007, 10:01 PM, said:

Perhaps someone else who has used them could comment. I have not run more than 10km in them.

I swear by them.
Have run 35 hours (175km) of technical, stinking hot trail without changing socks in brand new shoes.
Wouldn't use anything else. They don't guarantee blister free feet but they come pretty close.
Didn't comment as I was a bit cynical about the original post.

I have no commercial interest. In anything.

[Radar2]

Whippet Man, on May 10 2007, 07:41 AM, said:

I swear by them.
Have run 35 hours (175km) of technical, stinking hot trail without changing socks in brand new shoes.
Wouldn't use anything else. They don't guarantee blister free feet but they come pretty close.
Didn't comment as I was a bit cynical about the original post.

I have no commercial interest. In anything.

Hey ....I tried the "glove socks" too .I liked them.. Everyting else had aches, pains and cramps but my feet were great..Thanks Kato the sports sheild was great too.
Only hope I can run ,fast,again ....soon
Radar

[Rudolf]

so after sorting out all the side issues,

can I buy them without ordering over the net.

Who is selling them in Melbourne ?

[Whippet Man]

Rudolf, on May 11 2007, 10:43 PM, said:

so after sorting out all the side issues,

can I buy them without ordering over the net.

Who is selling them in Melbourne ?

I saw an imitation version (no cheaper though) at one of the outdoor shops in the city. Paddies, I think. Can't vouch for them, though.

[tank girl]

Glassman and I each nabbed a pair straight after the Pinnacles race. He found them a bit thin and has worn another pair of socks over the top. I tested them out at Mt Mee and yes, they're thin, but they felt good. I recommend putting them on and walking around in pluggers or slides for a bit to get a feel for them, before putting your shoes on. I normally get little blisters between a few toes, and on the end of a few toes. I lube them up but after many km it wears off and I need more, particularly for trails or very hilly runs where my feet shift more in my shoes. I got no blisters at all in the Injinjis. They're expensive, but I'll wear them for my longest runs (e.g. Western States next month).

I've found a new use for them as well - when trying on shoes that I want to buy, I often wonder whether my toes feel a little cramped because of the shoe, or because of the socks... and with the Injinji socks, I know it's the shoe.

[CWDNN]

pastyboy, on May 10 2007, 10:19 AM, said:

If you like the socks - great, go and buy them, write about it here.
If you think any post is spam, then report it.

StWill, thanks for your first post, and welcome to CoolRunning.

yup welcome StWill

I have mixed feelings about them but mainly positive - I have a woollen pair and a tek pair bought from USA

I had no blister problems ( and boy do I usually have blister problems after about 4 hours) in the 6 foot track or Gosford 12 hour in Jan - not sure which I used then.

However for various reasons I had considerable problems with the woollen ones as inners for the 24 hours at Coburg - I think the blisters started about hour 13/14 though ( between 80km and 90km walking) and the combination of cold - track under water and a fairly hard track (in my opinion) together with having a hole appear in my normal second skin socks the day before necessitating a different untried outer sock probably did not help at Coburg - nor did the fact I had only about 3 hours wear out of the shoes I was wearing help either.

BUT they are great with thongs!!!!!!!!!!

All the best
David

[robware]

I’m another fan of the injinji socks.

They are definitely the most comfortable socks I have run in – I wore them in the Auckland 24 hour race last year and had no foot problems at all.

Rob

[Craze]

having terrible trouble with blistering in races near the ball below the big toe and between toes. Have always worn the target xstatic (do they make them under a new name now?) but tried out the thorlos with blister shield last race and got the same result. Considering giving the injinji a go but want to know if they change your shoe size particularly in the toe box considering you have material between your toes?

[Jordan Mitchell]

Craze, on Jun 13 2007, 10:33 PM, said:

having terrible trouble with blistering in races near the ball below the big toe and between toes. Have always worn the target xstatic (do they make them under a new name now?) but tried out the thorlos with blister shield last race and got the same result. Considering giving the injinji a go but want to know if they change your shoe size particularly in the toe box considering you have material between your toes?

Hey Craze,

I'm a huge fan of the Injinji's also, I started wearing them on the advice of my podiatrist who stocks them as I continually had problems with my feet blistering and overheating on long runs. I must say that I was a bit sceptical about them at first as they felt a bit funny when I first put them on. However, after about 5 minutes I didn't know I had them on and it was like being barefoot.

I haven't had any problems with blisters or overheating at all since and I now use them as a liner in my football boots also. As for changing your shoe size, I did not find this a problem as I used to wear Thorlos which are extremely thick. My Podiatrist did say however that as your toes are not constricted together in the Injinji's like they are in normal socks, your toes are able to spread and take their natural positioning within the shoe. If you have bought tight or narrow shoes, you may find that your toes new found freedom may be an issue.

Give em a go and good luck.

[tank girl]

Update on the Injinjis... I wore them at Western States and blistered. However not near the toes at all - under the ball of my foot was the worst, and that was just mud and stuff. I wore the same shoes and socks for the whole race because the blisters seemed far less painful than the prospect of separating them from the socks. They still get my number one vote, as it was much less damage than I got from 3 different pairs of shoes and 4 pairs of socks at Glasshouse last year!

[TazDevil]

I have again purchased on the strength of reports on this site. The socks were OK, but not amazing. They do not stop blisters forming on the bottom, top or end of your toes. Perhaps they reduce the chances of blisters between your toes. As I see it this may be the only advantage? Have you seen their website? Make you run faster? You gotta be kidding... I got sucked in though... Deeks K26s served him well... I wonder what socks he wore in that marathon he won...

[tank girl]

I found they didn't help so much in my road shoes, but they were brilliant in my trail shoes. I don't think they made me run faster - that was the Nathan handbottles...

Edited by tank girl, 02 July 2007 - 06:32 PM.

[Vurt]

can you buy them locally ?

i wouldn't mind trying them but the cost of shipping is prohibitive

[Jordan Mitchell]

Vurt, on Jul 2 2007, 06:38 PM, said:

can you buy them locally ?

i wouldn't mind trying them but the cost of shipping is prohibitive

Had a good look at their website as per Taz and I can't see anywhere where they claim that the socks will make you run faster! I don't think any company would be stupid enough to make that sort of statement... Except maybe Nathan hand bottles.... I agree, great product.

All I can say is that I have not got one blister anywhere since I've been wearing Injinji's, you may need to look at your shoe sizing Taz.

Vurt, I get mine from my podiatrist but I'm in Brissie. My brother is in Sydney and he was saying he found them at Trek & Travel in Kent Street the other day, not sure what style he bought. I also google searched and you can get them online at www.area51.net.au . Failing that, I would just send them an email.

Socks are an individual thing and I'm sure Injinji's wont suit everyone but they're number one in my book.

Mitch.

[langswm]

Another injinji convert here. Langswd bought me a pair for Christmas, knowing how much trouble I usually have with my little toes, especially during long runs, where they sit under the second last toe and slowly get crushed. I used the injinji's toe socks for the first time on Sunday, without using my usual gel toe "socks". They were brilliant. It was very hot and humid, so lots of sweating as well, but my toes came through it all without a problem. Totally forgot I even had them on. Couldnt have been happier with the result.

[Craze]

just used mine which arrived in the post today for a 10k easy. My third fourth and fifth toes sit under the previous ones and results in the toe nails piercing the skin on the underside of the previous toe. I have tried taping before each run and using gel toe protectors with some success but if they moved during a run I'd come back with blood filled socks. The injinji's only felt odd when I put them on, once I was running I didn't even notice any difference. Race time will be when I can confirm if they solve my problem but on first impression they could be my saviour

[Fred]

I got a great pair of socks at K Mart in Katoomba, they have copper in them, I think they are for stopping your feet from smelling, and they were in the mens department, but even so, they are really bouncy and supportive and make you feel a bit "padded" when you run.....got my hubby a pair too which he wore for golf and raved about the comfort. Not sure they would do for "big boy" races (ie marathons and stuff) but certainly for comfort on short runs they make you feel like you are on springs!

[Neavesy]

I am another Injinji convert, I used them for the first time in Ironman Western Australia, put them on after the ride with Saucony Racing Flats and felt great all 42.2kms in the marathon. But as mentioned earlier feel very strange when first put them on and if looking for a super slick transistion in triathlons not the best choice (but if your for a super quick transition, shouldnt be putting on socks anyway)

They are definatley worth the money though.

Cheers

[Shoesandsox]

I looked up these socks and they're available locally, albeit for a price. $27.95 for socks seems a bit steep to me. Has anyone ordered these from the States? If so, how'd you go with shipping etc? They're only $12 there (according to the website) and with exchange rates being what they are, I wonder if this may be significantly cheaper.

[Max72]

I was stoked when I saw the injinjis. I have worn vibram fivefingers exclusively for 17 months and I finally get to wear socks again! I can't say how they go in regular shoes but they are fantastic in the 5s, especially when running 25Km+ on a hot day.

[RunBare]

Do you need a size bigger in the Vibrams when using the socks Max? They look good, but I'm wondering about toe space

[Max72]

RunBare, on Jan 16 2008, 09:42 PM, said:

Do you need a size bigger in the Vibrams when using the socks Max? They look good, but I'm wondering about toe space

Not unless your 5s were on the verge of beeing too tight. The injinjis are thin and stretchy, measuring half the length of your foot before you put them on. The flex points and stretch in them is good because once they're on there is no tightness, lumpyness or uneven pressure. For a marathon or ultra a couple of fresh pairs in your camelback would be luxury.

Glad the sprints are doing the biz Runbare, roll on March and the KSOs!

[Jordan Mitchell]

Shoesandsox, on Jan 16 2008, 08:31 PM, said:

I looked up these socks and they're available locally, albeit for a price. $27.95 for socks seems a bit steep to me. Has anyone ordered these from the States? If so, how'd you go with shipping etc? They're only $12 there (according to the website) and with exchange rates being what they are, I wonder if this may be significantly cheaper.

I did the Math on this a few weeks ago and by the time you paid the shipping and converted to AUD (Even with the good EX-Rate at the moment), they worked out to be cheaper here. Plus you have to wait a while to get them and I suppose when it comes down to it I would prefer to support the Aussie economy. Price wise Thorlo's are $12 in the states also but retail here for over $30, so it must have something to do with duties or something...

[Craze]

after a couple of weeks of blister/cut free feet which included a 15k solid training run I thought the injinjis combined with sport shield lubricant had solved the problem of my overlapping toes rubbing, but then on a regular 6k easy run my toes started to feel a bit uncomfortable about halfway and on taking the shoes off after finishing my third and fourth toes were cut open on both feet and the socks filled with blood. Tried the injinjis again two days later after pretaping the toes with micropore and leukoplast and they still managed to bleed on me. Anyone got any other suggestions to combat this problem

[73Robbo]

I use my Injinjis for the long runs 15km+ and my Wright socks for the shorter ones. Got several pairs of the Injinjis - I buy a pair every now and again thinking I'll replace my old ones but they still keep going ! The only problem I had with my Wright socks was when one toenail cut into the side of another toe - 2 things I learnt from that... keep your toenails tidy and wear Injinjis !

Cheers

Robbo

[Vurt]

mine got destroyed on sixfoot. A picked up a few rocks in the river crossings and the result was holes in the toes of the injinis.

I like the idea but at 30 bucks a pop (locally) and that they only lasted a handful of runs, i don't know if i could justify buying another pair.

[TOESOCKS]

Hi Vurt,

I would be interested in getting more details on your experience with the sock, drop me a line at info@injinji.com.au

Team Injinji.

Vurt, on Mar 10 2008, 05:54 AM, said:

mine got destroyed on sixfoot. A picked up a few rocks in the river crossings and the result was holes in the toes of the injinis.

I like the idea but at 30 bucks a pop (locally) and that they only lasted a handful of runs, i don't know if i could justify buying another pair.

[Craze]

I put a hole through the big toe after about 10 uses on one pair but the other two pairs haven't had that problem after about 30 uses each. Currently using the injinji's in combination with gel toe pods on the 4th and 5th toes which seems to be working well but it in preventing the previous rubbing and blistering between toes. However it means I definitely need a wide toe box in shoes which is diffcult to find as I have a narrow heel

[littleblackpug]

My Injinjis were fantastic at Six Foot on the weekend. After wearing NB "Marathon" socks at the Megalong Mega my feet were trashed, but Saturday they didn't hurt one bit, and I wasn't bothered by grit in my shoes at all.

[Vurt]

TOESOCKS, on Mar 10 2008, 01:02 PM, said:

Hi Vurt,

I would be interested in getting more details on your experience with the sock, drop me a line at info@injinji.com.au

Team Injinji.

Hi, thanks for the response. I will take some photos and PM you later in the week.

[sheff]

For a one-off $30 investment, I am keen to give them a go. No great loss if I dont like them. Just wondering though which type most people find work best, the Performance (coolmax) or the Outdoor(nu-wool) version.

[blair]

I picked up a pair for $20 at the Brissy Marathon Festival. Tres comfy.

[allrounder]

i bought a pair at The Runners Shop (Canberra) and have worn them in 2 adventure races (running, cycling, paddling, swimming) and they were great...

Edited by allrounder, 24 April 2008 - 03:09 PM.

[kathmandu]

I bought a pair off the website and love them, think i will gradually replace my thorlo collection (as they wear out) with injini's.

Sheff - i used the coolmax ones, but then i do shorter stuff, not sure what the ultra dudes use.

[Joey74]

I'm a convert. Bought a pair off the website and just love them. Did Canberra in them no problems. I even wear them under my shin guards when playing hockey on the water based fields to stop the two wet socks rubbing on my toes.

Jo

[Ponkey]

Joey74, on Apr 24 2008, 06:14 PM, said:

I'm a convert. Bought a pair off the website and just love them. Did Canberra in them no problems. I even wear them under my shin guards when playing hockey on the water based fields to stop the two wet socks rubbing on my toes.

Jo

Im also a convert, got a pair with my Brooks Trance 7 from ActiveStride in Southbank Brisbane and wore them for 30kms straight out of the box, no blisters, dry feet and plenty of space to move. What is even more incredible is that I had been a longtime convert of Asics Nimbus until the guy in the shop analysed my running and suggested a radical change to the Trance. Normally a major change in shoe type could lead to some discomfort, but not a single lister or even hotspot, pure comfort all the way

Ordered another three more pairs immediately and rotate them on my high milege trail runs.

Have to be the biggest advance in gear I have experienced in a long time

[FrankieP]

I really like the idea of these, as I often get chafing on the sides of my toes from them being smooshed up in there together, and there's nothing more frustrating either than not being able to waggle my toes around in my shoes due to the sock being tight on the end.

I prefer thin socks honestly, but for those finding them a bit too thin perhaps another thin regular sock over the top would help? I often do this with normal socks as it's best for avoiding blisters IMO - swore by it when I used to walk long bush trails in NZ, no blisters even with sweaty, river-wet feet.

Can get these online? Otherwise I might pick some up in Brissy when down for the Doomben 10,000...