Injinji Crew and Mini Crew Socks 

Comfy, moisture-wicking toe socks for summer.

Now that summer is here I’m keen to wear socks that wick well in hot weather. I’m always looking for supportive, padded socks that are durable and don’t create hot spots. Injinji has several styles that have worked well for me in over a month of Eastern Sierra trail runs, day hikes, and mountain bike rides. 

Wool Blend

First, there’s Injinji’s Outdoor Midweight Crew Wool sock, designed for backpacking and hiking. Constructed with 75% RWS-certified merino wool, 22% nylon, and 3% Lycra blend yard,  the Midweight Crew sock is a lighter weight sock that breathes well, and, thanks to minimal stitching, keeps my toes and heels comfortable all day. I appreciate how well the fine weave fits closely around each toe for friction-free outings. Avoiding blisters is important on day-long and longer outings. 

The sock’s wool minimizes odor, the nylon lends durability, and the lycra offers just enough stretch to make the socks easy on/off while still keeping them from bunching and slipping on the trail.

Overall, this was my favorite sock because it had a lightweight feel that minimized heat and wicked away moisture, keeping my feet comfortable for day-long endurance activities. I felt that the light padding helped me endure the terrain over rocks and roots. I also appreciated how the high (7”) cuff keeps the trail dust out. Available in one color, a grey/black design.

Trail Tough

Injini’s Midweight Trail Crew sock and Trail Midweight Mini-Crew also performed well during longer hikes and mountain bike rides. The socks feature a padded, cushioned construction of 58% nylon, 39% Coolmax, and 3% Lycra. I liked the Midweight Trail Crew sock’s 7” length for the ankle coverage it provided during hikes overlooking Lake Tahoe, where there are still patches of snow and deeper creek crossings from snow melt. The Midweight Mini-Crew sock’s 2” cuff paired well with my running and cycling shoes and sealed out trail dust. 

These socks seemed to be a bit better than the wool socks at keeping out dust, maybe due to their denser, tighter knit. I think they are a bit more durable, too, but didn’t feel like they wicked quite as quickly as the wool sock.

Running

Finally, Injini’s Run Lightweight Crew sock, made out of a 63% nylon, 33% Coolmax, and 4% Lycra blend, was ideal for trail runs, providing me with a barefoot feeling without risking blisters. I think this sock did an incredible job of dealing with moisture and friction. With its high nylon and Lycra content, the Run Lightweight Crew sock felt like the most durable of the four pairs of socks I tested. 

Comfort by Design

Overall, I loved Injinji’s arch-supporting construction and blister-preventing, moisture-wicking materials. Having each toe encased in comfortable, seam-free fabric made my feet feel more aware and capable during activities, with each toe getting into its own zone while hiking, biking, and running.  It has been nice to enjoy four comfortable and effective pairs of socks while getting back into my summer routine after a long winter of skiing. 

A few notes on caring for these socks. I wondered if the wool sock might wear out prematurely if I yanked it on and off, so instead I roll the socks onto my feet to avoid overstretching them. I also put them in a mesh bag to give them an extra bit of care while washing (on delicate cycle), and dry them on the line. Using the dryer can break down socks. It feels worth the extra care since the socks are so comfortable and perform so well. 

Whether heading out for a quick run or a longer day hiking or biking I have been impressed with this range of Injinji socks that match each day’s workout. The variety of fun colors and patterns Injinji uses are added bonuses. (Men’s and women’s sizes.)

Brand: injinji.com

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