Injinji2.0 Outdoor Midweight Crew Nuwool Socks

I would have given these a 5-star rating, but for the rather steep price and also some doubt as to whether they confer a huge advantage over good quality, but somewhat cheaper "conventional" hiking socks.I tested these over the 94 miles of the West Highland Way, in warm/hot weather. Previously I had suffered blistering of the toes over similar distance recently and so my feet were now "hardened" and might not have suffered further blistering anyway. I didn't get any blistering, even though (for those who know the WHW) the track in places is tough going - an old military road for many miles, with very difficult foot placement and so quite traumatic to the feet. Each toe is therefore "protected" and cushioned by the socks, which is OK if you have a wide fitting boot. I used a particular wide fit from a well-known German maker and so I had no problems with the extra fabric reducing space in the toe-box area of the boot. I did some days of 22 miles over tough terrain and had little or no problems with the socks. I took great care to ensure the nails were well clipped and filed to prevent premature wearing of the socks. The fabric was pretty much as good as new at the end of the walk as it was at the beginning and my feet were in good shape. On the whole therefore, I think they do confer some advantage, but may not be for everyone - you have to consider the width of your foot to start with, the width and space in the toe-box of your boot, etc.After completing this, a week later I did the Yorkshire 3P challenge of 24 miles and 3 tough peaks with "conventional" socks on a warm/hot day. Again, I had no blistering of the toes and was fairly comfortable. I guess you could say that the most important determinant of whether you are going to suffer the pain and problems of toes blistering is down to many factors, not just the socks. I DO think, however, these help and so perhaps if coming to hiking long distances for the first time, provided you have an understanding of your foot shape and get a good fit to your boots, then using these socks could just help you to have a less painful experience and I would recommend them. Once your feet have hardened and if your boots are right for you, I don't think it matters so much what socks you wear, within reason.I like the high shin length - I have a pair of high ankle support boots and so these socks helped to protect my upper ankles/shins against rubbing. The material and quality is undoubtedly good and after (hand) washing them, they are pretty much as good as new and ready for another challenge.The other bonus is that if you have 2 pairs, in the evening in camp after walking, you can put on your fresh pair and wear flip-flops to keep your feet warm, but get plenty of air to them (the socks also keep midges at bay).I'm not a fan of taping before hiking, although some do. If a blister does form, making a nick through the epidermis to let the fluid out and then taping will still permit these socks to be used over the tape and may even help to support the dermis/epidermis junction from "sliding" and creating further problems.Good socks, but not the magic answer. My advice would still be to gradually condition your feet to longer distances. If you go from zero to 25 miles in one go, you are going to get problems no matter what, unless you tape everything, but I do wonder about what that would do to the integrity of your epidermis after some miles due to inability to sweat-and-wick. Also, some people have problems with the adhesive of the tape.I would recommend these early in your long-distance walking career, or to use again at first after a break. Have one or 2 pairs in your home kit. Otherwise use a good quality Merino-wool blend hiking sock that you know and like.

It pains me to only give a 2 star because these Injinji socks are a 5 star for feel/quality and comfort but because of the very poor durability of these socks, it has to be a 2 star. I’ve had these for almost 2 years, never run in them (too thick for my Fivefingers) just worn them conventionally and only in the winter months (too warm to wear in the summer) so they haven’t been hammered by any means. Despite minimal use, they started to “thin” and wear through after only 6 months and the holes gradually got bigger to the point that they’re going in the bin today (see photos). I’ve been buying Injinji socks for the last 14 years and I don’t remember the durability being so poor back then. It only seems like the last 3-5 years that things have gone down hill. At 25 quid a pair you’d expect them to last way longer; heck I’ve still got socks that my Mum bought me for Christmas 15 years ago from M&S that are still going strong today (no holes) and they were like 10 quid for a set of 5 pairs! Come on Injinji, we’ve all been endurance testing your socks for you at our expense for years now and the evidence is clear that they wear out way too quickly. Based on how long these Injinji socks last, they should retail for no more than £5 a pair. Come on Injinji, either lower the price or improve the durability, you can do better than this!

Probably the best smartwool socks I've ever tried. The fact that they are toe socks as well it's extra help for people with hydrosis like me. Best socks to keep you dry and perform in my opinion. 6 stars

A single pair worn for 3 weeks w/o washing. I cannot describe the smell as nice but they didn't stink. The magic of Merino. If you get skin-on-skin blisters, like the ones between toes then toe socks in general are what you are looking for.

I wore these on a 50km/11 hour walk and they were excellent.

fibers that the socks are made of are quite sharp and hard definitely less comfortable than other socks at the same price, because fingers are clearly separated your feed are much wider at fingers so its easy to get blisters on your little toe especially if you already are wide footed

Excellent socks, good for spreading the toes apart and great with walking boots with wide toe boxes. Also keep my feet nice and dry during long walks. Worth the purchase and will buy again.

The best running socks in the world, ever. I neither use nor entertain any other brand. Top item.