Injinji socks

[Wandalina]

Hi everyone pre camino training and ive discovered a bit of a problem with one of my toes whereby it gets pinched by the toe beside it when I walk, think I'm actually walking on the toe slightly .

Weird one a triangular shaped toe... I feel like im in the confession box telling all my weird secrets to strangers

Ive spoken to a foot specialist and he said my foot is misaligned and the toes are lifting up to compensate for this issue. He recommended foot massage and exercises to relieve the tension.

Anyway im wondering about these injinji toe socks have people had much success? And how about fit? I guess you need to get that spot on
Any tips? Thanks

 

[GlendaMac]

Hi everyone pre camino training and ive discovered a bit of a problem with one of my toes whereby it gets pinched by the toe beside it when I walk, think I'm actually walking on the toe slightly .

Weird one a triangular shaped toe... I feel like im in the confession box telling all my weird secrets to strangers

Ive spoken to a foot specialist and he said my foot is misaligned and the toes are lifting up to compensate for this issue. He recommended foot massage and exercises to relieve the tension.

Anyway im wondering about these injinji toe socks have people had much success? And how about fit? I guess you need to get that spot on
Any tips? Thanks

Hi
i had a similar issue with my little toes rubbing against the one next to them after about 10kms, and causing blisters. I have been wearing Injinji toe socks since prior to planning my aborted 2020 Camino and have found them brilliant for me. Fit perfectly, no more blisters, different thicknesses for different shoes.

Although you foot is misaligned I think they might help with your toes pinching together. I guess it's a small outlay for a pair to see if they help.
cheers
Glenda

 

[edandjoan]

I broke my small toe years ago and it likes to rest under then next toe. I have worn injinji socks for years. Training for marathons and walking Caminos. There are different thicknesses and materials. I use various ones for different activities. Maybe they will work for you too

 

[Lindsay53]

Hi Wandalina. I have a similar problem with one toe on each foot being turned under the one next to it. I have tried injinji socks however they did not work for me. Difficult to get on due the the shape of my toes and they seemed to compress my already misaligned toes. I found a gel tube cut to size and slipped over the offending toes was a much better option.

Everyone is different and injinjis may work for you. If not try the gel tube.

 

[CarolamS]

Hi Wandalina welcome to the triangular-toe group. Nothing to be embarrassed about at all, turns out not to be that uncommon. I have wide feet as well as triangular little toes. Without something there to protect I will always get blisters between these toes and the next, particularly one side. I don't have to walk far at all for a blister to appear. Injinji toe socks have transformed my walking life, I love them. I have got some in merino wool and also coolmax but my preference is Injinji liner socks inside regular merino hiking socks.

I hike in shoes with a wide toe box. Mine are Altra Lone Peak 6 in wide fit. (The width of my feet limits my choices).

If I'm just popping down the road at home in regular socks I pop a little Hikers Wool between the toes. You can reuse this wool, it's great stuff.

 

[CaminoKentucky]

I wore only Injinji from day 3 onward during my recent Camino. They worked well for me. I started with smart wool socks and had 2 blisters by the 3rd day, so switched to Injinji. I did not wear another sock over them. I used the cool max version. No recurrence of blisters. I'm sold on Injinji!

 

[Annw]

I wore Injinji with Chacos Z-cloud sandals and that turned out to be the perfect combo for me.

 

[Tom DeWolf]

I wore Injinji socks plus merino wool on the outside. The only small blister I got on the entire CF was when I thought it was okay to wear them a 2nd day without washing. Never made that mistake again, and no more blisters. LOVE Injinji... AND, another pair of socks that helped my feet a lot in advance of my Camino was wearing Happy Feet socks that help to separate and realign our toes. I thought it was kind of weird, but worked remarkably well: https://www.my-happyfeet.com/

 

[Elle Bieling]

High @Wandalina. I used to use Injinji's but I found that two pairs of socks were just too hot for me, so I switched to gel toe caps, when I needed them. They worked much better for my feet! And I didn't get blisters if I felt a niggle on one of my toes, I would put them on immediately.

 

[pjacobi]

The only one that can determine the best sock for you is --- YOU!

This is one of the many issues that are best resolved by training at home *before* your Camino.


-Paul

 

[K_Lynn]

Make sure your socks are the right size, not too big that there is enough fabric to fold and wrinkle and not so tight as to constrict the toes. I'd pick up some tube bandages that you can cut to length and slip them over the toe with no sense of personal space (like this https://www.essentialaids.com/silicone-gel-tubular-toe-bandage.html ) . These little guys saved me on Camino to prevent friction blisters.

 

[Snowflake5090]

Hi everyone pre camino training and ive discovered a bit of a problem with one of my toes whereby it gets pinched by the toe beside it when I walk, think I'm actually walking on the toe slightly .

Weird one a triangular shaped toe... I feel like im in the confession box telling all my weird secrets to strangers

Ive spoken to a foot specialist and he said my foot is misaligned and the toes are lifting up to compensate for this issue. He recommended foot massage and exercises to relieve the tension.

Anyway im wondering about these injinji toe socks have people had much success? And how about fit? I guess you need to get that spot on
Any tips? Thanks

Hi, I recently wore injinji toe socks on my recent Camino and never got one toe blister in 700 miles so I can definitely recommend the
Buen Camino

 

[hawkeyepierce]

I have historically had trouble with blisters between my toes, but the combination of Injini toe socks (with a lightweight merino outer sock) and an extra wide shoe have kept me from getting any blisters so far on the CF (just reached Leon today).

 

[Tandem Graham]

I have toes which are like how yours sound to be! When I competed in running races anything longer than 6 miles my third and fourth toes would end covered in blood as they abrazed each other.
Injinji running socks fixed that issue.
Then when I began to prepare for long multiday hikes, I had discomfort between the same toes.
Injinji liner socks (worn under summer weight hiking socks) fixed that issue!
As others have said, you should try them out on long hikes near home first - as everyone's feet are different.
Buen Camino!

 

[AussieSunnygirl]

Since deciding I would one day walk the camino back in early 2020, I found my two outer toes on both feet, like to 'hug' each other when walking longer distances. After walking about 8-10 klms the 'hugging' would cause both blisters and blood blisters. I searched the internet for a solution and one of these was Injinji toe socks. I love them - no blisters for me anymore, however, it's taken a little trial and error to find the right ones for me. I get the best result from the 'ultra' socks - the thickest ones, and my personal preference otherwise are the mini crew socks. I will be putting them to the 'ultra' test when I begin my first camino next month. PS I also wear walking shoes with a wider box to let my toes spread out.

 

[cbacino]

Hi everyone pre camino training and ive discovered a bit of a problem with one of my toes whereby it gets pinched by the toe beside it when I walk, think I'm actually walking on the toe slightly .

Weird one a triangular shaped toe... I feel like im in the confession box telling all my weird secrets to strangers

Ive spoken to a foot specialist and he said my foot is misaligned and the toes are lifting up to compensate for this issue. He recommended foot massage and exercises to relieve the tension.

Anyway im wondering about these injinji toe socks have people had much success? And how about fit? I guess you need to get that spot on
Any tips? Thanks

I switched from lightweight toe socks to use medium weight for
the added padding between toes. Friction = blisters. Over the toe socks, I wear a lightweight pair of socks.

 

[Bdmckillop]

We completed the Camino Frances in early June. Before we left we were introduced to these wonderful toe socks by many people at REI and also another great store called Fleet Feet. We both wore them daily for the duration if our trip. Zero blisters. I used a little Vaseline and my husband did not. We both highly recommend these Injinji socks.

 

[trecile]

Be careful when wearing Injinji socks that you don't pull them on so tightly that they rub at the webbing between your toes. A friend and I both got blisters between our big and second toes from this. Fortunately the blister didn't really bother me as I didn't need to put any pressure on the area. I just left it alone and it healed.
Some people wear their Injinji socks inside out to avoid having that small seam rub.

 

[Suzanne H]

Yes to Injinji! I wore them alone without an external sock and they helped a lot. I’ve also placed small pieces of duct tape on the areas too so they’d slide past one another. The socks are great

 

[C clearly]

telling all my weird secrets

welcome to the triangular-toe group. Nothing to be embarrassed about at all, turns out not to be that uncommon

Yes, I think this is quite common. I sometimes get those blisters, but usually have some warning when one is developing. Then I put a bandage or some paper first-aid tape around the affected toe(s) and it solves the problem.

 

[Wandalina]

Make sure your socks are the right size, not too big that there is enough fabric to fold and wrinkle and not so tight as to constrict the toes. I'd pick up some tube bandages that you can cut to length and slip them over the toe with no sense of personal space (like this https://www.essentialaids.com/silicone-gel-tubular-toe-bandage.html ) . These little guys saved me on Camino to prevent friction blisters.

Those pesky toes with no sense of personal space

 

[Wandalina]

High @Wandalina. I used to use Injinji's but I found that two pairs of socks were just too hot for me, so I switched to gel toe caps, when I needed them. They worked much better for my feet! And I didn't get blisters if I felt a niggle on one of my toes, I would put them on immediately.

Thanks elle great tip ive ordered myself some gel toe caps and a pair of injinji socks for good measure x

 

[Wandalina]

Since deciding I would one day walk the camino back in early 2020, I found my two outer toes on both feet, like to 'hug' each other when walking longer distances. After walking about 8-10 klms the 'hugging' would cause both blisters and blood blisters. I searched the internet for a solution and one of these was Injinji toe socks. I love them - no blisters for me anymore, however, it's taken a little trial and error to find the right ones for me. I get the best result from the 'ultra' socks - the thickest ones, and my personal preference otherwise are the mini crew socks. I will be putting them to the 'ultra' test when I begin my first camino next month. PS I also wear walking shoes with a wider box to let my toes spread out.

Thank you for the advice

 

[Wandalina]

Hi Wandalina welcome to the triangular-toe group. Nothing to be embarrassed about at all, turns out not to be that uncommon. I have wide feet as well as triangular little toes. Without something there to protect I will always get blisters between these toes and the next, particularly one side. I don't have to walk far at all for a blister to appear. Injinji toe socks have transformed my walking life, I love them. I have got some in merino wool and also coolmax but my preference is Injinji liner socks inside regular merino hiking socks.

I hike in shoes with a wide toe box. Mine are Altra Lone Peak 6 in wide fit. (The width of my feet limits my choices).

If I'm just popping down the road at home in regular socks I pop a little Hikers Wool between the toes. You can reuse this wool, it's great stuff.

Thank you i guess im part of the special triangular toe club

 

[LornaD]

Hi everyone pre camino training and ive discovered a bit of a problem with one of my toes whereby it gets pinched by the toe beside it when I walk, think I'm actually walking on the toe slightly .

Weird one a triangular shaped toe... I feel like im in the confession box telling all my weird secrets to strangers

Ive spoken to a foot specialist and he said my foot is misaligned and the toes are lifting up to compensate for this issue. He recommended foot massage and exercises to relieve the tension.

Anyway im wondering about these injinji toe socks have people had much success? And how about fit? I guess you need to get that spot on
Any tips? Thanks

I love my Iniji toe socks. In addition I place surgical tape around two problem toes. If you desire, look up key words: non-woven, stretch, adhesive, breathable tape. It will usually have blue lines on back and you cut to size. I pre-cut to wrap around my toes and handed out a lot to others who were happy to receive. Good to have extra for this purpose.

 

[trecile]

. If you desire, look up key words: non-woven, stretch, adhesive, breathable tape. It will usually have blue lines on back and you cut to size.

The two brands that I've bought are Omnifix and Hypafix - both available in pharmacies in Spain.

In fact it was from a Spanish pharmacist that I learned about it. My friend had run out of moleskin and we went to a pharmacy to buy more, but the pharmacist suggested the Omnifix tape instead, and it worked better than the moleskin.

 

[Wandalina]

I love my Iniji toe socks. In addition I place surgical tape around two problem toes. If you desire, look up key words: non-woven, stretch, adhesive, breathable tape. It will usually have blue lines on back and you cut to size. I pre-cut to wrap around my toes and handed out a lot to others who were happy to receive. Good to have extra for this purpose.

Thanks lorna. Ill be getting both its best to be prepared x

 

[Wandalina]

The two brands that I've bought are Omnifix and Hypafix - both available in pharmacies in Spain.

In fact it was from a Spanish pharmacist that I learned about it. My friend had run out of moleskin and we went to a pharmacy to buy more, but the pharmacist suggested the Omnifix tape instead, and it worked better than the moleskin.

Great tip thank you ill look out for it

 

[Kathy F.]

I love Injinji socks!!

A wide boot and Injinji socks, usually with another "normal," maybe Smartwool, sock over for extra cushioning, and my toes are sooooooo happy!

I wear the Injinji for marathons and Injinji with socks for Caminos.

BTW, you have to take your time, at least in the beginning, to get them on each toe properly. Naturally, it takes longer than to just pull on a plain ol' pair of socks!! And make sure you get the proper size. Too small socks can cause as much discomfort and injury as too small boots.

 

[Wandalina]

I love Injinji socks!!

A wide boot and Injinji socks, usually with another "normal," maybe Smartwool, sock over for extra cushioning, and my toes are sooooooo happy!

I wear the Injinji for marathons and Injinji with socks for Caminos.

BTW, you have to take your time, at least in the beginning, to get them on each toe properly. Naturally, it takes longer than to just pull on a plain ol' pair of socks!! And make sure you get the proper size. Too small socks can cause as much discomfort and injury as too small boots.

Thanks Kathy ive ordered a pair. Hoping they fit

 

[Kathy F.]

Thanks Kathy ive ordered a pair. Hoping they fit

I'm wearing a pair of Injinjis as I write this.
I just did a 6 K pleasant walk about town, with a slight detour to the ice cream store (ahem).
With a pair of Smartwools over them and my Merrill Moabs, my feet feel fine.
Buen Camino.

 

[trecile]

I just did a 6 K pleasant walk about town, with a slight detour to the ice cream store (ahem).

The best walks have a destination!

 

[Wandalina]

The best walks have a destination!

I agree

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I leave in a few short days for my 6th Camino; this time the Via Francigena from Lucca to Rome.
I purchased a pair of Ininjini toe socks in 2017 at the recommendation of a friend. Although I have never struggled with blisters (only treated hot spots), I have brought the pair on past caminos "just in case" as a third pair of socks. I have never used them, but today I decided to test wearing them around the house and not sure if I like the "feel" of each toe being separate from the others.

For those of you who have used them, what's your opinion on the feel, and did they help prevent blisters or bring relief if you had blisters from different socks? I don't want to bring them again if they will again be wasted ounces I carry.

[Threads merged]

 

[terryenroute]

I leave in a few short days for my 6th Camino; this time the Via Francigena from Lucca to Rome.
I purchased a pair of Ininjini toe socks in 2017 at the recommendation of a friend. Although I have never struggled with blisters (only treated hot spots), I have brought the pair on past caminos "just in case" as a third pair of socks. I have never used them, but today I decided to test wearing them around the house and not sure if I like the "feel" of each toe being separate from the others.

For those of you who have used them, what's your opinion on the feel, and did they help prevent blisters or bring relief if you had blisters from different socks? I don't want to bring them again if they will again be wasted ounces I carry.

These are my goto socks. Without them, I get a blister where 2 toes rub together. I have had no blister problems at all since switching solely to these.

 

[Former member 92300]

I love Injinji toe socks. It took me a couple weeks to get used to the toe sock feel... but now I won't hike without them and it feels really weird to wear sneakers in other situations without them. But you seriously have to wear them a lot for a couple weeks to get used to them. I pair them with a cushioned merino wool sock. When I wear them - with Altra Lone Peaks - I never get blisters. Change the shoes or get smaller shoes (closer to my normal size) - then I do blister. So - not just about the toe socks, it is about the total shoe/sock combination that works for your feet. That said - I have not gotten on between the toes blister since I started wearing them... regardless of the shoe sock combination. And I used to get quite a few blisters around the toe areas. I will also say - I love wearing them with sandals on the Camino - when I am walking around town. I don't wear socks/sandals normally - but find them comforting on the Camino.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

There are different thicknesses and materials

I just checked the website and see I have the Trail mid-weight mini crew. I didn't remember there are so many styles and thicknesses.

 

[trecile]

Since you've never had problems with your regular socks before I wouldn't bring them.

I wore Injinji socks on my 2018 Camino until I found that they gave me a blister in the webbing between my big toe and second toe!
The same thing happened to a friend of mine.

However another friend loves them and told me that she wears them inside out so that little seam doesn't rub and cause a blister.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Since you've never had problems with your regular socks before I wouldn't bring them.

I wore Injinji socks on my 2018 Camino until I found that they gave me a blister in the webbing between my big toe and second toe!
The same thing happened to a friend of mine.

However another friend loves them and told me that she wears them inside out so that little seam doesn't rub and cause a blister.

I may leave them home, but will try them out a few more days just to be sure.
I do feel the sock on that big toe webbing now that you mention it, so have loosened it.
The "inside out" idea is a great one, too.
You usually "come through" on many topics with good ideas and advice.

 

[mrosenlof]

I bought a couple of different pairs a year or two ago. I'm happiest with the trail midweight mini crew.

I'm male, 63, ~215 lb, and mostly wearing them with Chaco Z sandals.

Your experience will almost certainly vary.

 

[DeansFamily]

We are a running family and discovered injinji socks eleven years ago as my daughter (then 9 and already a top runner in NSW) and my husband battled toe blisters. We absolutely swear by them and buy bulk when the January sales are online. The low cut ones are great for running but collect gravel and dirt down the sides of the Achilles on long walks. A better choice are the higher crew cut or longer as they keep everything out. It pays to look online for deals in Australia, but avoid overseas sites as they can be unreliable or even bogus (like overseas Hoka One sites) but don't leave it too late.

 

[sgbmom]

Oh yes, Injinji toe socks are an obligatory for my Caminos!

 

[Kathy F.]

I size up on my injinji socks. I want to make sure they are covering my entire toe and not cheating a bit on the “web“ between toes.

Also, since I wash them daily when walking, I want to take into account any possible shrinkage. Another reason to size up.

When I put them on, I make sure they are snug around the entire toe. A very small price to pay for no blisters.

Who thought you could write so much on how to put on socks?? Yikes!!