Injinji, Gotena, and V-Toes

Comparing Toe Socks

Comparing Toe Socks

Here at Feetus.co.uk, we’re mad about toe socks. We’re the nation’s favourite toe sock specialist and we try to offer you the biggest and best range on the market. Commonly used with Vibram FiveFingers, toe socks are fantastic for all sports, and offer superior blister-protection compared with the conventional sock.

But are all toe socks equal? Are some brands better than others?

With such a vast array of different brands, styles, weights, heights, and colours, its easy to get confused. Unsurprisingly, we were overjoyed when one of our super-customers and fellow toe sock lover sent us this comprehensive overview of toe socks. He reviewed a range of toe socks from brands Gotena, V-Toes, and industry-leading Injinji. Here’s what he thinks:

Gotena Toe Socks – An Overview

Maybe I have freakishly long toes but I found the toe pockets on Gotena toe socks to be unbelievably short, therefore removing the freedom for each toe that I/we the consumer buy these socks for in the first place. The point where the toe pockets join is halfway up the gap in your real toes, the pockets actually act to keep your toes together, thus making them almost as bad, if not worse than, normal socks.

Yes the fabric feels nice next to the skin, seems well constructed and is very light – however, this comes with a downside in that there is no structure at all to the sock – now I know that the whole idea of “going minimal”/wearing less footwear etc. is less structure but getting these things on is like putting on Clingfilm socks – i.e. not easy to say the least – I actually find that my medium and “heavy” weight Injinji socks are way easier to get on because at least they have some “shape”.

As already stated, I may have really long toes (but I don’t think so, maybe just above average) but surely the whole idea of toe socks is to allow toe freedom and a few mm extra is not going to cause issues, especially in these modern elasticated socks – if you lengthened the toes in these by 10-15 mm they would still be fine for short toed folks (they just wouldn’t max out the stretch but that wouldn’t cause bunching). It’s something I think even Injinji are guilty of and they are the nearest I found yet to having long enough

I have to admit to being surprised at the narrowness of the toe pockets too as my toes are certainly on the skinnier side of average and these are tight – again, a habit of other toe sock makers I find hard to understand – maybe it’s the whole obsession with things fitting “snugly” and compression wear and all that nonsense but I’ve worn “normal” socks with no elastic and in a wide fit as an alternative to toe socks and never had any issues with the extra fabric, just that age old problem with shape and even being super wide, they still pulled the big toe in due to the taper of the toe box.

I don’t want to rant but come on some sock company out there, try this – make the toes a bit longer and wider and everything a bit less stretchy and not so thin that they have no shape at all – you might just be surprised at the results – socks don’t have to be this tight to keep them in place and then we’ll get the freedom our toes deserve.

Buy Gotena toe socks from Feetus.co.uk

V-Toes – An Overview

I’m afraid not much good to say here about V-Toes – they appear poorly made with loose loops at the end of each toe pocket, loose threads everywhere inside and again, toe pockets big enough for my 3 year olds toes, but these are for size 11 feet.

It is really hard to get on to each toe; I couldn’t possibly recommend them – I’m sure there are people who’ve found these OK but I think that’s more of a reflection of the poor standard of what’s available.

 Buy V-Toe toe socks from Feetus.co.uk

Injinji – An Overview

And to finish, Injinji Performance 2.0 Lightweight and Injinji Outdoor MidWeight NuWool – by far the best of the bunch – both well made with the ‘Lightweights’ still having enough shape/hold to make them a breeze to put on (a breeze for toe socks that is!), being Lightweight (obviously) and almost long enough in the toes.

The Outdoor range of toe socks are probably my favourite of the lot, not being overly thick but with enough warmth for the depths of a UK/Irish winter (not going to say Scottish winter as that’s a different ball game altogether) which is very useful with most minimal footwear being low on insulated properties.

Buy Injinji toe socks from Feetus.co.uk 

Toe Socks – A Summary

So to summarise it’s fairly clear – unless there’s a toe sock company out there making toe socks with longer toes and less restriction/too much elastic then Injinji are the clear winner for now.

It’s all very well saving a couple of quid [by purchasing the cheaper toe socks] but the Injinjis hold up well too.

To be fair to V-Toes and Gotena, I’ve not had them long enough to see if they last – but then I wouldn’t want them too as they are awful to wear. I’ve had a couple of pairs of the Injinji NuWool for a while now and they are going to take a long time to wear out.

Overall – If you’re looking for a reliable toe sock that not only fits well, but also offers supreme performance and longevity, the Injinji toe sock is what you need.

See the full range of toe socks at Feetus.co.uk

Injinji, Gotena, and V-Toes
Do you have a favourite toe sock? Let us know by leaving a comment

Do I need to size-up in Vibram FiveFingers to accommodate toe-socks?

If you wear Vibram FiveFingers, or are thinking about buying a pair of Vibrams, this can be a common issue. First of all, you need to decide whether you want to wear toe socks under your FiveFingers – and then – if you did use toe socks – would you need to get a bigger shoe size to accommodate the extra bulk from the sock?

Should I Wear Toe Socks Under My Vibram FiveFingers?

This all comes down to personal preference. At Feetus, we find that around 30% of our customers wear toe socks in the summer, but in winter, this percentage increases to around 90%. As you can expect, the colder months prompt barefooters to reach for socks to add an extra degree of warmth.

Personally, I wore Vibrams for years before I started to wear toe socks. My first pair of FiveFingers was the original KSO. I wanted to try toe socks, but was always put-off by the price (£10+ for one pair!). I eventually took the plunge and found that the quality just didn’t meet the price tag. This, HOWEVER, was back in 2011 – and Injinji have drastically improved the quality of their toe socks.

Now, I know that their range of toe socks are WORTH £10+, given their very high quality, longevity, and performance benefits. At Feetus, we like to offer discounts on toe socks too, so you can always pick up toe socks for less than £10, and we always have a toe sock ‘special offer’ for you to get extra value.

Nowadays, I very rarely wear Vibram FiveFingers WITHOUT socks.

Do I Need To Get A Bigger Size Vibram FiveFingers To Wear Toe Socks?

No.

There is a common misconception that in order to wear socks under your Vibrams, you need to get a larger shoe size. This is not the case.

Think about the conventional shoes you’ve been wearing over the years. How many times have you thought ‘I need to wear socks today – these shoes are going to be too small’? The answer is probably ‘Never’ – and the same applies to your Vibrams.

Toe socks come in a variety of different styles, with the common factor between each being the weight. Using the original performance toesock brand Injinji as an example, they offer Lightweight, Original Weight, Run MidWeight, Trail MidWeight, NuWool Original Weight, and the range is constantly growing and evolving.

Side Note – Please be aware that MidWeight socks (both in the RUN and TRAIL series’) may be a little too thick to wear in your Vibram FiveFingers. Injinji’s Yoga Socks are also not recommended for use in shoes. 

 

What Other Toe Sock Brands Are There?

Injinji are definitely the pioneers. They’re the original creator of the performance toesock, however, we’re proud to offer GOTENA and V-Toes.

GOTENA make fabulous-quality toe socks. Their Merino Wool sock is fantastic quality, and they have also filled the gap by offering their GHOST sock, which is very similar to the (now-unavailable-in-the-UK) Injinji PED.

V-Toes offer an all-black toe sock, similar to Injinji’s Original Weight Mini Crew.

 

Check out the full range of Toe Socks here

Wear Vibram FiveFingers for your winter training

What Vibram FiveFingers Should I Wear In Winter?

Winter Is Here! Which Vibrams Shall I Wear?

PLEASE NOTE –

This is an archived blog post and a new version has been published for winter 2015/2016. To view the new ‘Vibrams for Winter’ guide, click this link. 

We’re seeing a massive shift in the barefoot shoes that people are buying. The days are getting shorter, it’s colder, it’s wetter, and its windier. People are seeking out the best Vibram FiveFingers for winter – and we’re here to help you find the perfect choice.

An Overview

In case you don’t want to read the whole article, we’ve made it easy for you to pick out the best shoe depending on what activity you’re likely to use the shoes for most:

…But if you want to know more, read on! 

A Quick Look at the Soles

Vibram Fivefingers have some excellent styles that are designed for use in colder weather and challenging terrain, but there are two sole types that stand out as the most winter-proof; the Trek sole, and the Spyridon sole (aka the Vibram XS Trek compound).

The ICETREK Sole

The ICETREK sole is unique to the Bikila Evo WP. Built on the same style / shape of sole as the original Bikila Evo, except the sole on the WP is made from Vibram’s patented ICETREK technology. Not only has this rubber compound been granted full marks by Vibram for its durability, it is “developed to grant the best grip on very cold, iced, or snowy surfaces, VIBRAM® Icetrek allows you to move, work, and live safely on mountains and in cold areas.”

Bikila Evo WP - Men's ICETREK Sole
Bikila Evo WP – Men’s ICETREK Sole

The ‘Trek’ Sole

The Trek sole: A closer look
The Trek sole: A closer look

The Trek sole can be found on the following styles:

With a maximum sole thickness of just 7.5mm the Trek sole is very minimal – but in comparison to some of its peers (EL-X 3.5mm, Seeya 3.5mm) it is more ‘built up’, thus giving less ‘barefoot feel’ (aka proprioception / feedback).

The extra sole depth comes in the form of tread. The lugs on the Trek sole are strategically placed to provide extra grip where it is needed, giving you confidence when running on the trails. The extra sole thickness means the Trek sole is less flexible than other Vibram styles.

The Vibram XS Trek Compound Sole

Sypiridon sole: A closer look
Sypiridon sole: A closer look

The Vibram XS Trek Compound Sole is found on the Spyridon MR.

The Spyridon MR sole is more minimal than the Trek sole with a maximum sole thickness of just 4mm. The sole features multi-directional tread designed to provide traction and stability when you need it most. The Spyridon MR sole is also much more flexible than the Trek sole, and you can easily roll and flex the sole.

A Look At The Shoes

Bikila Evo WP: The ONLY Waterproof ‘barefoot’ shoe

The Bikila Evo WP was released in November 2014 and has created quite a stir. For year, barefoot runners have been calling out for a shoe that is genuinely waterproof, and now we have it.

See our full review here

This shoe features a triple fastening mechanism: A concealed quick-lace system, a full zipper, and a Velcro across the top. The upper fabric is 100% waterproof, the zipper has taped seams, and the ICETREK sole is super-grippy in snow and ice. Despite the wealth of features, the Bikila Evo WP is also extremely lightweight. Its baffling how a shoe so good, so comprehensive, can remain so low on weight.

Buy the Bikila Evo WP

Trek Sport: Great for winter and year-round

The Trek Sport is one of Vibram FiveFingers’ most popular styles. The black/charcoal colourway is arguably more ‘socially acceptable’ and less conspicuous than some of Vibram’s more brighter, vibrant styles. The upper is exactly the same as the KSO (Keep Stuff Out) style, and the Trek Sport style and colour is exactly the same for both men and women.

The Trek Sport: Black / Charcoal, for both men and women
The Trek Sport: Black / Charcoal, for both men and women

Because the upper fabric completely covers the foot to just below the ankle, it provides warmth and does a great job of preventing any objects (gravel, sand, mud) from getting inside the five-toe shoe. The mesh ensures the feet can breathe and the Velcro fastening is a God-send when your fingers are cold; simply pull and stick – no fumbling with numb fingers to lace-up your shoes!

What is the Trek Sport best for?

These are all reasons that make the classic Trek Sport an ideal choice if you are looking for a shoe that will perform in:

  • Boot Camps
  • Off-road running (trail running, beach running,
  • Mud obstacle courses such as Tough Mudder
  • Trekking
  • Day-to-day use

Buy the Trek Sport from Feetus.co.uk

Trek Sport Sandal: Great for trails in milder weather

Vibram released the Trek Sport Sandal in 2013 to very favourable reviews. While the original Trek Sport is great for hitting the trails when the weather is cooler, muddier, and the terrain looser – The Trek Sport Sandal will serve you better when it is warmer, and when the terrain is more hard-packed.

That said – You can provide extra warmth and protection by adding a pair of Injinji toe socks.

More a shoe than a sandal, The Trek Sport Sandal features vents on each side of the shoe providing incredible breathability. The upper fabric is extremely durable and comfortable.

While the Trek Sport is a Velcro-only style, the Sandal is lace-only (LS) and comes fitted with Vibram’s brilliant Quick-Lace system as standard plus a spare pair of conventional laces, giving you the choice of how you lace your Sandal.

What is the Trek Sport Sandal best for?

The Trek Sport Sandal is certainly less of a winter shoe than the Trek Sport, but is equally as versatile, making it a popular choice for the following activities when the weather is fairer:

  • Off-road Running (Trail Running, Beach)
  • Boot Camps
  • Trekking

Buy the Trek Sport Sandal from Feetus.co.uk

Lontra: Water-Resistant and Thermal

The Lontra was the original winter barefoot running shoe – before the Bikila Evo WP was released..  The upper is water-resistant (but not waterproof), and is more padded than any other style, providing thermal qualities to keep your feet warm when it gets cold.

The Lontra features a multi-layer laminate upper with fully taped seams, providing insulation and water resistance. The micro pile fleece liner is soft against the skin while helping wick perspiration away from the foot. Other features include: a neoprene heel cuff to keep out snow and debris, a reinforced hook and loop closure for a snug and secure fit; and reflective surfaces for safety at night. The 4mm EVA midsole provides insulation from frozen surfaces, and the TC-1 Dura outsole provides traction, durability and superior plating protection.

The Lontra feels slightly over-sized, and I suspect it was designed this way to provide extra space inside the shoe to give the wearer the option of wearing toe socks for extra warmth and comfort.

You may also find the Lontra to be less breathable than other styles. This is arguably a fair trade-off given the water resistance element.

What is the Lontra best for?

You will likely find the Lontra best for you if

  • You’re running when it is really cold
  • Snow running
  • Off-road running (unless it is warm)
  • Boot Camps
  • Obstacle events such as Tough Mudder, Mudderling, Spartan Races, etc

Buy the Lontra

The Spyridon: A viable winter option: Copes well in mud obstacle races.

The Spyridon MR is available for both men and women:

The upper fabric is only slightly water resistant (not as much as the Lontra). Like the Trek Sport and the Lontra, your foot is fully covered giving excellent protection against loose objects when running and preventing things such as stones, gravel and mud from entering the shoe.

The ‘MR’ in the name actually stands for Mud Runner and the shoe was designed for off-road, muddy pursuits; the grippy sole akin to that of a mountain bike tyre.

What is the Spyridon best for?

As such, the Spyridon MR will serve you well if you want a winter shoe that still has maximum barefoot feel, whilst still performs well in:

  • Mud obstacle courses such as Tough Mudder
  • Trail Running
  • Boot Camps

Buy the Spyridon MR

A Personal Opinion / Conclusion

It has to be said that the most important aspect of keeping warm in a ‘barefoot’ shoe is not so much in the shoe itself, but in the socks you wear underneath. Without socks, your feet are really going to feel the cold. If you want to continue running and training outside in the colder months, don’t forget your socks!

See our huge range of toe socks

If you’re looking for a pair of Vibram Fivefingers for general use, for road running and for a bit of everything, there is no better product than the Bikila Evo WP. Unparalleled grip, waterproof, and the look amazing!

I personally find the Lontra to be a little too ‘clumpy’, heavy, and rigid. When I run in the Lontra, I lose all-important ‘barefoot feel’ (also known as proprioception, ground-feel, or feedback) and I notice that my running form suffers.

The Trek Sport and Trek Sport Sandal are two of my favourite shoes. Excellent handling, great for long distance, top breathability: I personally cannot find any faults with these shoes, though some may argue that the Trek sole is too thick at 7.5mm). I would argue that the tread depth is essential for all trail running / trekking enthusiasts.

The Spyridon MR, while being a very attractive shoe with what looks to be a very ‘grippy’ sole, I find it to lack the appropriate grip when the conditions get very wet. I also find that the Spyridon MR does not provide the level of breathability that is essential in a running shoe.

Don’t Forget Your Socks

It goes without saying that in winter, a pair of socks can make a difference between a great run, and a downright hideous one. It’s so important to keep the blood flowing in your feet, so make sure you keep your feet warm and comfortable. As soon as you lose feeling in your feet, how do you know if your technique is correct? …You don’t!

Keep Warm: Add a pair of Injinji toe socks to your set-up
Keep Warm: Add a pair of Injinji toe socks to your set-up

A pair of socks will go a long way to keep you dry, warm, and most importantly, running naturally. Specialist running shoes with individual toe pockets require specialist socks with toe pockets. Luckily, we have the best toe socks on the market… Injinji toe socks.

Pick up a pair of Injinji toe socks today.

Customer Questions

1. Brian Holden asked: “How will they [Vibram FiveFingers] fit with toe socks?”

By adding a pair of Lightweight Injinji toe socks, the added ‘bulk’ is so minimal that this will make no difference to how your FiveFingers fit.

Wearing Original Weight Injinji socks under your Vibrams will have a greater impact. If you Vibrams are currently quite close-fitting (i.e, your toes graze the end of your shoe), then the added material from the Original Weight socks will probably be too much, and could cause ill-fitting inside the shoe. This of course, will have a knock-on effect to your running performance and comfort.

Most people will find that, if you are usually a size 43 in a KSO, a size 43 Lontra will feel a little oversized, meaning you could easily accommodate a pair of Original Weight socks inside.

 

About The Author

Barefoot runner, cycling fanatic, outdoor-lover, Lee Firman is the man behind Feetus.co.uk. Click here to read more.