Posts Tagged travel socks
Injinji Toe Socks for Hiking, Running, or Yoga
Going well beyond the novelty of looking interesting and keeping your toes warm, these Injiji socks are great for preventing blisters and stemming fatigue.
Good travel socks are super-important. A blister or rubbed-sore heel will put a serious crimp in your plans since travel usually involves a good bit of walking. The wrong socks on a hiking trip can ruin everything. Last year when I was exploring the Atacama Desert in Chile, I asked a man who had just come from a hiking trip in Patagonia what advice he would give to people packing for a trip there. “Spend the money on really good socks,” he replied.
For a travel gear blog though, there’s just one problem: socks are pretty boring to write about. Judging from our stats, people also find them pretty boring to read about. And unless you work for a sock company, you’ll have a pretty hard time telling most of the really good brands apart in a blind feeling or walking test.
Not so with these Injiji ones though. Each of your toes gets its own special compartment.
Toe socks are nothing new. They’ve been around for decades as something people who get cold feet—literally—would wear during the winter as they cozied up by the fire. These are different though because they’re performance socks. They have as much design and care in the construction of them as you find in any pair of $15+ socks on the rack at REI or Academy Sports. The distinctive look is for a reason, not just to get attention.
Long-distance runners who have used these socks will rave about them. I’ve worn them on multiple hikes and have zero fear that I’ll get a blister, even if I’m going for hours on end up and down ridges. With this design there’s just less skin-on-skin friction, plus the construction ensures you got extra padding in the right places.
My wife is a personal trainer and yoga instructor and also gives them high marks. She’s found that her feet get less fatigued in the running socks whether she’s working out or just on her feet for hours helping clients.
I had her be the guinea pig on these yoga socks too. They’ve got little nibs on the bottom that help your feet grip the yoga mat. Or they would enable you to do yoga on surfaces that are normally too slippery.
Most Injinji socks are made from an all-synthetic wicking blend or a mix of synthetic and wool fibers, with some being treated with a silver-based odor-fighting element. They come in three weight thicknesses and heights ranging from no-show to crew, performance and outdoor.
The main downside of these socks is they definitely require a bit more effort to pull on—kind of like getting on a pair of stretchy gloves. Each toe has to go in a separate hole, after all. Some of the models have a little pull tab built in, which helps a bit. Worth the payoff though once they’re on.
Prices range from a low of $8 each when buying a 3-pack on sale to a high of $16 for the thickest versions. You can order direct from Injinji or find a whole range of them online at Zappos, Backcountry, PlanetShoes , and Moosejaw.
Posted by Tim Leffel in Adventure Gear, General Gear on February 28th, 2013
Darn Tough Winter Round-Up for Women and Kids
I can’t say enough good things about Darn Tough Vermont. Last season, I reviewed their mesh run/bike and hiking styles in our women’s sock round-up, and I’m pleased to be back singing the praises of their winter offerings for women and children, just in time for stocking stuffer season. (Don’t worry guys: Darn Tough has a great selection for men as well.)
New to me this season is Darn Tough’s ‘Coolmax’ option, which is a wool-alternative. Though I never had any complaints about Darn Tough’s merino wool, I have to admit to loving the softness of Coolmax. So far, it’s performed every bit as well as wool, wicking away moisture and keeping my feet warm and dry, all with a more breathable, more flexible feel.
Below are my top three favorites for winter wear, whether you’re hiking, biking, walking, or skiing.
1. Run/Bike sock: In the summer, you can opt for the mesh version of the Run/Bike sock, and in winter, just switch to the Coolmax or wool version. I like mine cushioned, but you can opt to go without cushion as well. The no-show length stops right at the ankle, but the Run/Bike is also available in a 1/4 sock or crew. Basically, there are about as many ways to order up this sock as there ways to order a latte at Starbucks. I decided to try out one No-Show Merino wool cushioned Bike/Run sock and one No-Show Coolmax cushioned Rike/Run sock, and truly, it’s like Sophie’s Choice: the Coolmax feels softer to me, but darn it if the wool doesn’t feel more substantial. It comes down to personal preference (as long as you’re not of two minds like me). Additional things to love the Run/Bike for: reinforced construction at the toe and heel, and seamless design. I’ve yet to get a blister in these socks. Pick some up from between $13-$15 at Amazon or CampMor.
2. Hike/Trek boot sock: Just like the Run/Bike socks, the Hike/Trek is available with our without Coolmax, although instead of the choice between cushion or no cushion, you get to choose between cushion or extra cushion. No doubt about it, the Hike/Trek socks are more rugged than the Run/Bike, meant for serious winter trekking, snowshoeing, and the like. I wore my pair of boot socks with full cushion all day on a soggy sports field in pouring rain, and my feet survived to freeze another day.
Adventurers choose between a 1/4 sock, micro crew, boot sock, or mountaineering sock, and all come in fun colors and patterns. I like the crew for everyday winter wear, because it comes up just high enough to cover low boots or the fit snug around leggings without encasing my whole calf. While in the elements, give me the boot version. The wool versions include 67% Merino wool with some Nylon and Lycra to add some elasticity, and the Coolmax versions are made with Coolmax Polyester, Nylon, and Spandex. Pick up any version of the Hike/Trek for between $20-$29 at Amazon, CampMor, or Backcountry.
3. Kids Ski/Ride sock: I’ve already mentioned how my kids embraced Darn Tough’s kids’ Hike/Trek socks, and they love the ski socks for the same reason: minimum squeezing, itching, and general irritation. Their Ultra Light ski sock is still padded, and comes up over the calf, but is so lightweight, the kids don’t mind it on (and their feet stay warm). If your kids aren’t weirded out by weighty socks like mine are, they have the option for the cushioned padded ski sock as well. The bright colors are fun (and easy to spot in the ski gear bag). Put them in the kids’ stocking after buying from Amazon or CampMor for around $14.
Posted by Amy in Adventure Gear, Kids and Family on November 13th, 2012
LORPEN Weekender/Chillax Comfort Line Socks
This soft line of socks is the perfect blend for the on-the-go business traveler and occasional adventurer. The Lorpen line has a long history in creating socks that sustain a full day of durability with the elements, but this casual series is set on being comfortable enough for daily use while still maintaining a focus on long-term travel.
As a business traveler, this is especially important for me. I am often on the go with just one carry-on bag for more than two weeks so stinky socks are not a pleasurable travel accessory.
The Comfort Life line of socks is an excellent addition to my slim line of travel gear that earns its respective spot in my suitcase of dwindling size (you heard about Air France’s influence on Brookstone convincing the American company to produce smaller bags to meet its ridiculously stringent code of carry-on bag requirements).
Anyway, most cotton socks absorb and retain moisture, which can result in blisters. And even if you trade out your socks regularly, carrying them around is not a pleasant experience. This Comfort Life line retains water but remains breathable, which reduces odor.
This special fabric, known as Modal, is made by spinning reconstituted cellulose from beech trees into a yarn that is soft without fading its color over time.
The Weekender and Chillax pairs seemed especially interesting for a business traveler such as myself. Over a two-week travel period, I traveled with both pairs. Each were worn for a couple of days maximum, and then I placed them into a laundry bag with odor protection.
Despite my own efforts, socks are not the best to keep quiet in a laundry bag. However, this pair was a winner.
I also appreciated the dual function use that worked for me if I were crossing time zones since the Merino wool keeps it feels soft and warm in winter and cool in summer.
These and other pairs are available on Lorpen’s website or Amazon for an extremely affordable price of $10-15 making them a great gift for frequent travelers. There’s also a good selection at the Sierra Trading Post site.
See more reviews of travel socks, including others from Lorpen.
Posted by Ramsey in Adventure Gear, Business Gear, Travel Light on September 17th, 2012
Women’s Outdoor and Travel Sock Round-Up
A few weeks back, Tim posted a hiking sock round-up for men, and now it’s our turn! If you’ve been shopping for all-weather socks for outdoor activity, you know just how many brands and styles are out there. Early this year, I asked performance sock brands to send me the best they offer for skiing, hiking, and running/biking. After incasing my tootsies in Merino wool (non-itchy and a renewable resource!) and wool blends just about every day for the past two months, I bring you my top style picks from each brand.
Dahlgren:
What they do best: design (both aesthetic and functional). Dahlgren’s Sno sock uses their patented Dri-Stride technology in conjunction with soft alpaca and merino wool to absorb moisture in the toe, heel, and mid-foot section using what they call ‘wicking rings’ and ‘wicking channels’. What’s really cool is the way the sock pattern designs (cherry blossoms in the women’s, neon stripes in the men’s) are actually cleverly disguised ‘super highways’ of moisture removal, helping to keep your feet dry and warm.
This puts a whole new spin on ‘form meets function’! The sock is lighter weight than other wool ski socks I’ve tried, yet just as warm. Plus, the shallow part of me really appreciates the unique designs…you won’t find the same-old, same-old ski sock patterns here! The only downside: the Sno Sock has a habit of sliding down my calf during the course of a ski. I’ll admit: this irks.
Also of note: Dahlgren’s hiking sock line includes five designs from backpacking to ultra light trail running, all made with similar Dri-Stride technology. I tried their Hiking Mid-Weight sock, featuring a fully cushioned leg and foot with the aforementioned ‘wicking rings’ and ‘wicking channels’ around the foot (even more useful in the hiking sock than in the ski and snow-sports sock, in my opinion). I wore these on a winter hike in Southern Oregon, where they performed well, keeping my feet dry (even more important to me than warm) as I exercised.
Bottom line: go with Dahlgren’s for serious warmth in a hiking sock or three-season wear in a sno sock. At $22 for the sno sock and even less for the mid-weight hiking sock, Dahlgren’s is a great value. But you might have trouble picking just one color! See all the colors and styles at Zappos.
Fox River:
What they do best: construction. I’m going to go ahead and play favorites: Fox River’s Outdoor Adventure Strive Ankle women’s sock in their Cross Terrain family is my top pick for an all-activity outdoor sock. It’s padded and substantial without suffocating my feet, and to date, has survived a dog attack (ours loves wool). No, it won’t work for skiing, but name just about any other outdoor activity, and this sock can perform. I’ve worn the Strive running, hiking, and around town all winter and spring. It’s made of nylon, wool, and recycled polyester, features memory-knit construction that helps it keep form (no worries about stretching in the wash), and has spandex compression zones that ensure it won’t slide down and give you a blister on your heel. If ankle-length isn’t for you, never fear: multiple lengths are available. They make a kids’ version as well.
Also of note: Also in the Fox River line is the Outdoor Hiking sock. Thicker than the cross-terrain (and no wonder, at 75% Merino wool), the hiking sock comes to mid-calf, and is incredibly warm, making it a winner for mid-winter, but not so hot (no pun intended) for multi-season wear.
Bottom line: Go with Fox River for a multi-season, multi-purpose sock. The Strive is my go-to sock I snag out of the drawer first, and that says more to me than a bunch of stats or facts. It’s survived many washings, and is only a few months old. You can find all Fox River styles, including the Strive, on at Zappos and the Strive in particular in several colors on Amazon for under $12.
Search Fox River socks at Campmor
Darn Tough Vermont:
What they do best: Well, I can’t decide. Construction? Check: Darn Tough uses the industry’s densest knitting. Design? Check: their colors and patterns are appealing and fun. The minute I saw their run/bike sock, it was love at first sight, with its thin mesh and ultra light construction (while still remaining tough as nails…they’re not kidding about that company name). I took the Mesh No-Show Run/Bike along for a 10 mile run, and when I returned, my feet (and the socks) were bone dry. I made my husband feel the socks for himself so he’d believe me! Darn Tough’s Hike/Trek sock performs just as well (despite the way my hiking boots normally overheat my feet), and it’s the only sock of its category I’ve found in to come in ankle-length instead of mid-calf without sacrificing any insulating bulk.
Also of note: It is darn tough to make my picky 10-year-old happy, but darn it, Darn Tough did it. He hates wearing socks because his feet get very sweaty (gross, I know!) but reported the same dryness I experienced while wearing the Kids Hike. Plus, they’re ‘cushion-y’ and cozy (no itches!). The designs are colorful, too.
Bottom line: Without doubt, I’d opt for Darn Tough for a running or biking sock, or any time a major workout is on the books. As a bonus, Darn Tough socks are unconditionally guaranteed, and though you probably won’t need to test them on this policy, it’s nice to know it’s there. Pick up many of their styles, including the run/bike at Amazon for around $14, or at many outdoor specialty sites. For example there’s a wide selection if you get Darn Tough Vermont at Campmor.
Posted by Amy in Adventure Gear, Kids and Family on March 20th, 2012
Some Light Hiking Socks for Your Consideration
Socks are important. For most weather, they’re vital. For travelers doing a lot of walking and hiking, they can make or break how well your feet hold up. Spending $100+ on your hiking boots is only going to get you so far if you’ve covered your feet in cheap socks underneath.
There’s just one problem with socks when it comes to a travel gear blog. There’s only so much you can say about a single pair.
So here’s a rundown of some fine footwear I’ve been using over the past year, from a variety of companies you probably haven’t heard of but should check out. For about 1/5 the cost of your average pair of shoes or hiking boots, these quality socks can really make you a lot more comfortable and keep your feet from breaking out in blisters.
Point6
Point6 makes a lot of great socks for men and women, from heavy-duty ski socks to fashionable pairs for everyday use. I’ve been using their Hiking Tech Medium merino wool ones, which mix that thread with nylon and a little Spandex. With merino you get a lot of useful properties for travelers: temperature management, odor-resistance, and warmth without the itch. Point6 pairs have also got all the properties you’ll find in a quality pair of socks like mesh ventilation where you need it and reinforced cushioning where you don’t. This is a great all-around pair in four sizes and six colors, running $16-$18 a pair at Amazon.
Bridgedale
Another hiking sock I’ve gotten a lot of good use out of is the X-hale Trailhead from Bridgedale. This is an international brand: based in Ireland, sold in 40 countries, and my pair was made in South Africa. They claim their “loop-within-a-loop padding” gives their socks more loft and cushioning with a light weave. If found them supremely comfortable for hikes or long walks in multiple kinds of shoes. and the blend of synthetics and merino wool wicked well. These list for $17, but this is apparently last year’s model though, because it’s on sale for under ten bucks at Altrec.com.
Dahlgren
Dahlgren makes a lot of great socks using using a variety of materials, including alpaca. I’ve been trying out their light hiking socks with Dri-Stride Alpaca, billed as softer, drier, and blister-free. Look at the details though and alpaca has but a supporting actor roll, playing behind nylon, polyester, and merino wool in differing mixes in different sections. I’m not sure who’s going to notice as these are comfortable, cushioned in the right places, and don’t seem to get sweaty. Hey, they look cool too and they’re made in the USA. You can get the men’s version or women’s version from PlanetShoes for $18 or a 3-pack from Zappos.
Teko
Last on the list for this hiking socks rundown is Teko, a company that distinguishes itself through its environmental cred. These socks are made from merino wool grown on organic farms, chlorine-free, and produced in the USA with wind power. But they don’t stop there. The plastic-free packaging is recyclable and part of your purchase supports The Conservation Alliance and the John Muir Trust.
But how ’bout the socks? These have a higher merino wool content than the others above, with 71 percent. These have seamless toes, reinforced heels and has “light cushion only in footbed, flat knit throughout the rest of the sock.” And like the others here, these list for about 18 bucks. You can buy them at Backcountry.com.
You can toss any of these socks in the washing machine, but I wouldn’t recommend putting them in a dryer if you can avoid it. They might come out fine, but in my experience there can be some shrinkage after a while.
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Posted by Tim Leffel in Adventure Gear, General Gear on February 16th, 2012
