A couple of Christmases ago, a much-younger cousin of mine (21 years difference, and yes, we’re first cousins) was showing off her new socks. They were like little gloves for her feet.
I’m pretty sure up until that point in my life I had never thought about that concept. Toe socks. What a genius idea. If only I had thought of it years ago.
I soon discovered that toe socks could easily be found online and that runners actually wore these things. This month the fine folks at ToeSox gave me a pair to try out and review.
After a few runs in the ToeSox, and a couple of washes and even wearing them casually around the house, I’m pretty sure that my “normal” sock-wearing days will be coming to an end soon, especially with running.
After getting beyond the initial weird feeling of having my toes not scrunched together, these socks felt great on a run. In fact, after a mile or so, I didn’t even think about it anymore. Any run that requires less thought – especially as I’m recovering from ITB issues – is a bonus.
My only complaint – and it’s really not that big of a deal – is that the toes aren’t as proportional as I would like, meaning that the small toe slot is a little too big for my toe. It’s something I noticed the first time putting them on, but didn’t put much thought to them. It’s not going to stop me from buying a pair or two soon.
I’ve been running for seven full years now and didn’t start paying close attention to socks until a few years into it. It seems like each time I start to pay attention to certain things, I discover a whole new world. ToeSox is part of that world of unknowns that I now a lot about.
A marketing person from ToeSox tells me that the ULTRA Sport line that I tested is the company’s product geared toward runners, so I’m excited to see this product continue to develop in the next couple of years. I highly recommend trying out a pair and seeing how they work for you. At $15 or so a pair, it’s quite a punch to the wallet, but being comfortable while running is priceless.
For more information on ToeSox, visit their website, follow them on Twitter and “like” them on Facebook.
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Sounds like the toe socks might also eliminate the whole bunching up issue. Do you know if they make 2x socks? I have size 16 feet, and these socks sound lime I might new them.
Not sure – check out their site and see. I had some good luck contacting them directly on Twitter. Good luck to you!
I was reading something about these socks the other day and I thought that it would feel SUPER weird to wear them on a run. You make me want to give them a shot. I'm very picky about socks…maybe I will give a pair a shot!
I am starting to come around to these socks. I asked @ToeSox if they would send me a pair. We'll see. Other than bunching, how are they helping you?
I am starting to come around to these socks. I asked @ToeSox if they would send me a pair. We’ll see. Other than bunching, how are they helping you?
I've always wanted to try those, but I have never spent that much on socks. I do wear good running socks, but always buy them on sale and buy a bunch when I see a good deal. I never wear cotton socks any more. They feel gross because they hold on to moisture. Eew.
These look interesting. I have been looking into Vibrams, I wonder if these could work with them, since new england running is chilly!
@colleen – I've read people who wear these (or similar ones) with Vibrams.
@MichaelRunner – I'm in the same boat with not spending much on socks. I think it's worth it to at least try a pair out and see. These are non-cotton, BTW.
@Jeff – I can't really pinpoint how they're helping, but I will say that my feet feel more comfortable now. As I recover from my ITB issue, I just want to be as comfortable as possible. All my runs in the past two weeks have been in either these socks or another similar brand that I'll review at some point.
@Mary Carter – I say just try them and see. They'll be weird at first, but after a few consecutive wears it feels normal.
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