Then I discovered that running trails inevitably brings muddy, wet feet. I have lots of socks that I love and work well for preventing blisters in road running, but nothing was keeping me blister-free when my feet were soaked. Blisters were still creeping up between my toes. Ugh and ouch. And once a blister creeps in, he's a real pain to uninvite to your running parties.
Enter Injinjis. It's as if a cherubic angel baby appeared to me and handed the socks to me while playing a glistening golden harp. That's how magical their blister-freeing effect was for me.
Are they kind of weird when you first put them on? Yes. If you are trying them for the first time, be prepared to be skeptical. A healthy dose of skepticism is (pause) healthy, right? I thought there was no way that all that fabric around my toes would not drive me crazy. Turns out that once I started running, I didn't notice it. At all. So they may seem weird to you in the beginning, but just go with it. Note: that's also exactly what I tell my kids about eating vegetables and taking baths.
For this review, I specifically tried the compression knee-length socks.
I tested the heck out of them on the Mt. Cheaha 50K, where we splashed through water crossing after water crossing after even bigger water crossing. After 6 and 1/2 hours of running with wet feet, my feet were surprisingly free of new blisters.
Also note that the knee-length compression socks are more difficult to put on than non-compression socks, but not too bad if you already have experience putting on other compression socks. The compression felt similar to that of other brands I have tried, like Pro Compression.
The white color wasn't the best for a muddy trail race -- go figure. I couldn't quite get the mud entirely out, so I decided to tie-dye them. I was hoping for the colors to turn out slightly darker, but I still like the results better than murky white.
Special request for Injini: please make stripy compression toe socks! It would be my dream combo.
These were soft and comfortable. Plus I liked the extra height on the ankle to keep debris away from my foot. These are perfect for trail running in the winter, fall and spring, but I would try a lighter weight for the summer. These were thicker than my usual summer running socks.
There was a small bit of extra fabric around my toes (see the picture above) that I was worried might cause blistering, but that never happened during my testing.
Would you like to try some out and see if they help your blister toe (or other foot part) situation? Thanks to Injinji, one of you will get to. They are donating a prize pack of two pairs of Injinjis in your size plus an assortment of GU thrown in for long-run fueling.
To enter: Leave a comment here or on Facebook telling me that you want to win.
* Like Injinji on Facebook. Leave a comment telling me you do.
* Like GU Energy Labs on Facebook. Leave a comment telling me you do.
I'll choose a winner next Friday, April 5th, via random.org. And can someone please explain how it is already April? I just barely, like yesterday, started noting on checks and documents that it's 2013, and now the year is already one-third dunzo. Sigh.
Side note: is anyone else in a depression about Google getting rid of Reader? That is my method of tracking and reading all of the blogs of the lands, so I'm going to feel significantly lost without it.
I obviously like you on Facebook
ReplyDeleteAnd I also like you on Twitter.
ReplyDeleteI like Gu Energy Labs on Facebook.
ReplyDeleteI like Injinji on Facebook.
ReplyDeleteI shared your contest on Twitter.
ReplyDeleteIt is in reality a nice and useful piece of information.
ReplyDeleteI am happy that you shared this helpful information with us.
Please stay us informed like this. Thanks for sharing.
my site ロレックススーパーコピー
I want to win some Injinji socks!
ReplyDeleteI liked Injinji on Facebook
ReplyDeleteI like GU Energy Labs on FAcebook
ReplyDeleteI like Yo Momma Runs on Facebook
ReplyDeleteI follow you on Twitter - NattieRuns
ReplyDeleteI am totally bummed about google reader going away!! TOTALLY sucks. And, I like you on Facebook (obviously!)
ReplyDeleteAnd I follow you on Twitter.
ReplyDeleteAnd I follow Gu Energy labs on Twitter
ReplyDeleteI'm going to attempt my first 50k in June, and would love a pair of those socks. Also, summer running in Alabama can sometimes result in feet as wet as a water crossing.
ReplyDeleteI liked GU Energy labs on Facebook
ReplyDeleteI liked Injinji on Facebook
ReplyDeleteOh, I also follow you on facebook.
ReplyDeleteAaaannnnddd....I follwed Injinji on Facebook. Woohoo!
ReplyDeleteAnd I just tweeted about your giveaway. woot!
ReplyDeleteIf I win, will you tie dye them for me... Facebook - All 3 (Yo, Inj and GU), Twitter and Retweeted! Scottie P
ReplyDeleteI love toe shoes (for walking around in and some running) so I am sure I would love toe socks.
ReplyDelete...also, the reason they were not a brilliant tie dye color is because only 100% natural fibers dye the full, true color with regular dye (and I am counting good quality dye. RIT dye will not dye anything a true brilliant color). If, in the future, you want to dye technical, polyester fabrics, you can do so with an acid dye...Just in case you were interested :D
DeleteYes! Everyone heed this advice! I knew that going into it, but we were using already purchased dye and hoping we could Jedi mind trick the socks into acting like cotton.
DeleteI like you on facebook already.
ReplyDeleteI followed Injinji on Facebook
ReplyDeleteI like them on Facebook
ReplyDeleteI like you on Facebook!! ( well, I like you everywhere!)
ReplyDeleteI like you on facebook!
ReplyDeleteI like Injinji on Facebook
ReplyDeleteI follow you on Twitter.
ReplyDeleteI like Gu Energy labs on Facebook
ReplyDeleteFollow you on twitter
ReplyDeleteI Follow Injinji on FB
ReplyDeleteI like Gu Energy Labs on FB
ReplyDeleteI follow you on Facebook
ReplyDeleteI shared this on Google +
ReplyDeleteI love injinji socks and want to win another pair!
ReplyDeleteI shared on Twitter
ReplyDeleteAnd finally, shared on Facebook. :)
ReplyDeleteI want to win. Love trying out new products.
ReplyDeleteI like you on facebook
ReplyDeleteI want to win. :)
ReplyDeleteI like you on facebook
ReplyDeleteI follow you on twitter
ReplyDeleteI follow Injinji on facebook
ReplyDeleteI follow GU Energy Labs on facebook
ReplyDeleteI shared on Facebook
ReplyDeleteI shared on twitter :)
ReplyDeleteOk Pal I shared it on FB.. Peace Man:)
ReplyDeleteI totally want to win! I've always wanted to try Injinjis
ReplyDeleteI liked Injinji in facebook
ReplyDeleteI liked Gu Energy Labs on Facebook
ReplyDeleteI already like you on Facebook
ReplyDeleteI already follow you on Twitter
ReplyDeleteReally curious about these, I'd like to win!
ReplyDeleteTweeted here: https://twitter.com/mmhemsley/status/317659325374013440
ReplyDeleteI want to win!
ReplyDeleteI would love to win a pair of these socks! I have never tried them and am curious:)
ReplyDeleteI follow you on twitter:)
ReplyDeleteI tweeted about the giveaway:)
ReplyDeleteI like you on FB :)
ReplyDeleteAnd I like Injinji on FB
ReplyDeleteAlso, I like GU on FB ;)
ReplyDeleteI ran the Dixie 200 relay last weekend, and one of my teammates wore these for each run! I'd love to try them!
ReplyDeleteI follow you on FB.
ReplyDeleteI follow you on twitter.
ReplyDeleteI shared this on twitter.
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh! i want these! I have some blister issues when I do my long runs, so I'd be anxious to try these! I also hate wearing socks, so if I do have to wear them, they have to be fun!
ReplyDeleteI follow you on Twitter!
ReplyDeleteI like you on FB!!!
ReplyDeleteI like GU energy on FB!
ReplyDeleteI like injinji on FB!
ReplyDeleteI would love some new Injinji socks!
ReplyDeleteI follow you on twitter.
ReplyDeleteI shared this giveaway on Facebook!
ReplyDeleteAnd I'd love to win some socks. I'm obsessed with socks.
ReplyDeleteYou know how some women go cray-cray when it comes to shoes being on sale? That's me with socks. All the time.
I like Injiinji on FB
ReplyDeleteI like Gu Energy on FB
ReplyDeleteI already like Yo Momma Runs on FB!
ReplyDeleteI already like you on FB!
ReplyDeleteI already like Injinjis on FB!
ReplyDeleteI follow you on the Twitter.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great review and a great giveaway!
ReplyDeleteNew twitter follower!
ReplyDeleteI so long to try Injinji!!! I've heard so many good reviews and really want to try them myself!
ReplyDeleteSeriously: love your blog....you're inspiring me to get into trail running!
I like Injinji on Facebook!!!
ReplyDeleteNow I like GU labs on Facebook too!!!
ReplyDeleteI like you on Facebook too!!
ReplyDeleteI also (already) follow you on the twitter!
ReplyDeleteI just tweeted too!!!
ReplyDeleteI want me some of them ther socks!
ReplyDeleteI followed you on twitter
ReplyDelete...and liked you on FB...
ReplyDelete...and injinji on FB and without the search thingy couldn't have spelled it right...
ReplyDelete..and I liked GU energy labs on FB too but I feel like a traitor b/c I eat Clif chew thingys when I run. less medicine-y!
ReplyDeleteI'm a big compression fan so I'd love to try the compression ex-celerator socks!
ReplyDeleteI like Injinji on fb
ReplyDeleteI like Gu on FB
ReplyDeleteI like YOU on FB
ReplyDeleteI follow you on twitter @mommiesrun
ReplyDeleteI would love to win these, please.
ReplyDeleteI like you on FB
ReplyDeleteI follow you on Twitter
ReplyDeleteAwesome giveaway, wow! I have a pair of the classic Injinji's and really like them- I REALLY want to try the compression socks!
ReplyDeleteLiked Injinji on FB
ReplyDeleteAlready like you on FB ;)
ReplyDeleteLiked Gu on FB
ReplyDeleteI follow you on Twitter!
ReplyDeleteShared it on my Facebook page
ReplyDeleteI want to win these! :D
ReplyDeleteI like Yo Momma Runs on Facebook!
ReplyDeleteI like GU Energy Labs on Facebook!
ReplyDeleteI like Injinji on Facebook!
ReplyDeleteI wanna win!
ReplyDeleteLike you on FB
ReplyDeletelike injinji on FB
ReplyDeletelike GU on FB
ReplyDeleteI want to win!
ReplyDeleteI would want to win the compression socks... I've never tried injinji before but I've heard good things :)
ReplyDeleteI like Yo Momma Runs on Facebook :)
ReplyDeleteI Like Gu on FB
ReplyDeleteI like Injinji on FB
ReplyDeleteI posted your giveaway on my blog :)
ReplyDeleteI want to win, would love to give these a try, thanks for the opportunity! Oh, and I am a big GU fan too!
ReplyDeleteI like Injinji on Facebook.
ReplyDeleteI like GU Energy Labs on Facebook.
ReplyDeleteI like your Facebook page.
ReplyDeleteI follow you on Twitter.
ReplyDeleteI shared on Twitter: https://twitter.com/FireRunner2379/status/318043226676289536
ReplyDeleteI shared a link on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeffrey.lammers.7/posts/351046078328788
ReplyDeleteI pinned it: http://pinterest.com/pin/122371314847346207/
ReplyDeleteWould love to win the socks and the GU... your socks turned out cute!
ReplyDeleteI like Injiji on FB
ReplyDeleteI like GU Energy Labs on FB
ReplyDeleteI do like you on FB
ReplyDeleteAnd I do follow you on Twitter
ReplyDelete@eatrunsail
I linked to your post on my Pinterest Giveaway Board.
ReplyDeletehttp://pinterest.com/pin/19281104626912927/
I linked your post to my blog's Giveaway Sidebar
ReplyDeleteAnd I tweeted the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteI want to win!
ReplyDeleteHello to every one, the contents existing at this site are in fact amazing for people experience, well, keep up the nice
ReplyDeletework fellows.
Also visit my web blog :: プラダ バッグ
I would like to win too.
ReplyDeleteLiked Injini on Facebook!
ReplyDeleteCarmen
Already "like" you on facebook
ReplyDeleteStarted following on twitter
ReplyDeleteCarmen
Liked Gu Energy Labs on Facebook.
ReplyDeleteCarmen
I love these socks and would love to win a pair.
ReplyDeleteI Like Injinji on Facebook.
ReplyDeleteI shared on fb
ReplyDeletehttps://www.facebook.com/theresa.janke/posts/589717807705582
https://twitter.com/tweetyscute/status/318868701531238401
ReplyDeletehttp://pinterest.com/pin/47710077275095182/
ReplyDeleteI would like the compression knee-length socks.
ReplyDeleteStarted following on twitter.
ReplyDeleteI Like Injinji on Facebook
ReplyDeleteLiked Gu Energy Labs on Facebook.
ReplyDeleteI liked you on FB.
ReplyDeleteShared this giveaway via Facebook.
ReplyDeleteShared this giveaway via Twitter.
ReplyDeleteShared this giveaway via Pinterest.
ReplyDeleteI'd like to win the compression socks or the no show socks
ReplyDeleteI like Injinji on Facebook
ReplyDeleteI like Gu on Facebook
ReplyDeleteI like Yo Mamma Runs on Facebook
ReplyDeleteI follow Yo Momma Runs on Twitter (@runSweetPotato)
ReplyDeleteI would love to win these socks!
ReplyDeleteI like you on FB, too!
ReplyDeleteI would love to try Injinji toe socks to help my blisters!
ReplyDeleteI liked Injinji on Facebook.
ReplyDeleteI liked GU energy labs on Facebook.
ReplyDeleteI liked Yo Momma Runs of FB.
ReplyDeleteI followed @yomommaruns on twitter.
ReplyDeleteI posted the giveaway on my blog:
ReplyDeletehttp://runningshoesandsunshine.blogspot.com/2013/04/music-monday-and-happy-late-easter.html
I pinned it.
ReplyDeletehttp://pinterest.com/pin/192528952792726233/
I have a blister between my toes begging for these socks right now!
ReplyDeleteI liked Injinji on Facebook
ReplyDeleteI like Yo Momma Runs on Facebook too
ReplyDeleteI follow Yo Momma Runs on Twitter (@laurel_runs)
ReplyDeleteI like GU Energy Labs on Facebook
ReplyDeleteI tweeted!
ReplyDeletehttps://twitter.com/laurel_runs/status/319200024988901376
I pinned!
ReplyDeletehttp://pinterest.com/pin/278378820689330240/
I LOVE Injinji, and I need new running socks like you wouldn't believe!
ReplyDeleteI like you on facebook!
ReplyDeleteI like Injinji on facebook even though I don't know how to pronounce it!
ReplyDeleteI think the key is to just mumble something and add ninja in the mix. Then say, "You know, the toe socks."
Delete