Reviews > Clothing > Socks > Injinji Tetrasock > Anthony Smith > Initial Report

Injinji Tetratsok Crew Socks - Performance and Outdoor Series
Initial Report
29 July 2006

Tester Bio
Name – Anthony (TJ) Smith
Age – 31
Gender – Male
Height – 5’ 10” (1.78 m)
Weight – 175 lb (79 kg)
Shoe Size – 9.5 US
Email Address – tjsmith1946@gmail.com
City, State, Country – Pensacola, Florida USA

Backpacking Background

I have been camping for a little over 5 years now, mostly car camping. I have recently begun backpacking, and I am constantly adding new gear to my “collection” in an effort to get my gear list tailored more towards backpacking. Most of my backpacking trips are short duration, not more than one or two nights. I am planning some longer trips in the near future.
My current pack weight is around 15-20 lb (7-9 kg) without food and water, depending on if I'm solo camping or taking my son along, as I have to carry some of his gear. I am a dedicated hammock camper and have tailored my personal gear to that aspect of camping.

Product Information

Year of Manufacture – 2006
Manufacturer URL – www.injinji.com
Stated Weight – N/A
Weight as Delivered – Outdoor version - 1-7/8 oz (54 g); Performance version - 2-1/8 oz (60 g)
Size Tested – Medium (Men's 8-10.5 US), Length Crew. Also available in quarter length.
MSRP – $16 USD for Outdoor version, $11 USD for the Performance

From Injinji's Website: As your feet face the elements, the Outdoor Series tetratsok is an interface system specifically designed to perform and adapt to any type of terrain. Engineered with AIS:technology and constructed with Injinji’s exclusive natural wicking Nüwool™, the tetratsok provides exceptional comfort and performance unlike any other athletic wool sock. Injinji's definition of AIS:technology from their website is "Anatomical Interface System (AIS) is engineered to separate your toes with a thin, anti-friction membrane that is both lightweight and breathable. Seamless in construction, the Tetratsok forms to every contour of your foot. This allows for true restriction free movement from your heel to five toes, encourages healthy circulation, and eliminates skin on skin contact between your toes to prevent blisters from developing."

The only difference I noted in construction descriptions between the Outdoor Series and the Performance Series are in the construction materials: 70% Nüwool™ , 25% Nylon, 5% Spande-flex for the Outdoor and a combination of 70% Coolmax®, 25% Nylon and 5% Lycra® fabrics for the Performance.

The performance series is listed for running, walking, track and field, cross training, and multi-sport. The outdoor series is listed for trail running, hiking, trekking, adventure sports, and mountain biking

Initial Information/Observations

Ok, so I'll admit I was a little intrigued by the idea of "toe socks" for hiking. This is quite a deviation from my traditional sock choice, as I’m not normally real enthused about having something between my toes. After the initial shock at the idea of these socks, I thought "what the heck? I'll give them a try."

Both pairs of socks have 5 toes per sock, and a formed heel. Each sock is distinctly shaped for either the right or left foot. The toes on the socks are sized to fit each of my toes, and fit quite snuggly in initial fitting. There is a small Injinji logo sewed on the cuff of each sock. There are no obvious seams anywhere on the socks, including on the toes.

As expected, having something between my toes was quite disconcerting. However, after a short period of time, I became accustomed to the feeling of it on my left foot. I haven't quite gotten used to the feeling on my right foot though. I'm not real sure why the difference, but it has occurred with both pairs of socks. I intend to continue exploring this and see if things change.

Care instructions appear easy enough for me. Machine wash warm, do not bleach, tumble dry low for the Performance and line dry for the Outdoor. I can follow those instructions with ease.

Test Plan

The Tetratsok will be tested in a variety of locations throughout Northwest Florida and Southeast Alabama. During the testing period, expected weather conditions range from a high near 100 F (38 C), and lows approaching or creeping just below 50 F (10 C). I also anticipate varied levels of precipitation, from bright sunny days with low humidity all the way to torrential downpours. The terrain throughout the testing area ranges from very sandy soil to old and new growth pine forests as well as areas of marshy bogs.
I currently have numerous trips planned throughout the testing period, including weekly day hikes as well as overnight trips.

The following are a list of issues I intend to explore:

1. How well do the socks hold up to repeated wearing? Does the material stretch out and cause the socks to sag, or does it retain its elasticity and stay in place?
2. How well do the socks fit with a variety of shoes? Do they work as well with hiking boots as they do with trail shoes?
3. Do any “thin spots” develop, especially in areas like the heel?
4. How does the “toe sock” concept fit, comfort-wise? Is it terribly uncomfortable, or do I forget I’m wearing “toe socks”?
5. According to the website, there is a 3-ply construction in the arch. How does this feel on my arches? Does it actually provide a noticeable benefit?
6. Injinji claims the material of the socks keeps your feet cool in the summer and warm in the winter. While I won’t experience the winter during the anticipated test period, do they actually keep my feet cool during the summer?
7. My feet tend to sweat quite a bit (ok, so my socks are usually SOAKED.) How well do these socks wick the moisture away?
8. Along with #8, how quickly do these socks dry out when wet, either from wearing in wet conditions or from washing?
9. Do the socks develop an odor when worn for extended periods of time? Or do they appear fairly odor-resistant?
10. How easy are these socks to clean while on the trail? Do they tend to retain stains, odors, etc or do they come clean fairly easily?
11. Does the anti-slip in the heel actually keep my heels from slipping around? Or is it a sales gimmick?

I also intend to report on any other issues that may arise during my testing of this product.

My thanks to Injinji and BackpackGearTest for allowing me to test this item.

Reviews > Clothing > Socks > Injinji Tetrasock > Anthony Smith > Initial Report