Whether beneath an arsenal of outerwear or worn on its own, a base layer is an undisputed must of most any excursion getup—hiking in the snow for turns or in the heat for views. But why should arms, trunk and legs reap all the warmth and wicking power?
This fall, Injinji rolls out a sock system that includes a CoolMax liner/NuWool hiker combo. In other words, a base layer for your feet in the form of the company’s well-known toesock, designed to prevent obnoxious rubbing from defeating your hike.
Favorite Features
Prevent rubbing, it does! And we also love that this versatile crew sock set allows for different configurations: worn together, toesock only or toe-fitted sock on its own—the latter of which is also sold separately and a completely new innovation from Injinji.
On-Trail Performance
The sock combo stayed in place during a 5.5-hour rigorous hike, no bunching or movement whatsoever. It even prevented an existing blister from becoming more aggravated. Hot spots were all but completely eliminated, and this sock system required zero adjustment during the entirety of a hike up and down Boulder’s highest peak.
Fit
If you’ve never pulled on a toesock before, you should know that it’s hard to splay all toes for perfect alignment into their proper compartment on the first try. But after a touch of adjustment, you’ll hardly notice the fabric between them. What you will notice? Cool comfort.
Room for Improvement
A sweltering Colorado day in July, I was a bit nervous that my feet would overheat, but the next-to-skin layer executed flawlessly, dry to the last step. That said, we would like to see a lighter-weight Hiker option as well as different lengths for the set.
Price & Purchase
Available Fall 2017, Injinji will offer men's and women's specific Liner + Hiker sets for sale ($27), plus Hiker socks available for purchase separately ($20). The Hiker will be offered in four colors in both men's and women's sizing.
