Comparative Review: What's the best place to run on tough terrain? I tried comparing the high-performance 5-finger socks

A complete comparison of five-finger socks to support comfortable running

Today's running socks come in a wide variety of colors, are fashionable, and offer increasingly high functionality to help you achieve even better performance. While it's tempting to choose socks based on appearance, trail running, which involves running freely through the mountains, puts a considerable strain on your feet. For a comfortable trail running life, you can't compromise on the choice of socks

Among the various types of running socks available, five-finger running socks are becoming increasingly popular among runners due to their breathability and ease of traction. I know many friends who don't usually wear them, but who wear five-finger running socks when trail running, especially when it's wet and the impact of downhill runs is intense. Of course, they're also great for hiking and fastpacking, which involve the same terrain

So this time, we've picked out some interesting models, including high-performance models that average around 2,000 yen per pair, and super-cheap models that cost just 980 yen for three pairs, and as always, compared them from a variety of perspectives. Differences that aren't obvious from the outside, but when you actually try them on and run, can make a big difference in comfort and ease of running, depending on the material, how they're fastened, and whether or not they have anti-slip features. We'll introduce the features of each pair, so we hope it will help you find your best buy

table of contents

• About the items we compared and tested this time
• Test results and spec comparison table
• Overall Review - Recommended Models by Type -
• Detailed reviews of each item (Page: 2)
• Summary (Page:2)

About the five-toe socks we compared this time

The six five-finger socks we compared this time are as follows:

• Tabio Trail Running Five-Toe Short Socks
• R×L SOCKS TRR-35G Merino Wool Five-Toe Socks [Short Length/Non-Slip]
• ITOITEX Running Socks, Five-Toe, Short
• CW-X CW-X Parts Five-Toe Socks (Short)
• C3fit Paper Fiber 5 Finger Socks
• Workman Arch Power Assist Short Five-Toe Socks

This comparison offered a wide variety of choices in terms of materials alone, including synthetic fibers, cotton and synthetic blends, merino wool, and, most notably, a blend of washi fibers. Performance differs depending on the construction and stitching, whether or not there's a non-slip feature (Tabio, RxL, and Workman's three models have non-slip features), odor resistance, and other factors, and we evaluated them from multiple angles, focusing on the following seven points:

1. Barefoot feeling (comfort): Rather than general "comfort," we place emphasis on the barefoot feeling (how much it makes you forget you're wearing socks)
2. Quick-drying: Ability to quickly dissipate large amounts of sweat
3. Breathability: Not only does it quickly wick away sweat, but it also helps you forget about stuffiness
4. Resistance to slipping (holding feeling) - whether your feet move around easily inside the shoes when braking or stepping down
5. Shock absorption: How well does it absorb shock, especially when braking?
6. Fatigue resistance: Degree of contribution to reducing fatigue and preventing injuries to the arch of the foot and ankles
7. Durability: How resistant to wear and tear from vigorous movement and prolonged use

Test environment

The test was conducted from June to July 2018. To ensure uniformity, the course and shoes were matched to the same environment. The test consisted of three laps per pair of Altra shoes on a 10km trail circuit. Other tests included running through rivers, bushes, and frequent sidesteps, intentionally pushing the shoes too hard

Test results and spec comparison table

comprehensive evaluation	★★★	★★	★★	★★	★★	★
item	Tabio Trail Running Five-Toe Short Socks	C3fit Paper Fiber 5 Finger Socks	ITOITEX Running Socks, Five-Toe, Short	RxL SOCKS TRR-35G Merino Wool Five-Toe Socks [Short Length/Non-Slip]	CW-X CW-X Parts Five-Toe Socks (Short)	Workman Arch Power Assist Short Five-Toe Socks
Reference price	2,376 yen	2,160 yen	1,944 yen	2,376 yen	2,484 yen	980 yen
This is ◎	Good overall balance	A balance of quick-drying, breathability, and durability	Quick-drying, breathable, and feels barefoot (lightweight)	Comfortable and sweat-wicking, well-balanced, and soft and non-slip	Arch and ankle support, quick drying, and durable	Cost performance, slip-resistant, cushioning
This is △	None in particular	It may slip off easily depending on the compatibility with your shoes	Durability (especially the toes) and ease of slipping depending on compatibility with shoes	Quick drying	It may slip off easily depending on the compatibility with your shoes	Breathable, quick-drying
Barefoot feeling	★★★☆☆	★★★★★	★★★★★	★★★★☆	★★★☆☆	★★★☆☆
Ease of drying	★★★★☆	★★★★★	★★★★★	★★☆☆☆	★★★★☆	★★☆☆☆
It's not stuffy	★★★★☆	★★★★★	★★★★★	★★★☆☆	★★★☆☆	★★☆☆☆
Difficult to slip	★★★★☆	★★☆☆☆	★★☆☆☆	★★★☆☆	★★☆☆☆	★★★★☆
Shock absorption	★★★★☆	★★★☆☆	★★★☆☆	★★★★☆	★★★☆☆	★★★★☆
It's not easy to get tired	★★★★★	★★★★☆	★★☆☆☆	★★★★☆	★★★★★	★★★☆☆
Durability	★★★★★	★★★★☆	★★☆☆☆	★★★★☆	★★★★☆	★★★☆☆
material	33% polyester, 22% cotton, 15% non-designated fiber (Deocel), 14% nylon, 13% wool, 3% polyurethane	Nylon, unclassified fibers (paper), others	Inner surface: Non-specified fiber (washi paper), silk Outer surface: Unspecified fiber (washi paper), silk, nylon, polyurethane	Merino wool, nylon, polyester, polyurethane	Polyester, cotton, etc	Cotton, polyester, nylon, polyurethane

Overall Review - Recommended Models by Type -

After extensive testing, the Tabio Trail Running Five-Toe Short Socks of performance overall. They offer excellent comfort, quick-drying and breathability, arch and ankle support, a non-slip sole, and reinforced toes. Personally, I think the reinforced arch is outstanding. They can be used for training, racing, and any season, from summer to winter, so I recommend having a pair.

Tabio Trail Running Five-Toe Short Socks

For a one-off race, the ITOITEX 5-finger short running socks are a good choice. They're incredibly quick-drying and breathable, staying dry even when wet. They're also incredibly durable for rainy days or races with poor drainage. They're also incredibly light, making them the most comfortable pair to wear barefoot (you can even wear them with Vibram Five Fingers). However, they're not very durable, especially at the toes, and any extra space inside the shoe can lead to holes. Don't forget to bring a spare pair for long-distance races.

ITOITEX Running Socks, Five-Toe, Short

If you're looking for a quick-drying, comfortable, and durable sock, try the C3fit Paper Fiber 5-Finger Socks . the ITOITEX , making them ideal for short races in the summer. However, because they don't have a non-slip surface, they may cause foot fatigue depending on the compatibility with your shoes.

C3fit Paper Fiber 5 Finger Socks

If you're planning on using them heavily for training, Workman offers the best value for money . They're a great pair for races up to 50km. However, because they're primarily made of a cotton blend, they feel natural when dry, but become more uncomfortable when wet, and you can't expect them to be breathable or quick-drying. I'd recommend them for training only.

The CW-X CW-X Parts Five-Toe Socks (Short) are gentle on beginners and those with insufficient training . The brand is known for its athletic tights, but these socks utilize that same compression technology to provide excellent support for the ankles and arches. I'd like to use them as a spare sock for the second half of an ultra-long distance race.

CW-X CW-X Parts Five-Toe Socks (Short)

Finally, if you're looking for a comfortable run in mild weather rather than speed or durability, try the RxL SOCKS TRR-35G . The comfortable fit and soft feel of the merino wool make these a great pair to wear every day. The soft, non-slip material is even more effective with longer laces. However, because the fabric is thick, it doesn't dry quickly, so you'll want to avoid wearing them in rainy weather.

RxL SOCKS TRR-35G

Next page: Go to detailed reviews of each item