Comparison Review: Which is Best for Running on Rough Terrain? We Compare High-Performance Five-Toe Socks

Friday, September 7, 2018

Wacoal , C3fit , Tabio , R×L , Itoitex , socks , comparison , Workman

Written by Kazuya Toujyou

On the previous page, we introduced the ratings and specs of each of the five-toe socks we compared, as well as our recommended models based on those ratings. From here, we will explain the criteria used for the ratings and why we came to those ratings

table of contents

Detailed review of each item
summary
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Detailed review of each item

Barefoot feeling (comfort)

The key to sock comfort in trail running is whether the information from the soles of your feet is transmitted to your brain accurately and quickly, allowing you to take the next step safely. Therefore, the criteria for judging comfort are slightly different from those for everyday socks. The thin C3fit and ITOITEX socks feel very barefoot, so even when wearing shoes, they allow you to gather trail information with your eyes and the soles of your feet, making running a joy. On the other hand, thick socks provide safety and stability, which means they have a higher limit for running, which may actually be a disadvantage in races.

The two models on the left (ITOITEX, C3fit) are so thin they're almost like mesh, allowing you to run while feeling information directly from the soles of your feet

Ease of drying (quick drying)

The test was conducted during the hot season, when people splashed in rivers and got their shoes soaked with sweat, making it the perfect season for testing quick-drying properties. Without quick-drying properties, the soles of the feet would get sweaty and cause blisters. In races, you don't take your shoes on and off frequently, so quick-drying is an essential feature to prevent accidents. Naturally, thin socks generally dry quickly. the C3fit and ITOITEX socks used in this test use "washi" (Japanese paper) material, which further enhances their quick-drying properties. Even though they are thick, the TABIO and CW-X socks should be fine outside of summer. Quick-drying is especially important in winter, so it is a feature that should be given priority.

Breathability

The ability to release heat and sweat from the soles of the feet, along with quick-drying properties, helps prevent accidents. Trail running, in particular, is a sport that makes full use of the plantar muscles. Because the temperature of the soles of the feet is higher than in road running, socks that can maintain a dry feeling are best. The thin C3fit and ITOITEX socks were comfortable and allowed me to concentrate on running without feeling any sweat on the soles of my feet. Even though they are thick, the TABIO socks have mesh in the forefoot for breathability, so they do a good job of wicking away sweat. the RxL and Workman socks , the fabric on the soles of my feet sometimes became wrinkled due to sweat.

Tabio has a mesh design in the forefoot, which makes it thick yet highly breathable

Difficulty in slipping (holding feeling)

Generally, anti-slip shoes hold your feet in place, improving stability and reducing fatigue. However, if the shape, thickness, and placement of the anti-slip rubber don't match your running style, there's a rare chance that the socks and soles will separate, leading to accidents. It's important to note that they're not a panacea. The key is to make sure your feet don't move around inside the shoes, and the most important thing is that the size and shape of the shoes match your feet. With that in mind, TABIO shoes feature soft silicone rubber in the forefoot and heel, providing stability and seeming safe for long races. RxL shoes feature a softer anti-slip rubber in the forefoot to prevent chafing inside the socks, a well-thought-out anti-slip feature, but the hard rubber material makes them more slippery than expected. Workman shoes feature softer rubber on the front, back, and toes, but the thickness of the rubber is a concern, making them more suitable for short races.

This type (the three models on the right) is often seen in trail running shoes and has anti-slip soles. It's not a good thing to have them, so it's important to try out a few to see if you need them

Cushioning

Beginners are prone to damage from the impact of the trail. This is an important criterion when selecting socks for practice. Thick socks are a safe choice. RxL socks are made of merino wool, which wraps around the entire foot and is fluffy, giving a sense of security on uneven ground. TABIO and Workman socks are also thick, which helps reduce pain when landing on rocky areas.

Cushioning reduces damage, but too much cushioning can make the ball less stable. It's important to find a balance between your skill level and your goals

Support

The CW-X stands out for its running support function, and it felt like I was wearing lightly tightening tape. The ankle reinforcement in particular was noticeable the moment I put them on. Many people use tape to prevent injuries when trail running, but being able to reinforce with socks saves me the trouble, so it's great. When I actually ran, I found that it wasn't as strong as tape, so I shouldn't expect too much, but people who don't usually use tape will probably feel the effect. The TABIO provided particularly solid support in the arch area, and the tightness was comfortable. This time I only did a test run of about 30km, and because it definitely supports the plantar muscles, I think I'll feel the effect in the latter half of the long run.

CW-X provides support similar to that of lightly wrapping tape around the ankle and instep, but prolonged constriction can lead to fatigue

durability

Although thin, the C3fit is surprisingly comfortable. With the previous model, I didn't experience any holes in the toes even after three 100km races. The ITOITEX is lightweight, uses a lot of washi paper, and is a sharp model with excellent quick-drying properties, but it is less durable, but I would recommend it, especially for rainy races. Among the thicker models, the TABIO is exceptionally durable. I washed them repeatedly and found they had minimal pilling, allowing for continued use. Other models do pill, so if you don't remove the pilling, you risk blisters due to friction. The RxL has reinforced toes and heels, but because it's made of merino wool, wear was evident in the arch and other areas.

Socks made from washi paper are extremely quick-drying, but you need to be prepared to wear them out after just one race

summary

Here's a summary of my conclusions after trying them all out for a run. TABIO C3fit is enjoying the barefoot feeling for long periods of time . Workman ITOITEX is for one-off races CW-X is for those worried about not practicing enough RxL is for long, leisurely runs . There were many unique models in my impressions this time. Please use this information to help you make your selection based on the situation in which you will be using them.

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Kazuya Tojo

He grew up in Ibaraki Prefecture and focused on swimming during his student days. He made his triathlon debut as a working adult. In his first year as a working adult, he completed the first Japan Mountain Endurance Race (Hasetsune). He became fascinated with the sense of accomplishment that comes with mountain sports. In his 30s, he moved to Saitama Prefecture and became independent. After being shown around Oku-Musashi by Mr. T, he became fascinated with trail running and ultramarathons. He currently focuses on domestic trail races. He has completed consecutive long races in the Shinetsu Gogaku, Joshu Hotaka, and KOUMI100. He also provides race support for the NPO Koedo Oedo Trenic World and the NPO Sainokuni Ultra Project (SUP). He is also dedicated to educating people on how to maximize the performance of their gear and ensure safety in trail running

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