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

On the previous page, we introduced the evaluations and specs of each of the five-finger socks we compared, as well as recommended models based on them. From here, we will explain what criteria were used to evaluate the evaluation and why it was evaluated in that way.

Detailed reviews of each item

Barefoot feeling (comfort)

The key to comfort with socks when running, is to accurately and quickly transmit information from the soles of your feet to your brain, allowing you to safely take the next step. Therefore, the criteria for judging the socks in everyday life are slightly different from how comfortable they feel. thin C3fit and ITOITEX feel very barefoot, so even with shoes, they were fun to run, consolidating trail information from the eyes and soles. On the other hand, thick socks are safe and stable, so they have a high limit when driving, so they will actually be a handicap in races.

The two models left (ITOITEX, C3fit) are almost as thin as mesh, allowing you to run while feeling the information from the soles of your feet directly.

Easy to dry (quickly dry)

The test was hot, and it was the perfect season to test for quick drying, as it caused the river to get soaked in the river and sweaty shoes. If the product does not dry quickly, it can cause stuffiness and leans to the soles of your feet. In lace, shoes are not put on and take off frequently, and quick-drying is an essential feature for preventing accidents. Naturally, thin socks generally dry quickly. In C3fit and ITOITEX use a "washi" material to further improve quick drying. Even if it's thick, TABIO and CW-X will not be a problem unless it's summer. Quick-drying is an important feature in winter, so it is a feature that should be emphasized.

Difficult to stuffiness (breathable)

The function to release heat and sweat from the soles of the feet is a function that prevents accidents, just like quick drying. Trerunning in particular is a sport that makes full use of the plantar muscles. The temperature on the soles of your feet is higher than on road running, so socks that maintain a dry feel are best. thin C3fit and ITOITEX were comfortable and allowed me to concentrate on running without feeling the sweat from my feet. Even though it is thick, TABIO has mesh for breathability, so it is a good way to remove sweat. RxL and Workman 's fabric on the soles of the plantar caused creases due to sweat.

Tabio has been designed to make the forefoot mesh-like, yet thick, improving breathability.

It's not easy to slip (hold)

Generally, non-slip types hold the feet in the shoes so that they do not slip and do not slip, increasing the stability and fatigue reduction. However, if the shape, thickness, and arrangement of the anti-slip rubber do not match your running style, the soles of the soles of the feet may separate and cause an accident, so it is not versatile in this regard. The bottom line is that your feet do not go wild inside your shoes, and the basic premise is that the size and shape of your shoes match your feet. With this in mind, TABIO is made of soft silicone rubber located on the forefoot and heel, providing a sense of stability and can be used safely even on long laces. The RxL is a well-thought-out anti-slip rubber with a weak anti-slip rubber located on the forefoot to prevent rubbing inside the socks, but the rubber material is hard so it slips more than you might think. Workman has soft elastic on the front and back and toes, but it is suitable for short lace because the thickness of the rubber is a concern.

This is a type with a non-slip sole placed on the soles of the feet, which is often used for trail running (3 models on the right). It's not that you need it, so it's important to wear a few and try it yourself, whether you need it or not.

Cushioning

Thrusts from the trail are prone to damage even when you're a beginner. This is an important selection criteria for socks used in practice. Thick socks are sure to be safe. The RxL is made of merino wool material and wraps around the entire foot and gives it a sense of security on irregular terrain. The TABIO and Workman were also thick, so they could reduce the pain even if they landed on a rocky area.

Cushioning reduces damage, but it is not stable even if it is too high. It's important to balance your level and orientation.

Support

The CW-X has a distinctive function that aids running, and it felt like wearing lightly tightened taping. You can see the ankle reinforcement in particular the moment you wear it. Many people tap on trail running to prevent injuries, but being able to reinforce with socks is a relief, which is a relief. When you actually drive, it's not as strong as taping, so you shouldn't expect too much, but if you don't normally use taping, you'll feel it will be effective. The TABIO was especially well supported by the arch, which gave me a comfortable feeling of tightness. This time we ran a trial run of about 30km, but since we definitely support the plantar muscles, you will be able to feel the effects in the second half of the long run.

The CW-X provides support as if light taping is wrapped around the ankles and instep. However, long periods of tightness can actually lead to fatigue.

Durability

Though it is thin, the C3fit is surprisingly easy to worry about. In the old model, even after three 100km races, there were no holes in the fingertips. The ITOITEX is lightweight, made from a lot of washi paper and is quick-drying, making it the best sharp model, so it is less durable, but it is a model that you would like to use especially in rainy lace. The thick TABIO is extremely durable. I used it repeatedly, but it has little pilling and can be used continuously. Other models can pilling, so if not removed, there is a risk of leans being formed more than rubbing. The RxL has reinforced fingertips and heels, but since it is made of merino wool, there was wear on the arches and other parts.

Socks made from washi paper material require you to be prepared to wear them in one lace, in exchange for their outstanding quick-drying properties.

summary

I'll summarize my conclusions after wearing them all and running again. I want a pair of TABIO, . If you want to enjoy barefoot for a long time, try C3fit . If you want to use it hard during practice, try Workman . For a one-shot race, try ITOITEX . If you're worried about lack of practice, try CW-X . If you run slowly, it's RxL . This impression was a lot of unique models. Please use this as a useful option when choosing according to the situation you use.

We also recommend this article about socks

• 5 reasons why you should not underestimate mountaineering socks and how to choose the best socks
• Comparison review: Comparing mountaineering socks [What are the most comfortable and easy to wear for climbing? 】

Tojo Kazuya

He grew up in Ibaraki Prefecture and worked mainly in swimming during his student days. He made his triathlon debut as a working adult. In his first year as a member of the company, he completed the first Japan Mountain Endurance Race (= Hasetsune). I am fascinated by the sense of accomplishment of mountain sports. In his 30s he moved to Saitama Prefecture and became independent. Mr. T guided Okumusashi to him and was fascinated by the training run and ultra marathon. He is currently active mainly in domestic trail races. He completed a series of long races from Shinetsu Five Mountains, Joshu Takeru, and KOUMI100. He also works with the NPO Koedo Oedo Trennic World and the NPO Sainokuni Ultra Project (SUP). They are also working hard to bring out the performance of the gear and raise awareness of ensuring the safety of trail running.

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