itoix running socks tabi review: Try out various summer outdoor activities with "washi yarn" socks that don't get heat
Written by Yasushi Hisatomi
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In the outdoors where your feet are loaded more than you imagined, especially in intense activities such as trail running and speed hiking, wearing socks that don't fit even a little can cause tragedy such as blisters in no time. The skin, which has been soaked by moisture, is sadly helpless against the burdens placed on mountain climbing, and even if you notice it after the tragedy occurs, it will be a later festival.
Meanwhile, running and outdoor socks made with fibers derived from Japanese paper are gradually becoming more popular.
The main reason for this is that its feature of washi thread (or its raw material, Manila hemp), "strong and light, breathable, quick-drying, and deodorizing properties," which is why it is suitable for harsh outdoor activities where the inside of the shoes is prone to sweating violently, soaking in mud or mud, or sudden rain.
I was given the opportunity to use the Tabi model, which was released just a little while, in the lineup of running socks from itoix, one of the pioneer brands of washi-yarn socks. These socks have many features that can be used not only for running, but also for a wide range of outdoor sports such as mountain climbing, and personally I would have liked to try out how much they can be used someday, so this time I'd like to review the features and possibilities of these socks while comparing them to other socks.
table of contents
Itoix Running Socks Tabi Socks Main Features
Favorite points
- Surprisingly light and thin
- Thin but surprisingly strong
- Excellent breathability and moisture absorption and release properties prevent heat from building up
- It feels "smooth" whenever you are active, even when wet
- Quick drying and easy to dry
- Tabi-shaped shape gives a good balance of ease of stepping, dryness and ease of wear.
- Natural deodorizing properties
Interesting points
- No arch support, no heel cushions
- Low stretchability
- The rough feel of the skin
- The fabric is a bit slippery
Main Specifications and ratings
| Item name | itoix running socks tabi socks short |
|---|---|
| Actual weight (g) | 27 |
| Fabrics and materials | Materials: Unspecified fiber (washi), cupra, nylon, polyurethane |
| country of origin | made in Japan |
| evaluation | |
| weight | ★★★★★ |
| Comfort | ★★★★☆ |
| Thermal insulation | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Support | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Cushioning | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Breathable and quick-drying | ★★★★★ |
| Durability | ★★★☆☆ |
★★★★ Great/★★ Good/★★ Not bad/★★ Not good/★★ A bit harsh
Details and purchase of "Itoix Running Socks Tabi Socks Short"
For product details, please see the official itoix website or the product details page " Running Socks Tabi Socks Short
Detailed review
weight
The first thing you can feel when you pick it up is "lightness", which is unlike any other sock. Manila hemp, the main ingredient in washi paper thread, has a natural porous structure, and each fiber is lighter than it looks. In addition, itoix's unique cutting technology allows for the more delicate thread to create an extremely thin fabric that allows the back to be easily visible, resulting in an extraordinary lightness that you can't find anywhere else.
Comfort and comfort
This applies to all socks, which are mainly made with washi thread, but the moment you put your feet through it, it feels a little harder and rough to the touch than usual. If you're used to socks like merino wool and have always expected a warm, soft, and comfortable feel to your socks, then you might instantly feel quite disappointing (though it may not be that noticeable when compared to synthetic fibers such as polyester or nylon).
However, the seams are very smooth, and there is no discomfort like a ground ball, and although there is not much elasticity, the fit is good. When you sweat in the summer heat, the roughness of the skin that you initially felt will actually become more comfortable with a smooth texture.
I really like the tabi style over five fingers and rounds
This time we chose the newest tabi-style socks in the lineup.
Originally, it was said that the five-fingered type allows you to feel the comfort of Japanese paper yarn socks at the maximum. This is because the freeing of the fingers makes it easier to demonstrate the natural range of motion and stepping power of the foot, and by covering the spaces between the fingers with the fabric, it minimizes stuffiness and gives you the ultimate dry feeling.
In that sense, this tabi style is certainly more likely to feel stuffy than the five-finger type, and it is also difficult to wear around the thumb compared to the round style, but it is also true that it has the advantage that it can more than make up for its weaknesses, such as "just like the five-finger type, it is easier to put on, and can be worn almost as easily as the round style." I have a preference, but personally, tabi-shaped socks are the best balanced outdoor socks, so I'm always fond of choosing socks that can be chosen in this shape.
Natural deodorizing function
Another thing I liked about was that despite the fact that it was used a lot in activities that tend to sweat easily and in situations where it gets stuffy and wet easily, it doesn't produce any odor. This is largely due to the "natural deodorizing function" that suppresses stuffiness by suppressing the retention of stuffiness through the excellent moisture absorption and release and quick-drying properties of Manila hemp, and in fact, it has been proven that the odor of isovaleric acid gas, which is the cause of foot odor, is significantly reduced.
Breathable, smooth feel, grip, support, cushion - when you actually try running
Excellent breathability and good water drainage. Keeps you dry and smooth no matter how wet
This time, we tried wearing them in a wide variety of situations, including regular city runs, trail runs on rainy days, fast hiking on a day trip, and the ultimate in stream climbing. What I realized once again was the greatest appeal of washi-yarn socks, "extraordinary dryness (resistant to getting stuffy, easily dry, and preventing moisture from sticking to the skin) performance."
First, try running (walking) on the dry road on a sunny summer day.
At this point, everyone will probably be able to feel that it is "not heated and cooler" compared to other socks. Anyway, these socks have no place for fever. The thin, coarse fabric is not only breathable, but it also does not accumulate sweat, making socks dry quickly. This refreshing feeling is perfect for summer.
The next thing I tried was the situation where it was as prone to getting sweaty as possible. I tried wearing them in scenes where they were generally wet, such as running wet on muddy roads in the rain, running around wet and climbing streams.
As a prerequisite, when the inside of the socks gets stuffy, it not only becomes dirty, but it also softens and weakens the skin, increasing the risk of blisters and lesh. In the worst case scenario, the soggy skin can be awful, with the dermis being exposed and the dermis being exposed. To prevent this, it is important to keep your socks from accumulating moisture, or more specifically, to avoid water retention on the skin.
I mentioned earlier that Manila hemp, the main ingredient in itoix socks, has a natural porous structure, but the advantage of this structure is not just about its lightness. The countless holes in each fiber quickly absorb moisture such as sweat, while the moisture does not accumulate inside the fiber and is easily pushed out when pressure is applied. For this reason, if you take action, moisture will naturally be expelled outside, and as a result, the fabric is extremely difficult to get stuffy and easily dries.
I realized the power of this product during a test of climbing a river, which I tried wearing without any particular thoughts.
When I go to the river I always wear socks made of neoprene (the material of a wetsuit) directly on my skin, but these socks are so rubber that they are excellent in waterproofing and heat retention, but they also do not escapade the air, so the inside of the socks is generally stuffed and stuffy (in reality, my feet are almost always soaked in water, so they are more "wet" than feeling stuffy). As a result, my skin would often become quite slurping after activity. Naturally, after filling up the stream, the inside of the socks is already stuffy and quite dangerous.
However, when I tried wearing this Itoix as an inner layer this time, I found that the discomfort caused by wetting skin surfaces was very smooth and comfortable when the washi thread socks were pinched. Also, my surprise was that even though the inside of the socks was always wet when I was wearing them, when I took off my socks, I felt that my legs were less swollen than usual. The area around the shin above the socks is sticky due to water and sweat from the stream, while the area below the ankles where the socks are worn, the moisture does not only stay on the skin but still has a smooth texture, making it clear that the effect of the washi thread is felt.
Personally, "no support functions at all" is a bit disappointing.
On the other hand, it's not that I didn't have any concerns after taking action. These socks work more than adequately for controlling humidity between the shoes and the skin, but they do not provide much support in terms of improving stability when walking and reducing fatigue. I feel a bit disappointing about this (even assuming that it will be used for intense activities).
Itoix socks do not have support functions such as arch support or thick cushioning around the heels and toes. According to one interview, the reason for this is that "rather than adding support functions, the focus is on making Japanese paper the most effective, which is lighter and quick-drying. I think it would be fine to have socks with such a sharp policy, but personally I would like them to create models that are "supported."
The "arch support function" which is particularly effective in pulling up the arch part gives it a comfortable fit and supports the function of your feet when walking, making it an advantage for beginners as well as amateurs who play a fair amount like themselves. I can understand the desire to say, "You can just train your feet so that you don't have to rely on support functions," but the "effect" of alleviating impacts from the ground and reducing the burden of long-term exercise is by no means necessary for well-trained athletes.
Summary: Recommended for people like this
The number of socks that incorporate washi paper thread has increased over the past few years, and Itoix's running socks, which are the pioneering models, often felt that they are socks that focus on bringing out the features and functionality of washi paper compared to these late-generation models. Focused on making it as thin and lightweight as possible, this model feels more clearly than any other manufacturer's model in terms of quick-drying and drying performance on the skin.
The best possible use situations are the long-distance races where you are forced to deal with a rather harsh, long-term wet situation. Or perhaps there are serious situations in which a used person moves to their limits, or when you want to prioritize safety (=dry) over comfort. If you're just starting to hike or run because you're grateful for those who have had the support you can (easy to walk), you might want a model that's more balanced with comfort and support, even if you don't have to be so particular about dryness.
By the way, personally, I think that it's thin, light and resistant to wetting makes it a great option for inner socks for climbing streams. In this case, the heat retention, waterproofness and durability of neoprene socks, and the dryness of the itoix socks will protect your feet from water temperature while maintaining a smooth feel on your bare feet, making them even more comfortable to use.
The hot summer is still not over. With smart equipment that is compatible with the heat, you can enjoy the safe and fun summer mountains.
