itoix Tabi Running Socks Review: Trying out these cool, cool, and refreshing "Washi Yarn" socks for various summer outdoor activities

Tuesday, August 15, 2023

Running , Offers , itoix , Sawanobori , Gear Review , Recommendations , Socks , Trail Running

Written by Yasushi Hisatomi

I started using Discord

Outdoor activities put more strain on your feet than you might imagine, especially when doing intense activities like trail running or speed hiking. If you wear socks that don't fit properly, you can quickly develop tragedies like blisters. Skin that's softened by moisture is sadly powerless to withstand the stresses of mountain climbing, and it's too late to realize this until a tragedy occurs

In the midst of this, socks for running and outdoor activities made from fibers derived from washi paper are gradually gaining popularity

The main reason for this is that the characteristics of washi thread (or its raw material, Manila hemp) - "strong, light, breathable, quick-drying, and deodorizing" - make it ideal for harsh outdoor conditions where you can sweat profusely, get immersed in mud or slush, or get your shoes soaked in sudden rain

I had the opportunity to try out the "tabi" model, a new running sock lineup from itoix, one of the pioneering brands of socks made with washi yarn, which was recently released. These socks have many features that make them useful not only for running, but also for mountain climbing and a wide range of other outdoor sports. I've always wanted to try them out, so I'd like to review their features and potential, comparing them with other socks

table of contents

Main Features of itoix Tabi Short Running Socks
For details and purchase of "itoix Running Socks Tabi Short"
Detailed Review
Summary: Recommended for these people

Main Features of itoix Tabi Short Running Socks

Favorite points

Surprisingly light and thin
Thin yet surprisingly durable
Excellent breathability and moisture absorption/release properties prevent heat buildup
Stays dry and comfortable even when wet
Quick-drying and easy to dry
Tabi-style design provides a good balance of ease of stepping in, dryness, and comfort
Natural deodorizing properties

Points of concern

No arch support or heel cushioning
Low stretchability
Rough texture
The fabric is a little slippery

Main specifications and evaluation

Item Name	itoix Running Socks, Short Tabi
Actual weight (g)	27
Fabric and material	Materials: Non-specified fiber (washi paper), cupra, nylon, polyurethane
country of origin	made in Japan
evaluation
weight	★★★★★
Comfort	★★★★☆
Heat retention	★★☆☆☆
Support	★★☆☆☆
Cushioning	★★☆☆☆
Breathable and quick-drying	★★★★★
durability	★★★☆☆

★★★★★ Excellent / ★★★★ Good / ★★★ Not bad / ★★ Not good / ★ A bit harsh

For details and purchase of "itoix Running Socks Tabi Short"

For more product details, please visit the itoix official website Running Socks Tabi Short on the site

Detailed Review

weight

The first thing you'll notice when you pick up these socks is their lightness, unmatched by any other socks. Manila hemp, the main ingredient in washi yarn, has a naturally porous structure, making each fiber lighter than it looks. Furthermore, itoix's unique cutting technology allows for the creation of extremely thin fabric, with even more delicate threads that allow the lining to be easily seen through, resulting in a lightness unlike any other

Comfort and comfort

This can be said of all socks made primarily from washi yarn, but the moment you put them on, they feel a little stiffer and rougher than regular socks. If you're used to socks like me that are made of merino wool and you were hoping for warmth and a soft, comfortable feel from your socks, you might be quite disappointed at first (although this may not be as noticeable compared to synthetic fibers like polyester or nylon)

However, the seams are very smooth, there's no discomfort like roughness, and although it's not very stretchy, it fits well. When you start to sweat in the summer heat, the rough texture you initially felt becomes smooth and comfortable

I still prefer tabi-style shoes over five-fingered or rounded ones

This time we have chosen the newest "tabi style" in the lineup

Originally, it was said that the five-toed style offered the maximum comfort for washi yarn socks. This is because freeing up the toes allows for greater range of motion and easier stepping, and covering the spaces between the toes with fabric minimizes stuffiness and allows for the ultimate in dryness

In that sense, it's true that tabi socks are more likely to feel stuffy than five-finger socks, and are harder to put on around the big toe than round socks, but the fact remains that they have the advantage of combining the best of both worlds: they're easy to step into like five-finger socks, and almost as easy to put on as round socks, so they more than make up for their weaknesses. Preference is a factor, but personally I find tabi socks to be the most well-balanced for outdoor socks, so I like them so much that I almost always choose them when this style is available

Natural deodorizing function

Another thing I particularly liked about them was that they didn't smell bad, even when I used them a lot in sweaty activities or in conditions where they were prone to getting wet and steamy. This is largely due to Manila hemp's "natural deodorizing properties," which prevent stuffiness through its excellent moisture absorption and release and quick-drying properties. In fact, tests by a third-party organization have proven that they significantly reduce the odor of isovaleric acid gas, the substance that causes foot odor

Breathable, quick-drying, smooth feel, grip, support, cushioning - Try it out for a run

Excellent breathability and water drainage. Stays dry and comfortable no matter how wet it gets

In this test, I wore them in a wide variety of situations, including a regular city run, a rainy day trail run, a day-trip fast hike, and the ultimate in stream climbing. What I realized once again was the greatest appeal of washi yarn socks: their exceptional dryness (they don't get stuffy, dry quickly, and don't let moisture stay on the skin)

First, try running (walking) on a dry road on a sunny summer day

At this point, you'll probably be able to sense that these socks are cooler and don't trap heat compared to other socks. There's simply no place for heat to accumulate in these socks. The thin, open-weave fabric is not only highly breathable, but also doesn't trap moisture from sweat, so the socks dry quickly. This refreshing feeling is perfect for summer

Next, I tried them in the most sweaty conditions possible. I tried them running on muddy roads in the rain with my shoes getting wet, climbing streams, and other situations where I was generally in a wet environment

The premise is that if the inside of your socks get sweaty, not only will it be unsanitary, but it will also make your skin soft and weak, increasing the risk of blisters and calluses. In the worst case scenario, the softened skin may peel off, exposing your dermis, which can be a horrible situation. To prevent this, it's important to avoid moisture accumulating in your socks, or more specifically, on your skin

As mentioned earlier, Manila hemp, the main material used in itoix socks, has a naturally porous structure, but the benefits of this structure go beyond lightness. The countless holes in each fiber quickly absorb moisture such as sweat, but this moisture does not accumulate within the fiber; instead, it is easily pushed out when pressure is applied. This means that moisture is naturally expelled when you are active, and as a result, the fabric is extremely resistant to sweating and quick to dry

I first realized how effective they were when I tried them out without much thought while climbing a stream

When I go canyoning, I always wear neoprene socks (the same material used in wetsuits) directly on my skin, but because these socks are made of rubber, they're waterproof and have excellent heat retention, but they also don't let air escape, so they tend to get really stuffy inside (in reality, my feet are almost always submerged in water while I'm climbing, so rather than feeling stuffy, I feel more like they're "wet"). As a result, my skin would always get really soggy after climbing. Naturally, after climbing up a canyoning stream, the inside of my socks are extremely stuffy and in a very dangerous state

However, when I tried wearing these itoix socks as innerwear, the discomfort I usually feel from wetness on my skin was completely alleviated by the washi yarn socks, which felt incredibly smooth and comfortable against my skin. Surprisingly, even though the inside of my socks were soaking wet the whole time I was wearing them, when I took them off after reaching the finish line, my feet felt less soggy than usual. The area above my shins, where the socks were placed, was sticky with stream water and sweat, while below my ankles, where the socks were placed, moisture didn't stay on my skin, and my skin felt dry and comfortable, clearly demonstrating the benefits of the washi yarn

"No support features at all" is a bit disappointing for me personally

On the other hand, there were some things that bothered me when I tried them out. These socks do a more than adequate job of managing moisture between the shoes and the skin, but they offer almost no support whatsoever in terms of improving stability when walking or reducing fatigue. In that respect, I felt they were a little lacking (even considering they are intended for use in more intense activities)

As a policy, itoix socks do not include support features such as arch support or thick cushioning around the heel and toe. According to an interview, the reason for this is that "rather than adding support features, we focus on maximizing the lightness and moisture-wicking properties of washi paper." While I think it's fine to have socks with such a unique policy, I personally would love to see them make models with support as well

In particular, the "arch support function" that lifts the arch of the foot provides a comfortable fit and supports the movement of the foot when walking, and is a feature that is beneficial not only for beginners but also for amateurs like me who play a fair amount. I can understand the desire to say, "Just train your feet so that you don't need to rely on the support function," but the "effect" itself of absorbing impact from the ground and reducing the strain caused by long periods of exercise is certainly not unnecessary even for well-trained athletes

Summary: Recommended for these people

Itoix Tabi Short Running Socks, Size M, 25-28cm, Navy

created by Rinker

Itoix

¥2,420 (as of 2026/02/21 02:48:55, according to Amazon - details)

Socks incorporating washi yarn have been on the rise in recent years, but the itoix running socks, which were a pioneer in this field, are clearly focused on maximizing the characteristics and functionality of washi compared to later models. This model, which focuses on being as thin and lightweight as possible, is more breathable, quick-drying, and keeps the socks dry against the skin than any other manufacturer's models

From this, the best possible scenarios for use would be long-distance races where you have to deal with extremely harsh, prolonged wet conditions. Or serious situations where experienced footwear owners are pushing themselves to their limits, where safety (i.e. dryness) is prioritized over comfort. For those new to mountain hiking or running who would appreciate as much support as possible (ease of walking), a model with a better balance of comfort and support might be better, even if they don't need to be so particular about dryness

Personally, I think that being thin, light, and resistant to getting wet makes them a great choice as inner socks for canyoning. The warmth, waterproofness, and durability of neoprene socks, along with the dryness of itoix socks, will protect your feet from the water temperature while keeping your bare feet dry, making for a more comfortable experience than ever before

The hot summer is not over yet. Have a safe and enjoyable summer in the mountains with smart gear that can withstand the heat