Most of us have heard of toe socks.  This intriguingly contoured footwear with a special focus on the toes has been on and off the fashion radar screen since it made its first psychedelic appearance back in the seventies and again during the nineties.

It comes as no surprise that the idea of toe socks has found its way into the genre of compression socks as well.  When we first discovered compression toe socks we were both excited and curious to find out more.

We decided to get in touch with the PR contact of company injinji, which is the manufacturer of the toe compression socks.

They were not only kind enough to provide us with information but also with some actual product samples of their EX-CELERATOR race and recovery toe socks, which gave us a first-hand opportunity to try them out for ourselves.

Are Toe Compression Socks Really Different?

Company injinji spent years of intense research and testing in developing the unique concept of compression toe socks.  Their performance 5 toe sock with graduated compression has been awarded two design patents.  The injinji EX-CELERATOR race and recovery toe sock incorporates a trademarked AIS technology, whereby AIS stands for Anatomical Interface System.

According to the manufacturer, the key features of these high-tech compression toe socks are a double-layered welt band at the top for added comfort as well as to help keep the socks up securely.

The four-level graduated compression, a precision stitched non-slip heel and a highly supportive non-slip arch work in unison to optimize blood circulation and provide optimal support for the foot and calf areas.

Last not least, five precisely aligned toe pockets ensure superior posture, grip and balance.

The individual toe design and moisture-wicking fibers keep the area between the toes dry and prevent friction and blisters that may otherwise occur from skin to skin contact.  One of the “magic” components of these toe compression socks is the use of highly advanced fiber materials, such as CoolMax® freshFX™ and Lycra® fibers, which are registered trademarks of INVISTA.

CoolMax® freshFX™ has extreme moisture-wicking capabilities to keep you dry with added silver to prevent microbial growth and keep you fresh during and after an athletic performance.

Lycra® provides the elasticity to produce the graduated compression for these toe socks.  The highest level of graduated compression 10-14 mmHg, starts at the ankle and lessens gradually to 8 mmHg or less at the welt of the socks.

From our own wearing experience, we have noted that like with all compression stocking products proper sizing and fit are key to be comfortable in your toe socks.  It seems to work best to select your compression toe socks based on your shoe size following the manufacturer’s sizing charts.

How to Put On Your Toe Compression Socks?

If you have put on compression socks before you already know that gathering them up like conventional socks will likely not work because the layering of the compression makes it virtually impossible to stretch them enough to get your foot inside.

Instead, similar to other compression socks and stockings, the socks should be turned inside out up to the heel portion before pulling the toe and foot portion over the foot.  With the toe compression socks, you also have to make sure that each piggy is properly placed into their toe sleeve before pulling the rest of the sock up.

There should be no excess material bunched up in the heel or toe areas.  When pulling the socks up over the calves it should end below the bend of the knee to prevent any tourniquet effect.  Walking around a bit can help the toes and feet adjust to become properly situated.

Due to the natural tightness of the compression toe socks, or any compression sock or stocking that is new for that matter, it may take a few wearings and washings before they feel really comfortable.

Toe Compression Socks – Our Conclusions

In wearing the toe compression socks we could certainly appreciate the absence of blister generating friction and moisture between the toes.  The supportive quality and graduated compression starts at the toes and goes all the way up to the top of the calves.  It helps to protect the wearer against foot pain, muscle aches, cramping or shin splints and it improves the overall blood circulation back to the heart and lungs.

To sum it all up, we think the injinji EX-CELERATOR race and recovery toe sock is a well designed and manufactured product that should benefit any prospective wearer through much athletic performances and endurance events.

Disclosure: We were provided with some compression toe sock product samples free of charge. No monetary compensation whatsoever was received. All reviews and/or opinions in our blog posts are our own.