I just started running again this year. In the past I have stopped running when it got cold and often did not pick up again in the spring. I would like to run as much as possible this winter, barefoot when I can, in my huaraches when it is too cold for barefoot, but not cold enough for the treadmill. For winter huarache running, has anyone used tabi socks? They seem like a natural fit for the sandals (see what I did there? natural fit, natural running, shoe fit… anyway). If so what brands have worked well? I found some people discussing boiled wool tabi, and I found a site selling fleece tabi socks. I appreciate any thoughs on the topic.

Thanks,

-Rick

Thanks Steven, I came across your page on that right after posting. Good stuff, I look forward to finding out what your "fourth answer" is.

I contacted a couple of people on Etsy who are aparently willing to make custom tabi socks. One wants me to send her a tracing of my foot, she has not told me how much hers cost, someone posted that she charged $55 for a pair of boiled wool tabi socks. Another woman who also has a store on Etsy said she would make a pair for $33. I also came across a site that listed fleece tabi socks for about $15, not sure how well those would work. I have mortons toe, so am looking for something a bit ouf of the norm. 

Since the Japanese have been using these socks with sandals for a long time, it still seems like a good idea to me. I will post back any successes or failures I have following this line of thought.

On a side note, I ordered my second pair of invisible shoes last night, went for the 4mm this time, I have been very happy with my Contacts so far. I have attached a garmin foot pod to them :) Great product.

I ordered a pair of "sol socks" which are fleece tabi socks intended for wearing with thong sandals. I felt it was a less expensive way to test this idea. After wearing them, I wonder if boiled wool would be too thick with two layers and a lace between my toes. I think the fleece is thicker than I would like, but not too bad. I have been wearing them around but have not run with them. I will post again after running with the sol socks. If the fleece (I bought midweight, they have heavy too) ends up being too cold, I may try the boiled wool.

-Rick

P.S. I had contacted audrey before, I liked how she responded, and read a great review of her socks for huarache running.

What I would really like are tabi "socks" made of the same fabric that Dirty Girl Gaiters are made of. I don't need warmth, I need protection from thistles, burrs and foxtails. Wool and other knit materials are just burr and foxtail magnets. The gaiters seem a little more resistant (although not perfect) against such tormentors.

I am hoping the Dirty Girl Gaiters lady will start making full-foot gaiters for huarache runners. She already has a little video posted about how to attach her gaiters if you use VFFs. So obviously she's aware of the whole barefoot running thing. But I'm sure she's got better things to do with her life than make wildly-patterned tabi gaiters for the likes of us crazy folks. Maybe someday I will clear a path to my sewing machine and try to make some myself, but last time I tried to sew stretchy fabric it was a huge disaster.