Sock Mod?

[monsterbuck]

I know there at least a couple military members here on the forum.  Have any of you modified any "regular" socks to work with your VFF's to ensure compliance with regulations(PT for instance)?

I don't really want to buy injinji's if I'll only be using them once or twice a month.  I thought maybe just cutting the end off a pair of socks would work, but just wanted to see if anyone else had done it and if so, what kind of results you got.

The questions isn't just posed to the military members, I just thought maybe they'd be more likely to do it.  Info from anyone would be appreciated!!

[beyondpsyche]

I'm Air Force. I cut the top portion of a pair of socks off, leaving just enough to tuck in my KSO's. I tuck maybe a quarter inch in the front and a half inch on the heel. It has worked beautifully. I haven't had any issues with them coming untucked. I used this for a couple of months. Recently I purchased some Injinji socks to help combat stench in both my KSO's and my combat boots so I just use the Injinji's now. It changes the feeling for sure, but not horribly so. If you feel like 12 bucks is worth it, buy a pair of white mini-crew Injinji's (the super thin liner version does not come in white). Other wise just cut up an old pair of socks. I also have a brand new pair of Bikila's I just bought. I love how the inside feels and it's so nice and tight I don't think my socks would fit so I may go back to the cut up socks for them. Some people on my base just don't even both with the socks. I don't want to take the chance.

[noelbodwell]

I recently cut a pair of old socks to try them with my Treks. The purpose was to cover the space between my running pants and foot. The back tucks into the heel and the front i put across the strap before placing the upper strap on top. They stay right in place. Bottom line: I was doing it for the cold weather, but it really is too cold for my toes in 36°F and colder.

Noël

[monsterbuck]

I haven't tried it yet, not wearing them in pt gear just yet.  Thanks for the info though, I'll definitely have to try the tuck method, as my Bikilas are also a perfect fit without socks.

[moosepaws]

I've tried it, just to avoid buying several $12 pairs of socks!  I cut 2 holes in the toe of regular, somewhat thin socks: one for the big toe, one for the other toes, leaving just enough strap in between to keep it from sliding back my foot. Think "flip flop"-esque.

And because it can't be said enough -
to monsterbuck, beyondpsyche, and all the military members on these boards, and everywhere... thank you! 

[delucio]

I never had to do a sock mod, I just bought the toe socks. On amazon they have the micro crew inijini socks for 8$ and some changes. Plus buy enough free shipping. I have just slowly acquired enough pair that I have enough.

[Sasquatchfeet]

Same, I haven't tried any sock mods either. I slowly bought pairs of injinji's. Plus, whenever my feet get wet in my VFF's, which they are more prone to than regular shoes, the injinji's do an excellent job at wicking away the moisture.

[lp8256]

US Army here.
Thought about doing the sock mod, never got around to it.
I actually have a profile that allows me to wear my VFFs for PT.
I didn't just bluntly ask the Doc for one. I spent around 15 minutes talking about my knee pain during and after running. The Doc actually brought up minimalist shoes. I told him that I have been running in VFFs over a year off-duty and have no knee pain. The Doc actually asked me if a profile allowing VFFs for PT would help, I graciously accepted. 
I am a Company 1SG, I have been asked and have spent an inordinate amout of time explaining the benefits of running in VFFs.
I would say, conservatively, 50% of my Company now wears VFFs off-duty.
I like to think they are emulating me and it's not the healthy benefits of the shoes......... 

Until the Military comes around, try covertly convincing your Doc that you can only run in VFFs.
Best of luck!

[morgan_4785]

i did it with a pair of scout socks so i could have an "example uniform" for the scouts. worked well IMO

[runner92037]

I'm not really sure I understand the sock mod.  So you cut the holes for your toes to stick out but isn't there a strange feeling from the material between your toes that's more like a wedgie?  Also most of my socks have a heel in them, so did you have to buy smaller socks to do this?  Just curious...

[morgan_4785]

I'm not really sure I understand the sock mod.  So you cut the holes for your toes to stick out but isn't there a strange feeling from the material between your toes that's more like a wedgie?  Also most of my socks have a heel in them, so did you have to buy smaller socks to do this?  Just curious...

no, you just cut the end off. so the sock ends around the ball of your foot

[Dexter_Morgan23]

for me I cut the tops off the socks, and then sewed right in between my big toe and second toe to keep it from sliding up. And then put another dozen stitches between the pinkie toe and the next one. No worries about odd bundling

And I just use my regular sock size


~Dexter