DryMax Running Mini Crew Review
Our Verdict
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This Product
DryMax Running Mini Crew | |||||
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Awards | Best Overall Running Sock | Best Toe Sock | Most Comfortable Cushioning | ||
Price | $14.50 List | $19.99 at Amazon Compare at 2 sellers | Check Price at Backcountry Compare at 3 sellers | $20.00 at REI Compare at 2 sellers | Check Price at REI Compare at 3 sellers |
Overall Score | |||||
Star Rating | |||||
Bottom Line | A running sock that offers amazing wicking and fantastic durability | An excellent all-around awesome contender that's built for long days on the trail or road | If you love to spread your toe, this toe-sock is our favorite for its excellent cushioning, comfort, and moisture management | An all-around performer that wicks well and offers extreme comfort, although it's not the most breathable | These are a great option for those looking for a cushioned model with that Darn Tough duribility |
Rating Categories | DryMax Running Mini... | Balega Blister Resi... | Injinji Trail Midwe... | Balega Silver No Show | Darn Tough Run Cool... |
Comfort (25%) | |||||
Fit (25%) | |||||
Wicking & Breathability (25%) | |||||
Slip Prevention (15%) | |||||
Durability (10%) | |||||
Specs | DryMax Running Mini... | Balega Blister Resi... | Injinji Trail Midwe... | Balega Silver No Show | Darn Tough Run Cool... |
Material | 63% Olefin, 22% Polyester, 6% Elastane, 9% Nylon | 32% Drynamix Polyester, 32% Polyamide, 30% Mohair, 4% Microfiber, 2% Elastane | 39% Coolmax Polyester, 58% Nylon, 3% Lycra | 75% Drynamix Polyester, 23% Nylon, 2% Elastane | 48% Nylon 47% Coolmax Polyester 5% Lycra Spandex |
Ankle Cut | Mini Crew | Quarter Length | Quarter Length | No Show Tab | No Show Tab |
Cushioning Level | Light | Heavy | Heavy | Heavy | Light |
Our Analysis and Test Results
This 100% synthetic running sock is super durable and amazing at wicking away water. It still stands out for its ability to repel water and dry quickly. In all other aspects, it's performance is sub-par.
Performance Comparison
Comfort
While we would certainly not go so far as to call these socks uncomfortable, we have to concede that they are the least comfortable socks in this review. This started with the choice of olefin fibers in their blend. In a classic tradeoff situation, these fibers granted this sock unparalleled wicking ability, but have the least soft and cozy feel against the skin. Wool and polyester felt better to wear. We also have complaints about the toe seams.
This is a potential problem area on all socks because the extra stitching needed to close the seam can lead to abrasion and rubbing against the tops of the toes. These socks ended with large bumps of fabrics and creases at the end of each seam, creating definite pressure and abrasion points against the outsides and tops of the big toes and pinky toes on each foot. Their medium+ density also tended to make our foot feel hot more often than not.
This sock is designed to be medium+ density thickness, with added padding. There is no doubt that it is a high volume sock. While there is padding in all the areas that it is needed, including under the forefoot, on the sides of the forefoot and toes, over the toes, and in the heel, it is also padded all the way through the arch and on the sides of the entire foot.
The extra padding in the arch and sides of the foot seems unnecessary and probably contributes to the heavy and hot feeling of the sock. The padding in the arch, in particular, seems to compromise the ability of the vented arch band to work. While we like the fact that this sock has padding, we wish it was a bit more restrained in its use. Overall, comfort is not the best out there.
Fit
In general, this sock fits fairly large. The material stretches and if you're on the cusp of the sizing scheme, be sure to order smaller, not larger. The fit, in general, is not very specific. It doesn't really hug or compress the foot or arch and is more like a tube of material. As a result, because the fit is non-specific it's not our favorite and proves to rub along some of the seams.
Wicking & Breathability
Wicking ability is what DryMax has staked their reputation on, and in this case, they've nailed it. In our 15-minute on-the-foot drying test we found a few mildly damp places on the outside of the sock, but also found that the padded areas on the inside of the sock were nearly completely dry.
Not only was it the best at wicking away moisture, but also seemed to be the least absorptive. The one-hour drying test verified these findings for us, as the insides of the socks were completely dry after one hour. The outsides, on the other hand, were still a little damp, but this backs up DryMax's claim that they have layered hydrophobic fibers on the inside of the sock with moisture attracting fibers on the outside to help pull moisture outwards. We see this same trend while running. It doesn't pick up moisture easily and does a decent job of evaporating moisture from the fabric.
Slip Prevention
There is no doubt that the DryMax Running Mini Crew offers great slip protection. It easily grips inside the shoe to keep from sliding around. That said, the loose fit allowed the foot to move around within the sock a bit causing a tiny bit of slip in looser shoes.
Durability
We are impressed with the durability of this sock. After about thirty miles of wear and tear, we only noticed some minor pilling. The fibers seem to be totally bomber and intact, not showing any signs of use. Overall, this is a durable running sock.
Value
This sock is quite inexpensive. While it is certainly not as comfortable as other competitors, you really can't go wrong for the price. These socks are durable and will last for a-many a mile, providing great overall value.
Conclusion
The DryMax Running Mini Crew is a fantastic sock to have in your drawer for cool weather, rainy days, or adventurous mountain or trail runs. Its superior wicking ability is a great asset if you deal with blisters often or frequently find yourself running in wet conditions. However, it is not as comfortable as the other socks we reviewed and doesn't fit as well, meaning it is a sock we look to wear on special days, rather than one that we go to all the time.