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DryMax Running Mini Crew Review

A durable sock that is great for rainy day running
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DryMax Running Mini Crew Review
Credit: Amazon
Price:  $15 List
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Manufacturer:   DryMax
By Andy Wellman ⋅ Senior Review Editor  ⋅  Jun 25, 2019
65
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#11 of 11
  • Comfort - 25% 5.0
  • Fit - 25% 5.0
  • Wicking & Breathability - 25% 10.0
  • Slip Prevention - 15% 4.0
  • Durability - 10% 9.0

Our Verdict

The DryMax Running Mini Crew is a unique sock that has the ability to wick moisture away from the foot. From years of wearing them during long and wet trail runs, we know that they keep feet dry. If you live in a wet climate or run through streams seemingly every time you step out the door (like we do), then these could be great for you. We caution, however, that they are one of the lowest scorers in our testing. They are somewhat of a “one trick pony,” meaning, they wick away moisture extraordinarily well, but are frankly sub-par in every other metric that we tested and rated for.
REASONS TO BUY
Incredible wicking ability
Good grip within the shoe
Durable
REASONS TO AVOID
Heavy and thick
Fit and sizing is a bit off
Bunched up seams

Compare to Similar Products

 
Awards  Editors' Choice Award
Best Overall Running Sock
Top Pick Award
Best Toe Sock
Top Pick Award
Most Comfortable Cushioning
 
Price $14.50 List$19.99 at Amazon
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Bottom Line A running sock that offers amazing wicking and fantastic durabilityAn excellent all-around awesome contender that's built for long days on the trail or roadIf you love to spread your toe, this toe-sock is our favorite for its excellent cushioning, comfort, and moisture managementAn all-around performer that wicks well and offers extreme comfort, although it's not the most breathableThese 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%)
5.0
9.0
8.0
9.0
9.0
Fit (25%)
5.0
8.0
9.0
8.0
7.0
Wicking & Breathability (25%)
10.0
8.0
8.0
5.0
5.0
Slip Prevention (15%)
4.0
9.0
8.0
9.0
8.0
Durability (10%)
9.0
9.0
9.0
6.0
9.0
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


drymax running mini crew - we tested running socks in the summer, through fall, and into the...
We tested running socks in the summer, through fall, and into the snowy winter in Colorado. Once the snow hits the ground, the only dry option for running becomes the bike path.

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.

drymax running mini crew - the drymax running mini crew comes up a bit higher than a no-show...
The DryMax Running Mini Crew comes up a bit higher than a no-show sock, fully covering the bony protrusion of the ankle bone, a nice feature for trail runners.

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.

drymax running mini crew - the material isn't very smooth, but somewhat abrasive and not very...
The material isn't very smooth, but somewhat abrasive and not very comfortable.
Credit: Amber King

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.

drymax running mini crew - the toe box scrunches and this sock lacks a specific fit overall.
The toe box scrunches and this sock lacks a specific fit overall.
Credit: Amber King

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.

drymax running mini crew - the looped fabric offers excellent wicking capabilities, while the...
The looped fabric offers excellent wicking capabilities, while the fabric is hydrophobic and transfers moisture effectively.
Credit: Amber King

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.

drymax running mini crew - the material is thicker and does a decent job at preventing slippage...
The material is thicker and does a decent job at preventing slippage overall.
Credit: Amber King

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.

drymax running mini crew - the fibers are still crisp without much compression after many miles...
The fibers are still crisp without much compression after many miles of use.
Credit: Amber King

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.

drymax running mini crew - "trail" running in the winter in colorado means you will be running...
"Trail" running in the winter in Colorado means you will be running on snow, really testing the durability of a running sock. Making it wet, then mashing it around, means that we can see which fibers stay intact, and which simply can't stand up.

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.

Andy Wellman