Cheaper alternative to injinji socks?

[Rana]

And there are plenty of decent quality toe socks that aren't Injinjis - ToeToe, for example, and some Japanese brands.

If Injinjis work for you, enjoy!  But don't worry so much about what other people are wearing. 

[Pinoyako11793]

Well I'm just trying to find some cheap no-show toe socks. Ankle socks would be fine but nothing like a tube sock where it goes up to halfway up my shin to my knee lol. These socks will only be for walking around in them. Preferably a gray color. Maybe I can remedy a toe sock. Get a regular pair of socks; cut four lines into them for each toe and finally sew some fabric in between the toes. They would literally look like vibram socks. Match a white sock with some black material. Or you could knit your own toe socks lol.

[RayKay]

There is a big difference between buying "knockoffs" and buying a different brand or a different alternative.

For example, if I wanted a phone that shared similarities to an iPhone, and purchased an iFhone (knowingly or not), that would be a buying a knockoff as they are trying to market themselves as the iPhone. But if I purchased an Android, it is just buying an alternative in the market. Similarities may be shared, but it is its own product.

Injinji is not the only brand of toe socks out there, and I have been wearing toe socks of various brands for about 19 years - they were all the rage amongst my female peers when I was 12 - and I certainly was not wearing injinjis. There are plenty of more and less expensive toe socks out there. I have Injinjis, but I have found some other brands that work better for me as the toes on Injinjis are too long for me. 

And I have no idea how using other brands would ruin your VFFs unless you bought socks made out of sandpaper and battery acid.

[coastie]

I have worn toe socks for about 19 years most times with flip flops. Acrylic ones tend to be too thick and clamy to my feet. I stick with cotton ones that are generally sold in Japan (most are made in China). I've worn the cotton ones with my VFF's with no ill effect to my feet or my shoes. As far as the length of the top, I never wear socks and shorts together anyhow (too dorky especially at my age). There are some footie type toes socks out there but they too are pricey at the moment. So I just wear my socks/VFF combo with long pants.

On Injinji's: One can say they are knock-offs of somebody else's design the only difference is in material and the added logo, Which I always thought if you ad a brand logo to your product you can mark up the price 50% or more.

[Rana]

Or you could knit your own toe socks lol.

No joke, I'm doing that right now. 

[Atomicunderware]

And there are plenty of decent quality toe socks that aren't Injinjis - ToeToe, for example, and some Japanese brands.

If Injinjis work for you, enjoy!  But don't worry so much about what other people are wearing. 

Toe-Toe are NOT decent quality. I bought four pair from them, all had holes from relatively light wear after only a month or so of use. I had a couple of different 'models', and neither were worth the ££ I paid. Definitely avoid.
Feelmax would be my recommendation, very good socks, and they last extremely well.

[striker]

Are any of these alternatives thinner than injinji?  I'm thinking I may need to go with the liners because the regular types are just too thick between my toes in VFFs, but again $10 for a pair of liners is kind of steep.  Would be awesome to find a pair that split the difference in thickness.

[Rana]

Toe-Toe are NOT decent quality. I bought four pair from them, all had holes from relatively light wear after only a month or so of use. I had a couple of different 'models', and neither were worth the ££ I paid. Definitely avoid.
Feelmax would be my recommendation, very good socks, and they last extremely well.

Huh.  I've had just about the opposite experience.  My Feelmax socks are all pilled and wearing out, but the ToeToes are still in good shape.  Maybe it has to do with the shape of our feet?

[Atomicunderware]

Toe-Toe are NOT decent quality. I bought four pair from them, all had holes from relatively light wear after only a month or so of use. I had a couple of different 'models', and neither were worth the ££ I paid. Definitely avoid.
Feelmax would be my recommendation, very good socks, and they last extremely well.

Huh.  I've had just about the opposite experience.  My Feelmax socks are all pilled and wearing out, but the ToeToes are still in good shape.  Maybe it has to do with the shape of our feet?

Maybe, although the holes developed in quite different places on the ToeToes. Some in the toes, some the heels, and all after very light wear. Strange...