For over ten years, Injinji has proudly sponsored athletes who showcase an extraordinary passion for their sports, communities, and our performance toesocks. It has been a joy to support and root for these athletes as they have taken on iconic ultras, remarkable personal challenges, and inspiring feats of endurance.
In April of 2023, we decided to extend the unique opportunity of being a part of Team Injinji to our broader audience to welcome in a more diverse group of individuals. By including Athletes from all walks of life, we’ve created a group that represents the incredible spectrum of the Injinji community.
We are very excited to welcome these fresh faces and stories into the fold, and we can’t wait to introduce you to them over the next year through blog posts and social media features.
Meet a Few of the Athletes
What better way to get to know these new Athletes than through their application answers? Check out some of the answers that stood out to us during the review process.
Why do you want to be on Team Injinji?
Jessica Storrison-Carmean Multi-Sport Athlete
I swear by these socks for running and biking! I’ve done lots of wet and rainy races and never had any issues related to blisters or chafing, and I think that’s definitely due to Injinji socks! I work in the outdoor industry and tell people all the time about how I’m able to run ultras without the normal “feet woes” that trouble people.
Trish Arends - Runner
Injinji socks changed my running! I’ve been on the look for an ambassador program for years. I’m beyond excited to have an opportunity to apply! While running ultras, getting blisters can take you out. I never worry about my feet anymore, even in hot races with lots of water crossings. If blisters can be mitigated, it is a game changer. I’m constantly telling my athletes, clients and friends about Injinji!
Phil Shin - Runner
I have always been a big supporter of Injini throughout the years and was very excited to learn that Injinji was opening up an opportunity to join the team. Being born and raised in California myself, I'm so stoked to support the team full of passionate and inclusive humans. Personally, I hope to bring some diversity and inspiring story telling as I'm also a Korean American runner having recently survived liver cancer through a liver transplant. I hope to elevate awareness for cancer and organ donation as I attempt to become the first known organ transplant recipient to finish the Leadville Trail 100 Run this August. I definitely plan on having a pair of Injini’s on my feet for every step of this journey!
How do you stay inspired, and inspire others, as an athlete?
Runner
When I see athlete's discovering that what they thought wasn't possible, is within their grasp, that is incredibly inspiring to me. As a coach, I am trusted with people's biggest and scariest dreams. They show me vulnerability and it is my job to hold their vulnerability and help them reach their goals. I take this as a huge responsibility and seeing my athletes strive to be their best inspires me. I stay inspired because I believe I have not even begun to reach my potential and I want to prove to myself and those who believe in me that they are right.
3x Paralympic Medalist
I have been competing in track and field for about 15 years as a visually impaired athlete. I ran in college on scholarship then went to the pro level and have been competing pro for about 8 years now. My goal is to pave the way for young athletes, specifically women and girls, and show them they can do anything they put their minds to. Sports are available to young aspiring athletes with visual impairments and a lot of people don’t know that, so I want to spread awareness of sports and being active for all.
Runner
I remind myself constantly of where I used to be as a non-athlete, and I use my story to tell others that even though our journeys will all be different, it is possible to do whatever it is you put your mind to.
Please share about your community involvement.
Runner
I lead a group of trail runners called O-Town Blazers. It started 2 years ago during the pandemic with me and two female friends. We wanted to run in the woods but couldn’t always get our schedules lined up to run, and we were scared to run by ourselves. So, we decided to start a group to meet up every Saturday morning at local trails. We realized there are other people like us that felt scared running solo and now we don’t have to. We can call on each other or look forward to Saturday mornings. We have met 82 times in the last 2 years and made so many memories and friends. We encourage one another, support by crewing each other races, and became a family. There are over 700 members today!
Runner
I’ve started an online community called Grandmas Run Too to encourage grandmas of all ages to stay fit. My first grandkid was born in February, and I’m obsessed with my new title.
Runner and Hiker
As President of San Tan Trail Runners Club, I help guide both the members and board on both club activities, community partners and philanthropic activities. I'm a member of the Arizona Trail Association (ATA) and participate in various trail work, advocacy and running events held on the Arizona Trail (AZT).
More To Come
We are so thrilled to be adding these diverse voices and stories to Team Injinji. We know that our customers come from every background, experience level, and sport type—so we wanted to create a new team that represented that. We hope you take some time to explore the new Team Injinji page to meet this awesome group.
Stay tuned on the blog and our social media to continue to learn more about the new Team Injinji! If you’re looking for daily inspiration, follow these amazing Athletes on social.
