In cubic crystals where $a=b=c$, there are rotational invariances that leave the system unchanged. If some of the electrons are responsible for many properties of solids and that they are free to move (like in a good metal), it makes no difference if one applies a current along any of the crystallographic axis, I get this part. However if one applies a current along a non crystallographic axis, I would expect a different response from the material because the distance between atoms in that direction is not the same than the distance between atoms along a crystallographic axis. However these crystals can be isotropic. How is this possible?
In my mind isotropic means that no matter the angle of the rotation of the crystal, all its properties are the same. But from a microscopic point of view I notice differences in the crystal if the rotation is arbitrary, hence I expect its properties not to be isotropic, yet they are. I know I am missing something but I don't see it.
So, in short, how can a crystal have isotropic properties?