CEP Compression Socks

The fine folks at CEP sent me some compression socks to review last week. I have another brand of compression socks, but I think I wear them more for warmth and the so-called fashion benefit rather than for the true medical science behind compression. These other socks (that will remain nameless) just didn’t do much for me. They ended up falling down mid run, they are becoming stretched out, they have their brand name covering the entire side of your leg etc. But this is a CEP review, not a competitor bashing session! Lets proceed!

By now, we have all heard the claims about compression and athletic performance, but CEP running socks are the first scientifically proven compression running socks to maximize power, boost energy, and speed recovery time. Studies have shown that CEP socks can increase performance by 5%, which doesn’t sound like much, but could be 10-12 minutes off a marathon time! Read more {here} about the benefits as described by CEP

So, when I was first contacted for the review, I was asked to send my calf size measurement in. Hmmm, I’m already liking this more than the other brand already! A more custom fit….more than just a shoe size measurement. I mean, how does a company know how big your calves are based on your shoe size…come on now!!! I have pretty big calves, which is what causes my socks to fall down mid run. I was sent the women’s size III socks, which I was happy to find out is not their biggest size. Maybe my calves aren’t as big as I thought!

When I got them in the mail, the first thing I noticed was the toe and heel are reinforced with thicker fabric. This is another complaint with the other brand, because compression socks are often hard to get on, the heel area endures a lot of added stress from pulling them on, and now the heel area is wearing thin. With CEP’s reinforced heel area, I don’t foresee this being a problem. I also have very sharp talons toenails that I forget don’t trim often enough and they end up tearing through a lot of my socks. Again the reinforced toe should alleviate this concern for me.

CEP socks are comfortable all the way from the toe to the cuff of the sock. There is no pinching, binding, or rubbing. And they DID NOT MOVE at all during my 6 mile test run. The other socks starts sliding their way down to my ankles within the first mile. My legs felt energized and well supported. I’m not sure how much better I performed but I did feel like I had a little extra spring in my step. I did not feel the harsh jarring on my calves and shins as much as I do without compression. I also did another 5 mile run on a wet rainy day and although the socks were soaked, my (lower) legs remained warm. Even with the rain and wetness, there was no problem with blistering or rubbing.

For recovery, CEP socks are pure bliss. I pulled them over my tired and aching calves and I felt an immediate difference. The achy pressure was pretty much gone once I put the socks on, and probably helped work the soreness out faster than if I had not worn them at all.

I honestly have ZERO negatives to say about CEP socks. If you are interested in compression socks, they are well worth every penny and far superior to the other compression sock I used to wear. These are fashionable and functional!!!!!

CEP gets TWO THUMBS UP!!!!!