Gear Review: CEP Compression Sports Socks

I have to admit. I'm not a fan of knee-high socks. It's not the socks, it's me! I don't really have long legs so wearing these kinds of socks make me, well, look shorter. When I was still in Manila, my friends often wore colored knee highs with funky designs during race events. They looked cute, but still not enough to convince me to actually wear one!

When I got the CEP socks in the mail to review, I was not hesitant to try them on. Socks with a purpose?  That I like!

But first, what are CEP Compression socks?...

Give yourself an edge with CEP Running Progressive Compression Sports Socks featuring 18-25mmHg compression. All the same great features as the original CEP Running O2 Sports Socks, but with a sleek new design. Used by professional triathletes around the world, CEP running socks are the first scientifically proven compression running socks to maximize power, boost energy, and speed recovery time. 

CEP Running O2 Sportsocks maximize muscle oxygenation and boost energy with CEP's unparalleled scientifically optimized ultimate compression technology for all-day benefits. You’ll run with less effort, increased speed, decreased recovery time, reduced fatigue and optimized performance.

The days of wearing socks “solely” to protect feet from blistering are over. CEP compression sportsocks are the first truly functional compression sport socks with a patented pressure flow technology that provide a scientifically proven increase in blood circulation and a consequent increase in performance. In addition to blister prevention, CEP socks provide more oxygen, more energy, an improved metabolization of lactic acid, and faster recovery so you can return to training quicker than ever.

My Review

Aesthetically, it didn't make my legs looks "that" short and big.  Well, not as much as I had expected especially since it was white.  Loved that!  Yes, no matter how superficial this may sound, this is an important consideration for petite women like myself.  We do like to look good too while we run, you know.  Right ladies? =)

                                                                         

The first time I wore these socks was when I felt some stiffness on my calves and then later on when I felt some soreness on my Achilles tendon.  It didn't make the stiffness and soreness go away instantaneously, but it somehow lessened it.  I know it's because of the compression technology.  I've always been a fan of anything compression (tights, sportsbra, etc.).

The primary rationale behind wearing compression socks in a race is that they may improve oxygen delivery to the muscles, increase endurance, faster lactic acid removal, cramp prevention and minimized muscle fatigue.  If you watched Ironman KONA, you would've noticed a lot of triathletes wearing compression socks.  That was what got me curious about these compression socks.  Anything, that can help us on our runs, I am all for.  That said, the CEP socks does not disappoint.  

It's getting really warm here in CA so this is the best alternative to wearing tights. It may appear to be thick and tight, but once you wear them, the material is actually breathable and your legs don't feel like it's being suffocated.

My only problem was actually the time spent wearing the socks.  It wasn't easy.  However, I searched online and found this video from CEP on how to wear them in just seconds...



Easy peasy, ey?

What I also love about these socks are the padded soles.  My feet are thankful for the extra cushioning.  Normally, during my long runs, I would tape my right pinky toe coz I always get a blister there.  There was one run  though wherein I forgot to do so.  Good thing I was wearing my CEP socks and didn't get any blister!  So the claims are true!

After each run I also wore the socks for a few hours before taking them out to help enhance recovery.  I know of some people who doesn't like wearing compression socks or tights during a run but they definitely wear them after their workout.  You'll have a faster lactate recovery rate after your exercise.

I'm very satisfied with the CEP Compression Socks.  Clearly, there is enough evidence of the positive benefits of this product for me.  And if you own one, I have a feeling you'll agree with me.  If you have not tried them, well, here's a code for you bloggy buddies to use to get 15% off: BLOG15
You may get them at www.sportscompression.com



Disclaimer:  I did not pay for this iFitness Belt.  They were sent to me and in exchange, I post an honest review of it.  I was not compensated nor was I encouraged by the manufacturer to post a positive review.  This review is based solely on my experience with this product.