CEP & PRO Compression Socks

 

By Sheri Rosenbaum

 

CEP Compression Socks

PRO Compression Socks

HOT! CEP Compression Socks Good gradient compression from foot to calf Option for Merino wool for temp control Polypropylene wicks moisture and provides cooling effect Antibacterial, odor-reducing properties 30-day return policy, 6-month compression guarantee PRO Compression Socks Good, firm compression in all the right places Length perfect even for long legs Proprietary blend wicks moisture 60-day return policy (less $5 restock fee) Made in USA

NOT! CEP Compression Socks Limited choice of color/style Ribbed fabric not always comfortable on bare skin PRO Compression Socks Shrank a bit even when washed in cold water and line-dried

CEP Compression Cost: Progressive+ – $50; Merino Socks – $60 Features: 60% Polyamide, 20%, Elastane, 15% Polypropylene 74% Polyamide, 15% Merino Wool, 11% Elastane (Merino version) How Obtained: review samples from company Available: company website RBR Sponsor: no Tested: 1 month PRO Compression Cost: Marathon Elite – $55; Marathon – $50 Discount Code: Use BLG14 for 40% off socks and sleeves Features: Proprietary blend How Obtained: review samples from company; purchased Available: company website RBR Sponsor: no Tested: 1 month

Fashion AND Function – These Are Not Your Grandma’s Compression Socks

A few months ago, as John Marsh and I discussed attending InterBike, he said “be sure to pack your compression socks” for the long hours on the show floor. I’ve seen my triathlon friends and other people wearing compression socks and sleeves, but I never really thought about using them myself. However, shortly after John mentioned them, there was a discount code for a pair in my Facebook feed. So I thought, what the heck, why don’t I see what all the fuss is about.

The first pair of socks I tried were from Pro Compression. Since I work from home and sit at a desk all day, my legs can start to ache. So I figured why not try them while working. From the minute I slipped them on, I felt the right amount of compression in the right places. (I’m glad I saw the video (click to view) on the “easy” way to put on compression socks. Otherwise, it could count as a resistance training workout. The manufactures say to “scrunch them all the way down to the toe, put your toes in the correct position and then pull them tightly and evenly all the way up. An even stretch will ensure comfort andthey’ll last longer.”)

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Note: If you purchase over-the-calf CEP Compression socks, the socks are marked left and right. The compression is designed to work on a specific foot, like a number of cycling socks these days with built-in compression.

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How Compression Works

The premise behind compression is to increase blood flow in an extremity. Using graduated compression, the amount of compression decreases as the distance to the heart decreases. Which means, you have less compression below your knee (if wearing an over-the-calf style) and more compression down by your foot.

Compression socks and stockings are commonly used for medical reasons. CEP is a division of Medi, which produces medical-grade compression wear.

On the Bike

I wore my compression socks on both trail and road rides. To my surprise, they kept my legs feeling fresh and reduced fatigue. My legs never felt “heavy,” nor did I experience any cramps. The one caveat I have is that it is easy to get these socks dirty, both from road debris and the occasional chain tattoo. But I found that if you pretreat the stains as soon as you get home, then wash the socks, even the grease stains come out.

Walking and Hiking

The socks also worked well when I’d go for long walks/hikes, keeping swelling down and legs feeling fresh, not heavy. I even wore both brands of compression socks for the 3 days at Interbike, where I was on my feet 8-12 hours a day. Great results.

Sitting at a Desk, in a Car or on a Plane

Working from home and sitting all day at my desk with little walking around can take a toll on my legs. Using the compression socks for a few hours in the morning or afternoon really helps to alleviate the achiness in my calves. I also found the socks to be quite beneficial on long car rides and plane trips; however, be sure to start the trip with the socks on. Waiting for a few hours after your legs start to swell can cause pain once you put on the socks.

Improved Recovery Time

After a hard workout at the gym or a long ride, I’d put on the compression socks for a few hours. I truly felt that my legs recovered faster and I was fresher for the next day’s ride.

When I attended a cycling camp, the camp had “recovery boots” that you’d use for 20 minutes after each ride. These boots were filled with air, providing graduated compression to the full leg, including the foot. Not once during the 5-day camp did my legs feel achy. But the recovery boots are prohibitively expensive (and cumbersome) for an individual, costing upwards of $1,000, while compression socks are only around $50.

Sleeve vs. Over-the-Calf Sock

I wanted to test compression leg sleeves as well, because they would enable me to wear a winter sock on top for cold riding days, as well as a hiking sock for treks.

However, I quickly found that I much preferred the socks vs. the sleeves. After only a half hour of wear, I felt the ankle and upper leg band start to dig into my leg when wearing the sleeves. It became uncomfortable, and I needed to remove them.

The size was in accordance to the fit chart on the website, so I’m not sure if they run small. But I feel that going up one size might negate the graduated compression you are supposed to experience. Your experience may differ from mine. Both companies have a return policy for a worry-free purchase. (As this was really a brief test of sleeves, we have elected not to provide any details beyond this short personal comparison.)

The Last Word

I’ve become a big fan of compression socks both for on the bike and for recovery. However, I do have to put up with grief from some of the guys I ride with, especially when I wear crazy colors / designs. But now with cyclocross season underway, I fit right in!

I am eager to test a pair of Merino wool compression socks this winter. They are touted as keeping your feet cool in the heat and warm in the cold. (And they take care of what I was trying to accomplish with the compression sleeves re: wearing socks over them.) I ride year-round in Chicago, so if they work well to keep my feet warm in colder temps, I’ll be an even bigger fan.

I can say the compression socks worked to keep my feet cool in warmer weather.

Compression socks can be pricey, and you’ll definitely want more than one pair. But companies seem to have promotions running from time to time. (Pro Compression is offering RBR readers a discount code, BLG14, for 40% off their socks and sleeves.)

I’m working on a future article looking into recovery tights and how they can improve recovery time off the bike. Stay tuned.

October 2016