The Recovery Sock: CEP Infared Compression Socks Product Review
As someone who is always looking for ways to dial in recovery while off my feet, I had never given compression socks a real shot. However, this race season has put a lot of wear and tear on my feet, including foot and calf soreness. To offset that, research into compression socks began. CEP is one of the biggest brands in endurance sports, so I decided their infared compression socks a chance. This is the recovery sock that you need to add to your repertoire.Â
The Measurements
My biggest issue with the layout of most compression socks I attempted to use in the past is that they tend to feel too tight. Despite using a tape measure to figure out circumferences around my legs, the fit always seemed to bother me. With CEP, the measurements based on shoe sizes worked out perfectly in my favor. Different brands of shoes fit differently on different feet. In theory, CEP probably just fits the best for my feet. Either way, the socks comfortably yet snug around my large feet.Â
Critical Areas
CEP compression socks work by using micro mineral material in the yarn, fit, and insulation, The padded cushioning on the bottom makes them feel very cozy without sacrificing overall comfort. The science of compression is that it improves circulation, which promotes more oxygen to the sore muscles. These socks go all the way up to your kneecaps, promoting circulation in your feet up to your calves. For runners, these are critical areas.Â
Air of Convenience
Compression socks bring an air of convenience as well. While I’m not an expert in exercise science or physical therapy, I can say that they provide a great supplementation to all the other things. Compression socks can’t replace sleep, hydration, and nutrition, but these ones made a huge difference in my recovery. After doing my stretching and mobility, I would wear these socks for 30 minutes to an hour every other night on average. Honestly, there were no expectations of a noticeable difference. Imagine my shock when I did notice a difference in how my feet felt.
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475 Miles Already
To set the story, I have raced 475 miles already this year. My 100-mile race in March brought a lot of unstable terrain and left my with lingering right foot pain and achilles issues. Paired with proper strength work and recovery, I felt the sense that the socks made a huge difference. In fact, I think they continue to make a huge difference. Strategy wise, I plan to wear them this entire week with consistency following a week where I was on my feet for 20+ hours on trails.Â
Business Feeling This Good
Truthfully, my feet have no business feeling this good, but here we are. To summarize, if you’re looking for cost-effective compression, paying the $49.95 for CEP Infared Recovery Compression socks is the way to go. If your use is at home for recovery, these socks will go a long way for you and are well worth their price tag. For more active compression that supports the entire leg up to the hip bone, compression boots are another option to explore. For a passive approach to compression, give these socks a try. This is the recovery sock you need.Â
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Aum Gandhi is a social media manager, content writer, and co-owner of Run Tri Bike. An active ultrarunner, Aum has a palpable love for the sport and the trail community. His purpose in all his professional and personal activities is to inspire others by leaving a positive impact. Aum maintains a personal blog on his website in which he shares both his running exploits and features of energizing endurance athletes to all audiences. In his free time, you’d probably catch Aum reading, crewing at races, playing video games, out on the trails, or watching NBA Basketball.