VELOCHAMPION 500 Series sports compression socks
My trial and review.
THE INTRO:
So depending on whether or not you read my last review which was for the VeloChampion calf sleeves, you will know that writing actual product reviews is new to me as I usually only write race reviews after I have done one.
Most of my running events and races that I take part in are to raise money for charity, which is why I write about them so I have a written account and record of what it was all about for donors to read after ward, and so other runners can get a good idea and feel for what a particular event is like. This helps them make a more informed decision on whether or not a race/event sounds like it is worth doing.
I have a memory like a sieve and writing it all down in blog form and attaching some of my favourite pictures also gives me a nice memento to look back on later.
I was lucky enough recently to see a request from VeloChampion for runners to trial some of their product and I was lucky enough to be selected once I applied.
So they sent a pair of compression socks and calf sleeves, the later of which I have already trialed and reviewed in my previous blog post, and you can find that here :
http://fitnesswithgru.blogspot.co.uk/2018/02/velochampion-calf-sleeves-my-trial-and.html
http://fitnesswithgru.blogspot.co.uk/2018/02/velochampion-calf-sleeves-my-trial-and.html
I was also sent a pair of compression socks to review and I waited until I had finished trialing the calf sleeves first and had written the review before starting to trial the socks.
Having now trialed them for over a week and under various circumstances I feel confident I can now provide a decent enough review for your perusal.
I will start as last time with all the manufacturers blurb from their website about the product itself in the information section, as I don't want to misquote anything.
Feel free to scroll past and return to it later for more detail about the product after reading the review itself...
PRODUCT INFO:
This
pair of high performance, unisex compression socks use highly advanced
technical yarns that provide comfort and recovery DURING and AFTER
exercise. Our compression socks are fully tested in a state-of-the-art
lab, passing strict guidelines to meet the 20-30mmHg compression rating.
VELOCHAMPION is one of only a small number of brands to use a certified
manufacturer which uses production machinery that can accurately test
the compression of the socks.
The compression benefits are ideal for all sports activities e.g. running, cycling, football, rugby, fitness, athletics, hiking, gym, yoga, golf, tennis, squash, triathlon, cross fit, weight/dead lifting etc. They are also perfect for people who stand up for long periods at work, fly regularly, suffer from calf strains/muscle pulls/Achilles tendon injuries or to combat deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
Products features
Quality Control
Compression socks provide standard graduated compression fully tested on EACH sock before dispatch. The socks undergo the most advanced medical compression stocking testing (MST Professional) to ensure a true compression and conforms to CE DD ENV 12718/USA FDA standards. This means you receive the very best compression socks available on the market allowing you to reach higher performance with faster recovery times.
THE CONCLUSION:
The compression benefits are ideal for all sports activities e.g. running, cycling, football, rugby, fitness, athletics, hiking, gym, yoga, golf, tennis, squash, triathlon, cross fit, weight/dead lifting etc. They are also perfect for people who stand up for long periods at work, fly regularly, suffer from calf strains/muscle pulls/Achilles tendon injuries or to combat deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
Products features
- Compression support DURING exercise
- Compression Recovery AFTER exercise
- Graduated compression from foot to calf design aids the flow of oxygen to the muscles
- Improves muscle performance/reduces fatigue
- Aids recovery by helping the muscles 'pump' blood back to the heart
- Ventilated Foot bed which is wear proof and comfortable
- Comfortable Cuff design keeps the socks in place without restricting blood flow
- Heel and Foot bed support reduces pressure and friction build-up
- Available in 4 unisex sizes - please see image for size guide
Quality Control
Compression socks provide standard graduated compression fully tested on EACH sock before dispatch. The socks undergo the most advanced medical compression stocking testing (MST Professional) to ensure a true compression and conforms to CE DD ENV 12718/USA FDA standards. This means you receive the very best compression socks available on the market allowing you to reach higher performance with faster recovery times.
MY TRIAL:
So back to me again and for the trial I used the socks after a week off from running after completing the R.E.D. January challenge for Mind in January, which was basically running, walking, cycling or whatever you wanted every day for the entire month.
I had chosen to run every day and ran mostly 5k's and fast 1 milers in between for a bit of recovery especially after a hard day at work.
To me this was an ideal reason and time to trial the socks as my legs where a little tender after a hard consistent month of everyday running, something I never do.
My trial comprised of at least two 5k's, a 7 mile big dunes run, a 10k road run which I have just completed and a shift in work with them on to check out the recovery benefits.
I will point out that I have in the past ran full on hill marathons and all day events in compression socks and indeed calf sleeves before now including the very tough Runners Hub Excalibur hill marathon with over 5500ft of climb at Moel Famau and the Clywdian hill range. I will be doing so again this year and most likely in the VeloChgampion socks or sleeves.
https://www.excaliburmarathon.com/
The only reason my trial runs for the products are all short is because I am not in long run training at the moment, and do not run big mileage until needed for the distance involved for my next event, and I don't feel it is necessary to do so for an accurate product trial and review.
I have every confidence both products will still perform well over a long distance, and indeed will reap extra benefits for you, especially for your after run recovery, of which I always find is quicker if compression wear has been worn during a run or afterwards to enhance post run recovery.
I will point out that I have in the past ran full on hill marathons and all day events in compression socks and indeed calf sleeves before now including the very tough Runners Hub Excalibur hill marathon with over 5500ft of climb at Moel Famau and the Clywdian hill range. I will be doing so again this year and most likely in the VeloChgampion socks or sleeves.
https://www.excaliburmarathon.com/
The only reason my trial runs for the products are all short is because I am not in long run training at the moment, and do not run big mileage until needed for the distance involved for my next event, and I don't feel it is necessary to do so for an accurate product trial and review.
I have every confidence both products will still perform well over a long distance, and indeed will reap extra benefits for you, especially for your after run recovery, of which I always find is quicker if compression wear has been worn during a run or afterwards to enhance post run recovery.
THE REVIEW:
So my first experience was perhaps my hardest and initially my most frustrating. That being trying to get them on! I got them out of the packet and thought, nice looking socks, nice material and nice decent looking quality and yes decent compression that looked like it wouldn't just stretch out and dissipate after a few runs or washes.
How true that was, I had forgotten how hard it can be to get compression socks on in the first place and I was struggling to get just the foot section over my foot and up to my heel. I was being over careful not to just yank them up by the top of the sock as this is not recommended by manufacturers in general as you will stretch out areas of the sock, and risk ripping or tearing seams if there are any on a product.
I almost gave up as at one point as I was pulling I was genuinely concerned that one little slip and I would in fact knock myself out with a knee to my own face and give myself a hard to explain black eye in the process.
I did get them on past my heel eventually, and they rolled up my calf up to my knee no problem at all and to be fair once on everything was OK. I have narrow feet so I would recommend to anyone that you give yourself a little leeway with the sizing so you are not struggling like I was to get them on the first couple of times.
I also found a handy You Tube video that showed a tip on getting them on easier by turning them inside out up to the heel and then pulling them the rest of the way up. You would have to see it for yourself to understand it clearly, but it did make them easier to go on on my subsequent runs.
I must stress though that I am a size 11.5 UK and I subsequently noticed that the socks are in US sizes so my Large socks were a US 12 max which is a UK 11.5, so my foot was the largest size they were actually designed to take.
Therefore it was my fault for not going for the next size up and VeloChampion were good enough to send me a pair of XL after ward to rectify this and once unpacked it was clear they would go on nicely and far easier so panic over, no need to worry, just order the right size first people...oopsie!.
Anyway, after all the drama of getting them on I continued with the large pair while I waited for the XL to arrive later in the week.
First run was a 5k with my local Lunch Bunch runners who I lead on a Thursday lunchtime run around my local town and it's public amenities, such as a delightful marine lake, promenade, seafront and several Victorian parks.
The 5k was a cold damp day and was why I decided to wear them for definite as I always find keeping muscles at optimum temperature while out training a bonus, especially with cold damp icy winds etc, which we had plenty of believe me.
They were nice and comfortable, warm and felt as did the calf sleeves like a security blanket wrapped around my calves. On the entire run they felt 100% OK and no need to try and pull them up as they don't roll down, and stay completely in place, so all good as far as I was concerned.
Trial number two was an aborted run as I was about to go out and the phone rang and I got delayed and decided I didn't have time to run. After the effort of getting the things on I decided I was leaving them on, and would test out the recovery and comfort uses of improved blood flow whilst on your feet for hours at work for example.
This meant I wore them around the gym I work at which normally tires my legs as I don't stop moving around for the entire shift. They were under my tracksuit bottoms by the way, so I didn't look over prepped for a nights work.
Again they felt nice and comfortable and I did feel they helped my legs during the shift, so if anyone is thinking of using them for long shifts on their feet I would say they are worth giving a go.
Next up was my toughest run in them. It was a sand dunes run along the highest dunes range alongside my local beach. I had a 1.25 mile walk there and a 5 mile out and back run up down and along all the highest ones I could find, followed by a 1.25 mile walk back. This actually gave me over 1000ft of climb within the 5 miles of actual running.
It was the first time I had ever done the entire range of big dunes as I usually run the lower ones or run between them. I was concerned that my calves would swell with all the effort and the socks may become too compressive, but they were fine and the blood flowed nicely as it should and I had no degeneration of the calves at all during the run. So again a good result for the socks as far as I was concerned.
The third run was another Lunch Bunch 5k run and again they kept my legs nice and warm and comfy and I had no issues at all.
My fourth and final run was an extended 10k road run to the post office to actually collect my XL socks as I wasn't in when they originally arrived via post. Again they felt comfortable, warm and nicely secure as compression wear should make you feel.
By the fourth run getting the socks on had by now become second nature and I had mastered the technique so all four trial runs were done in the Large socks and all were positive experiences.
THE CONCLUSION:
Bearing in mind I am a critical person by nature I couldn't really find any issue or problem with the compression socks and for the price they are at the moment they are a cracking buy.
I found them a nice comfy compression sock and of good quality and they gave me every confidence they would last a fair time and the material used was a decent one.
I found them a nice comfy compression sock and of good quality and they gave me every confidence they would last a fair time and the material used was a decent one.
Once I had resolved my initial sizing issue which was my fault I can honestly and happily recommend them to any of my running friends. Especially those with any kind of issues with Achilles, calf issues and any muscular aches or pains in the lower legs.
I won't go into the in and outs of whether or not you need or do not need to wear them etc as they are there as a running/cycling/sporting etc accessory and only you can decide. Personally I have always found them to be of benefit when I have chosen to wear them, and I know plenty of runners who have had issues with injury and previous injury and the compression sleeves or socks have helped them no end in their road to recovery and subsequent injury protection.
THE SCORES:
Looks: 4 out of 5 for me. Look good but in my mind could be more one colour.
Fit: 5 out of 5. Once I got myself the right size.
Quality: 5 out of 5. I cannot fault them.
Price: 5 out of 5. At the offer price an absolute bargain, otherwise good value.
Overall score : 19 out of 20. Almost a full score for the price band and market they are aimed at. It's not a question of an overly high score, but more that it is hard to fault or deduct points from a good product.
THE SCORES:
Looks: 4 out of 5 for me. Look good but in my mind could be more one colour.
Fit: 5 out of 5. Once I got myself the right size.
Quality: 5 out of 5. I cannot fault them.
Price: 5 out of 5. At the offer price an absolute bargain, otherwise good value.
Overall score : 19 out of 20. Almost a full score for the price band and market they are aimed at. It's not a question of an overly high score, but more that it is hard to fault or deduct points from a good product.
As I said in my previous review the VeloChampion stuff seems to be a good buy and good quality, whether it's on some of the offer prices they currently have or whether it is at the normal price.
I would suggest going online here and checking out the current offers and flash deals which are at near on 50% off, a serious bargain.
Give them a try folks!
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