Category: Compression

CW-X Compression Shorts Review

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Editor’s Note: This is a guest review of CW-X compression shorts. But I too use these shorts in training and love them. The support they provide is fabulous, and I feel that I recover quicker when I run with them. The difference between these shorts and cheap compression shorts (such as Under Armor) are like night and day. You really do get what you pay for with these. Now, on to the guest review!

cw-x ventilator compression shorts

CW-X Compression Shorts Review

I am far from a full time runner. I started running as a way to lose weight after being a fat kid all my life, and it did wonders. I ran my first 5K recently and I’ll probably do another soon, but most of my running is confined to the streets and trails near home when it’s nice outside and the gym treadmill when it’s not.

Running every day is hard. I don’t think there’s a morning where my hamstrings aren’t sore. If I AM blessed with such a day, then my quads are worn out and hurting instead! That’s why I decided to try compression shorts by CW-X. It’s funny because you associate this kind of high-end gear with marathon runners, not gym rats and weekend warriors like me. I have to say, though, that these shorts are definitely not just for the elite.

Support

I usually put in about an hour on the treadmill. I like to push myself, varying speeds and inclines to keep the workout fresh. My problem is that the last 20 minutes or so, regardless of how much occasionally slow down to rest, my legs are killing me and pushing out that last bit is a struggle. This is where the CW-X Compression shorts really came through for me. The shorts I tried are reinforced to add needed support to hamstrings and quads and the difference was shocking. I was considerably less sore and was easily able to finish my run.

Wicking

I tried the CW-X Compression shorts outside on a humid Maryland summer day and was impressed. My normal running shorts get soaked in the front and back, clinging like a nasty sponge and making continuing incredibly uncomfortable. The CW-X shorts breathed surprisingly well for something made to cling to the skin. They kept me cool and wicked sweat away from me. (Editor’s note: The CW-X Ventilator shorts have very effective venting in them as well. I never feel overheated in them).

Recovery

The morning after a run is the worst. Sore, stiff legs, limping, the whole thing. The CW-X compression shorts made a huge difference here. I guess the support and air flow kept my muscles from working so hard and stiffening up, I’m not sure. All I can say is I didn’t roll out of bed with a groan or limp to breakfast.

I usually list cons at the end of a review like this, but I really can’t think of any. I guess you could say that, at around $75, the price is a little steep. But I’ve always been a believer in “you get what you pay for.” I’m sure compression shorts could be had for a lower price, but after my experience with the CW-X shorts, I don’t feel the need to try.
Long distance runners know what’s comfortable and what works, and those of us who aren’t marathoners can learn something from them. Sure, me wearing top-of-the line compression shorts is like slapping a fresh coat paint and new rims on my 2002 Accord, but if it works, I say go for it!

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Running Compression Socks Review

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If you are looking for the best compression socks for runners, reading a few running compression socks reviews can help you to get a feel for the ways in which the socks can help with your running ability or comfort. The socks are relatively new and there is some confusion among the running community about whether or not these really help with injury prevention or recovery. Are they just a new fashion statement, something that people like to wear while running with no physical benefit? Or, are they the greatest new tool for running well? A majority of runners report that the socks really can help and are more than just attire to make you look like a die-hard runner (or a dorky runner, in the opinion of some of my non-running friends).

CX-X Compression Socks CEP Compression Socks Zoot Compression Socks

When considering compression socks, first keep in mind how the body works. Oxygen is carried in the blood; it is taken from the lungs and transported to the different muscles in the body. As the blood leaves, it takes the lactic acid — which builds up on your muscles with use — away. This means that the faster the blood is flowing through the muscles in your body, the better your muscles are going to work. They are going to have more of the oxygen that they need to perform at a high level and less of the lactic acid that can hold them back during a particularly strenuous workout. This is the theory behind the use of running compression gear.

Compression socks work by improving your circulation. They are made of a stretching material that is tighter up high — near your knee — and that becomes more loose as it moves down toward your foot. This promotes blood flow down into your feet. This can often be a trouble spot for the heart and circulatory system because the feet and lower leg muscles are so far away from the heart. The socks work to eliminate this distance and give you more balanced circulation.

Running compression socks also help by stabilizing your muscles. They are generally very tight through the calf muscles, which is where a lot of injuries can occur. They keep the calves stable and compact, so they are less prone to injury. This is especially good during a long run, because your muscles will grow more fatigued, and any assistance they can have in staying tight and compact is a big help. This can also help because the blood can flow more quickly through compact muscles since there is less physical distance for it to travel.

Compression socks are also good for running recovery time. People have found a lot of success in wearing them after races are over. The theory is that they help to remove the large buildups of lactic acid and to keep your blood flowing so that you will not be as sore or fatigued the next day. Plus muscles that are held in a more compact fashion tend to heal a bit quicker, hence why compression is often a prescribed part of injury recovery.

The following are a few of the best compression socks for runners that are available on the market today. Note that where one gender is mentioned, normally the same item is also available for the other gender.

CW-X Compression Support Sock: Users say that this pair of socks is comfortable and durable. They note that these socks have both helped with muscle fatigue recovery time and helped with injury recovery and injury prevention.

Women’s CEP Running Compression Sock: Many women say that these socks are very soft and feel something like a massage for the lower legs; they also note that the bright pink color is attractive. (I personally use a white pair of CEP women’s compression socks and so far have been very happy with them. I do think that they help tremendously with recovery).

Men’s Zoot Active Compression Sock:People say that these socks are best for recovery after runs of over ten miles and that they are not too tight.

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Written by a guest author for RunGadget.com, with editor comments in parenthesis.