CEP Running Progressive Compression Socks: Maximize Performance and Recover Quicker Too!

I've been a big believer in compression socks for several years now. My brand of choice is CEP Socks. I've mainly used them for recovery from regular long runs as well as to help rebound quicker from injury. Next to an ice bath, there's nothing I've tried after a long hard run that helps me recover and rebound quicker than compression socks.

After that long hard run, I'll slip on my compression socks for a couple of hours and it really does the trick. About a year ago, I experienced a severe calf cramp during a run. Had to hobble a mile back to my car. The rest of that week, each night before going to bed, I slipped on my compression socks and slept in them. Helped me recover much quicker than not wearing them. I was back to running in a few days.

So how do they work? Basically, it's your grandmother's support hose gone techno! Seniors have been experiencing the benefits of compression hosiery for decades. It helps with circulation in the extremities. Compression socks for runners and other athletes work on the same premise.

The CEP Compression Sportsocks support the arteries and the supply of oxygen to the musculature. The special and patented compression of the CEP Compression Sportsocks increases the ambient pressure. As a result the musculature in the arterial wall relaxes and a relaxed musculature increases the arterial diameter and consequently the blood flow through the arteries.

So what does all of this mean? An increase in performance. CEP reports that when wearing the socks, it's possible to reduce the running time by about 5% (i.e., about 12 minutes from a 4hr marathon). They also report that the socks help to provide an easier run because exertion is reduced by about 6% for the same running time since the muscles have to work less. And best of all (in my opinion), they provide for a quicker recovery.

They're also a great way to keep your kids in line. I threaten mine all the time that if they don't behave I'll wear my compression socks with dress shoes and a pair of Bermuda shorts the next time I pick them up from school. (He He!)

Back in 2009, I tested and reviewed the new CEP Compression Running Sock. Loved it. So, when they recently came out with the new Running Progressive Compression Sock, I had to test it out too. Basically it does all that the original sock does, but it has a slick new design. I tested the Progressive sock on runs as well as for recovery after some long runs. As with the original sock, the Progressive gave me an extra supportive feel on the runs and aided in a quick recovery.

The new CEP Running Progressive Compression Socks definitely get 5 Dudes out of 5 Dudes on the RunnerDude Rating Scale.Be sure to check out all the CEP Sock styles for running as well as other sports at http://www.sportsocks.com/. CEP Socks is a part of a bigger family of foot related websites with Aleva Stores. Check it out. Cool Stuff! Also, be sure to check them out on Twitter.

Note: While CEP Socks did provide a pair of the Progressive socks for me to test and evaluate, I was not in any way encouraged to write a positive review, nor was I paid for writing this review. This review is based on my own personal experience using the product.