159 replies to this topic

[RobHall]

I got myself some 2XU compression socks as part of a deal at DFO for my birthday. 33 years old, and I mean old. But I digress.... So I took them for a spin tonight and ooh they feel good in the cool of the evening. As I'm gliding along I think wow this must be what it must feel like to be Emma Snowsill and if I can't walk a mile in her shoes, I'll run 10km in her socks.

As I was getting carried away I felt the urge for a loo stop and forgetting I wasn't Emma Snowsill I went into the ladies public toilet instead of the gents. The local constabulary noted me going in and quickly dragged me out hand cuffed like I was some sort of pervert. I used my one call to get the aid of my wife and she explained to the officers that this was entirely within my character and promised she would keep me under strict observation and gave them a box of donuts as a gesture of sincere apology. I was let out with a warning..

Let this be a lesson to you all, a pair of Emma Snowsill's socks doesn't constitute gender reassignment.

Carry on..................

[antil]

RobHall, on Feb 24 2009, 09:05 PM, said:

I got myself some 2XU compression socks as part of a deal at DFO for my birthday. 33 years old, and I mean old. But I digress.... So I took them for a spin tonight and ooh they feel good in the cool of the evening. As I'm gliding along I think wow this must be what it must feel like to be Emma Snowsill and if I can't walk a mile in her shoes, I'll run 10km in her socks.

As I was getting carried away I felt the urge for a loo stop and forgetting I wasn't Emma Snowsill I went into the ladies public toilet instead of the gents. The local constabulary noted me going in and quickly dragged me out hand cuffed like I was some sort of pervert. I used my one call to get the aid of my wife and she explained to the officers that this was entirely within my character and promised she would keep me under strict observation and gave them a box of donuts as a gesture of sincere apology. I was let out with a warning..

Let this be a lesson to you all, a pair of Emma Snowsill's socks doesn't constitute gender reassignment.

Carry on..................

I am sure that has been the case because you were wearing a pink running skirt too.

[brettsrun]

Rob,
So wearing 2XU compression gear made you feel like a woman,
The do profess to multiply your performance

Seriously I love 2XU gear and the compression stuff helps me both during and after events.

Disclaimer - I am a 2XU ambassador, none the less they work for me, and I need all the help I can get

Edited by brettsrun, 24 February 2009 - 09:57 PM.

[RobHall]

No pink skirt but I was wearing an HRM which I assume may feel like a bra. I heard some ticking and that could have been a biological clock.....

BTW, speaking of 2XU, when we ran on the 46 degree day I didn't get any chaffing at all wearing a 2XU shirt

[RobHall]

I used these knee high socks today for a 62km training run as it was cool in Melbourne. Usually I get a period of cramping in the calves after going up big hills. Normally I have to flush it out by slowing down on a flat for a km or 2 until they come good. Not today though, I was only getting a strong pulsating around the shin like there were giant worms under the skin for maybe 20seconds and then my legs were at full power again. I seriously could not believe it not even a twinge.

I did lose strength in the end but that was because I only fuelled for 55km.

So if you have any lower leg issues you have to give these things a try, if the weather is cool...

[HouseDad]

I love my 2XU gear, which I bought over a year ago, after reading such good revues on Coolrunning. I'll wear my half leg ones if I know the off road course is rugged and my long pair for recovery after ALL my races. Most other times I wear puma Lycra shorts, which I know offer no compression, but I'm just trying to avoid chaffing around the 'vitals'. But yeah, I think I might get some socks for my birthday, after RobHalls comments

House Dad.

[brettsrun]

Hey Rob,
great to hear the 2XU compression socks working well for you, I suspect not everyone will get such obvious results, but the ever increasing reports are all good that I am aware off.
If anyone wants to get some 2XU gear at discounted pricing PM me

[antil]

brettsrun, on Mar 1 2009, 08:32 PM, said:

Hey Rob,
great to hear the 2XU compression socks working well for you, I suspect not everyone will get such obvious results, but the ever increasing reports are all good that I am aware off.
If anyone wants to get some 2XU gear at discounted pricing PM me

There seems to be a marketing push by 2XU this month. I get discounted offers from them coming from all sides. The best I have seen so far is part of the Run Melbourne entry. Unless you can beat this, I may this one up as I intent to enter this race anyway.

[imperfectlylou]

Out of interest, how much do these socks generally retail for?

[brettsrun]

imperfectlylou, on Mar 2 2009, 09:49 AM, said:

Out of interest, how much do these socks generally retail for?

Check out the 2XU online store for retail prices on compression, ranges from $45 - 50 fro socks

cheers Brett, if your looking for any let me know via PM or link from my signature is better

[RobHall]

I got mine from DFO for $5, they have a 2 for one up to $45 so I bought a windstopper and I thought I might as well get these socks as I needed some anyway. So I had to through in $5 to make up the difference. I also got 2 shirts and 2 shorts for my brother for $70. For chaffing i wear long leg shorts because they don't bunch as much and the legs fall down. They are just 'on sale' brooks. I use baby oil for the chaffing but haven't needed it for a while. It gets absorbed and makes the skin super slick. I wear a 2XU shirt and no matter what the conditions I have never got bleeding nipples or armpit chaffing.

If you aren't prone to foot and lower leg trouble the socks are probably not going to help but I was over 1 hr quicker than normal and thats enough for me to know I am heading in the right direction. If you go on the upstreamfoundation.org website and have a look at the photos of runner 475 at the finish you can see how tight my calves go without support so they must do something good to prevent that from happening. Ignore the chopper reid moustache, it was movember

[southy]

Their website says the rrp is 50$ a pair. A bit too pricey for me.
They sound wonderful, but way too expensive.

Edited by southy, 03 March 2009 - 08:47 AM.

[StellaBella]

southy, on Mar 3 2009, 09:46 AM, said:

Their website says the rrp is 50$ a pair. A bit too pricey for me.
They sound wonderful, but way too expensive.

My advice: send brettsrun a PM

[RobHall]

Got to say even though they were superb on Sunday, my legs are totally shagged today. I have been a bit slack by not using them to stop DOMS. Nice to come back down to earth with a thud.

You do realise with the 2 for 1 offer it works out to be $22.50 a pair and that is cheap for good running socks.

[TFive]

I have bought a pair for Tokyo Marathon - 2 weeks away. I'm wearing them around the office at the moment and they feel fantastic. I'll feedback on how they held up during the marathon (will obviously do a long run in them before Tokyo)

[deadcat]

when i race in my flats my calves get absolutely destroyed so i tend to wear compression stuff.. my Linebreak calf guards are good and i have some Skins brand ones as well ( although when i wore them in a half one of them fell down around my ankle in the first 5k, so i tend to wear them more for training). They are both of the stirrup type so you have to wear socks as well.. i take it that the 2XU ones are running socks as well?

[Running Angel]

I got a pair as part of my entry fee at Stromlo last weekend - haven't tried them out yet. Didn't realise they were so $y, good bargain :-)

[RobHall]

This is quite tragic but...............I've been sleeping in them. Yes ok that maybe going too far but I ride to work everyday and its usually a head wind because I have to travel west along the ring road. And anyone else that does that knows sooner or later you start mashing big gears and giving your calves a flogging. (still mashing calves riding is far better than suffering on the road with all those non runners slowly dying of chronic lack of activity)

Sleeping in the socks means I get up without limping for the first 5 mins of the day.

Wait until you try them especially if your calves are your 'achillies'

[RobHall]

last time I bang on about these I promise, but for the first time in ages I was able to run a 12km run at speed where my legs go all unco. Normally I'll go out of heart rate or the legs will get twitchy but not today, I went to full uncoordinated mess and it was fantastic.

[eastodlux]

i've recently got a pair of these myself (thanks to a certain coolrunner) and i'm testing them out tomorrow morning. they feel great on, a lot better than the skins effort (bugger all compression, fall down after about 500m). i'll report back soon.

[dmnz]

which DFO was this Rob?Or do you remember the shop name?

RobHall, on Mar 3 2009, 02:58 PM, said:

Got to say even though they were superb on Sunday, my legs are totally shagged today. I have been a bit slack by not using them to stop DOMS. Nice to come back down to earth with a thud. You do realise with the 2 for 1 offer it works out to be $22.50 a pair and that is cheap for good running socks.

[RobHall]

Eastodlux, how did you go? Bet your shoes feel too big.

I tried them out when it was 35 on Sat to see how I went in the heat. they weren't hot but I did get uncomfortable and had to lose the shirt to keep the socks.

Edited by RobHall, 24 March 2009 - 06:53 AM.

[runningcat]

@RobHall - Funny story!

@Brettsrun - I went to Running Science here in Syd, to get hold of a pair coz the Skins i had even if they were xxs i still want it tighter and i don't want those one with those ankle things ... yet they say they like the product as it was a good product but it is hard dealing with them on retailing or something (not trying to cause any trouble but that's what the man in the store told me) ...

[eastodlux]

rob - they were excellent! felt terrible leading up to my run tonight, generally achy accross the board. my calves were the only thing that didn't give me greif, those socks are fantastic!

[brettsrun]

Hey All,
Glad to here most if not all finding the great benifits of the 2XU compression gear.
And Rob, nothing wrong with sleeping in them, thats all part of the process,
I have several pairs of tights and socks depending on temperature I regulary sleep in them.
For the most part my first steps in the morning are far less painful compared to when I dont wear them.
If you havent had succees with them, I can pass on you thoughts to 2XU, they are happy to receive all feedback.
cheers brett

[eastodlux]

my feedback is this: those socks = awesome. thanks again brett

[RobHall]

eastodlux, on Mar 25 2009, 11:09 PM, said:

my feedback is this: those socks = awesome. thanks again brett

The spring in the legs just amazing, but I did promise I would calm down. If you are doing TW tomorrow you'll be able to pick me at the start because I will be wearing them loud and proud and they aren't coming off for 100km. I will post how they go.

[brettsrun]

Looking forward to tomorrow morning albeit, carrying some injuries that I think stem from sciatica.
Will look out for you in the 2XU gear, of course our Team 4x2XU should be easy to find. Check our Gear on Team 386 page
Head to toe in 2XU gear + "Canteen Bandanna's" if I can convince the others to wear them

[nabiya]

I am absolutely LOVING my new 2XU calf guards (courtesy a kind CR Poster). I have trouble with tight calves and soleus which then translates into achillies woes. The guards are giving me a lot of support and providing a lot of relief Yay! Wish I'd bought a pair 9 months ago when it all began... I'll be getting some socks in the near future, for sure

I'll be looking out for the 2XU boys tomorrow morning, for sure!

[Emrun]

RobHall, on Mar 26 2009, 08:04 AM, said:

If you are doing TW tomorrow you'll be able to pick me at the start because I will be wearing them loud and proud and they aren't coming off for 100km. I will post how they go.

Well I am so I will and I shall be wearing my beloved long socks too.

Actually I have the long socks for the day and if it gets too chilly at night I'll be switching to my 2XU compression tights.

I was umming and ahhing about wearing the socks for so long, worried that maybe my feet might turn blue and drop off but I have worn the socks on all my training runs and they haven't let me down yet.

[RobHall]

Emrun, you wont need the tights you'll be going so fast during the day in the super socks

Heres a tip for 2XU, instead of putting a little "2XU" on the top of the sock, there should be a massive vertical logo running down the back of one and the front of the other. That way you can wear them and not look like you have a thing for school girls, you'd look like a professional that knows their equipment. It is also good advertising. Its a win win situation. Synergies, its all about synergies and leverging......

As for now, I'll just have to look like a man in girly socks

[brettsrun]

RobHall, on Mar 26 2009, 04:13 PM, said:

As for now, I'll just have to look like a man in girly socks

From what I hear you are a big Girl

But I will pass on your feedback

[mrivers]

I wear mine when travelling I have really noticed the difference

[M12]

2XU has a bad effect on my wallet. I buy too much. But luckily I have most things I need...... until the winter stuff comes out.

Oh and compression socks are good, I've got the black recovery ones. Not only are they good for recovery, but you can pass them off as ordinary black socks for work when I can't find matching socks!

[adventurechick]

mrivers, on Mar 28 2009, 12:17 PM, said:

I wear mine when travelling I have really noticed the difference

Speaking about travel socks, I was in Globe Trekker yesterday and got some compression travel socks (Injinji ones). The guy said that they can be worn for running, Skiiing or travel. I am already an Injinji fan, so it was cool to see that they now have a compression travel sock too. Haven't tried them yet, but will let you know how they go.

[RobHall]

just to let you all know, I ran TW in them and started to have spasms in the top of my calf, but then I unfolded the top of them (as I had them on old man style) and they worked really well, I was in really good shape at the end and was able to enjoy a few beers. They were so comfortable I left them on until I got home and went to bed, I was also able to walk normally the next day except stairs hurt a bit.

The next week I was able to ride to work each day for a total of 210km and I ran twice during the week, of which one was a 43:22 10km run which is quite good for post 100km. Then I did Frankston to Portsea for 55km on sunday and my knees and hips had twinges and my back had some massive cramp due to a weights session but the lower legs were perfect.

I did not expect to be able to complete the race running but managed to consistently run at 4:47per km because at least my legs felt good. What was really good to see was that when Rohan sat down at the end (after beating me again) his lower legs were twitching and cramping whereas mine were just tired.

[dmnz]

done a few runs in mine now.

here are my thoughts:

-great for achilles/around foot area...amazing fresh feeling even after long run up and down hills
-material too heavy/sweaty-blister issues which i've never found with my other socks
-don't like the gripper fabric at the top of the sock-find it makes the knee joint feel 'funny' when i run...going to try not pull them up as much next time
-the sock section itself is not as good as X-socks
-the compression is nice but not as good structured compression as offered by Skins

suggestions to improve the sock:
make it little bit shorter with a lighter, more breathable material
have a more technical sock section similar to the X-socks

verdict: 8/10
worth trying out for sure

[chilliman]

I've had ongoing calf issues for a while now and the 2XU calf guards have been a life saver.

They also work a treat for keeping Brumby poo off the legs on the Bogong High Plains.

 poo_protectors.jpg   223.29K   51 downloads

[HouseDad]

chilliman, on Apr 9 2009, 10:34 AM, said:

I've had ongoing calf issues for a while now and the 2XU calf guards have been a life saver.

They also work a treat for keeping Brumby poo off the legs on the Bogong High Plains.

poo_protectors.jpg

Funny as Chilliman, though I doubt we'll be seeing that picture of you standing in the Brumby poo next seasons 2XU brochure

Hats off to you though, for going beyond the cause, to pose and post such a great picture,

House Dad.

[RHCP26]

I am wondering, what do compression socks do?

[Running Angel]

I've got a stressie in my foot at the moment, so having to wear a boot. First couple of days I found my calf and hammie were really cramping up, so now I'm wearing my 2XU compression sock under the boot, and I've had no more problems. Very impressed

[StellaBella]

dmnz, on Apr 8 2009, 01:11 PM, said:

done a few runs in mine now.

here are my thoughts:

-great for achilles/around foot area...amazing fresh feeling even after long run up and down hills
-material too heavy/sweaty-blister issues which i've never found with my other socks
-don't like the gripper fabric at the top of the sock-find it makes the knee joint feel 'funny' when i run...going to try not pull them up as much next time
-the sock section itself is not as good as X-socks
-the compression is nice but not as good structured compression as offered by Skins

suggestions to improve the sock:
make it little bit shorter with a lighter, more breathable material
have a more technical sock section similar to the X-socks

verdict: 8/10
worth trying out for sure

Thats funny... I actually wish they were a little longer as I'd like them to cover my entire calf and sit in the crook of my knee which they don't - mind you everyone has different length legs so hard to accommodate everyone.

They're not as thick as my normal socks (thorlo lites) in the sock section but thus far hasn't been an issue (have run 30km in them) however the final 12.2km of the marathon may tell a different story (eep!).

Not as grippy round the ankle/soleus/achilles area as I'd like but neither is anything else compression I've worn!

I really like em but I think I've said that before

Maybe I shld get a 2nd pair....

[TFive]

My verdict after Tokyo Marathon is that there isn't enough cushioning in them for long distance - (IMO). I have some lovely black toenails which I haven't had for ages wearing the nijinji's. I did, however, think that my recovery was perhaps a little better due to the calf support.

[dmnz]

StellaBella, on Apr 10 2009, 01:04 PM, said:

Thats funny... I actually wish they were a little longer as I'd like them to cover my entire calf and sit in the crook of my knee which they don't - mind you everyone has different length legs so hard to accommodate everyone.

They're not as thick as my normal socks (thorlo lites) in the sock section but thus far hasn't been an issue (have run 30km in them) however the final 12.2km of the marathon may tell a different story (eep!).

Not as grippy round the ankle/soleus/achilles area as I'd like but neither is anything else compression I've worn!

I really like em but I think I've said that before

Maybe I shld get a 2nd pair....

OK the funny bit is because I normally run in X-socks (thin tech socks) whereas you run in Thorlos (which I find too thick and heavy for my liking and the only pair of running socks besides my Wigwams which I threw out. Thorlos are possibly the thickest socks I've run in and thicker than some of my walking socks...but each to his/her own). I'm also a male (generally higher body temp) so I definitely feel the heat more than the cold.



I've never come home from a run with 'wetter' feet than in my 2XU socks. I've never had issues with blisters from runs before trying the 2XU socks and I've gone longer distances before. I'm going to tape my feet before running in them next time to stop blisters, which I've only ever had to do for long clikmbing days in my mountaineering boots.


As to the grippiness around the ankle area, it might be you have bigger feet than corresponding calf? I've got big feet and calves so if anything fit is a bit snug.
Don't get me wrong I think they're great but probably work better for me in winter in NZ than humid Sydney.

That being said I'm going to keep testing and trying them to make them work for me.
I'm also going to try the SKins power sox with my X-socks and get back to you. Skins offer better compression for me with a lot more breathability than the 2XU compression socks. The 2XU compression feels stiff not sleek when compared to the Skins.

I think the shortcomings in my view are mainly because 2XU focussed too much on the compression aspect without first making a good sock and THEN adding compression to it. Besides having a L and R foot the 2XU sock section itself is pretty average and way too heavy for running.

Right, I'm off to test them again.

For those who are interested in the X-sock version check this out:
http://www.paragonsports.com/webapp/wcs/st...1&langId=-1
They currently don't ship OS...bummer!

Edited by dmnz, 10 April 2009 - 01:42 PM.

[brettsrun]

StellaBella, on Apr 10 2009, 01:04 PM, said:

Maybe I shld get a 2nd pair....

Hey Stella, you know where to get them,
Discounts still good, postage proving more than expected, I got away with cheap postage early but been advised they may not arrive If I dont pay enough
Can still get all the 2XU gear to you at around 40-50% off retail
PM or preferably email brett@brettsrunforcanteen.org

[brettsrun]

RHCP26, on Apr 10 2009, 09:22 AM, said:

I am wondering, what do compression socks do?

RHCP26,
Heres what they say they do and te majority would appear to agree that they really do help with various lower leg issues.
What they do and size charts for Socks and Tights ( my 2XU )

Attached Files

•  2XU_Compression_Socks_Size_Chart.jpg   517.57K   29 downloads
•  2XU_Compression_Tights_Size_Chart.JPG   889.59K   23 downloads

[dmnz]

dmnz, on Apr 10 2009, 01:40 PM, said:

OK the funny bit is because I normally run in X-socks (thin tech socks) whereas you run in Thorlos (which I find too thick and heavy for my liking and the only pair of running socks besides my Wigwams which I threw out. Thorlos are possibly the thickest socks I've run in and thicker than some of my walking socks...but each to his/her own). I'm also a male (generally higher body temp) so I definitely feel the heat more than the cold.

I've never come home from a run with 'wetter' feet than in my 2XU socks. I've never had issues with blisters from runs before trying the 2XU socks and I've gone longer distances before. I'm going to tape my feet before running in them next time to stop blisters, which I've only ever had to do for long clikmbing days in my mountaineering boots.

Ok done two more runs since this last post. First was a 40 min easy run to test my hamstring, done in the 2XU socks. Again, really wet feet on a dryish day.

Today, 60min run on a more humid day in just my x-socks (no calf compression of any sort). Didn't find that I missed the compression or any achilles issues but did notice feet a lot airier and drier and hence more comfy than after a run in the 2XU socks.

So for me at least, the 2XU socks are too heavy and sweaty whilst in Sydney. Will take them over to NZ this winter and do more testing.

[Solace]

brettsrun, on Apr 10 2009, 01:40 PM, said:

Hey Stella, you know where to get them,
Discounts still good, postage proving more than expected, I got away with cheap postage early but been advised they may not arrive If I dont pay enough
Can still get all the 2XU gear to you at around 40-50% off retail
PM or preferably email brett@brettsrunforcanteen.org

Why oh why didn't I see this post before I ordered socks on Saturday afternoon......

[rolytav]

I got the 2xu calf guards and have been for 3 runs in them. No calf issues prevalent before or after runs which has been a godsend. I would prefer more compression at achilles but that is just a personal preference.

The only issue I experienced was being stared at like some sort of alien whilst running at the Gold Coast over the weekend.

Either the coasties havent seen these things before or they are not used to seeing them stretching so much around large unmuscular calves...

[RobHall]

don't know how they make feet sweaty. My lower leg gets hot for a bit but then my feet feel really good and I feel like the sock isn't doing anything because they feel so comfortable. I suppose my biggest support for them is I sit in them for an hour after a run because my feet and legs are feeling so good. After TW I sat around for a couple of hours to cheer in other teams and then drove home for 1.5 hours with them on.

Having said that I am not prone to sweaty feet, arm pits and chest on the other hand......lets not go there