January 24, 2013

Product Review: Zensah Argyle Compression Socks

by Anne Mauney, MPH, RD

25 comments

Hello friends! I have a fun review for you all today – Zensah Argyle Compression Socks!

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Cute, right?! I was sold the second they said argyle. All my favorite normal socks are argyle, so it only makes sense my athletic compression socks should be, too. 🙂

I’m a big compression sock/sleeve fan. Back when I was training for my first half marathon, I was having a lot of calf tightness/cramping. After the race, I bought myself a pair of compression sleeves and started wearing them either on runs or before/after the run. It completely solved the problem! I was blown away. Basically, compression gear works by improving muscle oxygenation/blood flow, which will help with endurance during workouts and recovery afterward (less soreness!). Ever since, I’ve worn compression gear on long runs or as recovery afterward, and (fingers crossed) no calf problems!

When Zensah reached out to me about trying their compression socks, I was fully on board – I didn’t own any compression socks (just sleeves), and I’d been wanting to try the full sock version. The verdict? They’re awesome!

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The socks feature:

  • Graduated compression for increased oxygenated blood flow & decreased recovery time
  • Moisture wicking anti-microbial fabric that’s breathable to keep the socks dry & fresh
  • Silver ions for thermal regulation
  • Padded toe and heel for shock absorption
  • Arch support to keep feet feeling comfortable

In addition to just wearing the socks around the house before/after runs, I’ve also been wearing them during runs. I have to say – they are REALLY comfortable. No other socks needed and no chaffing whatsoever. I loved the padded toes/heels and the arch support – they felt like fancy expensive running socks! An added bonus is that when it’s this cold out, they warm you up. 🙂

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The argyle compression socks also have graduated compression, meaning you have the greatest amount of compression in the ankle, and less in the calf area. They aren’t as tight on the calf as my compression sleeves, but that’s to be expected because you wouldn’t be able to get them on your foot otherwise! Zensah does sell regular compression sleeves, too, so I might need to pick up a new pair – my old sleeves are getting worn out by this point, and I already have two (maybe three!) half marathons on the docket for this spring!

Have you ever tried compression gear? It’s also great for traveling – no swollen ankles!

This post is sponsored by Zensah. All opinions are my own.
- anne

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25 comments
  • I'm a huge fan of compression sleeves! I struggled through my longer races this summer thanks to severe calf cramps, and when the problem continued during my triathlon training, I had to fix it. Eventually, I bought a pair of compression sleeves and never looked back! I wear them during longer runs and triathlons and when my calves act up--I've been known to rock them underneath pants and dresses. ;)
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  • I have been wanting to try compression socks for a long time. I have tight calves when Irun log distances. I'm just not sure if I should wear them before, during, after or all the time...hmm?
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    • Mix it up and see what works best!
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  • I am obsessed with these socks! I have been eying them for awhile and hope to get a pair soon. I struggle with sore calf muscles after runs and I am thinking these might really help. Love the argyle print too! :)
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  • I love those socks! I have used my compression socks for running for just over a year and have recently found them really helpful with my pregnancy and the amount I have been flying... Love them all around.
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  • ooo i think im going to buy these!!!!!
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  • I am a huge proponent of compression wear. I have Recovery Socks, Zensah sleeves and Pro Compression sleeves. I don't typically run in them but wear them before a run or afterward. I'll even sleep in the Zensah sleeves, which are, by far, my favorite. So comfy and don't realize they were there until you take them off!
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  • I've never tried compression gear, but I'm super interested in trying it when I eventually train for a half marathon. This will sound weird, but during a 5k Christmas themed race I wore bright red socks to the knee (cuz they were fun) and they were a little tight and I swear they made me run better! Might be in my head since they definitely weren't compression technology, but still kind of interesting haha.
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  • I love argyle
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  • I have never tried compression socks or sleeves but think I may look into some because my runs are going to get longer really quick as I have a half-marathon coming up. I don't normally have too much soreness in my calves from running though so I don't know if they would be of much use to me?
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  • I could have used these on my last trans-Atlantic flight! After being on the plane for 9 hours my feet and calves were swollen and I noticed my boots were tight when I put them on at the end of the flight. lol!
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  • I have a pair of Zensah running sleeves that I got right before I ran the Dallas 1/2 Marathon in December and they were wonderful! I'll definitely have to try out a pair of socks as I'm training for the Wrightsville Beach 1/2 Marathon in March. Hopefully they will make training in the cold a bit easier!
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  • I just bought a pair of Zensah sleeves in the stars & stripes print. I love how soft they are but feel like they are looser than the cep & sygvaris sleeves I have. Do the socks seem to be as tight as or looser than other brands? I'd like to get a pair of socks to help with some cramping in my foot.
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    • I've only tried sleeves from other brands, not socks, so I'm not sure! Sleeves are always going to be tighter on the calfs than socks will be, though.
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  • I run 10 miles every day, but never tried any compression socks before. But I would buy them because the fun colors around the calves look so cute! Hehe! :-)
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  • Did you try the UA calf sleeves I gave you? Curious how they are since you've worn other brands!
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  • Love these! I've never tried them but I bet the would be helpful for pregnancy too :)
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  • This review is so timely for me...I just recently developed lower shin pain right above the ankle which typically peaks in intensity around mile 2 - 3. Fingers crossed these cute compression socks will resolve my issue. Thanks for highlighting these, Anne.
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  • Cute socks! I go to Spin class 2-3x/week and am always really sore/have very tired legs afterwards. I'm thinking it's time to invest in the socks.
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  • When I signed up for my first half marathon last year I bought new shoes and compression socks, I had read enough blogs to know it was a good idea! However I don't love mine, maybe because they are boring white, I love the look of yours! I have tried them on runs don't love them, but I do like to wear them the night before a race, it makes me feel lighter on my feet in the morning!
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