Review: Zensah Compression Socks

by Matt on July 29, 2010

How are we all doing today? Awesome over here!

  1. I am a finalist in a recipe contest. Who knew my love for burgers would win me something? Thank God Whole Foods has grass-fed bison now. I need to make these again!
  2. I won an Oikos giveaway. Remember yesterday how I said I loved blogging for the free stuff?

When I woke up this morning, I was really pumped up to get in my mid week long run! Thursday is more towards the end of the week, but I am pushing my long run back until Sunday (I usually do it Saturday), so I am right on schedule. My parents are coming into town tomorrow night after I get off of work, so I want to make sure I have plenty of time to spend with them on Saturday. They are leaving Sunday morning, so I have the whole day to get it in.

Time: 1:54

Distance: 14.11 miles

Average Pace: 8:03 per mile

Unfortunately, I was even more tired this morning that I was yesterday. I haven’t been tired like I feel fatigued, but tired like I feel sleepy and I need an extra hour in bed. I feel best when I get 8 hours of sleep per night, but I have only been getting around 7. I really need to start going to bed earlier and getting more sleep. I tell myself this every single night but it never happens. I keep staying up about an hour later than normal because I get distracted by something on TV or on the computer or talking on the phone. Tonight, I will go to bed early!

Luckily, the lack of sleep hasn’t really affected my running. Once my body starts to wake up and the adrenaline kicks in, I am good to go. Actually, sometimes I run better on less sleep, but in the long run, it’s not good for me. I feel best when I get a solid 8 hours per night, especially when I am running a lot.

This was the case this morning as well. It took me about 3 or 4 miles to wake myself up, but once I did, the miles just flew by. The first few miles were dreadfully slow, but I ended up running negative splits and the last few miles were around 7:35. I guess I just need a proper warm up ;)

Zensah Compression Socks Review


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Yesterday, I received a pair of Zensah Compression Socks in the mail and I was really itching to try them out. I wore them yesterday after running and again today on my run this morning. Call me crazy for wearing socks like these in the middle of summer, but I had to try them out ;)

The Zensah Compression Sock incorporates ProGrade Compression Technology. Developed with the optimal amount of compression to increase oxygen blood flow which can enhance an athlete’s performance. Zensah offers the best running compression socks on the market.

Only compression sock to incorporate arch support which allows your legs to last longer. Engineered using seamless technology which ensures superior comfort. Graduated compression provides muscle support, increases circulation and reduces edema when traveling. Zensah Fabric is both anti-microbial, and thermo-regulating which keeps your legs cool in hot weather and comfortable in cold weather.
Great for racing, recovery and traveling.

The number one compression sock for runners, triathletes, and world travelers.

In short, they provide these benefits:

  • Increase Circulation
  • Arch Support
  • Recovery & Travel
  • Improve Performance

In the past few times I have worn them, this is what I have noticed:

Pros

  • As soon as I put them on, my legs instantly felt like they had more life in them.
  • They are very comfortable. The provided arch support and extra padding kept my feet comfortable throughout the duration of the run.
  • My legs did not get tired after running 14 miles today. my body itself was tired, but my legs still had plenty of spring left.
  • My legs felt like they had more stability.
  • They help with recovery. I wore them for a few hours after my run today and my legs have felt great all day. I even worked a four shift at the outdoor pool today and my legs still feel good. I was walking around the whole time and felt completely normal.

Cons

  • They look ridiculous.

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In summary, these socks are AWESOME. I could feel a difference the moment I put them on and I felt the lasting effect all day. Yes, they look really stupid, but that is something I am willing to sacrifice. I run before the crack of dawn anyways, so who really cares?

Are these going to make me an amazing runner? Probably not. That comes with hard work and dedication. These socks aren’t a super sock that is instantly going to make you set PR’s, but they are quite comfortable and they will help you with fatigue in your legs. I love them! Hey Zensah, how about another pair? ;)

I plan on having these in my OpenSky shop as soon as it opens on August 10th. Who is going to buy a pair?

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{ 18 comments… read them below or add one }

Lisa (bakebikeblog)No Gravatar July 29, 2010 at 8:15 PM

Thanks for your review re the compression socks! They seem to be quite beneficial!
oooh and congrats on the competition wins!

Reply

HeatherNo Gravatar July 29, 2010 at 8:19 PM

Good luck with the recipe contest!! Maybe you’re on a streak!

I am dying for a pair of those socks. You should do a giveaway! Hahaha….. :)

Reply

KarynNo Gravatar July 29, 2010 at 9:23 PM

i think *any* recovery socks look ridiculous haha. but thanks for the reminder that i need to break mine out again!

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CourtneyNo Gravatar July 29, 2010 at 11:10 PM

Umm I sorta need these. Zensah will you PLEASE send me a pair?? Why must they be so expensive?! And yes, they do look silly… but if you run fast enough nobody will have enough time to shout insults… lol. ;)

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BeckyNo Gravatar July 30, 2010 at 5:39 AM

I really need these socks! You’ve convinced me.

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Sarah (Running To Slow Things Down)No Gravatar July 30, 2010 at 7:17 AM

I’ve been wanting to try compression socks for the longest time. I think they would have come in SUPER handy last year when I was racking up the mileage. :D

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Teri [a foodie stays fit]No Gravatar July 30, 2010 at 7:43 AM

I’ve always been curious about these but thought they were a hoax. But after your review, I want some now!

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Jessica @ Healthy ObsessionsNo Gravatar July 30, 2010 at 8:20 AM

I actually have my eye on the garmin that you posted! :) Thank you for the review on compression socks. I think i have a better understanding of what they are for.

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LaceyNo Gravatar July 30, 2010 at 8:29 AM

glad you liked the socks!!!! at least you got black and not pink :)

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NicholeNo Gravatar July 30, 2010 at 9:27 AM

Nobody ever said running was pretty.

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kalli@fitandfortysomethingNo Gravatar July 30, 2010 at 10:48 AM

i really think i would buy these…..i have heard so many good things about compression socks lately. are they expensive? i am like you i need sleep-people laugh at bill and i cuz we require so much sleep :) hope you have a great time with your parents!

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CourtneyNo Gravatar July 30, 2010 at 1:06 PM

Yesssss… I will enter a zillion times so nobody else can win lol :D

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Holly @ couchpotatoathleteNo Gravatar July 30, 2010 at 1:41 PM

These are great! My husband has been looking for these — but he needs them without the “foot” part — he wears Vibram 5 Fingers when he runs, so he needs the kind that just cover your calf — will you have those in your shop as well?

Thanks for commenting on my blog! :)

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Jen (eatmovelove)No Gravatar July 30, 2010 at 1:52 PM

I am SO bad for saying “I’m going to bed now”…and then staying up until midnight…and having to get up again 5 hours later …blah…

I’m doing a Give-a-way on my blog now too if you want another winning chance haha – there’s a baking/pancake mix and cookies involved…;)

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EmilyNo Gravatar July 30, 2010 at 3:26 PM

congrats on being a finalist in the contest, mr. chef.
i’ve never worn compression socks, but it’s nice to know that they work from a reputable source. :-)

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Christine (The Raw Project)No Gravatar July 30, 2010 at 4:37 PM

Super cool on the recipe contest, good luck! I’ve never worn compression socks, but would like to give them a try even though the girly side of me agrees they look silly. :-)

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Lindsay @ Summit SandwichesNo Gravatar July 30, 2010 at 9:03 PM

Wow! These socks seem magical. They have moved up to must-buy status on my “runner’s wish list”!

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CathleenNo Gravatar July 30, 2010 at 9:12 PM

Nice one on the run and the recipe contest. Those compression socks remind me of a soccer referee — could be way worse! I’m definitely intrigued with the idea of snagging a pair…

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