Disclaimer: I received a pair of 2XU Performance Calf Sleeves and VECTR Socks to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews!
2XU is at it again, and this particular testing opportunity couldn’t have come at a better time. I ran the One City Marathon a week ago and am set up to run the Lincoln Presidential Half in 2 weeks in addition to the Vermont City Half Memorial Day Weekend. This time around, the opportunity came up to test 2XU’s Performance Calf Sleeves and VECTR socks.
First up: the socks. I’m in the process of starting to toss my crappy socks (or the socks I haven’t warn forever), because the less stuff I have to drag 2100 miles cross country the better. I was also a touch hesitant because socks can be finicky in their sizing, so smalls might not even fit right on me, depending on the brand.
For starters, they do feel as if they have some cushion to them, which is appreciated. They’re designed to fit to your foot, provide some ventilation/air to your foot and prevent friction and blisters on your run. It also has stabilization for your arch and ankle (cool stuff, huh?). I had the chance to wear these to a few races, which included a short distance XC style 5k and for long distance (oh, say a marathon). I could feel the compression for sure in these things and never got any blisters during the One City Marathon (and that race got hot and humid during the second half!). And in case you’re not sure which sock is for which foot, they even label them for you!! Please feel free to throw them in the wash after each use. 2XU doesn’t recommend drying them….should have read that before doing some laundry (it’s all good though)
Now for the Calf Sleeves. I’m all about compression. I torture my legs running, so they at least deserve a little bit of love in return so they can hate me less after races. The Calf Performance Sleeves are a must have for any runner. If you love having a whole bunch of color choices, this is something to look at (try filling out the preferred color request for this one, it definitely took a few minutes. I’m all about the fun colors, so I went with orange. Each pair is 2 toned and again sized. With my bilateral short leg syndrome (i.e., I’m short!), I went with the smalls. Be prepared for some snugness and realize that they’re doing their compression job!
The Performance Calf Sleeves target your calves (shocker) and shins, but you also get some ankle in that too. After running marathon #7 last weekend, these were key in my 9 hour turned 12 hour drive back home. My calves felt pretty daggon good afterwards. My hamstrings and quads, not so much (I looked like I was walking with arthritis).
The calf sleeves are definitely something you could wear while running a race if that floats your boat. I’ve done it a few times and had good results (but last weekend, I was more in the I need something that won’t smell up the car on the ride home). They’re ok to wash cold, but hang them dry!!!
Overall, another strong set of products by 2XU and something to add to your collection. If you’re on the fence, be sure to treat yourself and save 15% while you’re at it with TRAIN15 (because 2XU loves you that much!). Come join us during Bibchat on Tuesday 3/22 at 9/8 EST/CST with 2XU. Who knows, there may be some free stuff there too!
drrunner 