Tiux Compression Socks – Review

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This giveaway has ended. Want to know who won? Click here! Read on for my product review!

Tiux Giveaway

I was running with Brie a couple of weeks ago, and saying how I’d love to get some products or gear to try and review. Well, she came through for me! I was contacted by Tiux asking if I’d like to try out their compression socks. Since I’d never used compression socks before, I jumped at the chance!

The Tiux website recommends ordering your size based on ankle and calf measurements – and to err on the smaller size if you’re in between. I went ahead and ordered small, hoping I had made the right decision.

Within a week of Tiux reaching out, a package arrived in my mailbox. I opened the stylish black package, and lo and behold these remarkably bright socks were in my hands! Just in time for the weekend!

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Disclaimer: If it’s not already obvious, Tiux sent me a pair of their compression socks in exchange for an unbiased review.

As the proud new owner of compression socks, the next question loomed: what to do with them? I turned to Google but got very mixed messages. Some people swear by compression socks for recovery after long runs. Others wear them during runs. There may be a placebo effect in play, as scientific tests have not ‘proven’ that they work. So what’s a boy to do?

I wore them for my Saturday morning run!

First Test
Just looking at these things, I thought there was no way they would fit. Certainly I couldn’t just yank them on while standing on one leg – it took a bit of concentration. But the material is stretchy and snug, and they went on quite comfortably. Stage one accomplished!

Given the colour scheme of these newest items of clothing, there was some debate in the household about what I should be wearing with them. Did I have any brighter shorts? A shirt in a lighter shade of blue? I decided to stick with neon, and whipped out my Scotiabank Half Marathon shirt (the one of #ScotiaShirtGate fame) – go bright or go home, right? This was the result:

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I initially felt self-conscious because hey, you know me – don’t want to draw attention to myself. But with the wisdom of Twitter:

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I headed out the door.

Was it my imagination, or did I feel lighter on my feet? Did the socks give me a bit of a bounce in my step? It was a short walk to the car, and then I drove over the Lion’s Gate Bridge to join the #WestVanRun team for our second Saturday morning run.

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I got lots of compliments on my socks, and we snapped a few more photos, then headed out for a 6.75km run along the Seawall.

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I wasn’t sure how I was supposed to feel. Speedier? Was my blood supposed to be circulating better? Uncertain. Near the end of the run, Ben asked, “How do the socks feel?” I realized at that moment that I hadn’t even been thinking about them for the past couple of kilometres. To me, this is a good thing. Usually, I’m hyper-aware of new gear, especially shoes or anything foot-related. I consider it to be a positive sign when I soon forget that I’ve got something new on.

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As we finished the run, I felt…fine. We enjoyed coffee together.

I ended up going shopping for a bit afterward, and then I felt a bit like I stuck out like sore thumb. But no one teased me, and I made it home without incident.

When I pulled the socks off, my leg was marked with striations (sorry – I just really wanted to use that word):

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However, this might say more about the elasticity of my skin (or lack thereof) than the socks themselves – because they’re supposed to be tight, right?

Evaluation: For a relatively short run, these socks were mostly a talking point. I can’t say for sure if they had any significant impact on my run, or how my body felt during and after. I felt good wearing them, and that’s enough for me!

Second Test
I read that compression socks are good for recovery.

On Sunday, I ran the Fort Langley Half Marathon. It was a small, local race – only about 100 participants – and I had an absolutely great time! I wore my standard gear, ensuring that I didn’t do anything ‘new’ during a race, and kept to my usual short socks.

However, a few minutes after finishing the race, I dashed back to the car and pulled my out my Tiux socks. Sitting in the car at the side of the road, it was a bit of a feat to get those suckers on. My feet were hot and sweaty, perhaps a bit swollen. There was some struggling. But eventually, with patience and some help from the little L/R foot guides:

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I got them on.

I reappeared at the finish line with a bit of extra neon. I was accosted by a wandering toddler who was absolutely entranced with the colours.

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Following the race, we enjoyed some coffee in a local cafe, and then hopped in the car for the one-hour drive home. I figured this was the best test of the socks. Many of the races I attend are in Vancouver, so I walk home afterward. Fort Langley was a bit further afield, so I knew I’d be sitting for some time.

Once I got home, I peeled off the socks, took a quick shower, and immediately went to bed.

I felt great for the rest of the day.

Monday morning – my legs didn’t even feel like I’d run the day before. I often have a bit of pain in my shins after a half marathon. This time, nothing. Maybe there’s something to these things!

Evaluation: For a post-race option, I think Tiux may become my new best friend(s). Especially given the travel time involved after this race, what a great recovery tool! I’m now a fan and proponent of these fabulous compression socks! Plus, I love the little details:

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Giveaway

Tiux has generously provided one (1) pair of compression socks to send to one lucky reader! Please use the Rafflecopter below to enter. The contest runs through July 22nd. A winner will be announced and notified on July 23rd. Winner must be a resident of Canada or the US, with a valid postal address, and be 18 years of age or older. This offer is void where prohibited.

Tiux Compression Socks Giveaway

Can’t wait to see if you’ve won? Get 10% off your Tiux purchase using this link: http://tiux.refr.cc/VQTNZH3. Discount expires July 31, 2015.

I’m pleased to link up with Erica at Erica Finds for her Wednesday Giveaway Link Up! Please drop by and enter to win great stuff from other bloggers! Note to my Canadian readers: a lot of these giveaways are only available in the US – be sure to read the fine print!

Notes on Tiux
Tiux is pronounced tee-oo.

Reasonably priced – Tiux socks are just $35 US!

They have free shipping within Canada and the US.

They are completely online; they sell directly, without wholesalers or retailers

Tiux donate 1% of every sale to MAG (Mines Advisory Group), a non-profit that helps save lives and protect communities from landmines, unexploded ordnance (UXO) and other weapons remaining after conflict.

What’s your most essential item of running gear?

 

60 Comments

  1. Brie Hemingway

    Sock twinsies!!! I’m wearing mine at this very moment … on the way to Novermber Project!!! Glad you enjoyed yours … I just ordered another pair 🙂

    P.S. I lol’d @ the getting accosted by a toddler part!

    • bjcjapan

      Ya, ya – rub it in. I was still in bed when you were at November Project so…no socks. Do they help you for non-running activities, too?

  2. Debra K

    Very comprehensive review as always! I also had to laugh out loud about the toddler incident! I used to feel self conscious about wearing the neon compression socks but now I’m totally used to the stares and laughs! As long as they are helping me…why not?!

    • bjcjapan

      Well, exactly. If we were sensitive to every stare, we’d never leave the house! I think I achieved something in wearing those socks out in public. Thanks for visiting!

  3. Cathy

    I recently got my first pair of Tiux socks too! I’ve worn them twice, and, like you, totally forgot they were on after a couple of kilometers. Plus, my recovery after both runs was really good. I think they may become an essential part of my running gear!

    • bjcjapan

      That’s awesome, Cathy! I’m really impressed with what compression socks can do and like you they may become part of my ‘core’ gear! Thanks for dropping by!

  5. Jeffrey

    My most essential piece of running gear is my Garmin, can’t leave home without it. I’d rather go shoeless and naked than run without my GPS watch!

  6. diane

    I would say my most essential piece of gear is a Bondi Band for my hair/forehead. I have found nothing better that keeps the sweat off of my face and out of my eyes. I could not run without one.

    • bjcjapan

      OK, good one! I always run with a cap (no hair to hold back!), but sometimes I think a band would be better to hold back the sweat! Thanks for coming by Diane!

    • bjcjapan

      Without any hair, hats are essential for me, too! I tried on the Hokas once and found them weird – like running on marshmallows. But I know people swear by them…so maybe I should give them a second try. Thanks, Ruth!

  11. Ivanka

    Hi guys, I really want them too and not only for running purpose. Compression socks prevent development of varicose disease if one needs to stand several hours every day.

    • bjcjapan

      You’re absolutely right, Ivanka. I’ve heard they’re also good for long road trips or flights, if you’re sitting for a long time. But I can totally see that if you’re standing a bunch as well.

  12. Karin Femi

    Nice post! It makes me look forward to joining the West Van Team run next week. My most useful peace of equipment would be my arm warmers. They are great for warm up or the first few minutes of a race on a cold day.

    • bjcjapan

      Thanks, Karin. Arm warmers! Yes, I have a great pair that I got for my birthday. The problem I have is that they cover my hands…so my Garmin has to go inside (can’t see it) or outside (can’t take the sleeves off!). Never sure what to do! Haha
      I won’t be at West Van Run this week because I’m doing the SummerFast 10K. Have fun!

    • bjcjapan

      OK – that you run with your boxer is fantastic! We used to stay with a family (in New Zealand) who had a boxer named Rosie. She was adorable, and thought she was a cat. Best dog ever!

  20. Erin

    I love them! Go bright or go home!! I used to run in compression socks for anything over 10k, but now I run in them all the time (especially since it’s cold now).. Honestly I don’t leave the house without my Road ID!

    • bjcjapan

      Tomorrow is the first time I will try racing with them! We shall see how that goes – but I’m slowly growing to love them!

      I think I need to get a Road ID as well. I’ve heard lots of folks swear by them.

  24. marybeth i

    I actually walk (briskly) but have started alternating running and walking. I say the shoes are my most important essential for me but I found that the right socks are important also to avoid blisters.

    • bjcjapan

      Chewing gum. Interesting. I thought that was a unique answer – and literally minutes after reading your comment, I left the house and saw a guy running and chewing gum! I’m afraid I’d swallow mine if I tried running and gum chewing!

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