It seems that my fellow runner-readers would benefit from a few product reviews here and there. I want to help out and give an honest write-up of the products I have used, loved, lost or plain didn’t like! Before I begin, I would like to mention this: I am not being paid to review products. I am not receiving these products for free. These are just my honest reviews of brands and items. If I do review something I have received for free, or ever get paid to review an item, I will be transparent with my readers and let you know. I just want other runners to benefit from my experiences whenever possible.
My first product review will be on the 110% Play Harder Flat Out Sox, and I will touch a bit on a mini “how to” buying guide for compression socks. I own one other pair of compression socks that I will review at a later date.
First let’s start with price. I had a really hard time finding a pair that I could commit to purchasing. In my quest to find functional socks, I realized these puppies are pricey! The average good compression sock will cost you upwards of $50. Sure, sometimes there are deals to be had and coupon codes to be found, but more often than not, if you’re in the market for a pair of compression socks to keep your legs and feet happy, plan on spending a bit of green.
Since compression socks cost so much, I wanted to make sure I was getting a pair that was right for me. I wanted something stylish of course, but was much more focused on what it could do for me in terms of comfort and recovery.
The second thing you should look for in a compression sock is usage. What are your goals? Do you want a pair just to be trendy? Then you should most definitely opt for a cheaper pair. Heck, don’t even get compression socks. Just go for a pair of funky athletic socks. There are dozens upon dozens of companies selling fun “race” socks. No need to spend a small fortune if they are just for fun!
Some runners use compression socks during a run. Some use them on non-running days. Others wear them post run. And then there are others still who only wear them for races. The best thing to do is to evaluate your needs before you begin shopping for a pair.
I was looking for a functional pair of compression socks, knew I had to spend some money for a quality pair, and was looking for recovery socks. Evaluating my goals helped narrow down my search immensely. I can recommend a product to you, but just because it works for me, does not mean it will work for you. As soon as I accepted that I would just need to bite the bullet and buy a pair, I realized all the product reviews in the world wouldn’t help me in terms of my own personal comfort.
After weeks of research, enter 110% Play Harder. I have had my eye on this company for a while, and I was always intrigued by their mantra, but it wasn’t until I needed my own pair that I really delved deeper into this brand. I decided to try out the Flat Out Sox. I suffer from occasional plantar fasciitis irritation, and sometimes at night my calves would be achy. The Flat Out Sox are amazing. In fact, I’m wearing them now. 🙂
What I like about them is that they aren’t super flashy. They are simple black with a hint of pink. They aren’t overly tight or difficult to put on. I’ve had experiences where I just couldn’t get the compression garment on at all because it was such a struggle. These, thankfully, are not like that at all.
Make sure when you order to properly measure. The sizing 110% Play Harder uses is superior in that it goes by calf size, not foot size. I actually have a really small foot, and I was a bit worried that they would be too big, but they fit perfectly. Snug as a bug.
The awesome design on the outside of the sock, by the way, is very purposefully designed. It mimics kinesiology tape. Boo yah! It’s actually quite funny because when you take them off at the end of the day there are some super funky lines on your leg. My son loves trying to figure out what the heck happened to my legs!
I really enjoy these socks, and I would definitely recommend them to anyone in the market for compression socks. Just make sure you do your research, and make sure you purchase a pair that works for you. No two people have the same foot, so it’s important that you always consider function over fashion.
I hope this review helped, even if just a little bit. Sometimes it’s nice to hear what fellow runners have to say about a product, especially when they aren’t being endorsed by a specific brand.
Happy Hump Day!
Do you have a favorite pair of compression socks?
What do you use them for?
