Does anyone use the Futuro brand compression socks (the white knee-high version) that they sell at Walmart, Walgreens, etc. for ~$30?
If so, do you only use them for recovery or for training, too?
If for training, how are they holding up (durability)? How do they work (moisture wicking, poorly-placed seams, etc.)?
Thanks.
Steve
I might have something to add here…
My experiences, and to answer your questions…
I have used mine for both training and recovery, although moreso the latter than the former. I used them on my weekly long runs through the winter last year, always with another pair of thin socks (DeFeet usually) primarily for warmth but also to prevent my foot from sliding around in my shoe. I may have used them on the bike last winter/early spring too, I can’t recall. I’ve worn them 1-2x/week for about a year and they still look brand spanking new and seem to have maintained their compressive characteristics. Regarding comfort, I usually don’t even realize they’re on, although there is a seam along the tips of the toes. I usually wear then inside out, so the seam is on the outside of the sock. As I sit here wiggling my toes around, I can feel the seem, but have never experienced discomfort from the seam or even noticed the existence. Ever.
Moisture wicking? I can’t really provide any insight there. As a dress sock, they’re smooth and lack the three-dimensional texture often associated with wicking fabrics. They are a fairly tight weave, and as such may not be as breathable as coolmax or a similar fabric. I didn’t buy these for breathability, I bought them for compression. That being said, I’ve never felt particularly sweaty during a workout, nor have I noticed excessive sweat pooled in/on/around the socks when I’ve taken my socks/shoes off after a workout.
Athletic performance boost? I can’t say I’ve conducted any DOE’s or double-blind studies (if I could possibly figure that one out) re: HR v. pace/power/ or time to resting HR studies. I believe the principles of pressure-assisted venous return for recovery is sound. That’s enough of a reason for me.
I like them and would recommend them minimally for work socks with the added benefit of recovery. They’ve been bulletproof, fairly comfortable and feel better in a dress shoe than in run or bike shoes without an additional sock layer.
Questions?
Peter
you can get similar socks from dr. leanords for like $4
i use the sox, only for recovery. they make my feet slide around in my shoes when i run.
I started to wear the Futuro balck dress socks this past week. I am required to stand for 8 hrs at work and thought I would try them out just while working. I have never tried any oher compression product so I cannot compare. They seem to be fairly tight and although I have only worn them a couple of times I went and bought another pair yesterday because my calves don’t seem quite as unhappy as they normally do (I have a little issue with my right calf is why I thought I would try this out)
Sorry I can’t let you know anything about durability etc etc, but from a wearing them for recovery point of view I think they are worth trying for the price (I only paid $15 for the bblack dress ones at the local walgreens). Oh I got the firm compression which i slisted on the box as 20-30mm???
I have them. I like the compression on these more than the “athletic” brands i have tried. I only wear them for recovery. Too ugly to be seen in for training. But maybe now that I’m wearing tights…