SLS3 Race Sox and Compression Sleeves reviewed by Steve Larsen

Triathlon Forum
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SLS3 Race Sox and Compression Sleeves

**Product Review by – Steve Larsen (steve@worldtri.com) **

Although I have yet to try every brand on the market, I think it would be fair to classify myself as a connoisseur of compression gear. From the first compression gear I tried I was surprised by the results. Since then I have had an opportunity to try many others in a wide range of products including tights, race socks, recovery socks, calf guards, compression sleeves and even compression shorts and tops. I first tried SLS3 Race Sox and sleeves about a month ago. They have become a favorite ever since.

**The comfort and ease with which they went on was immediately noticeable. The manufacturer claims this is from their use of Polypropylene instead of nylon. In their words; “**Polypropylene, the material we use, absorbs 300 times less water than Nylon, the material of our competitors. This is why we are the only brand that can be worn from the start, in the swim keeping your legs light instead of weighing them down.” I have yet to swim in them but I can say that they wick moisture incredibly well, which is absolutely a positive in the late stages of training or racing. Comfortable feet are dry feet and these Race Sox have kept me dryer than any other sock I have run in.

The level of compression I felt was also immediately noticeable and it has continued to be consistent even after twenty or so trips through the laundry. The compression is the key and here is how the manufacturer describes the technical side of their product:
**“**Compression is measured in mmHg. This stands for millimeters (mm) of mercury (Hg) and is the average measurement of compression firmness at the ankle.
There are different levels of compression possible.
8-15mmHg offers a very, very mild compression.
It’s preventative and helps with minor fatigue and cramps.
15-20mmHg offers firmer compression.
It helps with mild foot and leg swelling, tired and achy legs, and prevents several mild varicose problems.
20-30mmHg is where SLS3® comes in.
SLS3 Compression Sleeves average around 26-28mmHg. This is considered firm compression that helps with severe swelling, reversible lymphoedema, moderate to severe fatigue and cramps, and severe vein insufficiency.
Above this there is yet more compression to be had BUT it is for medical indication such as irreversible lymphoedema and elephantiasis

What was noticeable to me was the level of support I feel, while not feeling my movement inhibited in the least. The Race Sox are a bit thinner than my normal running sock and perhaps due to lessened swelling, I have actually moved down a half size in my run shoes.

The compression sleeves are probably a bit more practical for most on race day and from my experience they offer a comparable level of support. The manufacturer claims “The special material used for the SLS3® Compression Sleeves is designed to keep you cool when wet due to sweat or extra water applied on the Sleeves. The cooling effect will you to keep your body temperature down ( especially in extreme hot races like Hawaii ) which results in an improvement of performance.”, and I am eager to try them under such circumstances. With the 50+ UV protection, you can be sure that your new compression tan line will not be compromised.

On the performance side, the results seem to back the manufacturer’s claims as SLS3 claims more top ten Ironman finishes than any competing compression brand. Most recently garnering 1st place in the women’s race and 3rd in the men’s race at Ironman South Africa.

*** Sizing: SLS3 Race Sox and Compression Sleeves come in two sizes:**
Unisex, two sizes:
Small/Medium fits 5’0"-5’8"/maximum calf circumference 14"(36cm)
Large/XLarge fits 5’7"-6’4"/maximum calf circumference 17"(43cm)

*** Price: A couple of bucks more than some competing brands, and worth it.**

**SLS3 Compression Race Sox – MSRP $57.95, available at www.worldtri.com **
**SLS3 Compression Race Sleeve – MSRP $44.95, available at www.worldtri.com **

Overall, I am very impressed by the products I have tried from this manufacturer. It is clear they are passionate about their products and it shows in the end result.****

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Just bought a pair of these online about a week ago and so far so good. I also own 2XU compression socks and have used those and liked them, but so far these are my favorite. They fit well (2XU are too long), seem kind of small in the foot (doesn’t really affect anything noticeable), but other than that a great product. I can really tell the difference in recovery with these socks.

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I have used these for the past year and a bit. I’m looking forward to trying the compression sleeves. And I know they are also coming out with a sock with a padded foot.

I use them a lot for long runs or treadmill runs. Especially if I run more than once in a day, I find these to be a real asset on the second run. A nice case of a company that does one thing (although I see they have a few clothing items now) and does it well.

The toe box is a bit tight, but I use vaseline on my toes for every run (just seems to help them work better) and that keeps it from being an issue.

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I haven’t noticed the tighter toe-box but will pay attention to that. I will look forward to trying the more padded version and see how they compare. I suggest you try them for any higher intensity rides/runs as well as your long run. I have noticed that I am a lot less sore when you using good compression gear for these type of efforts. BTW- good effort at oceanside. Seemed like you were disappointed, but don’t forget it is only April. This time of year if you really nail one leg, that’s a good sign, and your run looks solid. You’ll nail all three when it counts later in the season.

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Steve

In relation to the sizes you list: What the heck do I do? I’m 6-3 with a 13.5" calf. I’m interested in the compression sleeve. If I use the larger one it’ll be too short and the longer one will be to loose? I’m currently using the Skins compression sleeve/sox in a size small. It fits easily in length and is measured for the calf not height.

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I’ve been using these in training a bit the past few months, and in general I’m a fan. SLS3 is a sponsor of one of my local tri clubs, so we got a pretty good club discount, which was nice.

I got 2 pairs, and one had a bit of a hole/tear near the heel seam. I contacted SLS3, and they were very responsive, I sent them back, and they replaced them immediately. DeSoto-esque customer service, straight from the owner. Nice.

The feel is good, comfy and firm, but not restrictive. I like them for longer runs, or for speedwork. I’ve got an ongoing calf/achilles issue of late, and they seem to help w/ that, keeping that area warmer and supported.
I’ll wear them all day sometimes too, for recovery, and I think they are great for that.

Only minor negative (and this may have been rookie pilot error), is that they tended to slide down on me on occasion. (which of course defeats the purpose).
I now pull them up quite snugly the whole way, and almost leave a little “extra” near the top, so that way, even after they settle in, they are still in place.
(the fact that I don’t shave my legs may or may not contribute to this too)

This is the first compression clothing I’ve ever used (other than DeSoto power tri shorts, which I love), so I’m no expert.
I cannot validate that they make me x% faster or whatever, but I’m definitely not slower.

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Hey Steve…do you sell anything on your website you aren’t “impressed” with?

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Hey Steve…do you sell anything on your website you aren’t “impressed” with?
Exactly. With all due respect to Steve’s knowledge, experience and all that but if uli aka Joe Blow would post what Steve does, he would be banned, right?

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Generally not. That is the whole premise of my store, www.worldtri.com . I am only selling products that I believe in, for example we did not offer the SLS3 products until I had an opportunity to use them for over a month. I have tried others, that currently we have declined to sell. We will add more products in time but are not in a rush to do so. To be clear, it does not mean that I personally use everything in the store but we offer products that I feel suit a wide range of athletes and products that will benefit a beginner or elite age-grouper. I try and do my best to always qualify what type of athlete will benefit most from a certain product and if I don’t then it is generally because I think it will benefit all.

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I can understand that. So these aren’t REALLY reviews per se. More like, these are the products I like/use/sell.
Not attacking you at all, I have a great deal of respect for you and what you do in and out of triathlon. But I hate the word “review” by folks who are also selling the products. I would say your post was more of an overview than a review. :slight_smile:
Keep it up though. It is interesting.
Mark

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I understand there is a fine line, but I am trying to be an unbiased user and sharing my experiences with the forum. But in the end, as any retailer - my credibility may be questioned and a consumer may wonder if I am just trying to “sell what we have on the floor”. We have all certainly seen plenty of people riding around on bikes two sizes to large because that’s what the local IBD had on the floor on Sunday afternoon. I hope over time people will find some value in what I have to share and they can filter as they feel neccessary, as it pertains to their potential purchases. Rest assured, if I really don’t like a product I’ll let you know and the first clue will be that we don’t sell it at Worldtri.com.

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I guess the arguement could be made…that these belong in the classifieds section???

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Cool Steve. Thanks. :slight_smile: And I agree with you 100% about the bike shops. That happens FAR too often.

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I am fine posting to the classified if that is best for the forum. Slowman has implied that the Slowtwitch community may be interested in what I have to share so I have posted these to the general forum. There are certainly plenty of examples of retailers and manufacturers promoting their products via the forum, but if it is going to create a bunch of ill will from the group - I will stop in the future.

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personally, I don’t want you to stop. I do find a lot of use in what you say. And I agree as well that there are tonnes of retailers and the likes that come into the main forum and post something that has to do with their business. My only sticking point was the word review. But the information you gave in your post was informative.

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just bustin your balls Steve. I am ok with it…at least you put the salesmanship part at the bottom of the post!:slight_smile:

BTW, I like the SLS3 stuff myself…

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No problem, I understand how people can be so sceptical. I’ll do my best to keep the reviews honest. I see your an SRM dealer - we aren’t but that is another of my favorite products. I am still using the one I bought back in 1997.

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I can understand that. So these aren’t REALLY reviews per se. More like, these are the products I like/use/sell.
Not attacking you at all, I have a great deal of respect for you and what you do in and out of triathlon. But I hate the word “review” by folks who are also selling the products. I would say your post was more of an overview than a review. :slight_smile:
Keep it up though. It is interesting.
Mark
I would say they are indeed reviews. Demerly posts plenty of bike reviews (or links to reviews on his site), and people (including me) really enjoy them. These absolutely don’t belong in the classifieds. SLS3 is not Steve’s company, so you could buy this product at plenty of places other than WorldTri.com if you wanted. So it’s not self promotion as I see it, it simply informative.

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Personally, I like that you post a review of products. I don’t mind knowing I can buy it from you, so long as there is a review and not just a blatant ad. I would also be ok with a blatant ad, so long as it was titled as such (as Emilio does periodically).

I decided to try these SLS3’s. Knowing I could buy them from you, I shopped around. Ultimately I could not find them any cheaper, and the ST discount made your price the best, so I ordered some yesterday. Looking forward to trying them.

Cheers!

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A review as I see it, is simply someone who has nothing to gain by praising or chastising a particular product. Once you sell that particular product, your neutrality is gone. It’s the same thing with sponsored athletes. Sure you guys may really believe in the product, but are you neutral and unbias? Heck no.
Demerly has in fact raked products over the coals and does go after what he perceives as defects in certain products.
I certainly enjoy what I read from Steve and he has some great knowledge. Would I buy a product based on his review? Nope.
Would you trust a review from Future Shop for a TV they sell over an independent testing facility like Consumer Reports?
And I don’t see what Steve did as self-promotion.