Tommie Copper Socks Review

There are numerous reports that say recovery is more important than the intensity of your runs.  Most people train really hard, follow their training plans to the letter, and then don’t give themselves enough time to recover properly.  Having a good recovery plans consists of having a good balance of easy and hard runs, stretching, and nutrition.  One way to recover quicker is to utilize compression gear.  I have tested a decent amount of compression gear from some of the leading companies like 2XU, McDavid, Zensah, CompressionZ, and CEP.  I heard about Tommie Copper from a friend and wanted to test out some of their gear.  I tested out the recovery tights, shorts, and knee sleeve from Tommie Copper and was beyond impressed (click here for my past review).  I have been using the recovery tights at least twice a week since I got them.    

Each Tommie Copper item uses what they call CopperZnergy™.  It consists of a proprietary fabric that is infused with copper and zinc, which they claim can provide several benefits.  CopperZnergy™ inhibits the growth of odor-causing microbes on the fabric.  That’s always a plus; nobody wants stinky clothes. 

Tommie Copper recovery gear can be washed in and dried, although you should not use fabric softener, dryer sheets or bleach.  Just wash them on the gentle cycle and dry them on the low heat setting.  Their website says that they will retain their benefits for at least 50 washes. 

Exo Performance Compression Calf Socks - $49.50

These are a compression sock that support for your muscles and joints.  It can help relieve everyday aches and pains as well.  Compression gear from some of Tommie Copper’s competitors doesn’t use graduated compression.  This is an important feature that you should look for.  Its graduated compression will assist with muscle recovery from the calf through your foot.  Graduated compression means that the compression is tighter near the ankle and looser near the calves.  Basically, it increases blood flow (click here for an article that explains the benefits of compression gear).  When used during exercise it can reduce the amount of muscle vibration, delaying the onset of muscle fatigue.

There is extra cushioning in the heel and toes that not only keep your feet dry, but comfortable as well.  There is a ribbed arch support that really works, adding support and keeping your socks in place.  I have tried several compression socks in the past.  Most of them don’t feel good when I run in them because they compress my toes too much, but I did not feel that with the Tommie Copper compression socks.  I felt that they had the right amount of compression without squeezing my toes to death.  I will be using these quite a bit in the future. 

Performance Compression Athletic Ankle Socks - $29.50

These are very similar to the calf socks, just think of them as the little brother.  It doesn’t have the graduated compression because they are a low profile compression sock.  It has the same ribbed arch that provides support and keeps the sock in place.  I slipped this sock on and fell in love.  Many running socks tend to feel loose and sloppy, but the Performance Compression Athletic Ankle Socks felt amazing.  It doesn’t move around and feels like a second skin.  This would be a great sock for racing, training, or recovery.

MicroModal Compression Dress Calf Sock - $34.50

Tommie Copper calls this the “perfect dress sock; combining function, fashion, and feel.”  I think they might be correct.  I have never been able to wear long dress socks because I have big calves.  My long dress socks always are too tight or fall down.  This was the first long dress sock that stayed up and didn’t feel like it was cutting off circulation.  The MicroModal material is really soft and feels great.  The CopperZnergy™ technology eliminates odors, which is great.  For some reason, my feet sweat more in dress socks.  It is nice to have a compression dress sock that I can use the day after my long runs.  These are my favorite dress sock, hands down!

MicroModal Compression Dress Crew Sock - $29.50

Again, this is the little brother to the calf sock.  It is the same in every way, other than the length.  I really like these (not quite as much as the calf socks though). 

Pros:

Best compression gear I have tried

Great materials (feels great and is durable)

Can be used for extended amounts of time

CopperZnergy™ technology eliminates odors

Cons:

Some of the gear is a little pricy (but worth the money).

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I have to say that I love all of these products.  I feel the difference when I wear compression gear, both during my runs and when I am trying to recover.  They are a little pricy, but they are well worth the money.  You can order them on the Tommie Copper website.  Tommie Copper regularly offers discounts on their website (i.e. St. Patrick’s Day was 20% everything).  Shipping is free for all orders over $75 (Free 2-day shipping on orders over $150).  You will also get a 60-day money back guarantee if you are not satisfied with your purchase.  Give Tommie Copper recovery gear a try.  You won’t be disappointed.

Note:  I received this product in exchange for a review.  The review is my personal opinion of the product and I was not required to give a particular opinion of it.  I am not a doctor, so please use all of the products that I review at your own risk.