Do you think I'm SOCKSy? (giveaway!)

Socks.
I love them when they are good and hate them when they are bad.
I am very, very picky about my socks. Once I find a brand I like--that's it. HOOKED and loyal to the brand. But I would rather be sockless than wearing a pair of ill fitting socks. When I am not training, you will usually find me running around barefoot or in flip-flops.
Several weeks ago I stumbled upon SocksAddict.com on Facebook and I had to check out the site. Plus they were offering all Facebook fans a 10% off coupon and I just love a sale (right Jason?)

I be-bopped over to SocksAddict.com and the first thing I noticed was the ease in which to shop. There are categories by brand, by sport and there is even a sock finder where you can sort by gender, cut, fabric, activity etc. I spent quite a bit of time searching through all of the options available and I was very impressed with several things: the variety, the quality brands that were offered and the prices!

I love saving money when it comes to buying running and triathlon stuff-lots of times when I find a great deal online once you figure in the shipping and handling charges, it ends up not being such a good deal after all.
Not so with SocksAddict.com.
ALL ORDERS HAVE FREE SHIPPING.
Yes, FREE shipping.
There is no minimum order. There are no coupons to use. There aren't any hoops to jump through.
Simple: FREE SHIPPING.

I was also very pleased with the customer service-just like in a box store, a customer service agent will instant message you and ask if you need any assistance. If you just want to browse around the site, just say so-any questions? just ask away and they will ne happy to help!

So I "liked" SocksAddict.com on Facebook and Kevin e-mailed me a coupon for 10% off my first order (on top of their already great prices) and from there we arranged for a product review and giveaway HERE!

It took me SO LONG to decide which socks to try but finally, I decided to try out the CW-X Ventilator Compression Knee High Sock-I chose this sock because with warm weather approaching and lots of miles on my training plan, I wanted a compression sock that would soeed recovery AND be comfortable to wear while running and cycling.

That's a good lookin' pair of socks huh?

The CW-X Ventilator Compression Knee High Socks are the ideal running compression sock. Based on the Original CW-X Compression Knee Highs, the Ventilators are designed for the warm-weather athlete and offers added support, accelerated recovery and the cooling of mesh venting in key perspiration zones.

The patented built-in Kinesio Support Web supports the calf and arch of the foot, and stabilizes the ankle joint for reduced fatigue. Variable compression increases circulation in the feet and lower legs and reduces lactic acid buildup. You can recover faster after exercise and your legs and feet will feel fresher the next day.

Features:
** Anatomical Toe Design - Non-restricting toe box allows for increased functionality and movement.

** Compression and support - taping supporting the calf muscle and ankle, gradual compression aids in circulation and recovery.


** Arch support - taping stabilizes and supports the arch of the foot, reducing fatigue


** Mesh venting in key perspiration zones


** 4-way stretch fabric improves circulation.


** Moisture-wicking



Fabric Content:

60% Polyester

11% Cotton

10% Acrylic

10% Nylon

9% Polyurethane

Shipping was fast and when I got the socks, I could not wait to get out for a run in them!
Luckily for me, the socks have a nice little R and L on the foot so I know which foot was which-

The "R" told me it was for the RIGHT foot

I got them on without much fuss and they were quite comfy. I then grabbed my sneaks and was ready to head out the door. Once I got my shoes on, my heart sank.
The toe seam on this sock has a good sized "nub" of fabric on the outside of the foot next to the baby toe. It seemed no matter how much I tried to adjust the sock, I just could not get that nub into a place where it would not irritate my foot/toe. 

That nasty nub!!

I know from past experience that any kind of seam bump along that area of my foot spells
B-L-I-S-T-E-R
I was really bummed about this and took the socks off and went out in my run wearing my old stand by Balega's.
A couple days later I got out for a 10 mile run and immediately upon my return, I put on the CW-X socks and changed into my old trail shoes to do many hours of yard work. I then did 3+ hours of yard work and when I was done, my legs felt great! My old trail shoes have a much larger toe box than my Brooks Ravenna's so I did not suffer any kind of seam discomfort while doing yard work.

So why is compression important for muscle recovery?
While there is a limited amount of independent research conducted on the subject of these technologically advanced garments, studies have shown benefits include enhanced muscle stability, reduced muscle fatigue and soreness, and increased endurance; improved temperature regulation via moisture management and enhanced circulation; skin protection from UV rays; decreased risk of leg edema during travel; and increased removal of lactic acid.
~Running Times Magazine

I do know that I have certainly felt a huge difference in the amount of time it takes to recover after a hard workout wearing compression socks and sleeves. I will continue to use the CW-X socks as a recovery tool. It is my hope that after several washes, the little toe seam nub will soften or go away (???) and I will be able to run in them come warmer temps. I will even give them a go-for-a-run test in another new running shoe I am testing (shhhhh--details to come later) which also has a bit of a wider toe box.
_____________________________________________________________________
This winter I invested in a pair of wool Pearl iZUMi cycling socks; now I am not a fan of wool sweaters and could not imagine for the life of me WHY anyone would want to wear wool socks. But after doing a bit of research on the subject, I decided to give wool socks a try. I love my Pearl iZUMi cycling socks so when it came time to try out more socks from SocksAddict.com, I made the leap to not only try a new brand but to also try WOOL running and cycling socks!

There was a big sock review in the recent issue of Runner's World and they gave a big thumbs up to the SmartWool's Women's PhD Running Light Mini Crew Sock so this was my first choice.

The PhD: Running Sock

The PhD: Cycling sock

I thought since the RUNNING sock was  a good choice, I might as well try the cycling version of this sock. SocksAddict.com prices were $11.17 for the running sock (normal retail for this sock is $18.95) and $14.17 for the cycling sock (normal retail $19.95) so that was a great savings. Plus add in the free shipping and you have a great deal of savings.

I really liked both styles-it was a seamless toe and I find the breathability of wool socks is certainly something I will continue to try. I was very pleased with the SmartWool socks-not at all itchy like I thought they would be. The running version of the PhD was plush and I did not get any hot spots-I think some bigger miles are needed to truly determine if this is an "endurance" sock. But I love the colors and the fit!

Thanks to SocksAddict.com for this opportunity to try some new socks and to share the Sock Love with my readers!

Now it's time for YOU to get a chance to try out the CW-X Ventilator Compression sock I reviewed today!

How do you WIN your own pair?
Easy...as usual, you must be a follower of Miles, Muscles & Mommyhood to enter. If you are not already a follower, just click the pretty little follow button on your right or follow me in Google Reader. Now--PLEASE leave ONE comment for EACH entry!

1-MANDATORY: Visit SocksAddict.com and take a look around. Tell me which sock you would try out first!

2-While at SocksAddict.com, sign up for their newsletter (on the left hand side of the screen). Not only will you get an extra entry to this contest, you will save 10% on your first order!

3-Place an order from SocksAddict.com and get 5 extra entries!!

4-Like SocksAddict.com on Facebook and tell them Jen from Miles, Muscles & Mommyhood sent you!

5-Follow SocksAddict on Twitter and send out THIS tweet: @SocksAddict CW-X #giveaway with @milesmusclesmom get your SOCKS ON! http://bit.ly/lkBEvz

6-Got a sock horror story to share? Tell me about it!!

That is 6 ways to earn an entry into this fabulous contest!!
I am going to accept entries until May 5th at midnight and a winner will be selected at random in one of the usually ways.

Disclaimer: the views expressed in this review are mine and those of my picky little feet; I was not asked to give a positive review in exchange for products from SocksAppeal.com