VIM & VIGR Nylon Compression Socks (20-30 mmHg)

Over the calf moderate compression sock helps recovery during and after exercise. Very thin fabric allows good ventilation.

I am quite a fan of compression socks in general and find they are very helpful for recovery after skiing, hiking, or backpacking. They certainly help prevent swelling and muscle soreness in the calves after strenuous excessive.

Since I always wear thin socks when hiking and backpacking I was anxious to try these Vim & Vigr compression socks. Constructed of nylon and spandex they are ultra-thin and can be purchased in both a moderate (20-30mmHg) and low (15-20mmHg) compression. I tested the moderate compression socks over a period of two months this past summer hiking and backpacking in Northern California. 

Hiking within my state parks in wine country they were quite comfortable during a number of 6-7 mile day hikes. The thinnest worked well with a variety of trail running shoes giving me a nice tightness from the mid-foot to over the calf. Ventilation was good for a nylon sock and I felt recovery after hiking was good. The socks helped reduce muscle soreness, especially after a few miles of downhill hiking, which has always caused me muscle soreness the day after the hike.

Where I encountered some issues was on a backpacking trip along the Pacific Crest Trail in the Sierra. Paired with my Skechers trail run shoes the Vim & Vigr socks worked well for about 7 miles with a 25-pound backpack on my 165 lb frame. At about the 8-mile mark I started to feel a hot spot between two toes. Stopping on the trail to check out the problem, it became apparent the compression of the sock right behind the toe section was keeping my toes in contact with each other causing the hot spot. I feel that the toe section without compression should be larger, at least for my feet. I changed socks at that point and continued down the trail.

I will continue to utilize these socks while hiking but will use them for shorter distances. Another great use of these socks is when flying where deep vein thrombosis can be a real problem on long flights. The compression of the socks has been proven to aid in blood circulation by helping to push the blood up out of the lower extremities.

Details:

• Color: Black/brick stripes
• Price: $39.95