Once we went to Japan for a pair weeks of biking, there was a mixture of driving types on the docket, and we needed to put together for all the pieces from sunny warmth to plenty of rain. CEP provided socks and (full disclosure) helped help our journey, so we dug by way of their sock drawer to search out one of the best choices for lengthy days within the saddle and blended situations.
CEP Compression is the sporting division of Medi, a German model major within the medical-grade compression socks enterprise. Which makes it sound like this stuff can be tight. Perhaps too tight. Happily, they turned out to be very snug, with their knee-height journey/restoration socks being a lot lighter than we anticipated, and far simpler to tug on and off than some competing manufacturers I’ve tried.
That stated, CEP is just not a “biking” sock model. Their present catalog is tailor-made for operating, strolling, climbing, or on a regular basis/workplace use. So we over-shopped to ensure we had one thing that might work. My sock dice was stuffed, and over two weeks, we tried each potential choice to see what labored greatest for biking. A number of stood out – right here’s what we preferred:
CEP Mountain climbing, Operating & Wool socks are one of the best
Most of what we rode have been the “Mid Minimize” fashions. Our favorites have been the Mountain climbing Gentle Merino, Run Compression, and Ultralight Mid-Minimize socks.
The Ultralight (proven above in black, at high of publish in white) are the closest factor they make to a pure biking sock. It’s extraordinarily light-weight, making it nice for decent climate. And the impartial white, black, grey, and navy coloration choices ought to work with most biking kits. In the event you’re the kind of rider who makes use of their socks so as to add a splash of coloration to your equipment, look elsewhere. CEP’s palette is quite reserved.
The Reflective Mid-Minimize Compression socks (on proper in olive inexperienced) add two reflective stripes to boost visibility. They’re a general-purpose athletic sock that held up nicely, too, and was one in every of our faves.
In truth, all of their socks held up rather well all through the journey, and proceed to take action. I’ve worn mine on a variety of different street journeys, hikes, and rides, and we spent loads of time in Japan strolling round in simply our socks. They’re exhibiting no indicators of wear and tear, regardless of trekking throughout bridges, tatami mats, gravel, and extra.
All of their socks have intensive zonal knitting, including compression right here, padding there, and usually being very nicely thought out for the supposed use. For biking, I want the cuffs have been about one inch greater, however they by no means regarded misplaced…and I’m kinda tall, in order that’s simply my private choice. Steve preferred them simply wonderful.
Due to all that zoned development, they’re left- and right-specific, which I like. All that knitting does have a tendency to select up “stuff” off the bottom simply, so verify the underside of your socks earlier than sticking your toes again into your sneakers for those who’ve been traipsing round in them.
Most of their socks are available in “regular” sizing schemes, however their full-height journey compression socks are based mostly on ankle and calf measurement, so that you’ll must do some measuring for these. We examined their light-weight Infrared Restoration mannequin, which appeared like they have been going to be scorching, however ended up being very snug on the very lengthy flight to and from Asia.
The Mountain climbing Gentle Merino (proven above in Low Minimize, additionally accessible in Mid Minimize) was one in every of our favorites on the bikepacking a part of our journey. It’s nicely padded on the underside, however skinny and light-weight on high. That makes it comfortable for hike-a-bikes and off-bike adventures, however with out including bulk or undesirable heat.
The merino wool additionally stayed stink-free all through consecutive days of sporting and driving in them. Observe that the type has modified barely since we received ours, however the options are the identical. Additionally be aware that each one hyperlinks on this story are to the boys’s variations, however they’ve girls’s variations of all the pieces, too.
The Run Compression Mid-Minimize socks (on proper) are the exception to their rule when it comes to coloration. These provide all kinds of hues with hits of brightness right here and there.
For kits, we wore all Gore Put on biking kits and jackets. Surprisingly, we have been capable of finding sufficient CEP choices to match a few of Gore’s newest Spinshift and different kits. So it’s not like there’s no good colours from CEP, however most fashions are kinda restricted to muted choices. Virtually all fashions have white, although, and everyone knows white is the quickest coloration, so…
Coaching Socks and different stuff we tried
Steve tried the Allday Compression Socks, that are very very like costume socks. These really look probably the most like a standard biking sock from DeFeet or Swiftwick, with strong colours, minimal branding, and a really skinny, light-weight knit.
However sadly they’re not superb athletic socks primarily as a result of the cuff would sag down after a number of miles of spinning. In order for you one thing light-weight and mildly compressive for workplace work, these must be nice for that.
I attempted the Coaching Socks for 2 causes. First, they appeared like an excellent all-purpose athletic sock. However second, and extra importantly, I actually like the way in which the stripes look on them, and I preferred the navy blue coloration. Different colours additionally accessible.
These are, certainly, very snug socks, however they’re additionally actually thick. They have been too heat for the warmth of Japan’s summer time driving, and a bit thick for my biking sneakers. I can see these being a go-to in winter and/or with larger-volume sneakers, although.
Ultimate ideas
General, CEP’s vary of socks are snug, supportive, and have sufficient selection to satisfy virtually any want in any season. There are many different fashions which might be extra specialised (heat, arch help, and many others.) that we didn’t strive. For cyclists, the Ultralight, Mountain climbing Gentle Merino, and Reflective Mid Minimize socks are most likely one of the best choices for many seasons.
I additionally wore the socks whereas strolling and climbing round Japan for an additional three weeks after the biking segments, including in a number of of Low-Minimize types. Function smart, the Mid- and Low-cut choices are related, so for those who discover one you want, you’ve received choices. I like the sturdiness and help, particularly on actually lengthy days on our toes. Value a glance for those who’re making an attempt to pack gentle for quite a lot of adventures.