A few months ago, I was contacted by Lily Trotters and invited to be involved in promoting their upcoming Kickstarter campaign. Their mission? To bring the fashion into compression. After looking into their product - I happily agreed and they sent me a pair to try out in exchange for my honest review. Here it is.
As I have been trying to get myself running again - I have had aches and pains I don't remember having 5 years ago when I did the whole "start running" thing. Determined to train and recover better - I figured these socks could be just the hug my legs needed after my runs. I was right.
The thought behind the company is to create a sock that is tough enough to outlast your marathon while being thin and fashionable enough to wear all day to the office with your favorite shoes.
Here's some specs:
- Proprietary easy-to-get-on 100% micro nylon weave
- 15-20 mmHg (millimeters of mercury) – just the right squeeze!
- USA tested & approved high performance gradient compression
- Cushioned heels & reinforced toes
- Moisture wicking, antimicrobial – yay, no stinky feet!
- Built to last a few years, not a few months like traditional knee socks
They were super cute. I love patterned knee socks and usually live in them all winter so even if I hated them as recovery compression socks, I would be able to still get some wear out of them this winter as long as they fit my ski like size 11 feet.
The top of the socks has a little ruffle.
and the ball of the foot features the Lily Trotters logo
But these are all the cover - we want to know what's in the book, right?
So, the first time I grabbed them post run, I admit, I didn't have high hopes. Me and socks have a difficult relationship. And with compression socks - I have a drawerful of expensive socks that HURT me now that I have gained some weight during my running sabbatical to heal my fracture. One size fit all options usually aren't long enough to cover my calves (the joy of being tall). So I went into this with a fair bit of skepticism.
But they were true to their word - they go on easy. They fit my size 11s like they were made for them...and stretched easily up to just below my knee without looking like they were stretched to the limit (I'm looking at you, Sugoi rainbow socks and Running Skirts turquoise heart socks). These just looked like socks! I was amazed.
Cute, right?
But how do they feel?
Amazing! These are not your average pair of compression socks. They aren't going to beat you up and wring your legs out like a pair of CEPs will...but they feel like a nice firm hug for my legs...and I have a lot of leg on this 5 foot 9 body.
I've been wearing them for a while now after my runs...so 1-2 times a week...but now that I am officially in half marathon training I expect I'll be reaching for them much more often. My legs feel less tired and I am able to keep going about my day. Important, since as a stay at home mom of twins, my legs don't have time to lay down on the job.
I doubt I will ever wear them for running in. I just don't tend to wear compression socks for running. But for recovery - these will be on my feet as my first choice. But if you want to hear from people who have run in them and loved them - there are several other bloggers who have reviewed them and Lily Trotters also has this testimonial video for you.
So how do you get yourself a pair? As luck would have it, the Lily Trotters Kickstarter launches today and they promise awesome earlybird pricing for supporters.
