so i have previously expressed my love for oxysox, however i couldn’t help but be curious about recovery socks since there have been posts all over blogland about them. when i was in san diego recovery socks happened to be at the expo, so i just had to get a pair. i wore them home on the plane ride the day of the marathon and i think i have a pretty good basis for comparing the two socks now.
so here it is – the battle of the compression socks!
*round one: looks
recovery socks: hot pink? how can you compete with that?
oxysox: 5 choices, but not hot pink
winner: recovery socks
*round two: price
recovery socks: $29.95
oxysox: $29.95
winner: tie
*round three: comfort (out of 5)
recovery socks: 3 – comfy
oxysox: 5 – the main difference here is the cushiony foot. oxysox hands down has a more comfortable foot portion. i also like the feel of the fabric of the sock better.
winner: oxysox
*round four: effectiveness
recovery socks: plane ride home post SD marathon – no lower leg soreness the next day
oxysox: 9 hour car ride home from eugene marathon – no lower leg soreness the next day
winner: tie
*round five: overall
recovery socks: i like them
oxysox: i LOVE them
winner: oxysox
so, in my opinion i believe both are very effective compression socks and have helped out with my calf soreness and the general feeling-like-my-calves-are-going-to-burst sensation i get, especially after sitting at a desk all day. but if i had to only pick one to have it would be hands down oxysox. even though they aren’t hot pink, they just feel so much more comfy on my feet and my legs. i definitely recommend getting a pair of either one! but those of you who bought oxysox from my prior review, definitely be happy with your choice 
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i also wanted to bring up one more point from my how i fuel post.
there were a number of comments on how people wanted to try out the salt capsules since gu hurt their stomach. i just wanted to make it clear that i use BOTH gu and salt, for different things, so for me its not an either or. the salt is for electrolytes while the gu is for the carbs and calories. i know i need both during long runs, not just one or the other. it does help my stomach being able to carry plain water rather than gatorade mixing around with the gu. hope that helps!
YAY oxysox! So glad i got some when you did your review! however, i do need some pink socks.. i might have to test out the other pair just to have PINK socks! haha!
thanks for the review on both brands. i need to get some of these salt capsules. hrmm!!!
happy monday– even though, i'm happy its tuesday on the east coast!
Thanks for the comparison! I'm definitely going to look into those oxysox. They sound great!
Great review. I will try the oxysox. You should get a free pair from them for this!
How long do you wear them for after a long run and when do you wear them?…after 7 milers, 10 milers….?
I've been thinking about a pair of recovery socks…Now I'm leaning towards the oxysox!
Hmm I've never heard of Oxysox! aaand This is why I love running blogs.
Hmm I've never heard of Oxysox! aaand This is why I love running blogs.
I'm sold on Oxysox! Your fueling post was very good and helpful!
Nice comparison/review. I'm really enjoying my recovery socks.
the hot pink is hard to contend with, but recovery socks do look less-sock-like to me. but, as long as they compress i'll be alright.
i always think about trying some salt on my super hot runs but i haven't gotten around to it. i need to stop by a burger king or something and grab some salt packets
Interesting post. I've been kind of skeptical of compression socks, but I might just have to get my hands on a pair now!
Thanks for the product reviews. I really need to get me a pair of compression socks!
still, gotta love the hot pink!! I just got some NUUN tablets, i'm going to give them a try WITH the gu!
Do you struggle with shin splints at all? Do you think these would help?
Do you struggle with shin splints at all? Do you think these would help?
I love a cushioned foot!! LOVE! I think I will check those oxysocks out! I am also interested in seeing how they would help my shin splints.
Thanks for the review!
Oops I wasn't done typing! Anyways, thanks for the review. Can't beat hot pink socks, but obv. quality is better than color. Maybe oxy should start making hot pink ones!
I've never tried the socks…where do you buy your's? Online?
Thanks for the review/comparison. It helps to know what else is out there.
I've been wanting to get the hot pink recovery socks for a long time, but haven't seen them at any of the expos I've been too. Might have to order them online!
I love my compression socks, which are neither Oxy nor Recovery…but now I'm thinking I need another pair, just to compare.
I am so tempted to try the socks…
oh wow! ding ding ding!!!! this was a great fight. you really evaluated!! nice work. i was so surprised, too, because recovery socks have been catching on like firrrre. it's probably the pink-ness lol. but if they both work, then i guess that is good!
ive always been skeptical of things like compression socks but it seems like lots of ppl are raving about them. thanks for the side by side review, makes it really easy to compare!
Good comparison! I've never heard of the oxysocks before.
Good review. I personally think a pair of softball socks (as long as they were tight) would have the same results but that's just me, el cheapo who isn't willing to spend money on compression socks =).
I usually do both water and propel + gu. I have been too afraid to try salt caps since my tummy is really sensitive to salt. Maybe I should for a shorter run.
I like the price. I have zensah calf sleeves, love em! BUT I need more! more, more, more.
Thank you for the comparison! I don't know though – hot pink? How could I not let that one win? LOL
thanks for doing the comparison, never heard of oxysocks
will have to look around for them here.
I have the sugoi compression socks and love them, but have been thinking I need another pair. I think I will try the oxysox after your review- thanks?
I think I have asked before, but do you put yours in the washer and dryer or hand wash? There were no directions, and I am tired of hand washing if that is unnecessary.
Can you shoot me an email?
katiea801@yahoo.com
Thanks, enjoy your week!
Thanks for the comparison. I think I may be ordering my oxysox.
Thanks for doing this. I'm pleased with the results, because I already own Oxysox and love them. I would probably go out and buy recovery socks too if you liked those better!
I have the Recovery Socks. I only use them after bikerides because my calves are never sore after runs (my quads get all the soreness). I need another pair, so I will try Oxysocks! Ana-Maria
I have recovery and zensah socks and i like the zensah better too because they are so cushiony and feel better on the bottoms of my feet
Thanks for the comparison!
All the pictures are great! It looks like you've had a wonderful week. Happy Anniversary, belated
this is helpful-thanks!
You neglected to mention that Oxysox come in RED.
Oxysox for the win!
I am going to see the REcovery Socks people for a free pair at the Rock 'n' Roll expo, hope they have pink. I have never tried Oxysox.
Thanks for the advice on the Pacer team, I will be sure to mentally prepare to run alone. do they always have the pace charts?
Well i guess I might have to jump on the bandwagon and get a pair of socks once I start half marathon training!
Interesting comparison. I got a pair of generic compression socks a few months ago after a friend whose dad owns a sock factory (weird, I know) said that they were all the same. But I don't totally trust that they do much. Maybe I'll try one of these, for cmoparison's sake.
thanks for the info – I'm in the market fir a pair and didn't know about these!
great review
Dang! I might have to test out the Oxysox! Thanks for the wonderful review!
I like your socks comparison. Very cool. I agree with your gu/salt combo. After my Boston marathon fiasco at mile 19, I've decided to try some salt replacement in addition to gus too on my long runs. I think it will help with the electrolyte loss during the later miles.
Thanks for posting a comparison! Very helpful.
Great on doing the comparison!This is indeed very helpful. Thank you! You are wonderful. Keep the fire burning! ; )
I likey the comparison. I may need to try oxysox now. and seriously how can you beat hot pink?!? I luv my hot pink recovery socks!
This is the first time I ever bet on the outcome of a sock fight.
I'm a Recovery Sock girl myself, but you're right, the material isn't super soft and comfy.
oh interesting, I have wondered how the socks stack up so this is fantastico!
And here I have been laughing at the goofballs with the compression socks on. I may have to try them out myself.
And as far as GU and/or electrolytes…you have to have both. Good girl in making that clear. They do two different things for you.
Thanks for the comparison! Definitely good to know
Thanks for the review! I really need to get some of those. I hate that feels like theyre gonna bust feeling! Especially when wearing heels + sitting at a desk all day!
Thanks for this! I will have to write about my recovery socks and Zensah sleeves one day soon.
Interesting stuff, I am trialing a couple of pairs and have some more on the way to review, overall they do seem to make a difference!
I have been wearing my recovery socka all week and like them much more than I did when I 1st got them….however, Oxysocks are OTL material!!!! haha
Interesting comparison. I wish there were some compression sock things to help with sore quads, though. I rarely have any soreness in my calves after running for some reason.