From Sugoi’s website, the sock’s features include:
- Structured cushioning at footbed
- Dense cushioning at heel and toe where maximum impact occurs
- Mesh ventilation for improved breathability
- Lin-Toe reverse toe construction
- “Y” heel gore for improved fit, reducing slippage
- Progressive support from arch band to top welt
- 156N Hydrophobic/hydrophillic yarn combinations
- Anatomically correct left and right foot construction
- Lace pad cushioning
My Impressions
Like most quality socks, the R&Rs have a foot-specific design. The first thing you notice is the various levels of compression that the sock provides: it is graduated throughout the leg section of the sock and also through the foot area. This is interesting and I wonder if the different zones are designed based on the different needs of various muscles, tendons, soft tissues, etc. For example, there is less compression on the toes, top of the foot (to make room for the lacing) and achilles area, and more in the calf area, where it is pretty tight. The heel construction is a little different from most socks which ‘turn’ a heel. The R&Rs have a Y shape that contours towards your heel from the front of your ankle and has a virtually invisible seam. The toe seam is also barely visible, which minimizes hot spot or blister points.
Internally the sole of the sock is cushioned. This cushioning is not flat, but rather is staged in little ‘islands’ along the length of the foot with a fully cushioned heel. I am not sure if this is based on reflexology or massage points in the foot, or not, but it is very effective. I have used these for post-run recovery and have run a couple of 10 milers in them, including the second run of a back to back session on long weekends (20m+/10m+). My initial worry that they would be hot was unfounded, as they breathe very well. With local temperatures going north of 100f in the last two weeks, this is a very good thing. The cushioning works well, which is an advantage, in my opinion, over socks that have no cushioning. The elasticity is also very effective and they do not lose any stretchiness during a run or, particularly, overnight, which is something I have experienced with other compression socks.
Colorwise they come in sensible grey but the white trim, including some discreet logos, gives them a bit more personality than some socks; better for running, not so good for work on a Monday morning. Fit-wise, the R&Rs easily reached all the way up my calf to just below my knee. (I had the size large and my calf measures 18″ from ankle to below the knee.)
Overall, these are a solid pair of compression socks by a reputable company. The big advantage for me over foot-less calf sleeves is the fact I could run in them, which gives them additional bang for your buck. And that’s never a bad thing.
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