CEP The Run Mid Cut Compression Socks 4.0 Review

When you think about compression socks, what comes to mind? For me, it’s typically a pair of knee-length socks, not short or mid-height socks. I’ve been trail running in two shorter varieties of CEP compression socks almost exclusively for the past six months and I appreciate the fit and performance they provide.

CEP The Run Mid Cut Compression Socks 4.0 Features:

• Moisture-wicking fabric keeps feet cool
• Deep sensory stimulation of joints for greater stability, fewer injuries, and pain relief
• Air channels in the footbed and ventilation zones in the toe
• Treated with silver for odor control
• Blister-free guaranteed
• Targeted anatomical padding in the foot
• Seamless toe closures
• Machine wash/dry
• MSRP: $19.95

Mid cut compression champs

Compression socks aren’t going to solve the world’s most vexing problems, but they have been proven to increase circulation, improve muscle support and reduce injury. But, unbeknownst to me until this summer, they are not just available in knee-high flavors. No, there are several mid-length socks that offer much of the same compression support, but without the added length.

I’ve been testing a pair of CEP The Run Mid Cut Compression Socks 4.0 alongside the shorter Ultralight Short Compression Socks for trail running since June. Over that time period, these socks have been paired with the Craft Nordlite Ultra, Salomon Pulsar Trail Pro 2, Hoka Mafate Speed 4, Hoka Zinal 2 and Salomon Thundercross trail running shoes. Its’ been a busy past few months shoe testing, but the CEP The Run socks have remained constant across all those miles and shoes.

In-hand, the CEP socks feel comparable to other running socks in the drawer, but their elasticity stands out. To create the medical-grade compression necessary, CEP utilizes their own yarns and knitting procedures, which enables them to deliver the best performance possible. That attention to detail is noticeable when first pulling them on. While they are more compressive than a pair of Swiftwick Elite XT Trail Five Socks, they also feel much more durable. All that engineered compression allows the socks to stretch without worry. Other socks feel delicate at times when stretching onto my foot, but not these.

Once slipped on, the dedicated left/right anatomical compression can be immediately felt. Primarily, you’ll notice the 360-degree arch support and contoured heel cup. Side-by-side with a traditional sock, there’s no comparison with the targeted foot support they provide. Icing on the cake, the seamless toe closure eliminates any seams and allows your toes to splay while providing the proper toe-off and lateral balance necessary on technical trails. Since they are optimized for each foot, if you have a sharp big toenail, you can’t even out the wear across both socks. So, be extra-vigilant about filing down those nails.

While I can’t measure the effectiveness of the compression provided, I can attest to my feel feeling more comfortable and supported while wearing The Run Mid Cut 4.0’s. I appreciate the added height for ankle and lower-leg protection and have found them to breathe well across all shoes tested. While they do breathe well, the material doesn’t offer much in the way of thermal properties (good for summer, but bad for winter). If you do run in freezing temperatures, you’ll want to match them with a less breathable pair of trail runners. The Hoka Zinal 2’s are too breathable, but something like the Salomon Thundercross is a much better choice.

Yes, CEP does recommend washing the socks between wearing, however I’ve been confidently wearing them on 5 or more 5-mile trail runs before washing. The combination of moisture wicking and antimicrobial fabrics keep them stink-free — and I can attest to that. I’ve felt supported and comfortable across a wide variety of trail runners.

I have found the outer fabric to slip around inside shoes that don’t have a snug fit (looking at you, Craft Nordlite Ultras). And, there is some slight pilling around the achilles area. On top of that, the only other thing worth mentioning is the fabric attracts every hair on the floor when worn around the house.

Fit: I have a size 10.5 foot and have been wearing the size IV (L) socks

Buy Now: Visit CEPcompression.com