If you read this blog, you know I love running and I love trying new gear. I especially love trying affordably priced, high quality and high functioning gear. I was contacted by two companies that do all of their business online to see if I wanted to test them out. The first was Louvagear with arm/hand warmers and the second was Tiux who make performance compression socks. I also had the opportunity to give my old fave Wigwam Ironman Socks a second change (well, third but I will explain.) The nice folks at Wigwam also offered to send one lucky reader 3 pairs of running socks. So read on hear my Wigwam story to learn how you can enter to win.
Louvagear was created by a pair of bloggers who were in search of better arm sleeves that were durable, also kept the hands warm and were affordable. They decided to make their own. One of the gals was nicknamed Louva as a girl. They found that it meant, “You have an inherent courage and endurance to accomplish the impossible dream.” Thus, Louvagear was born. The “Sleeves” are made of soft, warm, stretchy 98% Nylon / 2% Spandex. The wide upper band prevents slipping and holds them comfortably in place. They extend onto your hand and have a thumbhole for added warmth. They are unisex “one size fits most” and are sold as a pair for only $12 ($15 with stripes). They come in white (with the great idea of personalizing them for races), black, black/purple, blue/yellow and pink/white.
The Sleeves fit me well and were nice and warm on our last chilly day here. I like the material and feel of them on my arms. They are great when it is in between weather and are perfect for races when you want to wear short sleeves, or a tank, but want to be warm at the start. I love the idea of writing on them to show your support or to get personalized cheers, too! I am pretty vain though, so I would probably pick a more slimming black! You can keep up with Louvagear on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. And, if you want to buy a pair, you can get free shipping with the code erica. Perfect to have and store for the fall marathon training!
Tiux is a Canadian company trying to change the compression sock business and to give back in the process. How? They only sell direct and online and eliminate the middle man. They also share space in factories, control inventory and don’t have professional sponsorships to keep costs down. They also support MAG (Mines Advisory Group) and donate 1% of their revenue to help save lives and protect communities from landmines, unexploded ordnance (UXO) and other weapons remaining after conflict. Pretty awesome!
The Tiux performance compression socks are unisex. They come in black/neon yellow/gray, pink/neon yellow/ purple or neon yellow/blue/black. They are $35/pair which is half the price of my beloved CEPs. They have a graduated compression design (read more here). I love the soft foot bed of the socks and the material. I got an XS and they are a bit too long and I would prefer them a tiny bit tighter. I can see wearing these on long haul flights or under my pants if I am standing at a convention or work meeting all day. I have to say my vanity gets me here, too as I felt that the neon yellow design makes my calves look huge. Have small calves? try these to look more buff! All in all these are a high quality, low cost product that are really worth a try! You can keep up with Tiux on Twitter and Facebook and you can but Tiux socks directly here.
Here is my Wigwam Ironman Triathlon Socks Story: When I ran my first marathon in 1996, I got some great advice from Dean Shontz at Sneaker Factory in Millburn, NJ. He told me to start slow and finish strong (I didn’t), to change my stride every so often (I sort of did) and to wear Wigwam Ironman Triathlon socks (I did). I bought the socks and got no blisters. I continued to buy a new pair of Wigwam Ironman Triathlon socks for each marathon and soon had a drawer full. I swore by them and passed on this great advice to anyone who would listen. About 8 years later, they changed something about the socks (I believe it was one of the materials) and the magic was gone. I occasionally tried them again, but I finally gave up.
Cut to the NYC Half this May. I am walking around the expo and I pass the Wigwam booth. The salesman, Chip, engaged me in a conversation and I gave the poor guy an earful. Basically, I told him, “I used to love you and you were the one. Until you changed.” Chip asked me if I would give them another chance. He explained that they had changed some of the fibers which was why they were different than in the 90s and early 2000s. He said they were back to better than ever and grabbed two pairs for me to try.
I never realized it but Wigwam has been making socks in the US since 1905! They are still made in the USA, use US products as much as possible and are working to “green” their factories. The main feature of each of these socks is their patented Ultimax® technology. Ultimax is a moisture management system that combines hydrophobic and hydrophilic fibers together to create a push-pull system of moisture wicking. Each of these socks also has a seamless toe closure and zoned mesh for enhance breathability. What does this mean to you? Dry feet. No Blisters. No odor.
I tried the Ultimax Thunder Fit Pro Low-Cut and the Ultimax Flash Pro Lightweight and the new Run Fit Pro. I liked running in all of these especially the Thunder Pro Low Cut which have a bit more padding, but are not bulky. Time will tell if they have the magic that they once did for me of virtually no blisters ever. The Run Fit Pros are really low, so they will be great for avoiding sock lines this summer. I am really excited that I sweet talked my way into a few pairs of Wigwams and gave them another chance. They are an awesome company that I will support moving forward.
Want to try Wigwams for yourself? One winner will get a pair of Thunder Fit Pro Low-Cut socks, the Flash Pro socks and the new Run Fit Pro socks in the size/color of his/her choice. Please use the Rafflecopter below to enter. Winner must be 18 or over, a US resident and the offer is void where prohibited. The contest runs through May 29th. A winner will be selected and notified on May 30th.
In the meantime, you can keep up with Wigwam on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or Pinterest.
Want to see what other people are trying on Tuesday? Check out the Tried It Tuesday link up at Lake Shore Runner!
Please note: I received all of these products at no cost in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated for this post. All opinions are my own.
PS. Don’t forget my great giveaways happening now, too!