It is with some trepidation that I approach writing about X-Bionic, particularly a relatively tame item like socks. The reason being that there is a vast amount of information for every item they make that makes being brief a tricky achievement, indeed I imagine that most readers get frustrated by the sheer volume of text sitting below the beautiful product image!
To some extent I share the suffering - if you have ever seen a brochure for a single product in the X-Bionic range you'll understand - they are the same thickness as most ranges of clothing from other brands! The flip side of the coin is that any brand that can write tomes about their products must be proud of them, have something valuable to say and ultimately that should instill confidence in us, the end user.
So, I'll endeavour to keep it brief. The chances are, if you're reading about these Precuperation Socks, you'll know a little of X-Bionic and how they work as a brand and how good we believe they are - if you don't you have 2 options: a) read any other X-Bionic product write up on this site or b) trust me!
The beautifully named X-Bionic Effektor xbs.precuperation/Recovery socks are, to all intents and purposes, a recovery sock. The similarities with any other recovery socks on the market however, end in the nomenclature.
Like all X-Bionic clothing, the focus is in optimising an athlete's performance by utilising the body's own mechanisms in a symbiotic, natural way to best achieve that. In most instances X-Bionic look at the natural processes of the body (in this case recovery) and find ways to enhance it in a way that is complimentary and that doesn't do so by compromising any other system that may be in play.
The concept of the X-Bionic xbs.precuperation socks is simple: Prevention is better than cure. Although the socks can be used extremely effectively immediately post exercise as a recovery garment, they are primarily pitched at pre-exercise muscle oxygenation and nutrient delivery - usually overnight whilst sleeping : Power storage ahead of time.
X-Bionic's compression system differs from most, they employ Partial-Compression to offer the benefits of compression but without neglecting the body's need for cooling. Compression clothing has been around for some time and has definite advantages for performance and recovery. However, it is usual to experience mild overheating as the blood coming to the skin is quickly returned to the heart, reducing the amount of time heat has to dissipate at the skins surface. Heavily compressed muscles suffer greater temperature irregularities which leads to a greater energy expenditure from the body - the antithesis of X-bionic's guiding design principle. Partial-compression allows for optimal support, blood-flow and nutrient delivery without having an effect on the thermal output of the body, thus helping to maintain optimal recovery.
xbs.precuperation/recovery socks act on the Fascia - a structure of connective tissue that surrounds muscles, groups of muscles, blood vessels and nerves. Fascial compression exerts its effect by having a sock that adapts to the size of the wearers calf muscle as well as foot size. This targeted approach optimises the natural recovery climate even before activity begins by maintaining natural blood circulation, helping to deliver more nutrients and oxygen to muscles than would be the case in other, higher compression garments. It is critical therefore that you get the right size!!
The schedule of the weaving is the secret to the socks' performance. It starts with a Left and Right specific design (the machines that line the factory floor are arranged in banks of Left and Right) this ensures the correct anatomical fit for each foot and the footbead of each includes an Air Conditioning Channel to optimise temperature at the sole. Both the Toe Tip and Heel feature a re-inforced area with the toe having asymmetrical impact-absorbing protectors made of hollow-core Robur™ fibers which cushion and protect toes at the pressure-sensitive tips. In addition there is an area around the toes that reduces the effect of chaffing and minimises the risk of blisters. The Fascia frame construction married to specific Partial- and Smart-Compression zones optimises compression pressure.This lends perfect support to stop muscle vibration whilst maximising nutrient flow, lactate removal and temperature for the absolute best recovery.
The large frontal area connects directly to the wide-mesh AirConditioning® Channel and together with the Traverse AirFlow Channel System™ it ensures a supply of fresh air under the soles.
Support is taken care of with the unique crossover ankle bands called the X-Cross Bandage - and the reason for the name X-Socks. They are a knit of elastic materials which give stressed tendons, muscles and joints secure hold and stability without limiting freedom of movement. In addition, AirFlow AnklePads help protect ankle bones. The crescent-moon-shaped alignment of the pads offers the best possible protection without affecting the ventilation ability of the AirConditioning Channel. Additional protection comes in the form of the Lambertz-Nicholson Achilles Tendon Protector which guards against pressure and friction.
These are seriously comfortable too, no itchy fabrics, no cold feel against the skin and they really do work. I'm wearing a pair now. As someone that rides to work and back every day and who spends 10 hours in between standing or walking, I can attest to their efficacy. Those that know me will know how I enthuse about X-Bionic, but they will also know that I do so with plenty of testing in place!
The Effektor xbs.precuperation socks give your body the best possibility to rest up ahead of time, most of us lead busy lives and when you know things are going to get busy with no time for recuperation afterwards, the precuperation socks are ideal for better oxygen flow and muscular recovery. After all, training is only effective if a good recovery follows.
I haven't quite managed brief, but then the devil is in the detail.
Simply put, if you are looking for a recovery sock. Buy these, I guarantee they will be more comfortable and more effective than anything else you'll try.