Product review: Tommie Copper sleeves
Earlier this summer I was introduced to Tommie Copper compression gear via Twitter. I was asked if I would be interested in testing the product out for a review. I’ve been curious about compression gear for a long time, but never invested in anything — I choose the word investment because as with many things with running, spending money on something can often be a win/lose situation.
I had the calf sleeves for a couple of weeks before putting them to the full test. After I experienced some calf soreness on a couple of runs in my neutral shoes (Ghost 3), I tried out two calf sleeves after a few runs. On a couple of double days, I wore the sleeves between runs and after the second run. And after every long run since late July, I’ve worn the sleeves for at least an hour or so.
I have been very impressed with how refreshed my legs feel after wearing them. After most every race and long run, I feel like I am having less and less soreness. While some of that might be attributed to being in better overall shape, I have to give credit to Tommie Copper.
In addition to the calf sleeves, I also have been wearing the knee compression sleeve for my left knee — the one I injured — after long runs for at least an hour. After this past weekend’s 20-miler, I wore it about an hour prior to going to bed as well. The next day, and now two days later, those 20 miles are already a good memory. While I haven’t had problems with my ITB, it’s nice to have the knee compression. It just feels like it’s giving me a boost to my recovery.
I have given these the full test — in addition to wearing them a few times a week, I have also washed them twice. Besides a small hole in one of the calf sleeves — due to my own hard pulling — they have held up well with a similar fit after washing.
The only drawback I have found is that the calf sleeve does not come in pairs — at a retail of $24.95 for one sleeve, the price doesn’t set Tommie Copper apart in the compression market. With this being my first pair of compression sleeves, I don’t have a solid comparison to other brands as far as comfort and recovery go, so when it comes to cost I won’t pass judgment as to whether it’s worth the investment.
I will, however, recommend them. You can’t go wrong with a 100 percent money-back guarantee.
For more information on Tommie Copper, visit their website, “like” them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter. You can also check out some videos on YouTube, including an endorsement from Montel Williams.
RSS
Facebook
Twitter | Web site by Matt Busse
I too have tried some of the Tommie Copper products and have loved them. I have a job where I am on my feet most of the day, so after long runs, I like wearing them under my jeans at work the next day. I have also tried the ankle sleeves and the fingerless compression gloves. Being a pregnant runner, I am doing all I can to combat that swelling with the summer heat and the ankle sleeves and gloves have really helped. I would also recommend the Tommie Copper products for anyone interested in dabbling into the world of compression.
I've been wondering about this compression gear stuff. I want to get back into the game and was thinking that may help me out some. Dunno about spending 50 bucks though, but it seems like its a good product!
Here's my honest unbiased review of the Tommy Copper knee sleeve that will provide FACTS you need to know before buying:
(THIS IS WRITTEN BY SOMEONE WHO IS NOT IN ANY WAY AFFILIATED WITH THE COMPANY)
I bought the knee compression sleeve about 2-3 weeks ago to protect my knee from old injuries while exercising. It provides uniform compression and is very light weight similar to a stocking but slightly thicker. I have other leg supports that work just as well from companies like Ace, McDavid and Futuro. However they are bulkier and less comfortable.
Since I got the sleeve I've increased my cardio workout (bike & treadmill) by about 10% with virtually no sustained or serious pain. It does provide help with pain similar to most other knee support devices.
My major complaint is the price. By the time they add postage, handling, tax and who knows what else you are paying close to $33 for one sleeve. OUCH!!! What a rip off considering that the material seems cheap and very thin! Furthermore I have researched the use of copper and found it to be ineffective for arthritis, pain or inflammation. Not one independent study has conclusive evidence of the effectiveness (if any) of copper. Therefore I give the knee sleeve a 3.5 star rating out of 5.
It is way over priced (due to greed I presume) and copper (which actually has no effect) is being used to sell the product. In this respect the public is being scammed. In conclusion, Tommy Copper products may be helpful but so are many other products - at less than half the cost.
Seriously…
This could be the ultimate post….