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Reviews > Clothing > Socks > CEP Dynamic Merino Midcut Socks > Test Report by Andrew Buskov

Dynamic FrontCEP Dynamic+ Outdoor
Merino Compression Socks
CEP's antibacterial, padded, close-fitting compression socks for outdoors.
Andrew Buskov
Initial Report: July 13, 2015
Long Term Report: December 21, 2015

Tester Biographical Information:

Name: Andrew Buskov
Age: 40 
Gender: Male
Height: 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m)
Weight: 207 lbs (94 kg) 
Email: Rescue(at)Corridor9(dot)net
City, State Zip Madisonville, Kentucky USA
 

Backpacking Background:

I’ve been backpacking for nearly 25 years, and have slowly started developing my ideal style. I’ve gotten my pack weight down to roughly 20 - 25 lbs (9.1 - 11.3 kg) before water, and am whittling it down every hike. Day hiking is nice, but getting out over multiple nights is really what I enjoy. I like to take my time and view the scenery as opposed to hiking hard. I also like being comfortable and insist on an air mattress. I usually tent or hammock, but stay in shelters when needed. 

Dynamic Back PackagingProduct Information: 

Item: Dynamic+ Outdoor Merino Compression Sock
Manufacturer: CEP - Department of medi GmbH & Co. KG
Website: http://www.cepcompression.com/
Year of Manufacture: 2015
MSRP: $20.00 US
Listed Weight: N/A
Actual Weight: 2.7 oz (77 g)
Color: Brown / Black
Additional Colors: Green / Black, Grey / Black

Product Description: Per information from website & enclosed materials

The CEP Dynamic+ Outdoor Merino Compression Socks are a mid-length sock that is designed for outdoor sport use. The use of Merino wool allows the sock to both cool and heat depending on the conditions, while also providing a number of padded areas that help alleviate pressure in those cumbersome areas. The compression of the sock is listed as 15-20 mm Hg graduated compression, and is stated to provide a good base of stability for joints and muscles. The composition of sock materials is 64 % Nylon, 18% Merino wool, 10% Spandex, and 8% Silk. They are also antibacterial with odor reducing qualities.

Product Impressions:

Dynamic Inside SockAs soon as I opened the CEP Dynamic+ Outdoor Merino Compression Socks I knew that this test was going to be very different from any I'd had in the past. While I've tested and worn a variety of socks while hiking and backpacking I have never owned a pair of compression socks. This is going to be an interesting experience for sure.

Just generally looking over the Dynamic+ Outdoor socks, they are quite unique to most socks out on the market. There are 2 distinctly different socks in the package; a right sock, and a left sock. Each of them has what appears to be five different padded zones around the toes, pads, sole, heel, and ankle area along with a long tight weave of compression material that extends up to a nice wide cuff. Near the top cuff is the CEP logo woven into the fabric, and the logo design also appears near the Achilles tendon. The pattern on the bottom of the sock indicates that these are from the Outdoor line and also indicates the gender and size the sock was designed for; m size III.

In flipping the socks inside-out, it's easy to see the level of complexity in a sewing pattern that is obviously designed for top performance. All of the seams are nice and tight. There fabric is all trimmed with very little loose threading throughout the whole sock. The boundaries between two different stitching patterns are notable, but there is significantly less pilling and hanging threads than other socks I own. All of the material is smooth and very comforting on the skin with padded areas being roughly 2 - 3 times thicker than non-padded zones. The bottom area of the foot has a contour in the pattern to hug the sole without squeezing the insole. Along the top of the foot is a nice wide compression band as well. Both sides of the ankle have extra cushioning and there is a well formed heel pocket.

The first time I tried these on I noticed exactly how much compression these really provide. I was unable to slide the sock over my foot and ankle in one smooth motion as with most socks. Instead, I had to insert my thumbs into the sock and bunch up the fabric until my thumbs were just past the heel area. Then I could get my toes into the sock and properly seated before I started pulling the rest of the sock over my heel, ankle, and shin.

The Dynamic+ Outdoor socks fit very well and feel quite a bit more comfortable than I would have imagined. While they are a compression sock and definitely perform as they are designed, I don't feel any portion of my foot or leg gets compressed any more than any other area of my foot or leg. I'm definitely looking forward to finding out how they feel after a long hike.

Dynamic Inside Bottom Long Term Report: December 21, 2015

Testing Locations & Conditions:

I have had wonderful opportunities and weather to test the CEP Dynamic+ Outdoor Merino Compression socks. Not only was I able to get in multiple hikes through the woods in my area, but I was also able to attend the 100th Annual Boy Scout Patriot Games at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. The weather in Fort Campbell was clear to cloudy at times, but there was no precipitation. Elevation was 718 ft (219 m) where we were at on the base, but it was the temperatures that really fluctuated. The high was a nice comfortable 64 F (17 C), but the last night we were there the low dropped to 28 F (-2 C) making for a very cold morning packing up and heading home. Around my home I was able to hike in heat, cold, rain, mud, rocky soil, and well worn trails. The elevation around my area is roughly 475 - 550 ft (145 - 170 m). Temperatures for the area during the testing phase ranged from 26 - 91 F (-3 - 33 C) and as mentioned above precipitation was experienced multiple times.

Summary:

Dynamic some loose threadsAs mentioned above, I have had the pleasure of wearing the CEP Dynamic+ Outdoor Merino Compression socks as my primary socks throughout the testing period. Initially I had started wearing them only when I went out hiking and in the woods, but as both my feet and lower legs started to feel better I found myself wearing them quite a bit more. This led to additional washing cycles for the socks, but this hasn't been a problem so far. I've been able to wash these with the rest of my darks without any problems. I didn't need any special detergent or fabric softener, just a simple wash with like colors.

Even though they have seen a lot of use, there are no pulled or hanging threads and very little pilling of the material. The elasticity of the sock remains nice and tight, and I still have to bunch up the sock to get it over my foot when I first put it on. I have noticed that while the socks are a bit smelly after use, they tend to lose that odor simply through drying. There has been little to no residual smell emanating from the socks after they have had an opportunity to dry out a bit. After washing, there is absolutely no hint of prior smells within the fabric.

The fit and feel of the socks when walking can only be described as heavenly. Even when my feet are sweaty in my boots, these socks don't bunch up, fold over, rotate around my foot, or slide down. In short, they stay essentially where they are when I first put them on. This is definitely a plus as I often find the top of my socks bunching up inside the mouth of my boot causing my shins to ache after a while. I also love the fact that when I'm walking down hill I don't end up with a large gathering of material around my toes. The material is still very smooth and comforting. I also love the fact that even when these socks were wet due to sweat, rain, or mud I never once felt any blisters developing. This is true with all types of shoes that I wore during the testing phase; running shoes, hiking shoes & hiking boots, work boots, and dress shoes.

I'd like to thank CEP and BackpackGearTest.org for providing me with the opportunity to test the
Dynamic+ Outdoor Merino Compression Socks.


Read more reviews of CEP Compression gear
Read more gear reviews by Andrew Buskov

Reviews > Clothing > Socks > CEP Dynamic Merino Midcut Socks > Test Report by Andrew Buskov



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