Balega Sock Review

If you have been to a local running or big chain sporting store and looked for socks, you have probably seen some Balega socks.  They are one of the more popular socks for runners.  Their socks are designed, tested and manufactured in South Africa (although some are made in the US as well).  Balega means “To Move with Speed.” Their goal is to provide foot solutions to help runners perform at their personal peak in comfort.  Balega has 7 key deliverables in every sock they produce. 

They feel a sock must fit snugly to ensure that they won’t move around while you are running. Movement causes irritation, which in turn causes blisters.  That is why they offer 5 specific sizes. 

Their socks have a deep heel pocket to prevent the socks from slipping down into your shoes.  The deeper heel cup ensures that your heel is protected.

Balega uses a supersoft moisture wicking fabric that was developed exclusively for them.  It is called “Drynamix” and it wicks moisture away rapidly, keeping your feet cool and dry.

Some socks out there have seams, which cause irritation.  Not Balega’s socks.  They hand link the toe seams to give you a great seamless sock that won’t leave you with blisters.

Another key feature is the inclusion of ventilation panels that are strategically placed to help keep your feet cool and aid in the wicking process. 

Each of their socks is inspected by hand by their awesome quality inspection teams and then pre-washed before they are packed and shipped out to the stores.  There is even a sticker with a picture of the person who inspected your socks.

Balega believes in giving back, so with each pair of Balega socks you buy, you are giving back as well (Click here to find out more about how they give back).

Hidden Comfort Sock

The Hidden Comfort sock uses elastane throughout the whole sock for a more structured fit.  Like all Balega socks they have hand linked toe seams, mesh ventilation, and reinforced heel and toes.  The Hidden Comfort is considered a medium volume sock and has a plush undersole cushioning for extra protection while still remaining breathable.  There is a heel tab that helps prevent these socks from slipping into your shoes.  Because Balega uses a really high thread count, you get a softer more comfortable sock. 

What I can say is that the comfort was not hidden for me.  These are extremely comfortable and have a great balance between cushion and ventilation.  They may make you not want to take them off after your run.  At $12 on the Balega site and even cheaper if you look around, these are a great, high-quality sock that won’t break the bank.

Blister Resist Socks

Balega’s Blister Resist socks are made with the perfect blend between nature and technology.  They use a combination of mohair (silk-like fabric made from the hair of the Angora goat) and Drynamix to keep your feet cool and dry.  These socks will keep your feet warm in the winter and cool in the summer and are also a medium volume sock that Goldilocks would say are just right.  The elastic grip construction ensures that the socks will stay put.

This was the most comfortable of the Balega socks that I tested.  The mohair blend was so soft that I could just use them to lounge around in.  They performed flawlessly and really did protect against blisters on my long, wet first test run.  In my tempo test run, I was really hot, but my feet stayed cool.  These are a little more expensive than the Hidden Comfort, but are still a great buy at $15. 

Enduro V-Tech Socks

The Balega Enduro V-Tech socks have a special arch support system that gives you a structured fit that is not too tight or loose.    There are enhanced compression bands that create the ideal support in your mid-foot area.  The Enduro V-Tech socks are made in the US with Drynamics moisture wicking fibers.  Like the other socks I reviewed, they have a medium volume, extra deep heel pocket, mesh ventilation, and is extremely comfortable. 

I really liked the added support that the V-Tech arch support system provided.  I did notice it on my run.  For a medium cushioned sock, it really felt cool.  You can really tell that they took extra care in making these socks.  The Enduro V-Tech socks cost about $13, but you can find them for less.  This is a great sock, especially for those runners who have plantar fasciitis issues or other foot ailments. 

Pros:

Extremely comfortable

Great wicking capabilities

Elastic Grip to ensure the socks stay put

Hand-linked seamless construction

High tab heel and deep heel pocket make sure the socks don’t slip into your shoe.

Decent price (even better if you find a sale)

Balega’s Social Media Links:

Facebook

Twitter

Instagram

Blog

I was really impressed with all of the socks that I tested from Balega.  The pride they have in their products definitely shows through in the material quality, craftsmanship, and even the inspection.  They want to make sure you have the perfect sock and I love that they not only inspect each sock by hand, but they wash them before the socks go out the door.  All three socks were extremely comfortable, but don’t take my word for it.  Head out to your local running store (click here for locations) or get a few pairs online.  You can buy them directly from the Balega website or save a little money and shop around.

Note:  I received this product in exchange for a review.  The review is my personal opinion of the product and I was not required to give a particular opinion of it.  I am not a doctor, so please use all of the products that I review at your own risk.

Roll Recovery R3 Review

Roll Recovery was founded by Jeremy Nelson, an avid runner and cyclist who was unsatisfied with the massage and recovery products that were available for endurance athletes.  Jeremy is a product designer that studied Mechanical Engineering at Colorado State University and Product Creation at Stanford University.  His biggest complaint was that after a hard workout, the last thing he wanted to do was lay on the floor and use a foam roller or “stick.”  Jeremy felt like it was a second workout, which just didn’t sound appealing.  He knew there had to be a better way. 

Jeremy’s goals were to build a tool that had all of the massage force built into it for a deep (myofascial release) massage that would fit all body sizes and target muscle groups that endurance athletes used the most.  He wanted to be able to provide a flushing-effect to move the blood and flush out waste products and still have a product that was portable enough to take with you to races or keep on the coffee table.  The result was Roll Recovery’s first product, the award winning R8. 

Since the release of the R8, Roll Recovery also came out with a foot roller specifically designed to tackle Plantar Fasciitis.  The design process took over a year and consisted of working with therapists and elite athletes.  The R3 Orthopedic Foot Roller was designed to target specific areas of the foot.  It is not only good for plantar fascia pain, but is excellent for rolling out your tired and sore feet after your workouts and runs.

This is not your run of the mill foot roller.  I have tried several foot rollers from little rolling pin designs with grooves, lacrosse balls, and even frozen water bottles.  I found that most of those tools were uncomfortable and did more harm than good.  I got the R3 about a month ago and tested it out that night.  I had just run 15 hard miles earlier that day and my feet were a little sore.  What I expected was a similar experience to what I had with my other rollers, but that was not the case.  I found the softer material in the R3 was extremely comfortable, but still allowed me to really put pressure where I needed to. 

There are different shaped groves to massage the center of your foot, heel, sides of your feet, and even the ball of your foot.  I just started rolling my foot in the different grooves and arches and played around with what felt good.  You can even use the R3 as a mini foam style roller.  While it has a smaller diameter than most foam rollers, it is great on calves, hamstrings, quads, hips and more. 

A few other features that I really liked about the R3 is that it extremely light weight at 0.875 pounds.  It is 5.5 inches long and is 2.5 inches in diameter so you can easily take it to the gym, track, or with you on vacation.  You could even take it to a race for a nice foot massage after a really hard effort.  The outer body of the R3 is made with a soft-touch material and it has AMS core.  The outer material won’t slip and will work on any surface.

Pros:

Relieves plantar fascia pain and rejuvenates tired feet

Durable soft material

Different shapes targets different areas

Compact design is ideal to take with you

Great price at $26.99

Roll Recovery Social Media Links:

Facebook

Twitter

Instagram

I had been unimpressed by other foot rollers, but my experience with the R3 was quite different.  Who says that good things don’t come in small packages?  I was really surprised by how much I liked the Roll Recovery R3 from the moment I used it.  You can pick up yours for $26.99 at the Roll Recovery website or at a local store near you (click here for locations).  Grab one today and let me know what you think.

Note:  I received this product in exchange for a review.  The review is my personal opinion of the product and I was not required to give a particular opinion of it.  I am not a doctor, so please use all of the products that I review at your own risk.

Youtheory Men’s Collagen Protein Shake Review

Nutrawise is a manufacture of health and beauty supplements.  You can find their products in retailers across America and around the world.  With an executive team that collectively has more than 200 years in the natural foods and supplement industry, they have the experience to create great products that keep you feeling and performing your best.  The founder and CEO is Darren Rude and his goal is to exceed the expectations of his customers. 

Some of the things that set Nutrawise apart are that they don’t cut corners like many of the supplement companies out there. Nutrawise products go beyond the minimum label requirements.  They believe in their products so much that every member of the company uses them as well.  That probably wouldn’t be the case if the products contained sketchy ingredients.  The mission at Nutrawise is to build a company that is continuously working on making the world a better place.  Part of that mission includes giving back a portion of their proceeds to help children around the corner, and around the world.

I am testing out several products from Youtheory (a subsidiary of Nutrawise).  Today I will just be reviewing the Men’s Collagen Protein Shake.  What makes this different from many of the other protein shakes out there is that it contains Collagen.  Collagen is a major structural protein found in skin, joints, bones, blood vessels, and connective tissues.  As we get older, collagen naturally breaks down, which leads to early signs of aging.  By adding Collagen to your diet, you help replenish the body’s lost supply of this important protein.

What you get out of Men’s Collagen Protein Shake is 25 grams of protein (12.5 grams of collagen and 12.5 grams of whey).  This is a great post-workout shake that is also infused with tonic botanicals, broad spectrum enzymes, and quick-energy MCT oil.  Some protein shakes out there contain 250-300 calories just to get 20 grams of protein.  The Men’s Collagen Protein Shake is only 110 calories for 25 grams and it tastes great.  You get 20 servings per tub.

I have a shake every morning for breakfast.  I have been mixing it into my smoothie, which has been great.  Here is my recipe:

Brian’s Super Smoothie

1 cup of frozen Three Berry Blend (from Costco)

2 heaping scoops of Youtheory Men’s Collagen Protein

½ cup of Silk Original Almond Milk

½ cup of Dole 100% Pineapple Orange Banana Juice

1 packet (optional) Pure Clean Powder (Beet Juice Powder)

This makes about 24 ounces of smoothie and tastes great (although the taste of the beet juice powder did take a few days to get used to).  I love starting the day with a nice smoothie. 

 

Pros:

Tastes Great

25 Grams of Protein

Only 110 calories per serving

Mixes well (no clumps)

Great price (about $2.00 per serving)

Youtheory’s Social Media Links:

Facebook

Twitter

I am a huge fan of the Youtheory Men’s Collagen Protein Shake.  I love that you get 25 grams of protein for only 110 calories and that it tastes great in smoothies.  It has become a huge part of my daily routine and has helped me to stay in the best shape of my life.  You can find Youtheory products online and at retail stores everywhere (click here for locations).  I will continue to purchase this protein shake.  Look for my review of other Youtheory products in the next few weeks.  You can get it for $39.99 online at the Vitamin World. Get yours today and let me know what you think.

Note:  I received this product in exchange for a review.  The review is my personal opinion of the product and I was not required to give a particular opinion of it.  I am not a doctor, so please use all of the products that I review at your own risk.

CHCB Cycling Apparel Review

Performance Bicycle was founded in 1981 by Garry and Sharon Snook.  They started a bicycle catalog company because they saw an opportunity to serve customers better.  With their second kid on the way, Garry and Sharon leveraged their life savings to start the company.  After almost 35 years in business they have grown into the number one specialty bicycle retailer in the United States with more than 100 stores.  Their goal is to provide the best customer experience possible to all cyclist, from the recreational rider to the avid enthusiast.

There are a couple reasons why I love Performance Bicycle.  They have a Low Price Promise.  I have found some bib shorts on sale at a competitor’s online store and the guy at Performance matched it instantly.  The prices at Performance are awesome, especially if things are on sale and they have sales all the time.

Performance also stands behind everything they sell with their Lifetime Guarantee.  If an item does not meet your expectations, simply return it.  You can get cash back for the first year and after that they would provide you with an exchange, repair, or store credit.  I had a pair of padded bike shorts that I wore for about 5 months.  The seams started to come apart.  I took it to the store to find out if this was a common issue or something specific to me, not expecting to exchange it (I just wanted to bitch).  The guy at the shop insisted on exchanging it for me.  That’s great customer service.

If you buy a bike from Performance, they will make adjustments like basic spot wheel truing, shifting and brake adjustments, tightening bolts, checking and filling tires, and lubing chains.  This won’t just happen for the first year like at most bike shops offer, but for as long as you own the bike.  I have purchased some components and they installed them free of charge, even though they could have charged me. 

You can also join Team Performance, cycling’s #1 buyers’ club.  You pay $29.99 per year but get 10% back on all of your purchases.  This adds up quickly.  You also get upgraded to 2^nd day for all orders over $50 at no cost.  For orders under $50 you just pay for standard shipping and get it upgraded 2 day shipping for free.  I can tell you from personal experience that the membership fee is more than covered by the savings, even if you don’t buy a lot of gear.

Performance developed a new line of bike clothes last year called CHCB.  They developed the CHCB line of clothing to help ride the roads you travel the most.  If you are heading to the grocery store, commuting to work, riding with your kids to school or just riding around the neighborhood, this clothing line was made for you.  Tight bike shorts are not always the most appropriate apparel.  The CHCB line combine’s excellent performance with a contemporary stylish design. 

I got to test out the CHCB James Woven Button Up Short Sleeve Jersey and the VC II Shorts. 

The James Woven Button Up is a polyester/spandex, stretch woven top that really does feel great.  It was designed for a new generation of road riders who want all of the technical advantages of traditional bike gear but allows you to look and feel good off the bike as well.  The James has a slimmer cut than normal technical t-shirts, but is not too tight, that way you don’t have too much wind drag.  The poly/spandex blend is built to be durable, helps wick moisture and dries really fast.  One of my favorite features of the James Woven Button Up is the back pocket with the reflective tab.  It doesn’t look out of place and is perfect to store your phone or some other gear.  You can either keep the flap out for added visibility or tuck it in when you don’t need it.  There are ventilated mesh side panels, a chest pocket, and a wide hemline for added style.    The James Woven Button Up is regularly $79.99, but is on sale $49.99.  If you are a Team Performance member you get $4.99 back for future purchases.

The VC II Shorts area a pair of overshorts, which means that they can be worn on their own, or with a pair of cycling shorts underneath.  That way, you can be fashionable while still being comfortable.  I have to say that the VC II Shorts are probably the most comfortable pair of shorts that I own.  The look great and feel even better.  They have a slimmer cut than your normal mountain bike shorts, but are still relaxed.  The shorts feature Lycra gussets, which are extremely soft and provide ease movement.  There are 2 front hand pockets, a side zippered pocket and a rear pocket with a reflective flap to help you stay visible in lower light situations.  The VC II Shorts are regularly $99.99, but is on sale $59.99.  If you are a Team Performance member you get $5.99 back for future purchases.

Let me be completely honest, I am no fashion guru.  The reality is that I usually wear shirts from past running races or t-shirts and comfortable shorts around the house.  I tried on the CHCB gear and was really surprised by not only how comfortable the clothes were, but that they fit perfectly too.  I also was surprised that trendy clothes looked good on me as I tend to not look good in the more trendy clothes (I like to still think I am in my 20’s at times). 

Pros:

Extremely comfortable

Looks awesome

Pockets for storage

Moisture control and dries quickly

You can wear bike shorts under the VC II shorts.

Cons:

A little on the pricey side.

Performance Bike’s Social Media Links:

Facebook

Twitter

YouTube

Blog

If you are looking for some stylish cycling clothes that look just as good, if not better, off the bike as they do on the bike than you might be interested in CHCB’s lineup at Performance Bike.  While they can be a little pricey, the clothes fit great, feel awesome, and look amazing.  Look for them on sale and you can save a little money.  Performance Bicycle is a great company with a great return policy, so if you don’t like the gear, just take it back.  Try returning clothes to other local bike shop and see what they say.  If you want to look good on and off your bike, but still want to stay comfortable and dry, pick up some CHCB clothes at your local Performance Bicycle or at Performance’s website.

Note:  I received this product in exchange for a review.  The review is my personal opinion of the product and I was not required to give a particular opinion of it.  I am not a doctor, so please use all of the products that I review at your own risk.

Crotch Guard Skin Care Oil Review

Whether you are a new runner/biker or are a seasoned veteran, one thing that can plague us all is chaffing.  I’ll bet this is your favorite topic to discuss, right?  Finding a solution can make the difference between being able to exercise the next day or not.  Why does chaffing occur though?

Chafing is caused by friction — skin rubbing against skin, clothing, or other materials.  Skin chafing can be made worse by sweat, which forms salt crystals on the skin increasing friction. This is why people who exercise are more likely to experience skin chafing. Clothes that are made with materials that don’t breathe well (like cotton) or don’t have sweat-wicking technology can also cause friction and increase the occurrence of chafing, as well as wet or dirty clothing.

Derma-Tect, Inc. is the maker of Crotch Guard Skin Care Oil, a product that can be useful in the fight against chafing.  The idea of Crotch Guard is simple, it is a hypo-allergenic oil that addressed the natural physiology of the skin.  It absorbs completely into the skin and isn’t a thick, messy cream like most anti-chafe products.  Crotch Guard is made to make your skin healthier by strengthening the skin cells at the cellular level. 

You simply use the 4 ounce bottle with a fine mist spray top to apply Crotch Guard to those areas prone to chafing.  They recommend applying it before and after bike riding, but I have been using it before and after my runs as well.  Crotch Guard provides a great cooling effect against the surface of irritated skin as well.  The bottle helps to avoid messy drips or hands full of thick anti-chafe lotions.  This makes Crotch Guard ideal for applications where you don’t have a place to wash your hands off. 

If you have ever tried Bodyglide, which is probably the most popular anti-chafe product on the market, you know that it is like a hard deodorant stick.  It tends to clump and it can be hard to wash away. Bodyglide will also melt if you leave it in the heat. Crotch Guard is a liquid that will not clump or melt.  You can’t even tell that it is on (because it goes on so thin).  I am totally sold on Crotch Guard and will continue to use it.  The four ounce bottle is said to last 4 months.  This picture shows my bottle after about 3 weeks of use, 6 days per week.

 

Pros:

Odor free

Convenient no-mess bottle

Inexpensive

Lasts forever (Great value)

Crotch Guard’s Social Media Links

Facebook

Twitter

Instagram

Pinterest

While there may be other anti-chafe products out there that work, nothing that I have tried even comes close to Crotch Guard.  It is inexpensive, works well, and won’t ruin your clothes.  You can pick up Crotch Guard in the 4 ounce bottle for $21.99 or the 1 ounce bottle for $7.99 on the Derma-Tect website or at your local bicycle retailer.  Say hello to Crotch Guard and say goodbye to chafing!

Note:  I received this product in exchange for a review.  The review is my personal opinion of the product and I was not required to give a particular opinion of it.  I am not a doctor, so please use all of the products that I review at your own risk.

Swiftwick Maxus Review

I have been running in Swiftwick socks for over a year now.  Swiftwick claims, “We make the best socks you will ever wear…GUARANTEED!”  The first time I got a pair to test out, I thought to myself, that is a very bold statement.  After testing out the Aspire socks, I was a believer in what Swiftwick was claiming (Click here for my past review of the Aspire).  I then tested out the Pursuit and Vibe socks and was even more impressed, especially with the Pursuit’s merino wool (Click here for my past review of the Pursuit and Vibe).

I received a pair of the brand new Maxus Zero to test out.  The number references the height of the sock.  The sizes range from a Zero, which is below the ankle to a Twelve, which is over the calf. 

The Maxus is their “Maximum Cushion” sock, hence the name.  It is for runners who want a cushioned sock, which I prefer over really thin socks.  It offers amazing comfort while still providing moisture wicking, Swiftwick’s “Managed Compression” and blister free performance.  The “Managed Compression” prevents bunching and hot spots by supporting all 3 arches in your foot (I had no idea we have 3 arches).  They also utilize their “Linked –Toe” technology to prevent bunching in the toe-box.  Basically, your socks will stay where they should without moving around, and it really does work that way.

When Swiftwick says that these are their plushest sock yet and they weren’t kidding.  While I really liked the amount of cushion, my favorite part was how soft and comfortable the Maxus was from the moment I put them on.  They felt so good, I almost didn’t want to run in them (just kidding). 

I slipped on the Maxus and headed out for a 6 mile run.  It was supposed to be an easy run, but my feet felt so good, I ended up doing a tempo run.   The socks stayed in place and even with the temperature being hot and muggy, my feet stayed cool and dry. 

Pros:

Very comfortable

Hot spot and blister free

Extremely durable

Made in the USA

Best guarantee in the business

Ultra plush

Swiftwick’s Social Media Links

Facebook

Twitter

YouTube

Instagram

Pinterest

Swiftwick Blog

 

I am a believer in Swiftwick socks, without a doubt.  They are extremely durable and will last for quite a while.  They are made in the USA and use the best materials and technologies available to create a superior product. 

Give them a try and let me know what you think.  What do you have to lose?  If you don’t like them, Swiftwick will buy you a pair of your favorite socks as a replacement.  You can buy them starting at $12.99 on the Swiftwick website or at your local retailer.  They also have various other sizes and several colors to choose from.  The Maxus is just one more example of why Swiftwick makes some of the best socks in the industry.

Note:  I received this product in exchange for a review.  The review is my personal opinion of the product and I was not required to give a particular opinion of it.  I am not a doctor, so please use all of the products that I review at your own risk.