Zoot Recovery Compression Tights/Review

Yesterday's mid-afternoon mail delivery included my Zoot Recovery Tights (I had to exchange them since the inseam on the original pair was too short).

It was the perfect day to try them out---I swam 4,000 yards, rode 32 miles, and did about 3 miles of dog walking.

The Good---I put them on right away and loved them so much that I slept in them last night. They felt wonderful on my weary legs. I wore them under a "play skirt" that I got from Athleta and they were fine for wearing outside (for me, that is). In terms of sleeping temps, they were fine (we had the A/C on--set at 71--and the ceiling fan was going. Outside temps were in the low 60s). When I got up to do my long ride this morning, my legs were surprisingly fresh. Usually, after Saturday's mega-swim/ride/dog walk, my legs are a bit tired on Sunday morning. I was pleased to discover that I didn't start feeling any fatigue in my legs until the last few miles of my 43-mile morning ride today.

Needs Improvement--I'll say it: I hate the low waist and the unisex sizing. I think part of the issue is that they are a bit big for me in the waist. This is likely due to the fact that they are unisex and cut more for men (the low waist is perfect support for a Beer Belly!!! LOL). As Susan mentioned, I had to hike them up occasionally. That said, they were fine after I safety-pinned the waist to make it smaller. The foot part can irritate your heels and ball of your foot. I think this is something one just gets used to, though. Have to admit that having the compression on my foot felt good. ;)

Great review! My PT loves the Zoots and the 2XUs. It will be nice when folks can do side by side comparisons to see if there are any major differences in fit.

Lisa

OK, in a burst of last minute, poor planning for our trip to Spain (leaving tomorrow at 3:30), we decided we needed recovery tights. After determining what sizes seemed right, we saw one of the local LBS carried the Skins. No, actually they didn't when we called... they are on order. After checking more on line, we found that Marathon Sports in Boston had them. So, instead of riding on a gorgeous day, we drove 20 minutes to the train and went into the city. We actually got off of the train in a spot where we could walk a bit to the store. They were so nice there.
Well, DH and I went into the dressing room together, since there were only 2. I wish we had taped this. Both of us worked up quite a sweat trying to get the tights on. But, after like 10 minutes, we found a strategy that worked. We ended up buying the Zoots and also getting a pair of Zoots calf socks to wear on the plane trip.
Since it worked up quite a sweat trying them on and spending all of that money, we walked along Newbury St. and had a late lunch at an outdoor cafe. When I got home, I went for a 5k run, so I could "test" the tights. I now have them on and they feel good. We'll see if I can stand to sleep in them.

Sounds like the Zoots have a good tight fit. The 2XUs I have are a small (I tried the xs, and they were too small), are not that tough to put on.

I kind of wonder if one should buy ones that are a size too small, as they do stretch out over time. Not sure what the longevity is on these tights, even if only worn for just recovery...

Lisa

Well, I got the "size 1"-xs in the Zoots. Based on my waist size, I was an x small. Maybe I could have gone up to a small, but I felt that the compression might not be as good? I mean, DH got the small and he is 6 inches taller and 40 pounds heavier, so it didn't seem an option.
I didn't have as much trouble putting them on after my run. It's the foot part that's tricky. I felt like I might rip the stirrup part if I wasn't super careful. Once the foot part is on, they go up fairly easily.

LOL--Crankin, you're right. I had to lie down on the bed to put them on (memories of trying to put on my jeans in college after I put on the dreaded "freshman 15")! The foot part is the toughest.

I am happy to report my legs feel great this morning. Usually, running causes me great pain, even with stretching. One of the reasons I stopped (besides my back) is that my legs were always so sore, I didn't feel like riding. I am going out for a quick 18 mile ride before we get on the plane for Spain.
I didn't sleep in them, but did wear them for about 4 hours. I will be putting the calf socks on before I dress for the trip, later.

I was just talking to DH about these since my legs were so sore after the 25k. I'm thinking about investing in a pair. I'm excited to give them a try!

After the marathon on Sunday I immediately put on my drugstore compression hose, right over my CW-X tights, hung around the post-race and walked back to the hotel. My, wasn't that attractive. :p But my legs aren't near as sore as I expected. Ice bath helped too I'm sure (once my teeth quit chattering, which was another two hours). As soon as I was done with ice and shower I put them back on and slept in them (didn't really think you were supposed to sleep in them, but since y'all are doing it, I tried it).

Not sure if this is helpful, but after years in medical compression hose (tights and thigh-high), the easiest way to get the foot in, and the tights on, is to start with them inside out. Then turn just the foot part right side right. Lay on your back and put your feet into the foot parts (the rest of the tights will be hanging off your feet, still inside out. Then grab a leg of the tights about 4-6" or so above the feet, on both sides of the leg and pull it up your your ankles/calves. Do the same on the other side. Continue in this way, a few inches at a time. When you are up to your thighs, stand up and you can pull the rest of the way up fairly easily. It sounds weird, but it really works.

Deb