Reviewed by TriKonaI was a little skeptical about all this compression gear seeing as how its blown up in the last few years. I did some research and met with a rep from this company at a race earlier this year and finally went for it. Turns out CEP is actually just the athletic division of a 90 year old medical compression company, so its not like they jumped on the bandwagon and made a half baked product. The socks fit TIGHT (they're supposed to) but feel great. I got the black pair so I can wear them with my slacks as recovery socks. I usually run with them and keep them on afterwards - I've yet to race with them on. I don't have any issues with shin splints or cramping but just use them to increase circulation and reduce recovery time - and have had great luck. A few friends like them because they support the calf and have helped reduce shin splints.