So we’ve all seen them, those commercials on television about copper infused garments, from underwear, to socks to joint braces. And i ask you, (rhetorically), who has not wondered if copper infused material actually makes one hill of beans difference in the grand scheme of things with regard to your overall well-being. I can honestly tell you, having just tried the Copper Fit Compression Socks, I really can’t say if they’re all that or not. Allow me to explain.
I was in the store picking up vitamin and mineral supplements, as I have a full load and a half of things going on right now, and had been feeling a little piqued as a result. Wandering about I found myself in the “As Seen on TV” section finding out the street price of a few advertised items, when I found myself looking at the Copper Fit Socks. Kind of Having a thing for all things footwear, (especially a more comfy sock that gives something back), you can pretty much count me in to give it a trounce.
As to my evaluation, I got the Small/Mediums which is a men’s 6-9 or women’s 8-10. They also come in Large/X-Large which are a Men’s 9-12 and/or women’s 10-13.
The features touted by bullet images on the back of the box were:
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with other compression garments available, as previously mentioned were:
- Underwear/shorts
- Socks
- Braces (elbow, knee, ankle)
The socks (at least) are known to come in colors:
- Black
- White
Do they live up to their claim?
This is where things get a little fuzzy. Though I do admit to feeling a little better overall, it’s probably my fault, but there was a flaw in the testing process. Having started a new regiment of vitamins and minerals at the very same time as using the socks makes understanding test results a little vague. Be it a question of cause and effect or cart before the horse, it’s hard to say. The fundamental question: was it the socks, the vitamins or a combination that warranted any results. In full disclosure the supplements were for a B complex, Biotin, Iron and Calcium.
Materials
Overall I think I was mostly satisfied, i think. They appeared to be copper infused. The box says Material Breakdown: 84% Nylon, 9% Polyester, 6% spandex, 1% other fibers with copper. Now although that sounds like a very specific breakdown, indeed a mere 1% other fiber with copper is kind of minimalist where distribution is concerned. It’s almost as if the copper got in by accident at those trace levels, and very hard to determine if that would have any impact on anything whatsoever. I mean what molecular biologist figure out less that 1% was enough to matter at all!
Compression
Otherwise, I could feel the compression aspect working at various times, and a general improvement in movement and circulation. They were lightweight, breathable did not seem to trap any odors, and their other claim is related to compression as well which they/we’ve already covered pretty much. So, yes that all seems to check out.
Valuation
So here’s the kicker. the big take-away is that cost $9.99 a pair at local retailers. Holy freakin’… what’s up with that? They are socks! If they are really that beneficial, shouldn’t I be able to rotate between pairs. A whole weeks worth would be like $70. I also have a suspicion that they may not last as long as one might hope. We’ll see how it turns out in the long run.
They would do well to package two for the same price, the box is big enough, otherwise its kind of wasteful over-packaging. Perhaps if they advertise if you buy 1 on TV or online may give a deal for two pairs, which would be advantageous toward a less wasteful purchase.
So the price seems a bit steep for the product itself. (After all you are not buying copper mesh). A full body armor set would set a person back nearly hundred dollars and have $1.00 worth of copper for it or at current $10 gets you what- like $0.07 in copper. So no, it’s no bitcoin mining operation, though maybe it is for them. Now if only we weren’t such suckers for these ads.
So in conclusion
You really don’t have to waste this much money. Any improvement is subtle, though not unwelcome, if not just a placebo effect or brought on by better balance through dietary supplements. What’s important is they are nice compression socks that are comfortable. They fit nicely around toes and heel with an extra “stay put” feel. (That is, as long as they last). Proper care would probably extend their value and there are very specific instructions for cleaning.
Nevertheless, if you do go for these, do yourself a favor and get two. (For the price of one, if/where available).
So yeah, of course I’m going to get another pair, to match the other pair, just so I can rotate them. You know- have a pair to wear while the other is in the wash. Later, I will want to test the aluminum winter socks to see how those stack up. Wondering what would happen if i put them on over the copper socks… Would there be some sort of metal reaction like electrostatic shock from the known universe or perhaps beyond? I will let you know, (one way or another), if I become my own personal taser. All in the name of research!
Bear in mind: with these socks, as with most “As Seen on TV products”, the experience is all your own. Some people love this kind of stuff, other’s not so much. In short, results may vary, significantly. Buyer beware: read the fine print, don’t build up false expectations etc… Until next time… Enjoy Yourself!