Sof Sole Review and Giveaway!

Airr (I want to add some extra "rrrr's" and talk like a pirate when I see the name of these) insoles and Coolmax Trainer socks!

I was very excited to get an email recently from Whitney at Sof Sole, offering to send me free products because I am a runner - you know that my ego practically exploded and I couldn't say "yes" fast enough! She sent me a pair of Airr shoe insoles and a three-pack of Coolmax Trainer socks to try out.

The Airr insoles feature air chamber technology in the heels and arch, with a Coolmax cover. I've always wondered about performance insoles but never felt that I really needed them (and therefore didn't want to spend the money), so this was a nice opportunity to give them a try. First, I matched up the insoles from my Brooks running shoes and trimmed the Airrs to fit. Then I tried the shoes on...and boy was that a tight fit - too tight for me. My running shoes are Forrest Gump thick, and I don't think that they are made to have such a cushion-y insole. Next, I tried them in my old Asics workout shoes and hello, that brought those shoes back to life! Having just retired those shoes, I can see being able to wear them again - the extra cushion felt great, and I gave my feet a true pounding with box jumps, burpees and some treadmill time. I'd recommend these, but with a bit of caution - if your shoes are already pretty snug, you may not have room for the insoles (and of course you know that you remove the insert that comes with the shoe before putting in the Airrs, right?).

Onto the socks. These are super soft - in fact, I felt like I was surrounding my feet in cotton batting when I put them on. They do have some cotton in their makeup - 30% - and I was a little concerned about that since I've read that cotton socks are a no-no when it comes to running. Anyway, I gave them a try on a run recently, and while the cotton didn't bother me, they were a little low cut and might have slipped down on my heel a little...all I know is that my shoe rubbed the back of my ankle, and that doesn't normally happen. I took pictures with both the Sof Sole Coolmax Trainers and what I usually wear, which are Thorlo Experia socks. You can see the height difference - again, it could be partly due to my running shoe style.

Coolmax Trainer socks barely start out above the back of my shoe.

Whereas the Thorlo Experias have more room above my shoe, which protected my ankle.

So while I wouldn't run in the Coolmax Trainer socks, I would use them for normal use with sneakers. Keep in mind that this is just my experience with them - your mileage may vary.

Now onto the giveaway: One lucky person will win, courtesy of Sof Sol, their Training Package, which consists of several pairs of socks (Coolmax Trainers and Anti-Friction) and a pair of insoles! To enter, just go to www.sofsole.com and then leave me a comment letting me know which product you would like to try. That's it - easy as pie! Open to U.S. residents only. One entry per person - I'll have random.org draw a winner Thursday night and post it on Friday, interwebs-willing. Good luck!

FCC Disclaimer: Giveaway will be fulfilled by Sof Sole, who sent me socks and insoles to try. Review of said products is all my opinion.