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CEP Progressive+ 2.0 - Women's Review

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CEP Progressive+ 2.0 - Women's Review
Credit: CEP
Price:  $60 List
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Manufacturer:   CEP
By Amber King ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  Oct 26, 2015

Our Verdict

Our testers loved the CEP Progressive+ 2.0 for its great performance (and its fun colors). Scoring just a few points below the Zensah Tech+ Compression - Women's (our runner up for Editors' Choice), the Progressive+ is breathable, comfortable, and has great padding underfoot. It also has one of the highest graduated compression ratings of the socks we tested (22-25 mmHg). A perfect choice for any lady gearing up for a long day on foot.
REASONS TO BUY
Great padding underfoot
Good breathability
Great colors
Sleeve option
REASONS TO AVOID
Padding packed out a little
Pilling
Most expensive
If you're looking for a simpler, less expensive sock with comparable compression, check out the Pro Compression Marathon Sock - Women's.

Our Analysis and Test Results

The CEP Progressive+ 2.0 has a 22-25 mmHg graduated level of compression, a padded foot, and fantastic fit. This recipe makes for a versatile and high performance compression sock that works great for reducing muscle fatigue and improving recovery.

Performance Comparison


cep progressive+ 2.0 for women - one of our testers takes the progressive+ 2.0 on a trail running...
One of our testers takes the Progressive+ 2.0 on a trail running mission high up in the San Juan Mountains.
Credit: Amber King

Comfort & Fit


This sock's compression (graduated 22 - 25 mmHg) targets the Achilles, calf, and arch region. Thanks to its relatively high graduated compression rating, our testers found that worked wonders to help alleviate muscle fatigue both during activity and post-activity. The fit is specific to the left and right foot, and it is constructed of a nylon/spandex blend fabric that is soft and more comfortable than the Pro Compression sock. Our testers also loved the seamless toe that prevented blisters on long days out. Despite these pros, the CEP just didn't quite measure up to our top scoring socks in this metric.

cep progressive+ 2.0 for women - we loved the length, location of compression, colors, and fabric...
We loved the length, location of compression, colors, and fabric materials.
Credit: Amber King

Padding


Of the products we tested, this one has the thickest padding in the sole and heel, which makes it perfect for long days in the mountains. If you're looking for a sock with a little less padding, check out the Zensah Tech+.

Breathability


Scoring second highest in this metric, our team of testers were happy to wear this sock on hot sunny days while breaking a sweat. The fabric itself is well constructed with large pores for ample wicking and air flow. During our hang to dry and paddleboard tests, we found that it was consistently the second fastest to dry. If you want a sock with even more breathability, check out the 2XU Compression.

Ease of On & Off


Thanks to a very thick band of fabric at the top, this sock is somewhat easy to pull on and off. However, since it has a high level of compression and thinner material, it was harder to take off than both the Zensah and 2XU Run sock.

cep progressive+ 2.0 for women - not the easiest sock to take on and off (due to the higher level of...
Not the easiest sock to take on and off (due to the higher level of compression), but it seemed to get a touch easier after a month or so.
Credit: Amber King

Durability


Overall the durability on this sock is good; however, in comparison to the other products in this review, it had a couple of durability issues. This model had the most pilling and packing out of materials in the footbed. That said, we were very critical in assessing this metric and would still recommend buying this sock.

Best Applications


Given its high performance, our testers agreed that the CEP is a versatile sock that can be used for almost anything. We specifically recommend it if you're searching for a sock with extra padding. Many of our testers liked it for hiking and running in both cold and warm weather. It also worked well for recovery. If you want a sock more geared to recovery (higher level of compression), check out the 2XU Compression Recovery - Women's.

cep progressive+ 2.0 for women - high alpine ridge running? check! this sock is perfect for endurance...
High alpine ridge running? Check! This sock is perfect for endurance days. Elizabeth felt that her legs were fresh for the next adventure!
Credit: Amber King

Value


Of all the products tested, this one had the highest price tag of $60 However, if you're looking for extra padding in your sock, then we think it's worth the extra $10. If you're not so crazy about extra padding, then save $10 and check out one of our other contenders.

Conclusion


The CEP Progressive+ 2.0 is very versatile and a favorite of several testers. We loved its well-padded foot, fantastic level of compression, soft materials, and variety of colors. If you want a sock that will support you through numerous aerobic sports in warm or cold weather, check the CEP out!

cep progressive+ 2.0 for women - many of our testers loved the fun color, length, and fit of the cep...
Many of our testers loved the fun color, length, and fit of the CEP sock. We will continue to use it to aid in recovery for the future.
Credit: Amber King

Amber King