Compression Confessions

We Runners live in a market saturated with powders, drinks, bars, gels, supplements, and clothing... all promising to make us faster, recover quicker, or provide an extra boost of energy.  And I'll admit, I love trying them all!
 But not everything works for everyone. Each runner will swear by one product over another.  And there's always tons of conflicting studies debunking what we once thought as running gospel.  Nevertheless, we runners are also STUBBORN and when we find something that
                                                                                 works for us as an individual,
                                                                                 we refuse to accept otherwise.
 
  For me, the one product I "swear" by is compression sleeves/socks.  Both essentially work the same.  You've probably seen hundreds of people wearing them during a race, or seen someone sporting some brightly colored compression sleeves afterwards.  They make look ridiculous, but I've come to love mine!
   What do they do? Basically it's all about circulation... here's a great article explaining the benefits and why you'll see so many people wearing them.
http://www.fleetfeethartford.com/sports-medicine/sports-medicine-corner/compression
 
  Again, every runner is different. Some swear they help them recover after a run and will wear them under their normal clothes... disguising neon green compression sleeves under their jeans at a post-race party.  Others, like me, wear them during the race itself.  I have found that my calves cramp less during my really long runs.  I tend to prefer the sleeves b/c I can still wear my normal socks.  However, if it's a chilly start or going to be cold throughout the race, I'll wear my compression socks for the extra warmth. 
 
    I'm not saying you HAVE to run out right now and buy a pair... but if you're on the fence about it...
I will suggest at least trying them out! Every runner I know loves them, even those who just started wearing them.  But you just have to find out the use that suits you best. During a run vs after. 
  As with any major running product, there are plenty of brands out there to choose from.  The compression sleeves are cheaper (ranging from $30-45 for the sleeves; $45-60 for the socks).  If it's your first time with these, check out your local running store and they'll help you choose the best pair/size for you.
  Have any other questions/comments about compression sleeves/socks?
                                                       Let me hear 'em below!  Thanks for reading and
                                                       Happy Running!


Comments

  1. MCM MamaFebruary 12, 2014 at 5:53 PM

    I run every run over 6 miles in them and every race of any distance. I have a cranky calf and compression keeps it from going from cranky to not willing to run. When I'm doing back to back races, I run in them, do an epsom salt bath, and then put on a clean pair of compression socks for the next few hours. So, yeah, I'm sold on them.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. UnknownFebruary 12, 2014 at 6:25 PM

      I too have angry calves and wear then on any distance over 10. And I will wear a fresh pair after a race or the next day if I'm super sore. And virtual high-five on the Epsom salts... Those are part of my recovery routine too!

      Delete
  2. Mar on the Run!February 13, 2014 at 9:55 AM

    I've used socks and calf sleeves during a run just to try out but haven't felt any added benefit so don't race in them. I swear by them for long run recovery and travel though!!! I will wear arm sleeves for cooler morning races but not compression sleeves.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. UnknownFebruary 16, 2014 at 4:04 PM

      They're not for everyone. I love em but doesn't mean they're the best fit for every runner. I've only worn arm sleeves twice... But that's the benefit of desert-weather lol

      Delete
  3. AnonymousFebruary 16, 2014 at 9:32 AM

    I'm on my feet all day and according to my fit-bit can range from 12000-15000 steps per day . Do you think these socks would help someone with varicose vein problems whose doc has suggested those ugly support hose?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. UnknownFebruary 16, 2014 at 4:05 PM

      It's basically the same concept as the stockings you're referring to. If you wanna give em a try I say go for it! At least compression socks come in all sorts of fun colors! Lol

      Delete
  4. Copper FitDecember 29, 2014 at 7:18 AM

    Thanks for sharing your thoughts on compression sleeve usage.

    ReplyDelete
  5. dailylifeFebruary 15, 2016 at 12:39 AM

    I also bought a pair're looking for compression stockings to feel comfortable while jogging.But I do not know the product is good and it is beneficial for both my heels.

    ReplyDelete
  6. DavidrosettaJune 24, 2016 at 3:51 AM

    Effective as a treatment aid - Technically speaking, compression socks provide a very snug fit so as to keep the foot stable and the fascia ligament stretched, thus many have reported a reduction in morning pains.


    Ankle Compression Sleeve

    ReplyDelete
  7. thomas johnJuly 26, 2017 at 4:24 AM

    Thanks for sharing this amazing blog and the details about Compression Sock Sleeves really awesome.
    Good work.

    Compression socks

    ReplyDelete
  8. Tricare Medical Supplies IncFebruary 18, 2019 at 3:30 AM

    Nice blog.
    Its give really good information.
    compression wear nashville gallatin

    ReplyDelete
  9. LubnaOctober 8, 2020 at 8:55 PM

    Wearing pantyhose is beneficial for both boys and girls. It is better to wear pantyhose on long trips for sports or work. It is more comfortable in winter. Some fashionable manufacturers make pantyhose for men. If you don't know how to choose and buy men pantyhose suitable for men's wearing than I suggest you read this article.
    compression pantyhose for men

    ReplyDelete
  10. Sergio MarquinaApril 16, 2021 at 11:24 PM

    We gave Ankle Compression Socks to our dad. He loves these ankle socks and demands more of these

    ReplyDelete

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