What Is The Point In Compression Socks? | Calf Guards & Recovery Tights Explained

[@hidden6pack998]

I wear compression calf sleeves on most of my long runs and particularly when I do hard trail runs with a lot of vertical gain. I started to wear them after I ramped up my milage and started to have a number of calf and achilles injuries. The calf sleeves really do seem to work for me in helping to prevent those injuries. I also often wear a pair of calf sleeves for several hours after my longest runs to help prevent soreness and fatigue. The sleeves in conjunction with a consistent regimen on stretching and foam rolling have made a world of difference and have allowed me to significantly increase my milage.

[@HikingFeral]

This is an underrated comment. Everything you wrote here works for me too. Wearing them during recovery seems to reduce Doms to almost nothing.

[@F2fntypvvjs]

Hey what brand do you recommend. I also get injuries off road running and vertical gains

[@2_572]

Will it work if I made my calves sore as hell. I work tomorrow at UPS lol

[@patrickainsworth9918]

Recently started wearing compression socks on run work outs and long runs, absolutely love them. They have stopped me getting inflammation in the tendons in my calves that run alongside my shin bone, reducing the discomfort at the end of the run. The issues I was having have all but gone.

[@kajet666]

GA MF the Placebo ;)

[@dsanchezc3]

I literally quit wearing regular socks and only wear compression socks. My leg inflammation and leg pain went away completely. I work 12+ hour shifts and come home with zero inflammation. Life changing product.

[@Runderestimated]

I wear compression socks for every run! Can't recommend them enough they totally changed my training. Great for moisture wicking too!

[@JamesMartin-gl8gg]

I like to wear compression socks for both running and cycling. I do suffer from varicose veins which after I have finished are not so pronounced.

[@linettelow]

Thank you for sharing this 💚 I’m trail running and appreciate longer socks for the support & protection. I had no idea they help you post-workout and will incorporate them into recovery.

[@markovucicevic2917]

Compression socks are great, I wear a tighter pair of comr. socks when running, and I have another pair, looser fit, I wear those sometimes while I work in my office. Cmrpsn socks are great, they protect me from injuries when running, and after the run, legs are not swollen, which is great.

[@iberiksoderblom]

I had a period where I often had muscle fiber tears in my calfes. Even when training at low levels. Compressing my calfes made it possible to do the needed strengh training and to start running regularly again. I had been away from running from a high level for some years, had gained weight and gotten above 50 in age... Now I dont need compression all the time. I use them in difficult trailruns, because they also protect my lower leg, I use them for intense speed workouts, and I use them when its extremely hot. Running turned from night to day, when I startet using the compression. It was a dramatic change for the better.

[@hidden6pack998]

One additional thought regarding wether or not compression tights/ sleeve work. If you watch NBA here in US, you will notice a ton of players that are wearing them. These players have hundred million dollar contracts and their teams hire the best sports medicine physicians and physiologist in the world to protect their investments. With the number of players that wear all sorts of compression sleeve and tights, there has to be a legitimate reason.

[@terryhari7534]

Remember they also use stupid armband 😂. Also magnetic bracelet

[@mattofthenorth]

I have a tendency to perceive a sense of toe claustrophobia with full compression socks so I opt for the calf sleeve from time to time instead.

[@glenmitchell9980]

I’ve used compression socks since I started getting calf strains about 6 years ago. Last time I didn’t use them was an aquathlon in UK in March. Calf went ping halfway through the run and took 10 weeks to recover. Luckily all good now and ready for Outlaw X tomorrow 😀

[@LosEagle]

I've been using calf sleeves for some time. Still can't tell if it really works or if it's just psychological.

[@Kelly_Ben]

Thanks for this!! I've been wearing calf sleeves since getting a calf strain a few months ago. I wasn't sure what the science said, I just knew they made my runs after 2 weeks off feel a little more comfortable. I haven't run without them since!

[@raymondelliot4605]

I wear compression socks all year round. I found it reduced injuries. I have got so used to them to the point if I run or cycle without them I may pick up an injury. Not sure if it is psychological but it works for me. Thanks for the information 👍🏻🏃🏻‍♂️🚴🏻‍♂️

[@wayne3078]

I used to have huge issues with my calves tearing and cramping badly. I have quiet big calves but I’ve found wearing the 2XU calf sleeve has massively helped me. My calf doesn’t seem to have the huge impact wobble and also I found that keeping them on 20 mins post runs in a cold bucket of water reduced the swelling or fatigue in the muscle. I won’t run without them now

[@lexington476]

I like compression sleeves for longish races, 10 miles to halfs. I have the CEP socks, but they are so hard to get on and off, I go with the sleeves.

[@philipholenstein5685]

Compression socks work no doubt. I work at a stand up desk and I’m a lot less fatigued with them on than without.

[@candise9063]

I wear compression socks for every run. They have helped me so much with my ever present calf problem.

[@ayahoo16]

I work at Walmart and I stand on my feet for 9 or more hours a day. I have never run a marathon and I definitely never will, but I am very grateful to have discovered impression sex they are a lifesaver. I literally couldn't stand after a shift because my feet would swell and I would sit for hours after work and be faced with such pain just doing what needed to be done before going to bed. I still experience pain but it is nothing compared to what I used to experience! I can't express enough how glad I am to have discovered this! I used to wrap my ankles in Ace bandages but that is more difficult and they wear out over time. Socks are so much better!!!

[@Br0wnCh3]

I’m sorry what 😂

[@kajet666]

Calf sleeves also make it easier to remove your wetsuit in T1. I used to wear them in races for precisely this reason (also because of aero - I don’t shave my legs).

[@annakatie4521]

mine have been great (in combination with strapping and a brace) to reduce swelling and help me incr. training load after a bad ankle injury!!

[@incognito8023]

Great video, beautiful landscape! And beautiful heather :) I have a lot of calf injury in my trainings... I found that compression is great for short and intense runs. Long runs I feel that I'm not getting the full muscle power and that makes the other muscles work harder. Usually, workouts more than 1h I start feeling the glutes/back more with the compression. Weird stuff!

[@MattSwain1]

I wear short compression socks and separate compression sleeves on my calves because my calves are skinny and have never found any long compression socks that will stay up when I run! I honestly don’t know if they make a difference to me, there’s no way of being able to measure how my legs would be if I hadn’t worn them, but I find them comfortable with no obvious downside so will continue to wear them

[@alanshrimpton6787]

Strained my calf 10 weeks ago running. I had another strain 15 months prior but different location. Podiatrist recommended I get some. Been running in calf sleeves since because I like my socks and can wear them a few times while I wouldn't wear socks more than once. Where I noticed a difference is on my bike when dropping off a drive or curb my calf would shake and hurt. With these on they don't so I wear them to reduce the shaking. I think I'll keep wearing them until the day I get another calf strain.

[@bhatch]

You mention studies showing benefits, can you link to those studies in the video description or call out specific papers or authors?

[@jacojansen4156]

www.acefitness.org/education-and-resources/lifestyle/blog/3598/the-lowdown-on-compression-clothing-benefits/

[@jobhuisman6350]

Search pubmed, don't boost performance at all (3/22 studies show some improvement probably just inaccurate) more studies seem to show less fatigue but mostly perceived so could be placebo

[@brutosaraccini6591]

Very good! Well explained and instructive, thanks

[@richscorer]

I wear both compression recovery socks, which I think are great when you are recovering at a desk job. Also calf guards are great for this time of year tri's in the UK, I find that it aids the warmth of your legs and getting going on the bike. Plus they are aero!

[@mithral999]

I had to give up using the calf sleeves because I started having knee problems, now I just use compresion socks up to the ankles, great for avoiding blisters

[@dontbanmebrodontbanme5403]

I don't consider myself a long distance runner. I'll typically do 4+ to 10 miles, usually when it's the weekend and I have more time. I have very sensitive baby feet and I find compression socks to be essential for making my feet recover the next day. I'll typically wear them during my run and if I can tell my feet are going to be super sensitive, I'll even wear them for a few hours after the run and yes, I've worn them overnight before.

[@deborahglover0112]

I wear compression sleeves at night and usually wear compression leggings or tights. I really dont like the socks because they cut into my leg cuttinf the circulation off. I dont have that with the leggings or tights. They are difficult to get on but they feel great

[@edwardbliss8931]

Compression socks actually made my varicose vein pain worse, and I was actually measured and fitted.

[@nissenalf]

I wear calf sleves on my longer runs and races. My tendencies for having cramps in the calfs seems to go away when wearing them.

[@jondalgas7201]

I have used different types of compression socks and find them ok but I’ve just bought Stock X and I’m in love 😍

[@italiansurprise]

Is there any aero benefit to regular compression sleeves on the bike?

[@user-mj3fk4hg2l]

I enjoy my Azengear calf sleeves 👍They are super comfortable and provide good compression

[@Kaëlanii]

great video and very accurate in its information

[@heidersouza]

Grata content! Question... how do you train outside on the winter? (Tips and advice about temperatures would be nice)

[@TheSamwhyte]

So how do you know when to get long socks or ones that are just ankle length?

[@AngryGeisha652]

Can you wear them if you lift weights? Like for leg day? Or anytime you're at the gym? Or are they only good for after workouts?

[@zyghom]

in UK long compression socks are super ok September - May - it is just too cold for shorts only ;-)

[@19Kamau79]

That could be useful information as I will be jogging or running during January and some mornings offer nothing better than -20C°

[@lisinbondi1240]

I have lymphodoema and compression tights make all the difference to my running recovery. That’s based on 10 years of me :). I need them for thighs not calves so ok in summer to wear knee length in summer

[@trailsandbeers]

I tried them when I started ultras, just because lots of people wear them 🤷‍♂️ But I didn't like them and I feel better without them, I don't use arm sleeves either.

[@amjedhussain7954]

Is it good for riding a bike long distance or continue riding without stop

[@RealStrategyGamingClassics]

Only some people need them and only some people should wear them. Yes they DO work! If you don't need them for a medical reason get the sport, version. Truform sport is good and terafirm corespun is good. 15-20 compression is enough usually. I been wearing them a decade.

[@hs14NZ]

No mention of compression socks that can also add aero advantages on the bike. Thoughts on this please?

[@heatherfell_oly]

It's not compression socks but aero socks, I did mention those at the end briefly.

[@hs14NZ]

Heather Fell do you know if you can get any that work well for both?

[@heatherfell_oly]

@@hs14NZ I would imagine you can but you need to be careful that you don't end up with mediocre compression and mediocre aero and end up not really gaining. Cycling tends to be more for aero and run for compression.

[@hs14NZ]

Heather Fell thank you so much for replying. Love your videos!

[@chinmayhuddar9509]

Here we go again, seriously. Does GTN have a psychic for R&D? Wonderful content, god bless.

[@philipbuckley759]

where does one get fitted....

[@MAMAGGray]

They are hard to get on and expensive for socks, it helps me with swelling and varicose veins, I wear them in 115 degree weather in TX, and i only wear black knee high. I will swear by them!! Beware of your cats, cat claws can put runs in the hose. Still good just funky, not cat proof!

[@DrNooreenIbrahim]

I love compression socks! I made a video about it as well.

[@Sam-xm1py]

Literally injured my soleus right before this video came out

[@atulpandey0093]

Very tight compression cause vein and muscle damage

[@Hundert1]

I'm a back to nature naturalistic type who's not into wearing any added materials, fancy modern scientific gimmicks or gadgets. I'm also not keen on being compressed 😉 One of my favorite activities is running barefoot along sandy shorelines. Normally I run roads and trails with just the appropriate running shoes, basic socks, comfortable shorts and shirt. Whatever makes you happy or floats your boat is my philosophy. Enjoy ☀️ 🌻

[@alisontriathlonlover]

Wear them on long runs, very helpful to avoid cramps!

[@McStoolio]

Yes they work, wonderfully.

[@julienbouillot6960]

it seems like a lot claims with no much evidence.

[@IanRamon]

Evidence is in people testimonials in the comments and she said it in video.. not many studies but people who wear them feel better.

[@samkitty5894]

They don't do what you think. It's all hype. Football players cut holes in the back of their socks because they can't stand the restrictions on their muscles. If someone was choking your neck, would you say that your breathing is now easier? I think not...

[@subasurf]

A terrible analogy

[@EKSolinari]

i like calf sleeves since they are fat and jiggly

[@yolandas.6193]

i love her accent.

[@pegasusairborne2978]

I wear them because they are comfy. That’s it lol

[@jones1068]

I tend to wear leggings.

[@bukanyoutuberloch5831]

Mandul...

[@CheapHomeTech]

WTF are they?! I have never even heard of these things! Now I'm trying to imagine what next will be invented. Perhaps a spray? A mist from the himalayan mountains blessed by the deity of your choice giving you better aerodynamics, lung capacity, and mental fortitude!?

[@Kelly_Ben]

😂🤣 You've probably seen plenty of them, but just assumed they were silly socks worn by geeks. I just started wearing them and they're worth looking like a goober. But hey, I'm all for the blessed Himalayan spray!!

[@CheapHomeTech]

​@@Kelly_Ben Yep. Just thought they were fashion statements. Like those people that wear shoes that don't match. One might be glow in the dark pink and the other blue. So the next time I see strange looking socks I'll take special notice and not assume it's a fashion statement of some sort. My fashion statements are on the dark side. Today I spent probably two hours thinking about putting a face mask on the outside of my shorts. As a statement about this scam-demic. I concluded I'd like to see others do it but it would not be right for me to do it. Maybe I could sell it on amazon if they allowed me to... (I know, a little off track.)

[@Kelly_Ben]

@@CheapHomeTech I don't quite understand how it could be a scam... every single country, whether democratic, socialist, or communist, all has it in their countries and has had deaths. Never in the written or oral history of the world has every country agreed on any one thing, ever, big or small. I cannot even begin to imagine why every country, with their differing governments, opinions, and sometimes downright hatred towards each other, would agree on pushing a huge 'scam' about a deadly illness. (Besides that, I've got friends who are nurses... you want a real person's 'proof', talk to an acting health care practitioner that you trust.) But yes, I assumed the same thing about the bizarre fashion statement. LOL

[@jmm0935]

First