COMPRESSION FOR RUNNING
You have certainly seen them before: those runners with long and tight compression socks around their calves. Chances are you own them, too. It's logic to think that they really have they are useful. Yes, they really are. But do you know why compression is good for runners?
How does compression running gear work?
Compression socks do have a specific purpose: delivering a controlled amount of pressure that improves the blood circulation in your muscles. The compression gear wraps around and supports the muscles , which reduces movement and vibration of the muscles. The positive effect is that your legs will feel less fatigue and painful. Compression socks during or after running are nothing but useful, especially for endurance athletes.
The advantages of wearing compression
Compression reduces muscle fatigue
Because of the stimulation of blood circulation, the oxygen supply to your muscles improves. That leads to postponing muscle fatigue. As a runner, you will feel longer energetic and fresh.
Compression avoids injuries
The controlled pressure over key areas supports your muscles. That reduces the risk of injuries. Also blisters will stay away. Most of the compression socks are designed with an anatomical fit to protect your feet against painful pressure points.
Compression increases recovery speed
Compression stimulates the blood flow and oxygen delivery to your muscles. They may help reduce swellings, soreness, or cramps after a long training run or heavy workout.
Compression improves your performances
Yes, you read it well. Compression really improves your sportive performances. In fact, that's the positive result of these other benefits. When you don't experience leg fatigue, blisters don't appear and you can keep running injury-free, it's logic you perform better.
When wearing compression (socks)?
Compression during running
Wearing compression during your run improves the oxygen delivery, increases bloodflow and therefore decreases soreness. Plus, when you wear compression socks, they also reduce the amount of stress and strain on your muscles.
Excessive shocks on your muscles during running can lead to injuries, like shin splits, a very common injury among runners.
Plus, compression makes your legs feel less painful and fatigue.
Compression after running
Not only during running, but also after a long run or heavy workout are compression socks useful. Especially in periods of long inactivy, for example when working in front of the computer, compression socks are valuable. And when you travel by plane, compression reduces the air pressure on your legs.
The use of compression speed up recovery time and reduce soreness. It reduces swelling and drains waste from the body more quickly.
That leads to less soreness and fatigue.
The best compression socks for runners
There are plenty of compression socks available, and they are different in many ways. The best sock to wear depends on your personal preferences and the reason why you wear them. We would like to guide you in your choice.
Herzog compression socks
The brand Herzog is mainly known in the medical branche. The compression socks of Herzog have a slightly higher compression level, which makes them less comfortable during running. They are more to recover from injuries or medical problems like swollen feet or legs.
Compression socks of CEP or Compressport
During running or afterwards for your recovery, we recommend a slightly lower compression grade. The clothes and socks of CEP or Compressport are enough to wrap your calves and legs to reduce the risk of injuries and fatigue. These socks are more comfortable to wear.
Would you like professional and personal advice? Ask your questions to our live WhatsApp-team. Our advisors help you online to make the right decision.
Of course, you can visit on of our Runners' lab stores before buying your compression socks. You can try the compression socks on and decide which pair fits best.
Who should wear compression socks?
Do you regularly put on your running shoes for a longer distance or an intensive interval training? In that case, you benefit from compression socks. As you could read above, compression increases recovery speed, delays muscle fatigue and prevents injuries. You can wear them during running, but also afterwards for a faster recovery.
By the way: you don't have to be a professional or fast runner to enjoy the benefits of compression. Runners who often suffer from fatigue and sore muscles better wear the socks after a training.
Conclusion: compression can be used preventive during running to avoid injuries, but also for a faster recovery afterwards.
Compression tights and compression sleeves
Just as compression socks, the compression tights and compression sleeves put pressure on your muscles to drain waste out of your body. They offer the same interesting benefits as the socks, with the only difference that they press on other key points. Think of the compression leggings that support the whole legs, or the shorts, thigh sleeves, and arm sleeves to support the upper legs or arms.
The difference between compression socks and compression sleeves
In general, compression socks and compression sleeves offer the same function: to give pressure on your muscles to stimulate the blood circulation. But, there are small differences, and we advice you one or the other, depending on the use.
During running, sleeves and socks have the same effect: avoiding soreness and fatigue. The choice depends on how important your running socks are to you. If you want to stay true to your own socks, sleeves are the way to go. Compression socks are a one-piece accessory, which means you only have to put on one piece, of course.
After running you better choose the compression socks. Compression moves away waste from your legs, but when wear sleeves, it all piles up in your feet. That leads to swollen feet. That's not the case with compression socks, which you can wear for hours, and even at night when you sleep.