Once reserved for diabetics and frequent flyers, compression socks have gone mainstream, thanks to athletes who swear by their performance benefits in training, racing and recovery.
“I started wearing compression gear in 2007, and I sure got some funny looks as the first person in the USA to wear them [at Ironman Louisville that year],” said Chris McDonald, a professional triathlete and four-time Ironman champion. “I was chatting with a surgeon about post-op recovery, and he said to me, ‘I know nothing about sport, but I can’t tell you quality compression socks will help with return blood flow.’ So I just tried them!”
Although experts are still debating about the effects being more in your head than your legs, I’m a proponent of compression gear, based on experience. Not only do my legs feel fresher mid-run, but they’re also less sore the day after. Plus, I pulled out a PR in my last half marathon, which I attribute in part to a pair of neon pink knee-high compression socks.
Personal opinions aside, there are a few reasons why it may be worth setting your gear budget back a few bucks (prices for these puppies are in the $45-60 range) to get ahead in your training:
Improve circulation. Ever get that “heavy legged” feeling while working out? Keep blood from pooling in hard-working muscles with a pair of CEP Compression Socks ($60), which offer the ideal amount of support to keep legs feeling peppy.
Stay comfortable. If you’re worried that wearing compression socks means you’ll have to give up your favorite cushy, anti-blister ankle socks, think again. Zenzah Compression Socks ($50) are like a happy hug for your legs with graduated compression, arch support and extra padding in the toe and heel.
Increase protection. Socks aren’t just for shielding feet against your shoes. SLS3 Butterfly Compression Socks ($55) do quadruple duty with blood flow-boosting compression and light padding in pressure areas, plus special material that provides a cooling effect and 50+ SPF sun protection.
Speed recovery. Bounce back faster by getting oxygenated blood into muscles and flushing exercised-induced by-products, such as lactic acid. 2XUCompression Socks for Recovery ($45) are engineered with strong elastomeric yarns and a circular knit structure to provide the highest density support to get you back on your feet.
“I definitely feel the benefits with both performance and recovery time,” said McDonald. “If you can recover quicker you can train harder. Put on compression for all travel (including drives over two hours), wear them during and post workout, and put a pair of compression socks on as you are sitting around at night. It’s not rocket science; it just takes routine.”
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