Compression Socks for Running
| January 8, 2013 | Posted by Madeline @ Food, Fitness, and Family under FitGear, Reviews, Running |
It’s safe to say that compression socks have changed running for me in a big way. I first discovered compression sleeves after running the Go! St. Louis Half Marathon last April and have never looked back. I wore them for 24 hours after the half for recovery and my calves literally had no soreness or pain. This was a stark difference from my recovery from my first half marathon. Based on this fact alone, I was sold.
When I started training for the Rock-N-Roll Savannah I began wearing my sleeves on my long runs. By doing this, I found that I needed less time to recover and generally felt stronger during my runs. LOVE. The theory behind compression socks/sleeves is that they work by increasing blood flow to your lower legs. The better the blood flow, the more waste products are removed from your circulatory system. Some of these by-products are those that cause muscle soreness.
Some possible benefits of compression socks for running:
- Might help improve your performance
- Improve venous blood flow at rest
- Some people claim it helps with shin pain
- Less muscle soreness and easier recovery
- Reduce swelling and inflammation
- When worn during strenuous activity, may lower the amount of muscle damage that occurs
While those benefits may or may not be the case, there isn’t a lot of substantiated research about the benefits of wearing compression socks during exercise but there is quite a bit on the benefits of wearing them after exercising, I can claim how much they have helped me. I LOVE them. My only problem? I just had one pair. So when I had the opportunity to try the PRO Compression marathon sock because I am a FitFluential Ambassador, I jumped up and down.
I got two pairs: hot pink and white. I’ve had them for over a month now and they have accompanied me on many runs. I love the PRO Compression marathon sock. I think the material is fantastic, the fit good, and the results better. My legs didn’t feel sore post-run and they felt fresh while I was pounding the pavement. PRO Compression has some seriously awesome colors and great discounts available as well. Compression socks have improved my running and recovery ten times over and I am on the hunt to add to my PRO Compression collection.
Do you wear compression socks during or after running? What’s your experience with it?
Like what you see? Make sure to subscribe to my feed! I would love to hear from you on Facebook or Twitter! Need a daily dose of Emmalyne? Find us on Instagram!
Disclaimer: I was not compensated for this review. I did receive two pairs of PRO Compression marathon socks to try out. I honestly love them and all opinions are my own.
I absolutely live my Pro Compression socks. They’re amazing!
Tiff @ Love Sweat & Beers recently posted..Race Plans
I never really knew what compression socks were for, so thank you for this post.
Shannon (Healthiful Balance) recently posted..Five Foodie Favorites
I’ve been meaning to pick up my first pair for months now. My Dad (a marathoner) and I argued over how useful they actually are – but my theory is if they for sure aren’t going to hurt anything, I may as well try them to see if they can help!
Erica @ EricaDHouse.com recently posted..Special Offer from About Time Protein!
so so interesting…even to this nonrunner
MIz recently posted..What is HOPE?
Not only do they help but they make you look BAD A$$ too!
Lex recently posted..First Zumba class!!
I love, love, love compression socks! I wear them for all of my long runs/long races.
Felice @ The Happy Runner recently posted..Re-energize your running!
Yes, I love them and wear them everywhere!
Lisa @ RunWiki recently posted..Surrender, Trust, Believe
I just recently tried out compression socks for the first time, and I was instantly a fan! I haven’t used them for running yet, but I imagine they will help a lot when the time comes.
Ashley @ My Food N Fitness Diaries recently posted..Week 27: Natural or Epidural?
Compression socks have totally changed my life!!! I made fun of my husband when he said they made his shin splints disappear. Then I got them when my knee pain got out of control… and it disapoeared too. I’m telling you…those things are magic! I’m running a marathon this weekend and I will be sporting my hot pink compression socks
Great post Madeline! I will definately check these socks out for my next race.
I love compression socks for recovery. And that is a great shade of pink.
FYI–tried to tweet from your icon but got an error message.
misszippy recently posted..How to stay off the DL
Love compression socks… for running and after, and for every day wear when I am going to be on my feet a lot.
I’ve never worn compression socks, but have been thinking about it. I’m never too terribly sore after my runs though. Maybe that means I’m not pushing myself enough.
I will definitely be looking into these.
Thinking about summer in a few months (I’m always thinking ridiculously far ahead. lol), have you worn them during your runs in warmer weather? Will they make you feel hot in the summer, especially here in Savannah?
Sabrina @Work It Ms Jackson recently posted..Happy New Year and New Goals!
Love love mine. At first I thought it was all hype. But now I wish I’d tried them out soooo much sooner.
Heather (Where’s the Beach) recently posted..Tasty Tuesday: Protein Pumpkin Bread
I love compression gear – tights are my favorite, then socks or sleeves. I wear socks or sleeves on all my speed workouts and longer runs, and sometimes shorter runs when I’m feeling a little sore. Love them!!
Heather @ Better With Veggies recently posted..Want to get Pretty Muddy…for Cheaper?
I should get some… I always have calf problems because I run barefoot! I wonder if they have ones for Vibrams?
Chantal recently posted..Becoming a Doula
They also make sleeves which are footless! Those would work with Vibrams
Compression socks are seriously a dream come true. They help sooooo much during long runs, recovery and races. I wear them for all my distance events
I haven’t tried them before but I’ve been wanting to. I’m much more of a warm weather runner so I’m not sure how much I would like them while running during the spring/summer but maybe after my runs.
I generally wear them during long runs, mostly because I pink ones and I’m known around town for my pink socks.
The time I find them the most effective is sleeping with them on.
Alex (@alexbridgeforth) recently posted..I love Oatmeal #WIAW 103 {09JAN13}
I have the PRO ones…I think
I haven’t worn them in for-ev-er, but I think my legs would probably really appreciate it if I changed that here soon.
Paige @ Your Trainer Paige recently posted..Get Your Active On with Old Navy
thanks for the tip! as I’m just starting my running experience this will come in handy! Thank you
rheanna recently posted..Wednesday Walkabout – My thoughts on Recalls
I’ve heard so much about compression socks lately, but have never tried them. I’m thinking it’s about time to change that since I hear nothing but great things about them! Thanks for sharing.
Amber at Love, Laugh, Live Well recently posted..Did you make New Year’s Resolution’s?