Best Compression Socks for Running
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Compression socks are no longer an option but are now a necessity.
People may think that these are only optional and you only need them when you have an injury. However, it’s actually an incredibly useful gear to have when it comes to sports.
Apart from being able to help with injuries, they also improve circulation and performance.
Therefore, these are not just for medical purposes. They actually have gained quite a lot of attention in the athletic and sports world.
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At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Best Compression Socks for Running
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How Compression Socks Work
If you are regularly in motion, the muscles in your legs will contract. This squeezes the veins and pushes the blood back up towards the heart.
If you have long bouts of inactivity, gravity will take its toll and prevent the blood from being pushed back up towards your heart.
If you have compression socks on, it will help narrow and straighten the vein walls by hugging the leg and foot muscles.
They keep the valves within the veins aligned and allow it to open and direct blood flow toward the heart. To experience its benefits, make sure to get the right size.
Must-Knows for Wearing Compression Socks
If you wear them the wrong way, compression socks can aggravate whatever pain or suffering you are going through. Therefore, below are some tips on how to wear compression socks properly:
- Put them on before getting out of bed as your legs are less likely to be swollen.
- Always make sure that your socks are straight and wrinkle-free. Creases can get uncomfortable and can even aggravate leg and foot problems.
- Don’t use lotions before putting them on. Instead, make sure your legs are completely dry.
- Take measurements for your new pair of compression socks as soon as you wake up to get it right. This tends to be the most accurate measurement as any possible swelling is at a bare minimum.
- If you have skin allergies, choose socks that are free from latex.
Benefits of Wearing Compression Socks
There are many benefits that a runner or an athlete can get by wearing compression socks.
- Muscle Recovery– If you are suffering from muscle aches, swelling, foot pain or shin splints, wearing these will speed up your recovery.
- Injury Prevention – If you know that you are going to involve yourself in strenuous activities, you may want to wear compression socks. This will consequently help prevent injuries that may come from endurance sports.
- Improves and Increases Circulation – If you want to maintain and improve your leg and foot health, use compression socks. It keeps the veins in your legs and feet healthy by allowing optimal circulation.
Types of Compression Socks
There are two types of compression socks. One of them is best suitable for athletes and runners. The other type of sock requires consultation from a doctor:
- Graduation Compression – This is the most common and versatile type of compression sock. Many athletes and runners recommend wearing these. They prevent and treat all types of vein disorders, swelling and general discomfort from large amounts of inactivity. They can even be used by expecting mothers and come in a wide range of styles.
- Thrombo-Embolic Deterrent (TED) Hose – This is an Anti-metabolism or uniform compression sock that provides uniform levels of pressure throughout. These types of socks are not suitable for athletes or runners. Instead, it is specially designed for those who are bedridden.
Our Top 5 Compression Socks for Running
Some of the best compression socks that are quite popular in the market are more than just looking good or feeling nice. There’s more to it. We list a compilation of high-quality products that you won’t regret buying.
- Best for performance
- Graduated compression
- Excellent for all kinds of high-impact activities
- Helps with recovery
- Some found holes and tears with normal use
- A few reviewers reported poor durability
- There were some who found its compression to be less than that of other socks
- Best for performance
- Graduated compression
- Excellent for all kinds of high-impact activities
- Helps with recovery
- Some found holes and tears with normal use
- A few reviewers reported poor durability
- There were some who found its compression to be less than that of other socks
- Made of a highly-breathable and durable fabric
- Reduces fatigue and leg swelling
- Relieves plantar fasciitis, shin splints and other lower leg illnesses
- Exceptional design
- Expensive
- Some reported they lose compression while using it
- It may be too thin and lightweight for some
- Made of a highly-breathable and durable fabric
- Reduces fatigue and leg swelling
- Relieves plantar fasciitis, shin splints and other lower leg illnesses
- Exceptional design
- Expensive
- Some reported they lose compression while using it
- It may be too thin and lightweight for some
- Progressive compression that increases circulation
- Comfortable form-fitting
- Delays muscle soreness and leg swelling
- Unique front-ribbing that lowers temperature in warm weather
- Prevents plantar fasciitis
- A few had trouble with the sizes
- Some have trouble with its stay-put cuffs
- Some have trouble with its stay-put cuffs
- Progressive compression that increases circulation
- Comfortable form-fitting
- Delays muscle soreness and leg swelling
- Unique front-ribbing that lowers temperature in warm weather
- Prevents plantar fasciitis
- A few had trouble with the sizes
- Some have trouble with its stay-put cuffs
- Some have trouble with its stay-put cuffs
- High stitch count makes it soft against your feet
- Ultra Zone ribbing provides added support on ankle and arch
- Has a seamless toe that prevents blisters and chafing
- Mesh design fabric that gives specialized support for calf area
- Some have trouble putting them on
- A few users reported holes after multiple uses
- High stitch count makes it soft against your feet
- Ultra Zone ribbing provides added support on ankle and arch
- Has a seamless toe that prevents blisters and chafing
- Mesh design fabric that gives specialized support for calf area
- Some have trouble putting them on
- A few users reported holes after multiple uses
- Padded foot bed for better support
- Lighter and more comfortable than most socks
- Has a breathability panel to provide adequate ventilation
- Graduated compression improves warm ups and speeds up recovery
- Seamless design for enhanced comfort
- Expensive
- There were reported tears and holes after multiple washes
- Some reported that it stretches out after multiple uses
- Padded foot bed for better support
- Lighter and more comfortable than most socks
- Has a breathability panel to provide adequate ventilation
- Graduated compression improves warm ups and speeds up recovery
- Seamless design for enhanced comfort
- Expensive
- There were reported tears and holes after multiple washes
- Some reported that it stretches out after multiple uses
- Made of Drystat material that keeps moisture and bacteria away
- Light padding at the foot bed for additional comfort
- Has graduated compression wherein the strongest portion is in the mid-foot and ankle regions
- Fiber infused with silver
- A few people experienced indentations caused by the company logo
- Some reported losing compression after a couple of runs
- Doesn’t provide the same cushion as normal socks do
- Made of Drystat material that keeps moisture and bacteria away
- Light padding at the foot bed for additional comfort
- Has graduated compression wherein the strongest portion is in the mid-foot and ankle regions
- Fiber infused with silver
- A few people experienced indentations caused by the company logo
- Some reported losing compression after a couple of runs
- Doesn’t provide the same cushion as normal socks do
- Provides a functional and comfortable fit for enhanced comfort
- Unique compression technology helps with blood circulation
- Has a halo band just below the knee that keeps it in place
- Unique front ribbing that allows air to cool and regulates temperature
- Some have trouble getting it on and off
- Quality issues
- Provides a functional and comfortable fit for enhanced comfort
- Unique compression technology helps with blood circulation
- Has a halo band just below the knee that keeps it in place
- Unique front ribbing that allows air to cool and regulates temperature
- Some have trouble getting it on and off
- Quality issues
- Moisture-wicking and breathable
- Anti-odor and anti-static fabric
- Cushioned heel and toe support
- Form-fitting
- Improves blood circulation
- A few reported that the toe seams are not that smooth
- Some reported that compression levels are not right
- May cause discomfort for some
- Moisture-wicking and breathable
- Anti-odor and anti-static fabric
- Cushioned heel and toe support
- Form-fitting
- Improves blood circulation
- A few reported that the toe seams are not that smooth
- Some reported that compression levels are not right
- May cause discomfort for some
- Made from light-weight premium nylon and spandex blend for durability
- Anti-odor and anti-static
- Ideal compression that provides maximum boost for blood circulation
- Lifetime support
- Some reported that compression levels are not right
- People reported that the quality is poor
- May not be advisable for severe leg and feet injuries
- Made from light-weight premium nylon and spandex blend for durability
- Anti-odor and anti-static
- Ideal compression that provides maximum boost for blood circulation
- Lifetime support
- Some reported that compression levels are not right
- People reported that the quality is poor
- May not be advisable for severe leg and feet injuries
- Flexible
- Deodorizes the feet
- Anti-stripping and anti-friction
- Boosts stamina and circulation
- This item not be advisable for those suffering with severe spider and varicose veins
- Some reported it to be a bit too tight
- May be thinner for some
- Flexible
- Deodorizes the feet
- Anti-stripping and anti-friction
- Boosts stamina and circulation
- This item not be advisable for those suffering with severe spider and varicose veins
- Some reported it to be a bit too tight
- May be thinner for some
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, high-impact activities and being on your feet for long hours can cause injuries in the legs and the feet. For this reason, it is of vital importance to wear the right kind of gear. This is where the compression socks become a necessity. They must be a part of your apparel.
While choosing the right compression socks, it is best to consider your needs. Also, make sure that they are from high-quality materials. This will ensure they last longer. Lastly, if you are suffering from serious leg and foot injuries, consult your physician. They will be able to provide you with more information when it comes to learning about the best compression socks that are right for you.
