Sunday, February 12, 2012

The Compression Battle: Socks vs. Sleeves

Compressive garments are becoming popular in running and triathlete groups. Their purpose can be two fold: to keep muscles warm and improve blood flow to the lower legs, and to aid in recovery after a race or long bouts of training. So what is the difference between a compression sock and sleeve, and what is the right choice for you?

A compression sock is full length from the toe to knee. This is a good choice if you're a runner that isn't particular about wearing a certain style sock or if you don't wear a low profile minimalist shoe. The material around the foot can be a little thick and difficult to fit into a minimalist style shoe. A compression sleeve runs from the ankle to knee. When wearing a sleeve, you can wear your typical socks and shoes. If you're a trail runner this may be a better option as you could wear a moisture wicking sock as well as the sleeve. For a triathlete, the sleeve is also superior because it can be worn during the swim and makes for a faster first transition time.

If your intent is to wear the compression garment for recovery, then the full length sock is the better choice. The sleeve may cause some mild swelling in the feet when your body is a little more sedentary. This won't be the case wearing the full length sock because of the constant compression from toe to knee.

There are definitely pros and cons to both the sock and sleeve. It all comes down to personal preference and what your intended use will be. 

3 comments:

  1. Fantastic post.I am quite impressed! Incredibly useful facts especially the first part. I was looking for this particular facts for a years. I really enjoyed reading your post. Thank you.
    Triathlon

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    1. Thanks, Clara! Let us know if there are other topics you'd like to read about and we can make it happen!

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  2. However, there are some benefits to wearing a sleeve instead of a sock during activity. First and foremost, wearing a calf sleeve allows runners to wear their tried and trusty socks. “You can get the benefits of wearing a calf sleeve but still wear your favorite sock or Vibrams.

    www.amazon.com/dp/B01AOM4ZBI

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