My training partner bought a pair last fall and we mocked and ridiculed him until winter rolled around and he could hide them under his tights. We are mean. And Bob, consider this my apology: You were right, but you still look mighty nerdy.
Compression socks have been gaining popularity among endurance athletes for the last few years but have recently become so commonplace that I was able to find a good selection at the runner store down the street. CEP makes a full sock and a sleeve version, in black or white, and in men's and women's sizes. Sizing is simple: measure the circumference of your calf at the widest point and find your size on their chart. I am 5'6" and, as expected, a size medium. Mind the directions if you buy the compression sleeves, as there is a front and a back. If you can manage to put the full-foot version on backward then you probably have more pressing things to worry about.
CEP asserts that these socks will increase your blood circulation and oxygen levels as well as metabolize lactic acid quicker; all things that will help you run fast and recover quicker. Does it work? I sure felt a difference.
I've worn my compression sleeves during several trail ultras, all on drastically different terrain, with positive results. One race was a rocky, grueling 50k with three very long, steepy climbs. Besides keeping my legs warm (added bonus) these sleeves really helped my legs feel fresher than usual in the later miles of the race. For the first time after such a course, I felt as if I could have kept running instead of limping to the finish on trashed legs. Another was a very runnable 50k with what ended up being a fantastically fast finish time. I didn't train well for this one, so I credit some of this new found speed to the socks.
When I wear the socks I find that I have significantly fewer late-race calf cramps, something that would plague me during and after each race. Is it in my head? Maybe. Do I feel better when I wear them? Definitely.
I try to keep the sleeves on until I hit the shower, and after the mountain race even wore them (under my jeans) until bedtime. In my unscientific opinion they really seem to help with recovery. I felt surprisingly good the days after each race, which is a rare occurrence.
The fit on these 79% Polyamid, 21% Elasthan sleeves is snug, but not overwhelmingly tight. I do have some trouble shimmying out of these post run if I'm sweaty; but, it can be done with minimal swearing. I prefer the sleeves to the full socks because the setup allows you to choose your footsocks rather than be stuck with only what CEP offers. Sleeves are also wearable with my Chaco flip flops, my post-long-run footwear of choice, where as the full socks would not be.
I'm hooked; move over Grandpa, these sleeve are now essential kit.
Sara Davidson is an ultramarathoner and our resident running nanna.
