How To Find The Best Compression Socks For Running
When it comes to performing your very best in running and other sports, perhaps you turn to the latest technology in footwear and athletic performance in order to do so. That said, you might have invested in the newest high-tech watch, most comfortable sweatband, and best running shorts to break that next personal record for yourself.
Hence, you might have heard of compression socks, which have also been considered an item to help you get ahead in races and everyday workouts. You might not know too much about their benefits, but all the same, they interest you. After all, when it comes to running your best, you want to make sure that you maximize yourself to the best abilities as possible.
Considering compression socks, you might not be so sure just what is considered a good pair. In that case, we are here to help! Read on to learn more in this article on how to find the best compression socks for running, as well as receive some of our top suggestions to help you get started. Soon enough, you can slip them on and use them to run your optimal speed for workouts to come.
Without further ado, let’s get started!
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** Below, you'll see more detailed reviews, but you can also click the links above to see current prices, choose the colors and read customer's reviews on Amazon.
Why Choose Compression Socks?
While you might have heard that wearing compression socks can be good for you, perhaps you are not exactly sure just what are the benefits to doing so. That said, we have decided to give you a few reasons as to why you should consider compression socks for running, based on health and lifestyle:
1. Enhance blood circulation.
Since compression socks are meant to, evidently, compress your ankle and legs, they result in stimulating blood circulation throughout the area, thereby inciting your body to be prepared to run and feel comfortable doing so. In other words, they can activate the muscles quicker from the increased blood flow, so that you can be well on your way to running sooner than later.
2. Keep your legs warm.
When you compress your ankles and legs, the socks not only activate increased blood flow, but also warm up your legs. This is especially advantageous during long, winter months, since temperatures can dip below zero and thereby discourage you from going out for a run in the first place.
Therefore, wearing compression socks can motivate you to continue running in the winter by keeping your legs warmed up every time. Besides that, you reduce the risk of pulling a muscle or improper warm-ups that are associated with the cold, so that you can get right down to running your best at any time of the year.
3. Prevent blood clots.
Sometimes, the body is subjected blood clots if one sits and does not move for long periods of time. They can be dangerous to the body, since they can cut off the flow for necessary nutrients to funnel through to other parts of the body.
Besides getting up and moving around from time to time, using a compression sock can help mollify the chances of acquiring a blood clot, since it puts pressure on the legs and ankles to keep the blood circulating throughout. In the end, it is worth it!
Things to Consider Before Choosing Compression Socks
Now that you know a bit more about the benefits to wearing compression socks, it is time to consider the next step in buying them. Most people mistakenly believe that the best name brands and ratings guarantee the best results, but this is not always the case. By taking into account the technical aspects of wearing a compression sock, you can ensure that the item you get will be the best fit and function for you. Here is a list of what to expect when getting your compression sock:
1. Length.
Although they are called “socks,” compression socks can vary in length, too. While there are your typical ankle-high socks, there are also those which go up to the shin, as well as even that of full-on tights! Really, there is no boundary when it comes to the length of your compression sock.
Basically, a general rule of thumb is to figure out just how much compression you need to perform your best: if you tend to be quite stiff throughout the entire leg, then it might be best to invest in a thigh-high compression sock. On the other hand, if you just need a bit of compression in the ankle and the feet, then the ankle version should work instead.
2. Pressure.
Measured in mmHg units, the amount of pressure on your compression sock will be based on how much you need, as well as how much you can manage in a certain amount of time.
This is not to say, however, that the tighter it is, the better it is, since too tight can be not only uncomfortable, but also harm more than help with an extra-constricted bloodstream that can promote inefficient blood flow throughout your body.
Generally speaking, a moderate pressure is between 15 and 21 mmHg, whereas firm compression is 20 to 32 mmHg.
3. Material.
Finally, knowing just what material the compression socks are made out of can be really useful when it comes to trying them on and making sure that they are comfortable for you to wear. Especially if you will be wearing them for an extended amount of time, it really helps to find a pair which feels good on you for hours on end.
A good trick to consider is finding compression socks made from lightweight and breathable material. Just like with running shoes, making sure that the socks can be worn through any sort of temperature or weather condition is ideal, so that you are not prone to developing blisters, hammer toes, and other problems near and around your foot. You should be able to feel comfortable and efficient in them.
For a way on how to measure your body for compression socks, check out this video here:
Top-Five Best Compression Socks for Running
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| A+ | $$$ |
** Below, you'll see more detailed reviews, but you can also click the links above to see current prices, choose the colors and read customer's reviews on Amazon.
Made from a blend of Polyamide, Elasthan, and Lycra materials, Danish Endurance’s graduated compression socks offer a lot of stretch and flexibility to help you perform your very best when it comes to sports like running and even everyday activities. They also come in a multitude of colors while boosting circulation with its 18-21 mmHg pressure, for the ultimate comfort and an efficient running experience.
Pros
- Made from polyamide, elasthan, and lycra materials for stretch and flexibility.
- Come in a multitude of colors for choice and style.
- Boost circulation with its 18-21 mmHg pressure.
Cons
- Might be too tight, especially on larger calves.
Opinion
I found Danish Endurance’s graduated compression socks to be quite nice, especially when it came to running and supporting blood circulation along the way. I also enjoyed the multitude of colors in the brand, and have chosen some of them for my pleasure. However, I have naturally large calves, so it was a bit difficult to slip the socks on at first.
Consisting of a double-stitched patented heel design with anti-bacterial fabric, Physix Gear Sport’s compression socks offers not only compression, but also protection from surface pounding and also foot odor while out on a long, strenuous run. Besides that, it contains a no-pinching feature in the seams, so that your running experience remains smooth and comfortable as possible. Finally, it is washable and consists of Lycra fabric for durability, to keep things all in good shape in the long run.
Pros
- Consists of double-stitched patented heel design and anti-bacterial fabric for protection.
- Has a no-pinching feature in the seams for smooth quality.
- Is washable and is made of Lycra fabric for durability.
Cons
- Sock is a bit loose from the ankle to the knee, so little compression involved.
Opinion
Physix Gear Sport’s compression socks were pleasant on my legs, and especially durable with the Lycra material; I also appreciated the anti-bacterial fabric for protection, since I tend to run through dirt trails and other messy routes out there. Loved how it is machine-washable, too. My only gripe is that the sock is a bit loose, which offsets the purpose of compressing my legs.
SB Sox’s graduated compression socks pack a powerful dose of pressure, ranging from 20 to 30 mmHg for keeping your legs and feet’s blood flow circulating as much as possible. They are incredible versatile, able to be used for just about any workout out there from running to hiking to skiing, as well as for casual wear when traveling around the world. Their anti-odor and anti-static fabric allows for a cool and dry experience, so that you are motivated to keep going when the going gets tough!
Pros
- Consists of 20-30 mmHg of compression.
- Versatile for use in sports, casual wear, and travel.
- Is anti-odor and anti-static for a cool and dry experience.
Cons
- Is easily stretched and loosened up after several uses.
Opinion
I have found SB Sox’s graduated compression socks to be packed with pressure, particularly with its 20-30 mmHg of compression. I have used this pair for just about everything, from running to traveling to everyday chores around the house, and they have proven quite useful. I also enjoy the anti-odor and anti-static features, too. However, they tend to easily stretch and get loose after a couple of wears, which has reduced compression overall.
Although the brand is called “Nurse Mates,” do not let this compression sock fool you into thinking that it is only reserved for household or workplace use. In fact, its 12-14 mmHg compression is modest enough for use in running and other sports, should you so desire. It also has heel and toe pockets for extra cushion and comfort, as well as breathability. Its microfiber blend is super soft, allowing for an enjoyable experience despite what you decide to do with it.
Pros
- Has 12-14 mmHg compression for both exercise and everyday work.
- Has heel and toe pockets for extra cushion and comfort, along with breathability.
- Consists of a soft microfiber blend for pleasure.
Cons
- Hits in the middle of the calf, which is a bit awkward.
Opinion
Nurse Mates’ compression sock has worked pretty well for me so far, in terms of using it for work outs and daily chores. The 12-14 mmHg compression is decent enough without being too loose or too tight, and the heel and toe pockets have been great for cushion and breathability. The design, however, is a bit awkward, since it only reaches up to the middle of the calf, instead of covering the entire area.
Durable and dense, Mubasel Gear’s compression socks guarantees you a longer-lasting footwear that can keep your lower body’s blood circulation flowing at all times. Their nylon and lycra blend is also extremely breathable, so that you do not have to worry about hot and stifling conditions inside of the sock.
Pros
- Is durable and dense for long-term use.
- Made from nylon and lycra blend for breathability.
- Helps with muscle recovery and for treating varicose veins.
Cons
- Sizing might be an issue.
Opinion
Mubasel Gear’s compression socks worked decently well for a long while; it has been several months and they are still holding up! I enjoy the nylon and lycra blend for breathability and it has helped with muscle recovery. However, the sizing was not very ideal, and I had to return the first pair for a better match.
Winner of the Roundup
Altogether, Mubasel Gear Compression Socks 20-30 mmhg (#5) is the winner of this roundup. They not only satisfied criteria for a durable and dense compression sock, but also allows for easy breathability to occur for a cool and dry experience. It is encouraged to consider purchasing this product, for you will not be disappointed!
Feel free to comment and share! Happy Running.
References
http://www.webmd.com/dvt/choose-compression-stockings#2
https://www.lifemobility.com.au/how-choose-compression-stockings
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