Should Runners Wear Compression Socks?

7/9/2020

If you've noticed runners in compression socks at races or around your neighborhood, you may be curious. Are compression socks a fashion statement or a serious recovery tool?

Can they help you run faster or longer?
Do compression socks energize your legs?
Reduce or eliminate cramping?
Do they speed up recovery time?
Improve blood flow and circulation?

So many questions. Keep reading to learn more about wearing compression socks before, during, and after you run.

Running without compression socks. Photo credit: Jakob Owens on Unsplash

Running while wearing compression socks. Photo credit: ExtremeFitUSA.com

Disclaimer: I received ExtremeFit compression socks to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews!

What are Compression Socks?

Modern compression socks were invented around 1950 by Conrad Jobst. Jobst was a German engineer from Toledo, Ohio who suffered from varicose veins.

The original flesh-colored medical compression socks are knee highs with no toes. They're tightest at the ankle, and stay tight around the leg all the way up to the knee.

Classic, medical-grade compression socks are beige. They don't have toes (or personality). The socks act like a second skin to compress bulging veins and reduce fluid retention in extremities.

Today's socks come in a variety of sizes, styles, colors, and fabrics. You can choose bright, energizing colors and patterns that reflect your mood and personality. (Photo credit: Extreme Fit)

Compression socks reduce bulging veins and tissue caused by fluid pulled to the body's extremities. The socks are recommended for people with circulation problems like varicose veins, deep vein thrombosis or diabetes. Sometimes, they're prescribed after surgery.

Pregnant women, people who stand at work all day, people confined to bed, and older adults, all can benefit from wearing compression socks to increase or improve circulation.

Runners often wear compression socks while training and racing. Many runners wear them while recovering after a long, hard run. Let's take a closer look at why compression socks appeal to runners.

How Compression Socks Can Help Runners

Ask 10 runners, and you'll get 10 answers about the pros and cons of running compression socks. I think the reasons for choosing compression socks is as individual as each runner. What works for one person, may or may not work for another.

The best way to find what works for you is to try different gear and methods. That's what I did, and I'm glad I tried compression socks.

Obvious Benefits

It doesn't take a science experiment to recognize the obvious benefits of compression socks:

Wick Away Sweat
Keep Your Feet Dry
Reduce or Eliminate Blisters
Anti-bacterial Properties Keep Feet Healthy
Protect Legs from Scratches
Keep Legs Warm in Cold Weather
Colorful, Themed Patterns for Costumes and Fun

Wearing sweat-wicking compression socks that cover your legs will protect you in any running situation from a thorny trail to a cold, wet, winter marathon. If you run in the woods compression socks can prevent contact with poison ivy.

The variety of designs makes it easy to dress up any running outfit to match a themed race or holiday run.

Wide assortment of compression socks available in colors, patterns, reflective, and glow-in-the-dark material. (Photo credit: This Old Runner)

Physical Benefits of Compression Socks

Benefits you may need to experience to believe include reduced swelling and fatigue, improved blood flow, less cramping, and faster recovery after a prolonged effort.

Compression socks apply pressure to your legs to make the blood vessels work better. The arteries deliver oxygen-rich blood to your muscles, and push blood back to your heart.

When blood circulates properly there's less chance of pooling or forming clots in the veins of your feet or elsewhere.

Free flowing blood keeps your muscles and body happy. Good blood flow also prevents any light-headed or dizzy feelings when you stand up quickly.

• Reduced Fatigue

I spent last month in hilly Pennsylvania. Lucky for me, I received this awesome shipment of Extreme Fit socks while I was there.

Switching from running in flat Florida to hilly Pennsylvania meant my legs were fatigued, even for short distances. Hill workouts are always going to be harder than my usual flat routes.

Compression socks took care of my tired, achey legs. I put them on after a trail run, then went about my business. About an hour later, I took off the socks and my legs felt better.

I use compression socks all the time to speed my recovery process. I also wear them during speed sessions, and hill repeats. My legs always feel less tired when I wear compression socks.

• Limit Swelling in Feet and Ankles

Often, medical compression socks are prescribed to limit swelling in feet and ankles. People who stand all day, like waitresses, nurses, teachers — anyone who puts constant pressure on their feet — can benefit from wearing compression socks.

The same is true for long distance and ultra runners. Compression socks can reduce the swelling in your feet and ankles, and keep your circulation in order after an endurance event.

Compression socks can improve circulation and reduce muscle pain. (Photo credit: This Old Runner)

Smooth out the socks so that you don't have bunching. (Photo credit: This Old Runner)

• Pain Relief

Any high-impact exercise (like running) puts a strain on your muscles. If you're out of shape, you'll experience more pain. Compression socks help relieve muscle soreness and stiffness by keeping your blood flowing and supporting your muscles.

Wearing compression socks during and after a tough effort can reduce the intensity of Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness you feel 24 to 48 hours after a serious workout.

• Prevent Muscle Strain

Another reason I like compression socks is they keep my leg muscles warm. Warm muscles reduce the chance for muscle strain.

Wearing compression socks during a winter race keeps your muscles warm and ready to move. Heat relaxes tight muscles and improves blood circulation. Good circulation reduces the chances of lactic acid build up and cramping.

Different Types of Running Compression Socks

There are different types of compression socks. The most popular style I see among runners is knee-high compression.

A knee-high sleeve covers the leg from ankle to knee and doesn't include a foot sock. The knee-high sock does the same, but includes a sock for the foot.

You can buy compression socks that look like traditional socks. You'll also find plenty of bright, colorful patterns that leave no doubt you're wearing running compression socks.

Compression socks and sleeves come in various sizes and styles:

Knee-high
Thigh-high
Ankle-high
Full-length Tights
Full-length Sleeves
Arm Compression Sleeves

The most popular compression socks for runners are knee-high socks.

Compression sleeves; no sock. (Credit: Extreme Fit)

Knee-high compression socks. (Credit: Extreme Fit)

Low-cut ankle height. (Credit: Extreme Fit)

Full-length sleeves. (Credit: Extreme Fit)

How to Choose and Use Compression Socks

Pay attention to sock size to be sure you get the best compression. (Photo credit: Extreme Fit)

Many nurses (and nurse runners) wear compression socks at work, too. (Photo credit: Extreme Fit)

If you run at night, consider reflective and glow-in-the-dark socks to improve your visibility. (Photo credit: This Old Runner)

Before you buy a pair of compression socks, read the tips below.

Compression socks aren't cheap, but they're worth every cent when they fit properly.

1. Measure your calves to be sure you get the right size. If your socks are too small you'll fight to get them on, and they'll be uncomfortable.

Socks that are too big will slide down. your leg and give you no compression.

2. Choose a fabric that's comfortable for your climate. Socks are available in blends of breathable fabrics.

Get them in a mix of nylon, cotton, poly, Lycra, and Spandex for max comfort and wicking capability.

Choose a material that makes sense for your climate.

3. NEVER roll socks down if they're too long. Instead, buy a pair that are the correct length.

If you wear rolled down compression socks it can act like a tourniquet and restrict blood flow to your legs.

4. Pull your socks all the way on. Smooth them out from your feet to your knees. Don't let them bunch up or fold over.

5. If your doctor prescribed your sock, wear them per his instructions.

You can wear socks, shoes, and slippers over your compression socks.

During cold weather, I wear my compression socks under running tights.

Ready to Try Running Compression Socks?

Looking for a standout pattern? Extreme Fit has you covered! (Photo credit: This Old Runner)

After wearing compression socks for recovery, long runs, and to stay warm during a Winter half marathon, I'm a believer.

Compression socks and sleeves reduced my recovery time, and kept my legs happy for miles and miles and miles.

If you're ready to try a pair, check Extreme Fitness compression socks. They have lots of fabulous patterns and colors.

Right now, lots of their socks and sets are on sale which makes it even easier to try something new! Use "BRP20" to SAVE 20% on any order of $50 or more.

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This Old Runner Writes