Compression Socks for Sports

Compression socks are the latest solution to managing your blood circulation and getting more out of each run or training session. They are used by professional athletes and amateur runners alike but what are their benefits for sports and how do they help your performance?

In this blog post, we discuss how athletes and runners can use compression socks like JOBST Sport to increase comfort, manage muscle soreness and overuse or just have better circulation in their legs.   

What do compression socks do?

With compression socks becoming increasingly popular with athletes and amateur runners; it's important to address what they actually do and how they work. 

The idea behind compression socks originated from other similar circulation garments such as circulation stockings which were already being used to commonly treat conditions that cause circulation issues. 

They have since become an option of 'biomechanical ergogenic aids' for sports and fitness activities. This simply means that compression garments like sports compression socks are commonly used to enhance physical performance. 

They therefore also help you run or train longer by keeping your legs from getting tired or sore. They even treat varicose veins and help prevent cramps or blood clots (Deep Vein Thrombosis) which are quite common among runners and athletes.

How do they work?

The boost in performance levels is caused by the socks gently squeezing your legs. The pressure affects your circulation and increases oxygen to the vital parts of your legs such as your muscles when you're running/walking.

What actually happens is the compression helps your arteries to relax and they get better at delivering oxygen to your muscles from your heart. 

The type of compression used in sports compression socks is important too, it's known as gradual compression. This is because the socks are tighter at the bottom and looser at the top. 

Gradual compression basically fights the effects that any physical activity and gravity have on the legs by improving blood flow and reducing lactic acid build-up. 

What are the benefits of Compression Socks for Sports?

Now that we've discussed what they do and how they work, it will be good to outline all benefits that compression socks can offer which will hopefully clarify how exactly they can help you. 

• Enhanced Oxygen Delivery 
• Performance boost and longer runs/training sessions
• Treats Varicose Veins and circulation issues 
• Decreases lactic acid build-up
• Prevents cramps, blood clots and DVT 
• Increased comfort

One of the non-performance-related benefits is they are great for running on colder days because they keep your legs warm and the blood flowing. This makes them a must-have for running or training sessions in winter. 

Should I wear them before or after running?

Compression socks are used as a recovery aid which means they are actually worn when resting or after exercising. You can still wear them during your runs or training session as this is what most people do. 

Unfortunately, there are no studies on their effects during exercise but they are proven to help speed up recovery and improve overall performance levels over time. 

The best compression socks for sports

There's a wide range of compression garments available out there, from compression stockings to tights but JOBST Sport compression socks are the most reliable option when it comes to comfort, compression level and durability.

JOBST Sport Compression Socks

These knee-high athletic compression socks not only help to improve blood flow and reduce swelling, but they also especially provide superior comfort for both men and women during exercise.

With JOBST, you don’t need to let your compression regimen get in the way of your favourite sporting activities – whether it’s walking, jogging, golf, tennis, or otherwise.  With their combination of graduated compression and special design, these compression socks for exercise provide the necessary compression level and extended wearing comfort.