Sports Compression Socks: How Effective Are They?

It’s no secret that compression socks are useful for people that take long flights or are restricted from being able to move around a lot due to illness or injury. But how effective are they for athletes? That’s what we are going to find out in this post.

Why would sports people need compression socks?

Aches and pains usually go hand in hand with an active lifestyle, and even the most seasoned of athletes can get minor ailments like muscle tears and cramps. And of course, longer-lasting injuries can happen to anyone.

More and more sports people are relying on compression socks to get them through tough training routines, but how can we tell that they are actually effective and not just a passing trend?

There are three main points to consider so we can understand that they are not just a craze and actually beneficial to anyone who uses them.

1. They help with your performance.

Thanks to the constant pressure that is applied to your feet and lower legs, blood flow and circulation is generally improved overall. Compression socks help with fatigued muscles and reduce the build-up of lactic acid, so that you are able to work out or run for longer.

2. They help you recover faster.

Many studies have been conducted about the effectiveness of compression socks in terms of recovery, and the results are very positive overall. Marathon runners have said that they were able to recover quicker and get back to running earlier than before, and other studies have shown vein dilation and swelling is significantly reduced. As we already mentioned, socks help with muscle fatigue, and this is partly due to the gentle ongoing muscle massage that you get while wearing them.

3. They make you feel more comfortable.

Socks reduce cramping, and your feet, ankles and calves will feel more supported thanks to increased cushioning. The breathable fabric assists with odour management and wicks away moisture.

Do I need to look for anything in particular?

Whether you are wearing compression socks for sports, flying or pregnancy, you need to choose the right level of compression. For athletes, it is recommended to have a higher compression for wearing in recovery time, and a lighter compression while you are being active to allow for flexibility of movement and comfort.

Choosing the right size is extremely important, and it’s a good idea to speak to a medical professional about what your options are.

Find out more about compression socks for sports

At TXG Socks, we have many years of experience fitting sports people with compression socks to help with recovery and comfort. Our team are on hand to answer any questions you may have about our sports range so please feel free to get in touch for a chat.

Please note: The information provided here is for general information only and is not intended to act as medical advice. We advise anyone interested in this subject to seek qualified, professional advice.

Back to blog