I’ve been having good results wearing compression socks and want to try some calf sleeves. I’m a big guy 240 and 6 ft. My calves are about 18 inches in circumference. What are you using and how’s working and wearing?
Thanks
I have some from 2xu, they work pretty well, no problems. I prefer the socks but the fabric from the sleeves is less sock like like, more spandex.
I’ve been wearing CEP sleeves during my recovery from a Tibial Plateau fracture surgery (plate and 7 screws) last March. I’m up to 20 minutes on the treadmill. The few times I’ve forgotten to put the sleeves on I’ve noticed more soreness in my calf and anterior tib muscles.
I use the 2XU calf sleeves and they’re very good. They are more of a spandex material - same as the tights - and it means you can wear them under your wetty in the swim and have them on for the bike and run ready, which I don’t think you could do as easily with the socks.
I’ve noticed some folks wear them for the extra coverage in cooler races.
I’ve got a couple of pair of the Orca’s (Size L). Love the fact you can leave them on under a wetsuit, unlike socks. They do take forever to get on though. They keep their compression really well, but don’t have much stretch to them. I’m 180/6ft. I got them on Bonktown for next to nothing, but I’m not sure if they show up (on chainlove.com now) anymore.
I’ve been wearing CEP sleeves for several months. I had a chronic calf issue and thought they would be good for a little extra support. They have worked out well and my calf problems are history. No completely sold on the recovery aspects of them, but they worked for what I was looking for. Give them a try!
I’ve never worn compression socks/calf sleeves before, do they really help out that much?
I usually only use the compression sleeves for recovery. I just got fro Christmas a pair of 110% calf sleeves. I’ve only used them twice at this point, but the reusable ice packets that fit in the sleeves rock!!! If you use ice for recovery or soreness these things are too convenient and cool. A little pricey but the convenience is nice.
I’ve tried them and not noticed much difference. YMMV. I have problems with calf cramps in bicycle races, and these didn’t help.
I think its one of those things that work for some people but not others, so no way to know for sure unless you give it a try. Personally I have a couple pairs of compression tights and a couple pair of socks, but I don’t usually bother with them now after the novelty wore off. The only thing I can say for sure it they didn’t make anything feel worse than before, other than possibly some discomfort from wearing them.
+1
I started using them after calf cramps off the bike. Since I started using them (in races) I have had little or no cramping in my calfs. I forgot to pack them for a Duathlon, and sure enough 2 miles into the run, cramping. I feel I have a large enough sample size to justify saying they work “FOR ME”. I wear a set of Zoot’s.
I wear the compressport compression tights for calves and quads as well as the socks, they are phenomenal! No more cramps and I also find that I can easily run on sore legs when I wear compression sleeves, without them muscle soreness is felt way more. My $0.02
I raced in Compressport Quad and Calf Sleeves last year and found they worked extremely well. The advantage of Calf Sleeves over Compression socks is you can generally get more compression and the Calf Sleeves are a lot easier to put on in transition (only an issue if the swim is NOT wetsuit legal).
I use 110%PlayHarder compression sleeves. Nothing to improve performance, but does help in recovery (after) and maybe helps with injury during. I have a chronic calf problem and I wear them when I run (most of the time), as recommended by a PT.
I like them, alot, and they’re tightest compression I’ve ever put on. Gotta wear socks to get them on and off over the heels! They have a double layer that acts as a pocket for these neat little Ice packets that come with the purchase. And, I’ve had them for a year and they really haven’t stretched out or loosened up much at all.
good product.
Do you get much support for the achilles with the sleeves? Do the socks provide more support for the achilles?
Because I have pretty skinny calves, I wear a size small even though I’m 6’0". That means that when I pull them up to cover the widest part of my calves (where I get soreness), my Achilles is pretty much uncovered. I would imagine though, that not many people get much Achilles support? The calf sleeves might help by supporting the stuff that attaches to the achillies, but not the tendon itself. I would imagine socks may well do a better job simply because they cover the entirety of the Achilles though someone else may be able to provide a better insight…
110% Play Harder compression calf sleeves with thee ice pack sleeves rock. Those aree the only ones I use.
Another vote for the 2XU sleeves, use them for long runs and never had a cramp. Also rate the Zenash ones as more a textile fabric so warmer in winter. Just got some Compressport and they have been good so far the few times I’ve worn them.
I raced in Compressport Quad and Calf Sleeves last year and found they worked extremely well. The advantage of Calf Sleeves over Compression socks is you can generally get more compression and the Calf Sleeves are a lot easier to put on in transition (only an issue if the swim is NOT wetsuit legal).
Is there a U.S distributor for the Compressport Calf Sleeves?