What brand of compression socks/sleeves are best and last the longest? Also, what are the pros and cons of compression socks versus compression sleeves?
You will always have a greater benefit with a good compression sock than with a compression sleeve. But it depends on what you use them for. If you are doing short distance races it would take to long to put on the socks, that is why we introduced the sleeves at the beginning of this year. They can be worn under the wetsuit and do NOT roll down when you take the wetsuit off. You will not loose any time in the transition. BUT if you consider doing longer races or use the compression for training I would suggest getting a full compression sock. It might take some time to put them on, but it will safe you time during the race.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any more questions.
Sebastian
I’ve got SLS3 sox and sleeves and am a big fan of both! I’ve used the sleeves in a few races so far and the socks for most of my long runs when I’m on the concrete and there is a noticeable difference in my lower leg fatigue after the run. I’ll be using the sox for my upcoming half marathons and for Silverman Full in November.
I would suggest getting a full compression sock. It might take some time to put them on, but it will safe you time during the race.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any more questions.
Sebastian
I would like to respectfully add a little bit of caution for those interpreting this comment. I have done a lot of research on this topic and am planning a column in Triathlete in the future. There is very little good science on the effects of compression clothing and that which has been done suggests no benefit to performance and only subjective benefit to recovery.
Full disclosure: I myself do own a pair of stockings and wear them AFTER longer races but understand that the real benefit is likely in how I feel and not in how I will physiologically recover.
I wonder if ther is any real differnce between therapeutic compression socks (ie jobst), and those used in athletics?? those used by patients with congestive heart problems/edema, that are some times going for up to $150 to $200 a pair. As a therapist i can get them for much less ie $20, but are they really the same??? they have stockings and socks, not sure if they are a microfibre?
I would suggest getting a full compression sock. It might take some time to put them on, but it will safe you time during the race.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any more questions.
Sebastian
I would like to respectfully add a little bit of caution for those interpreting this comment. I have done a lot of research on this topic and am planning a column in Triathlete in the future. There is very little good science on the effects of compression clothing and that which has been done suggests no benefit to performance and only subjective benefit to recovery.
Full disclosure: I myself do own a pair of stockings and wear them AFTER longer races but understand that the real benefit is likely in how I feel and not in how I will physiologically recover.
… actually there is some really good (independent) science - send me a pm and I will send you the links.
Thanks
SLS3… great stuff…
socks= total nerd
sleeve= wtf are those?
Would you mind sending the links to me as well? I would be very interested in reading the research that has been done. Thanks.
Effect of compression stockings on running performance in men runners
Graduated compression stockings: Physiological and perceptual responses during and after exercise
There is more in the Journal of Sports Sciences
.
You’re way better off taking an ice bath after your run for recovery, than in wearing compression socks during or after a run. Research where medical compression is used and the medical reasons it’s used and you’ll see that there is no correlation to exercise or recovery.
I noticed some brands have much higher compression 24-26 mmHg (sls3) vs. 11-16 mmHg(Desoto) of graduated compression. That is a huge difference! What is the rational of the much higher compression?
I’ve been using the Desoto ones for about a month and they provide IMO a good level of leg support without my feet going numb from to much compression.
If the SLS ones are $100, that is a rip off like a previous poster mentioned.
I wear CEP socks for both exercise and recovery! I have noticed significant recovery and performance gains when i wear them. The link below is from the CEP website. It goes into more detail with studies on the effectiveness of the socks.
http://webserver2.medi.de/Studies.8625.0.html
and they’re fairly riced at $59.99
Since this circulated back up I’m just gonna reassert my recommendation for SLS3. If you can’t get ahold of them for some reason go for CEP. I’ve also done a lot of research on this topic and despite not being convinced by most of the science out there I am concvinced but what I feel when I use the socks. Whether it’s physiological or psychological doesn’t matter to me…I feel the difference.
I’ve used the 2XU sleeves and the Recovery Sock (DeSoto’s sock without his logo) and there is a HUGE difference between this level of compression and what SLS3 and CEP provide.
x2 for CEP. I’ve tried a couple other brands that are just ok, but CEP have been excellent in longer races.