I was looking the pictures from IM Germany and I noticed that some pros were wearing long socks (Timo, Leder, Vytrisal) . Why ??
These are compression socks and are supposed to “help.”
Herbert
.
compression socks. Supposed to reduce cramping and fatigue. Same idea as compression shorts, only for the calves.
Were you there? Watching the awesome women’ race?
I did the race and noticed a lot of those socks. Next thing coming out of Germany – “CEB” makes them I think. Almost as weird looking as the long cotton socks that some Germans like to wear on the bike (as they pass me of course).
Marty
I used to wear long compression socks like that coming back from a lower leg injury. They felt good and I think they may have helped w/ fatigue, etc. Or maybe it was all in my head?
Ask Rappstar…
I was racing a sprint triathlon in Tennessee and would have loved to see my buddy Timo Bracht win IM Germany.
The next best thing was winning my age group here. 
They seem to have had a resurgence recently, along with some full length “compression” tights. As best I recall they gained minor prominence a few years back when Paula Radcliffe wore similar socks. She stopped wearing them at some point, presumably when she was told or simply knew better. I don’t think she wore them for her 2.15 marathon. They’ll probably go out of vogue again soon enough…
Not to change the subject, but how come all the crowd shots from European races, IM, TdF, Giros, everybody seems to be having a good time. I mean it always looks like a party at those races!
Because the folks that go to Baseball games here, go to watch triathlons and bike racing there instead. Seriously.
When you race IM Germany on certain sections you feel like you are in the TdF.
Cheers,
Herbert
Who’s “CEB”?
Some more info for you
Like others say, it helps. There is a brand of socks here in the states, too - Oxysox.
I wonder - I was told by someone that full-length leggings were banned by pro cycling because of the benefits these gave. I’m also told that sleeping in the full length leggings will help you recover and have a pair of 2xu tights I wear after the long stuff on the weekends.
Socks are the same concept.
Thoughts?
I tried two pair of the 2XU compression tights, and sent them both back. They were fine quality running tights, but they just weren’t very tight. I’m 5’10", 155 pounds, and neither the small nor theextra-small were tight enough, in my mind, to be called compression tights. I’ll stick to ice baths.
-C
Because they go well with men’s capris!
I have been wearing them for a while for recovery, I think they help me a lot.
Have worn them in only one race so far, 2 weeks ago, because they look so stupid.
That race went very well… I will wear them in the next half-IM and if that goes well also in Kona.
Axel, from Germany
P.s.: They are made by c.e.p.
They seem to have had a resurgence recently, along with some full length “compression” tights. As best I recall they gained minor prominence a few years back when Paula Radcliffe wore similar socks. She stopped wearing them at some point, presumably when she was told or simply knew better. I don’t think she wore them for her 2.15 marathon. They’ll probably go out of vogue again soon enough…
Paula still wears them, only in nude (the colour, not being). She’ll return in the fall wearing them, after the birth of her first.
Yeah I saw them too - they do look very odd, especially with chainring tattoos on the inner leg - thats not a good look.
We look pretty silly anyway with lycra and pointy helmets etc - so I dont think I’ll be using the long stockings for any events any time soon.
I did IMDE and its a fantastic event - huge crowds - Heartbreak was covered in fans. Not quite Alpe d’Huez standards, but brilliant anyway. Hugely enjoyable event.