Best Calf Sleeves and Compression socks for running (UK) - Buying Guide: 2024

Running is a sport that is characterized by its worldwide distribution. Because it improves health, reduces the risk of disease and strengthens bones and muscles, more and more people are starting to run.

However, it can also have undesirable effects on health, as it sometimes leads to injuries. It is therefore important that runners wear appropriate protective equipment to avoid these conditions. This mainly involves compression socks and calf sleeves.

What is the best compression socks for running?

The quality of the materials of this pair of compression sleeves generates the ideal support to combat pain and keep the soleus and gastrocnemius protected from any impact due to muscle overload. The technological advancement with which this calf support was developed provides just the right amount of compression to generate greater blood circulation in the back of the leg.

The design of the CAMBIVO unisex calf compression sleeves who was better support to maximize athletic performance and reduce muscle vibration. Its anti-perspiration fabric protects the ankle and secures the underside of the kneecap to prevent it from slipping off. Sizes may be too large for some people, so it is recommended that you measure the circumference of your calf to avoid loss of compression.

Keep your calf muscles protected without losing comfort! During sports practice or rehabilitation, we recommend you choose this versatile, non-slip COMPRESSPORT calf brace with breathable material. Its ergonomic design prevents it from slipping when you're wearing it, while generating greater compression on the gastrocnemius and Achilles tendon, thanks to its localised pressure system.

The cuffs efficiently adjust the upper part of the soleus and Achilles tendon, achieving the necessary balance to avoid injuries. It is ideal for improving muscle oxygenation and thus restricting the accumulation of toxins and the feeling of fatigue in the legs. You can wear it at work, when you are at home or when training, but it is important to know that the material can irritate the skin in some cases.

The price-quality ratio of the COLORTECH soleus and gastrocnemius compressor is one of the best you can find in specialised shops. This is due to the benefits it brings; it relieves the pain of varicose veins, reduces the appearance of cramps and deflates the tissues because it helps the exchange of oxygen in the affected area to eliminate toxins. It is ideal for use in tears or to recover from calf muscle injuries.

The fibres of the structure generate a gradual compression, allowing the running sleeve to fit ergonomically to the Achilles tendon and fix the kneecap. Thanks to this design you will improve performance because the breathable material makes the compressive garment optimally supportive for long term wear. Please note that this product is not recommended for people with advanced varicose veins.

If you want to maintain your athletic performance, pay attention to the Physix Gear Sport calf compression sleeve. The ergonomic design allows for a perfect gradual calf fit, improving blood circulation without retaining heat. This increases comfort and prolongs wear time, which is why the unisex protector is also recommended for use at work and during household chores.

The compression stockings for men and women are suitable for hand-washing, thanks to the composition of the fabric materials. This also allows the seams to be resistant and not to wrinkle during use, avoiding the displacement downwards. You can wear it in summer or at any other time of the year because it does not accumulate perspiration on the leg. The calf sleeve may not absorb impact properly in some sports.

If leg pain or foot fatigue prevents you from doing the things you love to do, then choose a good compression product that improves blood circulation. Thanks to the Wchiuoe compression sleeve you will be able to keep the lower part of the kneecap in place avoiding strains, ligament and meniscus injuries. In addition, its size makes it a versatile product that you can take with you everywhere you go.

Don't miss this opportunity and choose this adjustable compression support with three velcro fastening straps for all your activities. It is ideal for combating foot fatigue and varicose veins, and don't worry about choosing your size because its size is universal and fits most people. It has been found that blood circulation may be affected in some cases when using this support.

If you want to reduce the pain caused by varicose veins, you'll need to absorb the impact of walking and your daily activities, so you'll need to wear the Compressport stretch socks. This calf support can be worn for as long as you want thanks to its breathable system and fully ergonomic design. It is a compressive calf support garment ideal for preventing injuries and improving blood circulation.

It has a design that protects the toes and compresses the sole to prevent fasciitis. It also helps to keep the heel and ankle joint protected, making it a true sports support. Although the materials are breathable, it may happen that they generate heat during use, which increases the discomfort for the athlete.

The feeling of fatigue in the legs is one of the most common symptoms in people who work long hours on their feet. For this reason, it is a good idea to restore performance and energy by using a calf support that delivers the necessary oxygen to the muscles. For this, we recommend BLACKROX sports compression socks, which will keep your kneecap in place and give your Achilles tendon a rest, all at the same time.

The socks provide effective support for the meniscus and calf muscles, making it an ideal calf protector when running or doing any physical activity. It is suitable for use by people with varicose veins or recovering from injury. If the calves have an advanced tear, the symptoms will not disappear quickly with the use of this compressive support.

The increased support in the gastrocnemius and soleus of these socks is due to the exact compression generated in that area. DANISH ENDURANCE makes this calf sleeve the ideal support for all-day wear. You can choose any of its sizes, as it will easily adapt to both men and women. Its ergonomic design prevents it from losing its position when you are wearing them.

Every time you wear this elastic sleeve, you will ensure that the sole of your foot and instep are protected from vibrations and shocks. But that's not all, thanks to your fabric you will maintain a good blood circulation to alleviate pain and the feeling of fatigue in your legs. Keep in mind that, depending on the anatomy of the user, the compressor may be useless to keep the kneecap fixed in its lower part.

Video: Muscle calf anatomy

Types of compression socks you should know about

Best Calf Sleeves and Compression socks for Crossfit (UK) - Buying Guide: 2024

Best Calf Sleeves and Compression socks for cycling (UK) - Buying Guide: 2024

Best Calf Sleeves and Compression socks for football (UK) - Buying Guide: 2024

Best Calf Sleeves and Compression socks for hiking and mountain sports (UK) - Buying Guide: 2024

Best Calf Sleeves and Compression socks for plantar fasciitis (UK) - Buying Guide: 2024

Best Calf Sleeves and Compression socks for running (UK) - Buying Guide: 2024

What are the most common running injuries?

Athletes who participate in this sport must work on their endurance and speed to achieve their performance goals, especially in races and championships. As a result of daily training and to avoid injuries that running is prone to, it is first important to know the most common injuries, which we list one by one below:

Runner's knee

This condition is also known as "iliotibial band syndrome" and is one of the most common injuries in runners. It is caused by a sudden impact of the heel directly on the ground while running, resulting in a sharp pain on the outside of the knee. So, it is essentially tendonitis of the iliotibial band (a thick band of fibrous tissue that runs from the hip down).

Generally, the causes of this type of running injury are due to errors in training or running technique. In the first case, this is due to wearing inappropriate shoes, changing the training surface and incline, poor warm-up, lack of parallel work to strengthen the main muscle groups and not following a progressive training program. On the other hand, if they are caused by errors in running technique, it is an excessive heel strike or an attempt to lengthen the stride while keeping the trunk rigid and vertical.

Patellar tendonitis

Generally, tendonitis is an inflammation of the tendon caused by repetitive impact on a hard surface, resulting in severe pain and imbalance in the joint. Patellar tendonitis, then, is a lesion of the tendon that connects the kneecap to the tibia, causing pain in the area between the kneecap and the upper front part of the tibia, as well as difficulty moving the knee and a feeling of loss of strength.

This type of tendonitis is caused by overuse of the knee due to poor cushioning of running shoes or improper running technique. Because it affects the kneecap, which acts as a lever for flexion and extension at the front of the knee, it is a serious injury.

Plantar fasciitis

Long distance running is an activity that puts a lot of stress on the heel and the tissues attached to it, and can lead to a condition known as plantar fasciitis. This condition is triggered when the membrane covering the muscles of the sole of the foot and heel becomes inflamed, causing severe pain in the area that worsens with activity.

Plantar fasciitis is therefore a major handicap for runners. If you don't wear the right running shoes, if you don't have the right stride, if you don't warm up properly, and if you have an uneven foot structure, you can often suffer from plantar fasciitis. This is mainly due to the stress or tension on the heel during activity.

Tibial periostitis

This is a condition that leads to severe inflammation of the periosteum and therefore affects the distal and medial tibia. It can therefore be recognized by severe pain in the medial and/or lower part of the tibia, which persists during physical activity and, in most cases, is aggravated by running. This is due to poor adaptation of the periosteum and muscle to an excessive volume of exercise, i.e., athletic overload.

Therefore, tibial meningitis usually occurs during periods when training is more demanding and intense. This is because an athlete's foot hits the ground while running, causing vibrations that, combined with improper technique or overtraining, lead to numerous injuries to the front or back of the tibia. In fact, injuries can also usually be caused by a sudden increase in distance covered or training speed.

Stress fractures

These are small fractures or tears in the weight-bearing bones caused by either repetitive force, a sudden increase in volume or intensity of activity, a constant pattern of microtrauma, or long running distances. For this reason, it is one of the most feared injuries in runners, especially when it reaches the highest level of severity, as the pain it causes becomes increasingly disabling.

In this way, they cause severe fatigue or overload in the area that is subjected to the most stress, namely the feet, and consequently rupture the bone fragments in these extremities. The most common fractures in runners are: Fracture of the second metatarsal, fracture of the fifth metatarsal, fracture of the ankle bone and fracture of the calcaneus.

Buying guide: Tips on how to buy the best compression socks for running

Here are the main features of an optimal compression sock:

Depending on its function

Some socks are suitable for training, others for the recovery process and still others for competition. Therefore, depending on the activity you will perform, you should choose a sock that is suitable for its specific function. There are compression socks that improve athletic performance, minimize stress on the foot, reduce muscle fatigue, promote the drainage of toxins, remove sweat, prevent swelling of the foot, etc.

Manufacturing material

It is recommended to choose socks made of synthetic materials that are breathable, such as polyester, nylon or elastane. Also, opt for socks with reinforcements in the toe or heel area, as they provide much more cushioning and a high level of protection. It is important that the compression suit is seamless.

Type of compression

When choosing compression socks, it is also advisable to consider the type of compression. In particular, this is the degree of compression that the stocking exerts on the foot and calves.

For example, there are the following:

• Compression socks for training and recovery: they should work with a pressure between 15 and 30 mmHg.
• Compression socks for competition or severe circulation problems: they offer 40 mmHg or more.

Size

Although some brands make this type of stockings in one size, there are usually different sizes (S, M, L and XL). Therefore, according to the manufacturer's instructions, you should choose the size that best fits your anatomy to avoid deforming them (if you buy the wrong size). Also consider the length, whether it is short, medium or long).

Price

To save money, many runners prefer to buy imitation or fake compression socks from well-known brands in the sports world. However, this is considered a contraindication, as these socks are made of inferior material and are therefore less effective.

Advantages and benefits of calf braces for runners

To prevent these sports injuries in runners, it is recommended to use the well-known compression socks and tights, which protect the lower extremities and help improve the athlete's performance by improving venous circulation in the legs.

Therefore, compression socks offer the runner the following advantages:

• Minimizing the risk of injuries, such as: Shin splints, plantar fasciitis, patellar tendonitis, etc.
• They reduce the occurrence of muscle pain, inflammation, micro tears in muscle fibers and fatigue.
• They accelerate the warming up of the muscles.
• Optimize the performance and endurance of the athlete, both aerobic and anaerobic.
• Promote the recovery of the area after training.
• They help to recover faster after long runs.
• Preserve body heat on cold and rainy days.
• They provide better support to the muscles.
• Reduce the impact of the impact of each step.
• Promote less vibration and lateral oscillation of muscle fibers.
• Improve venous circulation to promote the return of blood to the heart and the elimination of toxins.

Can compression socks really improve the performance of runners?

It's becoming increasingly common to see runners wearing compression socks or tights, but are they really as effective as they claim? The answer is yes. The answer is yes, because they optimize blood circulation and oxygenation of the muscles, which promotes better venous return, prevents injuries and speeds up recovery.

Therefore, they reduce fatigue or trauma after exercise and accelerate therecovery process after a strenuous activity of the joints, when the athlete runs for a long time. They also provide comfort, muscle support and thermoregulatory function that improves performance.

Compression sports socks are therefore the best garment to enhance the athletic performance of runners, and if you have an injury, you can have a quick recovery with the use of compression therapy that works effectively to improve the internal components of the foot and calf.