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

Cycling is one of the most popular sports in the world. It can be practiced on different types of terrain and is also characterized by its numerous health benefits: It optimizes muscle tone, improves joints, increases calcium in bones, increases lung capacity, etc.

However, even cyclists are not immune to injuries in their sporting lives. Especially if they do not use the right protective equipment. For this reason, we will elaborate on the most common conditions caused by cycling and highlight the importance of wearing compression socks in this sport.

What is the best calf compression sleeves for cycling?

The maximum flexibility in movement offered by the Awenia pair of compression socks makes this elastic sleeve the ideal calf support for running, jumping or any sport that places demands on the back of the leg. You can wear these socks during the summer because they prevent the accumulation of sweat and do not produce heat while helping to improve blood circulation.

The gradual compression generated by this calf sleeve makes the pain gradually disappear . Its design provides the plantar support needed to absorb soft tissue shock. In some cases, muscle recovery time is not accelerated with the use of this elastic running sleeve.

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.

Don't limit your calf movements and improve the proprioception of your legs by wearing Sesto Senso unisex compression socks. Thanks to their ergonomic design you will protect the knee joint and the upper part of the ankle giving greater stability and strength to the muscles. It is ideal for relieving pain and reducing inflammation of the soft tissues when they have suffered a previous injury.

You can use this compressor at any time of the day, when you go to the gym or when you have to teach your students. Its elastic mesh is designed to prevent the accumulation of moisture, so that the time of use is prolonged. This product is suitable for people with varicose veins and symptoms of muscle fatigue in the legs. Freedom of movement may be affected by the excessive compression that may be exerted in some cases by these cufflinks.

The aZengear calf support is the ideal adjustable compression sock to be worn at all times . This means that the compression sleeve is not only intended to be worn by athletes, but also by anyone who needs to be on their feet for long periods of time. Its design, made of breathable materials, prevents sweat from remaining on the support, making you forget you're wearing this cuff compressor.

It provides the correct anatomical fit on the calves, but at the same time also maintains compression on the Achilles tendon and foot. This makes it easier to eliminate vibrations from sports impacts or walking. Consider that, in hot weather, discomfort may increase due to the garment's inability to wick away excessive perspiration.

Comfort is an important consideration when choosing a good calf compression sleeve. For this reason, we recommend the Physix Gear Sport calf compression sock. Its adjustable material improves blood circulation, relieving pain, reducing cramps and preventing the feeling of fatigue in the legs. Its design sends enough oxygen to your feet so you won't feel the typical tiredness in this area when you spend a long time on your feet.

It can be used by both men and women, so you just have to choose the right size for you. Thanks to the support located in the heel, the Achilles tendon rests from the vibrations that arise when walking or running. While the compression sleeve stays in place, it is likely that the top seam will start to pull away from the leg due to perspiration or wear and tear of the fabric.

Helps blood circulation to the back of the calves. For this you need to choose a CAMBIVO unisex elastic running sleeve. This compression sportswear is ideal for relieving pain and reducing inflammation in the muscles, ligaments and tendons when overloading the calf. It is suitable for any type of physical activity because its breathable fabric prevents moisture accumulation.

The offer includes 3 pairs of compression socks, so all you have to do is choose your size to start enjoying the benefits of this practical calf support. The ultra-thin design and lightweight material provides enough comfort for the sock to be worn for long periods of time. The ergonomic design may be uncomfortable in some cases, especially where the anatomical circumference of the calf is large.

Video: Muscle calf anatomy

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What are the most common injuries in cycling?

Cycling, by its very nature, requires athletes to pedal continuously for several hours, which, in addition to sufficient leg strength, requires a constant sequence of flexions and extensions of the foot, knee and hip joints.

As well as the stability of the lower back, trunk and abdominal region, and even the correct movements of the neck in extension and the appropriate cushioning measures in the arm and wrist. In other words, it requires a range of body structures to perform at peak levels.

Because cycling involves most parts of the body, various injuries can occur due to the repetitiveness of all the movements associated with pedaling. Also, due to the posture that the athlete adopts on the bike, the surface on which they train (mountain or asphalt) and the speed at which they cover the targeted distance.

Without further ado, here are the most common conditions that affect the cyclist's well-being and cause frustration:

Patellar tendonitis

This is an injury to the tendon that connects the kneecap to the tibia. This is the "patellar tendon" that works with the muscles at the front of the thigh to extend the knee. This condition is usually caused by heavy pedaling, improper saddle adjustment, sudden changes in pace, and pedaling at high speed for long distances.

The result is severe pain and inflammation of the patellar tendon and severe overuse of the knee joint. This prevents the athlete from performing movements such as pedaling or climbing stairs. Medication and physiotherapy exercises, stretching and maintenance are prescribed to treat this injury in order to restore the function of the tendon.

Chondromalacia

This is one of the most common injuries in cyclists. It is essentially a disease of the cartilage under the kneecap (which acts as a natural shock absorber). In this sport, patellar chondromalacia is often caused by long distances or very low cadence, as well as a low saddle that increases the pressure between the thigh and the knee.

The main symptoms of this pathology are severe pain in the anterior part of the knee, difficulty in fully extending the knee, and a feeling of stiffness in this area. Therefore, when the patient rides a bike, goes down stairs or does squats, the pain may increase acutely.

Achilles tendonitis

This is a tear of the Achilles tendon, which connects the heel bone to the calf muscle. The most common signs and symptoms include a latent pain in the back of the leg or in the upper part of the ankle, which increases exponentially when cycling. It also causes stiffness in the ankle and discomfort when walking, jumping or climbing stairs.

As for the causes, this type of injury is mainly triggered by overuse of the tendon, that is, when the athlete spends many hours on the bike and does all his training in this way. In addition, other factors such as sitting too high, incorrect foot position on the pedal or incorrect shoe cleat adjustment can also lead to Achilles tendonitis.

Lower back pain

Discomfort in the lower back of the body is also a result of poor cycling. They are usually diagnosed as the cause of severe pain in the lower back or what is known as the "lumbar area". In most cases, lower back pain in cyclists is due to the very high position of the saddle, which causes hyperextension of the lumbar spine.

In addition, lower back pain is also caused by poor posture on the bicycle, improper saddle and handlebar configuration, improper bicycle size, extremely long cranks, use of long gear shifts that result in altered pedal stroke, and an upright posture that causes compression of the intervertebral discs. Sometimes even genetic factors (e.g., dyssymmetry).

Neck pain

Another of the most common injuries in cyclists is neck pain, which directly affects the neck of the patient and causes severe pain. Therefore, cervical pain can be diagnosed as a result of overload in the neck, particularly affecting the nerves, vertebrae and muscles of the cervical part of the body.

In most cases, neck pain is caused by incorrect adjustment of the saddle and handlebars, as well as incorrect posture of the cyclist on the bicycle. However, there are other factors that affect the cervical spine and cause this injury, such as inappropriate saddle height, inadequate handlebar length, abnormal weight distribution due to the forward-facing saddle, etc.

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

Since compression tights and socks are not only for cyclists, it is important that athletes dedicated to cycling know how to choose the most suitable compression tights for their sport. Therefore, we highlight the most important aspects to consider when buying compression socks and calf sleeves to get the most out of them in this discipline:

According to their function

Compression socks for cyclists can have different functions depending on the condition or need of each athlete:

• Promote venous return and prevent circulatory problems.
• Free the muscles from excessive stress.
• Contribute to the recovery of the area.
• Relieve pain and discomfort.

Material of manufacture

It is ideal to use compression socks that sweat without accumulating in this area. Therefore, it is preferable to buy those made of nylon, polyester or elastane. These are synthetic materials that simplify the breathability of the area. It is not recommended that they have seams.

Type of compression

In addition to the function and material, it is also important to evaluate the type of compression that the stocking offers. Most brands offer different levels of support, which is important to achieve the desired benefits. In general, we recommend a sock that provides a pressure between 15 and 30 mmHg.

Sizing

Make sure you buy the right size, whether it's S, M, L or XL. Remember that a sock that is too small can cause constriction, slowing or interruption of blood flow, while a sock that is too large may not compress properly. Also, it is not ideal to wear a one-size-fits-all garment.

Design

Depending on the length, the design of the stocking may vary to serve a specific purpose and cover the skin up to a certain height. These include:

• Socks that cover only the foot and tights.
• The short sock (or calf sock) that extends from the ankle to below the knee.
• The long sock that extends above the knee to mid-thigh.
• Compression tights that extend from the feet to the waist.

Price

Overall, compression socks for cyclists range in price depending on the brand, design and function. Although this may be expensive for some athletes, it is not appropriate to use fake or imitation socks. These are made from inferior materials and therefore may not be very effective.

Advantages and benefits of calf braces for cyclists

To prevent the various injuries that can occur in cycling, compression garments have been developed that not only provide protection, but also help to improve performance when used regularly. In particular, compression socks, stockings and calf pads are items that reach the knee or hip and exert a controlled force on the legs.

Many cyclists use this type of clothing for their training and competitions to benefit from the following advantages:

• They optimize the oxygen supply to the muscles.
• They contribute to the regulation of blood circulation.
• Improve the performance of the cyclist.
• Relieve muscle pain.
• Minimize the vibration of the calf muscles during the ride.
• Prevent various lower limb injuries.
• Accelerate the recovery time.
• Prevent heat loss in the area.
• Provide remarkable comfort.
• Decrease the accumulation of lactic acid.

Can compression socks really improve cyclists' performance and recovery?

Yes, they are. This type of compression garment promotes blood flow, which is the amount of blood expelled from the heart into the aorta per minute. It also helps muscles recover in less time because it provides them with more oxygen.

In addition, they are able to prevent the various injuries common in cycling, provide comfort and muscle support, as well as a thermoregulatory function ideal to enhance the athlete's performance in competitions over long distances and for long periods of time.

Compression socks for cyclists are the best alternative to enhance athletic performance and if you have an injury, you can achieve a quick recovery with the compression therapy that works effectively to improve the internal components of the foot and calf.