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

Football is one of the most popular team sports in the world and therefore has fans of all ages in most countries. It is a mass phenomenon with remarkable social implications. In terms of health, it improves mental and emotional state and prevents various diseases such as obesity, diabetes and hypertension.

However, it can also be the main risk factor for various injuries that weaken the physical well-being of players. However, nowadays there is a possibility to prevent them by using compression socks and calf sleeves, and in this post we will show you why.

What is the best calf compression sleeves for football?

Awenia - Compression Sports Socks (20-30mmHg) for Running, Varicose Veins and Sports
  • Sizes: S-L
  • Colours: 7 Options
  • Material: 80% Nylon and 20% Elastane
  • No. of Products: 2
  • Type: Sport high socks
  • Good compression
  • Lightweight design
  • Few sizes
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.

COMPRESSPORT - Unisex Running Compression Socks Hight Quality
  • Sizes: 2-3-4 Years and T1
  • Colours: 2 Options: White, Black
  • Material: Breathable
  • No. of Products: 2
  • Type: High top sports sock
  • Anti-slip dots
  • Good compression
  • Breathable design
  • 1 pair per order
  • Sizes small
  • No material specified
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.

BLACKROX - Sport Compression Stockings for Running, Football and hiking
  • Sizes: S-M, L-XL
  • Colours: 9 Options
  • Material: Nylon
  • No. of Products: 2
  • Type: High top sports socks
  • Suitable for any activity
  • Designed to enhance compression
  • Two sizes only
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.

DANISH ENDURANCE - Graduated Compression Socks (18-21mmHg) for Running, Athletic and Boost Circulation
  • Sizes: 35-38
  • Colours: 9 Options
  • Material: Prolen
  • No. of Products: Single
  • Type: High compression sock
  • Breathable material
  • Lightweight design
  • Size Small
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.

Sesto Senso - 3x Unisex Compression High Socks for Sport and Running
  • Sizes: 35-38, 39-42
  • Colours: 8 Options
  • Material: Cotton
  • No. of Products: 2
  • Type: Mid-calf socks
  • 3 pairs per order
  • Variety of colours
  • Two sizes only
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.

aZengear - Sports Compression Socks (20-30 mmHg) Shin Splints Calf Pressure Support
  • Sizes: S/M(35-42), L/XL(42-47), XXL(44-49)-L
  • Colours: 7 Options
  • Material: Nylon(65%), Elastane(20%), Lycra(15%)
  • No. of Products: 2
  • Type: High top sports socks
  • Variety of models
  • Breathable material
  • Medium support
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.

Physix Gear Sport - Compression Socks (20-30 mmhg) for Running, Nurses, Shin Splints and Flight Travel
  • Sizes: S/M, L/XL
  • Colours: 7 Options
  • Material: Breathable
  • No. of Products: 2
  • Type: High-top compression stockings
  • Breathable design
  • Suitable for any activity
  • Prevents major injuries
  • Various models
  • Only two sizes
  • No material specified
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.

CAMBIVO - 3x Compression Stockings for Flight, Calf Support, Running, Travel, Crossfit and Cycling
  • Sizes: S/M, L/XL, XXL
  • Colours: 4 Options
  • Material: Nylon
  • No. of Products: 6
  • Type: Compression stockings
  • 3 pairs per order
  • Breathable design
  • Low compression
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

Types of compression socks you should know about

What are the most common football injuries?

Football is a very demanding sport by nature, whether it is played professionally or for fun. Players have to meet the high demands of performing numerous athletic movements, as well as jumping, collisions, constant running and sudden changes in direction. In addition, the terrain can be very rough.

For these reasons, it is a skill that increases the risk of injury due to the different movements during a game. Therefore, to further promote the use of a useful prevention tool, it is useful to know the most common injuries in this popular sport:

Meniscus Tear

The meniscus is a fibrocartilage structure located both medially and laterally in the knee that acts as a shock absorber between the femur and tibia bones to protect the joint by dissipating stress. Therefore, activities that involve sudden twisting or turning movements while squatting or with the foot on the ground (e.g., football) lead to a meniscus tear.

In general, this type of injury is very common in football and causes athletes to experience the following symptoms: fracture sensation, stiffness, pain when rotating the knee, feeling of weakness in the joint, and difficulty extending the knee. The severity of all these symptoms depends on the severity of the injury, which is determined by the type and location of the tear.

Achilles tendonitis

This is a very common sports injury that almost always results from overuse of the Achilles tendon. This is a strong, fibrous ligament that connects the muscles on the back of the calf to the heel bone. Achilles tendonitis in football players is often caused by a sudden increase in the duration or intensity of running, as well as sudden movements and training on uneven surfaces.

With regard to the symptoms of this condition, the following points should be highlighted: Mild pain after the injury, which worsens over time in the area above the heel and in the lower part of the leg. It also causes swelling or hard nodules of tissue on the tendon, weakness in the leg, stiffness and unusual tenderness. With timely treatment, medication and physical therapy can ensure a full recovery before it becomes a chronic condition.

Sprains of the knee

Knee injuries are common in football, and one of the most common injuries is a sprain or strain. This is a condition that directly affects the ligaments of the knee because one of the ligaments is overstretched. This can be caused by a fall with an awkward position of the knee after a step or jump, by direct blows to the area, or by microtrauma or overuse.

However, there are different types of sprains depending on the ligament involved: Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) sprain, Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) sprain, Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL) sprain and Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) sprain. The symptoms it causes are generally as follows: Pain at the tear site, uncomfortable cracking, swelling, stiffness, redness and inability to stand.

Sprained ankle

This is an injury to the ligaments that make up the joint because they are stretched beyond their normal elastic limit. Thus, in addition to knee sprains, ankle sprains are common in football due to theIntensity of the game, the sudden changes of pace and the blows that opponents can deliver.

Jumping, diving, spinning and the type of field can also increase the likelihood of an ankle sprain. Therefore, it is rare that a football player has not suffered such an injury at some point in his career. Usually, the symptoms are as follows: Severe pain in the joint, bruising or contusion in the area, increased tenderness in the area, and a localized feeling of heat.

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

Since there are many options in compression socks, it is important to know how to choose the most suitable sock for playing football and enjoy all the benefits it offers.

Depending on the function

One of the most important features to evaluate is the function of the sock in question. You need to choose a type of accessory that is completely adapted to your sport, such as football. Otherwise, there is a risk that you will buy a sock designed for other skills and therefore not suitable for your games. Also, make sure that it performs the following tasks: Promote venous return, promote rapid recovery of the area, relieve muscle strain, reduce potential pain and inflammation, and prevent injury.

Material

When choosing compression garments, make sure they are made of a synthetic material (polyester, nylon or spandex) that quickly wicks sweat away from the body.

Type of compression

The degree of compression is also an important detail to consider. From this it becomes apparent to what extent the textile element supports the fulfillment of the function it performs.

In general, there are the following types:

  • Light (exerts pressure from 18 to 24 mmHg)
  • Moderate (22 to 29 mmHg)
  • Strong (30 to 40 mmHg)
  • Extra strong (37 to 49 mmHg)

According to studies, it is recommended to wear, on average, a stocking with a compression between 15 and 30 mmHg during sports activities.

Sizing

Many manufacturers have designed one-size-fits-all compression stockings that promise benefits, but in reality are not recommended. Depending on the anatomy of the individual athlete, this type of sock may be too small and restrict blood circulation , while for others it may be too large and provide poor compression. The footballer should therefore buy a sock in his exact size (S, M, L or XL), depending on the ratio of height to weight or calf circumference.

Design

A model should be chosen that covers the skin at the level desired by the athlete. Depending on the length of the compression socks, the following models are known:

  • Socks (covering the foot only)
  • Short socks (ankle to knee)
  • Long socks (above knee or mid-thigh)

Usually football players wear short socks or calf socks.

Price

The cost of compression socks varies depending on the brand, design and function. You should buy socks from a recognized brand to make sure they are originals, as imitations are of poor quality and have little effect.

Advantages and benefits of calf sleeves for football players

Basically, compression socks are those that put pressure on the muscles in order to pump the blood upwards and prevent the veins from dilating excessively. They are now widely used in the world of sports to take advantage of the various benefits they offer, and for this reason football players have also joined this type of textile clothing.

Considering that with this ability they guarantee the following benefits:

  • They increase blood circulation and help optimize the circulatory system.
  • They provide better support for the muscles.
  • Reduce muscle soreness and fatigue, as well as the risk of pain and inflammation.
  • Minimize the impact of the impact of each step.
  • Protect limbs from many sports injuries.
  • Improve player's endurance and performance during the game.
  • Accelerate the recovery process after the game and/or training.
  • Prevent the loss of body heat during performance.
  • Provides a high level of stability, which also affects the comfort.

Are compression socks really effective in improving football performance?

Yes, compression socks are recommended for playing football. This is because they stimulate optimal blood circulation , which helps to return blood to the heart so that it does not pool in the feet while the athlete is running during the 90 minutes of competition. This also improves the performance of the athlete.

They also promote muscle recovery in a shorter time, thus speeding up the recovery of the athlete's limbs after exercise. They also prevent discomfort (pain or inflammation) that may occur after training.

Compression sports socks for playing football are the best garment to enhance sports performance, and if you have an injury, you can recover quickly thanks to compression therapy, as it effectively improves the internal components of the foot and calf.

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