Whether you are a fitness fanatic who regularly trains for marathons or you simply enjoy a run around your local park every evening, you may have noticed more and more runners sporting the latest much-have workout gear: compression socks.
To the uninitiated these may just look like tube socks in bolder colors, however, if you delve a little deeper into the science behind compression socks, you may be surprised at just how much they could improve your athletic prowess.
What exactly are compression socks?
Put simply, compression socks are super-strong socks that squeeze around your calf, compressing the veins on the surface of your leg, as well as your muscles and arteries.
How does this help you to run better?
Keep reading to find out.
1. They offer protection
If you usually run in shorts, compression socks, which often go right up to your knees, can protect your legs against scratches and abrasions that you would otherwise suffer from while running through woodland areas.
Furthermore, they can safeguard your legs from even nastier elements of the outdoors such as poison ivy which results in an incredibly itchy and uncomfortable rash on your skin.
2. They reduce swelling
The latest compression technology has been scientifically proven to reduce swelling in people who spend a lot of time on their feet, so if you are training every day, you should definitely consider investing in a pair of high compression socks from https://shopgo2.com/.
3. They reduce muscle soreness
All athletes are aware of the importance of recovery, but for those who want to train every day, prolonged muscle soreness can hinder rather than help your overall performance. This is where compression socks can help. Known for their ability to increase oxygen delivery to your muscles, compression socks are also able to decrease muscle vibration caused by impact, both of which can significantly reduce your recovery time.
4. They make running easier
If you are prone to experiencing tired, achy, and heavy legs while running, compression socks can provide instant relief. Although it is worth noting that compression socks can be beneficial after you have finished running too. In fact, many athletes swear by wearing them both during a race and for several hours after.
5. They are beneficial for short and long distances
If you think that compression socks are only advantageous for marathon runners, think again. All of the benefits listed above are applicable for both short and long distances. That being said, it is recommended, if you are trying out compression socks for the first time, that you test them out on shorter runs first so that your legs can get used to the compression.
6. They are made to fit
Compression socks are most definitely not a one size fits all product, and when purchasing a pair, you will be able to choose ones based not only on your shoe size but also on your ankle and calf circumference. This will help to ensure that you can maximize the effects of the compression socks on your running, delivering the right amount of controlled pressure that is strongest at the ankle and decreases as it travels up the leg.