Compression sleeves for calves – are they worth using? 

You may often see runners wearing bands on their legs – usually black, but there are also white and other colors. These are compression sleeves for calves, which are worn not only by runners but also by soccer or volleyball players. Choosing the right ones is very important. 

Are you surprised? After all, all you have to do is buy them in the store and that’s it. Well, it is not that simple. In this article, I will tell you what compression sleeves for runners are, and how to select and use them. Read on to find out!

Compression sleeves for calves – what is it?

Calf compression bands are runner’s accessories, which are made of material that should adhere to the calf. It is necessary to choose them well. It’s a bit like buying shoes for a runner. They need to be tight to give a good compression effect, and most importantly, they need to fit well. 

Calf compression sleeves for running – why use them?

Compression bands primarily support the work of the calf muscles and stabilize and cushion them. Their task is to compress the baldness, which improves the circulation of the calf muscles. They exert pressure on the body, thus improving blood flow. Thanks to more efficient circulation, resulting in faster oxygen transport, the muscles recover faster, slowing down the feeling of fatigue and reducing any soreness. 

What’s more, the blood supply to the tissues improves thanks to the calf compression band. What does this mean? That their respiration and nutrition are improved. This also makes recovery after training go more smoothly, and you don’t have to worry about more serious injuries, cramps, and soreness that can occur after an intense workout. 

When should you wear a compression band on your calves?

Calf compression sleeves for running are used by many runners. All in order to improve performance and ensure faster recovery after training. However, there are cases when wearing compression bands while running is especially important, and then they really do their job well. 

• after injuries and trauma,
• slight swelling of the ankle joint, 
• after calf muscle overload,
• during Achilles tendonitis, 
• when you have shin splints. 

However, this is not all. There are a few more cases when you should think about wearing calf compression sleeves:

• Occasionally during extremely high-intensity workouts. Do not wear compression socks for every workout, because your legs will quickly get used to the compression – and then it will do absolutely nothing,
• after a demanding workout or competition – in support of recovery,
• when you remain motionless for a long time – for example, on a long car trip. Thanks to the compression, your feet will not swell like balloons.
  The most noticeable effects of using compression are felt by long-distance runners. It’s not crazy, but the more grueling the run, the more strongly even minimal support comes in handy.

Are there any contraindications to using calf compression sleeves?

No. You can use them during any workout. They can be used by amateurs and professionals. However, one thing is most important – you need to choose them correctly to protect your calf and be sure that the running compression calf sleeves will do their job.

How to correctly choose a compression sleeves for calves? 

As I have mentioned several times in this article, in order to run with these “socks” on your calves, you need to choose them correctly. This is the key to success – only then you will get the previously mentioned benefits from compression calf sleeves. Running must be enjoyable with them. 

First, you need to adjust the compression band to the size of your calf. If it’s too small, it won’t do its job and will be just another accessory to your running outfit – which, after all, is not what you want. It also must not put too much pressure on the muscle. This will make you uncomfortable to run in – it will put pressure and even cause pain. 

Don’t choose one that is too big, either. The compression sleeves should adhere to the right spot on the leg, not fall off it. 

In order to choose a brace well, when you put it on, it must adhere to your body, and what’s more, it should only apply light pressure. You should feel comfortable. This is the most important thing. 

Choosing the right size calf compression sleeves for running

Compression bands for runners and non-runners come in different sizes. They are often marked with a T and a number. You can guess that the higher the number, the larger the size of the compression band. They can also be marked with normal sizes, like shirts or pants e.x.: S, M, L, XL.

To get the right size you need to measure the circumference of the calf at the thickest point. In addition, it is also a good idea to measure the height of the calf. With these dimensions, you will be able to choose the right running accessory to help you achieve better results and speed up recovery. 

With these dimensions, you can go to the store or choose compression sleeves online. Check their sizes well, as they can vary from manufacturer to manufacturer or model to model. 

Compression calf sleeves – what should they be? 

In order for compression sleeves for calves to perform well, it is not enough just to have a good fit. You also need to pay attention to the material and technology they are made of. This will make their use even better and more comfortable. 

• Quick-drying material – you run in different seasons and in different weather. Sweat, rain, snow – these can make your wristbands wet. That’s why it’s a good idea to buy ones that have quick-drying material.
• Ventilation – did you know that sweat accumulated after training in the compression sleeves for calves can lead to a burn? That’s why it’s worth buying a product that has adequate ventilation. Opt for calf compression bands that are made of breathable material to ensure comfort during any run.
• The use of alternating compression zones – bands that vary the compression force at a given point (so-called dynamic compression) ensures faster blood circulation and better oxygenation of tissues. 
• Anatomical fit – choose bands that fit your leg properly. This will allow you to exercise comfortably and every movement will be a pleasure. 
• Non-slip material and bands to eliminate chafing.

How much does running compression calf sleeves cost?

Here you will find a really big price range. If you want to buy really cheap products, then just go to Walmart and there you can find compression sleeves for as low as $8-10. 

If you want to find more professional equipment then it’s worth going to a sports store or finding the right size online. Then the prices can sometimes surprise you. One pair of calf compression sleeves for running can cost as much as $100. Probably this price surprised you, but it’s true! 

It all depends on what material they are made of, how well they compress the calves, what manufacturer they are from, and what technologies are used in them. 

Now you know what calf compression bands are and why you should use them. Purchase the right ones for you and use them in your daily workouts, and definitely wear them if you have any of the problems mentioned in the earlier part of the article. A small and simple thing and what a help 😉