
That's not possible when you are working with tiny groups (less than 20 athletes) of elite athletes. Tests of compression socks have not found that they make statistical changes in running performance. Statistical significance is achieved with big changes and large numbers of measurements. Hundredths of a second separate first place from second place.įor scientists, proof is always about statistical significance. IS THERE ANY PROOF OF COMPRESSION SOCKS RUNNING BENEFITS?įor competitive runners, winning is often about very small differences. These are the most common benefits of compression socks for running. Compression enables effort to be directed straight ahead rather than to oscillation. Compression empowers runners to power harder and faster, even while having to fight muscle oscillation. Reducing muscle oscillation increases muscle efficiency. Acting through the fascia, they reduce oscillation in the thigh and even over the abdomen. Muscles don't get as tight or as tense, thus are less likely to go into spasm - perhaps allowing you to run faster and farther.Ĭompression socks also keep the calf muscle from jiggling around. By providing more oxygen to muscles, it powers down the muscle's response to stress. Increased circulation to muscle doesn't just reduce production of lactate. This means that you can run harder and faster before you begin to feel a burn. When runners wear compression socks, the heart does not have to work as hard to pump blood against the force of gravity. Compression completely around the circumference of the leg compensates for the forces of gravity and resistance in the veins.īUT WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF COMPRESSION SOCKS FOR RUNNERS? Blood pressure is lower in the veins, going back to the heart, working against gravity. Oxygen-depleted blood returns to the heart and lungs through veins.īlood pressure is higher in the arteries, going out from the heart, assisted by the force of gravity. The heart sends oxygen-rich blood out to the rest of the body through arteries. It looks something like a sleeve for the leg but with fabric around the toes. What do compression socks have to do with running? For that matter, what are compression socks?Ī compression sock is a garment that places gentle pressure all around a limb to assist venous return.

Both groups of experts turn out to be right, but the real reason runners wear graduated compression socks is something the experts don't tell you. Other experts say knee high compression socks assist with recovery between runs.

You may have wondered, “Why wear compression socks when running?” Some experts say wearing graduated compression socks while you are running helps increase blood circulation and flow. If you are a serious runner, picking up the sport again or trying to stay fit, you may have heard of compression socks for running.
