Compression Socks -- What's the deal?

DanS

While I was cheering for many of you folks at IM Wisconsin I noticed many many people wearing the compressions socks.  I understand the use for these to aid recovery, but what do they provide during the run?  And if I was thinking of trying a pair can I get the same effect using the $10 pair from the medical supply store as I would for the $45 pair from the local tri-shop?  Any feedback would be great!  Thanks

Chris G

 Not sure that anyone has shown any benefit at all to wearing them while racing.  Maybe if you had a history of calf problems. They feel great to wear for recovery or while traveling.  I wear them at work a lot.  After long runs they help to avoid that lower leg throbbing thing while sitting at my desk.  The medical supply ones may be the same thing depending on the brand.  I have a feeling that in a couple of years you will not see anyone wearing them.  

mancona

I swear by them for recovery, but am not fully sold on them for racing. However, I did do one race wearing compression socks (Boston Marathon) and recovered significantly faster from that then any other open marathon. It could have just been that I was in better shape or it could have been the socks.

I can notice a difference between the medical supply ones and the tri ones, however it is not a 3+ x the price difference.

Al Truscott

Posted By Dan Sobiech on 15 Sep 2010 07:50 AM

... can I get the same effect using the $10 pair from the medical supply store as I would for the $45 pair from the local tri-shop?...

Yes

I'm with Matt - I've used them for recovery for two years, but don't race in them. I think I need to have complete circulation in my feet and legs while racing. And of course, trying to get them on in T1 or2 would be a bear and a waste of time, even the "sleeves".

Paul Hough

Triathletes will buy anything they think someone promises will shave a nano-second. Despite the complete lack of scientific evidence for compression wear on people without circulatory problems (e.g., athletes), I did break down and buy a pair of calve sleeves. Review - eh, not sure. The compression socks for racing have zippo scientific support. I mean, how is that the Kenyans and Ethiopians have kicked ass all these years without looking like geeks? I think it was Andy Potts who said he would never use them unless the money was right. I notice he wears them now...and it's not because they work. Save your money.

tuckerm

I am all for wearing them for recovery, but as for racing, as stated above, there is no benefit other than mental. And now since you have just learned there is no time benefit you don't even have the mental benefit! Plus they just make you look silly out there during the race and we all know it's about looking flash!

Unknown

Research doesn't prove there is much, if any, benefit in wearing compression garmets during racing. I was a subject for some sport science testing (for Skins) at the University of Western Sydney where the researchers were assessing if the lower body compression garmets reduce muscle vibration (and therefore reduce breakdown and increase time to fatigue)....I won't bore you with the details... long story short, evidence wasn't statistically insignificant, therefore nothing proven!

Coach Patrick

What Scott said. Besides, I couldn't imagine having more gear on my body all day...esp given how long we are out there. I say pre-race and post race is fine for me!

P

mancona

Just one other thought, I have been training in compression gear this year (mostly tri shorts) and found that it helps a ton with the back to back Saturday and Sunday rides. Again, this is more of a recovery benefit then a benefit on race day. I am racing in the tri shorts as thats what I'm used to wearing.