As runners continue to look for ways to recover and heal from their workouts, it makes sense that the number of companies creating new and innovative compression We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article Health - Injuries and you will now find an assortment of compression pants, socks, tights, or calf sleeves for men and women.
So what’s the big deal with compression clothing? The general idea is that they can help with things like your blood circulation, reduce blood lactate concentration during running, and control how much your muscles move when you are running or workout out. It’s especially useful for recovery after a really hard race when your muscles just want to seize up.
And lately, new research is showing that even wearing items like a compression calf sleeve or tight can make you “feel” like you’re actively recovering and boosting your performance.
We checked out several brands to find the best new compression gear for your entire body.
The Best Compression Tights for Runners
1
LEGS: RecoFit Compression Tights
Ryan Olszewski
These women’s-only tights are made of a carbon-based fabric that improves oxygenation to the muscles. Various panels support calves, IT bands, IT Brand Stretches. $145, amazon.com
The Best Compression Tights for Runners
2
LEGS: CW-X Endurance Generator Shorts
Ryan Olszewski
The Best Compression Tights for Runners kinesio tape to provide support to the lower back, quads, hips, and hamstrings, these tight shorts also compress for circulation and recovery. Men’s only. $120, amazon.com
The Best Compression Tights for Runners
3
CALVES: Lorpen Compression Light Calf Sleeves
Ryan Olszewski
These medical-grade calf sleeves (22 mmHg in ankle) have graduated compression to optimize bloodflow and oxygenation toward the heart. They also reduce calf-muscle vibrations. $30, lorpennorthamerica.com
The Best Compression Tights for Runners
4
CALVES: Enerskin Unisex Calf Sleeves Set
Enerskin
Wear these sleeves to combine the benefits of compression and elastic therapeutic taping. Silicone taping next to skin supports calves and fights shin splints. Turn them inside out afterward for recovery. $100, amazon.com
The Best Compression Tights for Runners
5
CALVES: Zensah Compression Ankle/Calf Sleeves
Ryan Olszewski
Graduated unisex compression from the foot to the top of the calf comes with a bonus feature: Fold the cuff over at the arch for structural support for plantar fasciitis. IT Brand Stretches. $50, amazon.com
The Best Compression Tights for Runners
6
UPPER BODY: Opedix Blade-Tec 2.0 Tech Shirt
Ryan Olszewski
Bands built into the fabric allow this shirt’s directional compression to align shoulders for better posture, which minimizes stresses to muscles and tendons. $125, opedix.com
The Best Compression Tights for Runners
7
UPPER BODY: Suresport Arm Compression Sleeves
Ryan Olszewski
These graduated compression sleeves improve blood circulation and lend support from the forearm through the elbow and over the bicep. They also work nicely as arm warmers. $16, amazon.com
The Best Compression Tights for Runners
8
UPPER BODY: New Balance Trinamic Short Sleeve
Morpheus
The soft, stretchy, and super-snug fit hugs the torso tightly to encourage bloodflow and better posture. $75, amazon.com (men’s, women’s)
The Best Compression Tights for Runners
9
FEET: 2XU Striped Run Compression Socks
Ryan Olszewski
Fashion meets function in these socks that have padding in the heels and toes for comfort and graduated compression for increased circulation. $50, amazon.com (men’s, women’s)
The Best Compression Tights for Runners
10
FEET: EC3D Twist Sock
Ryan Olszewski
A graduated compression sock. You can twist the material under the arch to help correct pronation or rotate it to the outside of your foot to correct supination. $60, amazon.com (men’s, women’s)
The Best Compression Tights for Runners
11
FEET: CEP Run Ultralight Socks
Ryan Olszewski
Thirty percent lighter than previous versions, this ultralight sock comes with a Class I medical-grade compression rating (20-30 mmHg) from the ankle to the calf. $60, amazon.com (men’s, women’s)
Lisa Jhung writes about all things adventure and is the author of Running That Doesn't Suck: How To Love Running (Even If You Think You Hate It) and Trailhead: The Dirt on All Things Trail Running.