Why Wear Compression Socks When Running?

Contrary to popular belief, compression socks aren’t just for your grandma. In fact, they can benefit people across all walks of life - including you! Compression socks can help improve your health in multiple situations, from prolonged periods of little movement to high-intensity exercise. 

But why wear compression socks when running? This post will educate you about the many advantages of compression socks for exercise, even though the thought of wearing long socks while running is probably already making you sweat.

Increased Circulation During Exercise

During exercise, particularly intense exercise such as running, having good blood circulation is essential. The impact on your body, combined with gravity, can cause blood to pool within your feet and ankles. Compression socks are specially designed to improve your circulation by gently squeezing these areas, preventing pooling and, instead, encouraging the blood to flow properly, resulting in more comfortable exercise.

That being said, wearing compression socks for increased circulation during exercise improves more than just comfort; research has shown that doing so can boost performance, too.

You’ll also benefit from increased blood flow after exercising. A strong correlation between blood flow and performance recovery was observed in a study conducted in 2016. So, the increased circulation from compression socks will make exercising more comfortable and could boost your performance and recovery. This alone is a solid answer to the question, “Why wear compression socks when running?” However, there are still other advantages to explore.

Decreased Muscle Soreness After Exercise

Muscle soreness is a common aftermath of high-intensity exercise, and you probably already know about some of the things you can do to help prevent it. Stretching before and after exercise is one of the best ways to lessen muscle pain afterward. Even a few basic stretches can be hugely beneficial to your recovery.

Wearing compression socks during your exercise is another simple yet effective way to reduce muscle soreness. This, alongside the boosted performance recovery from increased circulation, means that wearing compression socks is a solid way to aid your recovery after exercise of any intensity.

Should You Wear Compression Socks After Running?

Now that we’ve covered why wear compression socks when running, it’s time to go over a lesser-known topic: the benefits of wearing compression socks after running. Many people mistakenly believe that compression socks are only beneficial during exercise, but this is not the case. Compression socks can be advantageous outside of exercise, including immediately afterward or even hours or days after exercising.

Prevent DOMS

A common problem among runners, from those just starting out to even some of the most experienced runners, is DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness). This is when your muscles stiffen or ache for a few days after exercising, particularly after pushing yourself more than usual or trying a new activity. Wearing compression socks after exercising has been shown to decrease, or in some cases, eliminate, DOMS.

This can be especially beneficial to those experimenting with a new type of workout, as the initial DOMS of trying something new can be more intense than the DOMS of a workout your body is already accustomed to. At the other end of the spectrum, eliminating DOMS can be helpful to the more experienced athletes and those who love to push themselves and participate in high-intensity activities on a regular basis.

Reduce Swelling

Pretty much everyone has experienced swollen feet as an aftermath of exercise at some point. Unfortunately, it can take a while for your body to absorb and redistribute blood that has pooled during exercise, leaving you with feet and ankles that stay swollen, uncomfortable, and sometimes even painful after a workout.

Putting on compression socks after your exercise is a brilliant way to combat this swelling. The pressure from the compression socks gently squeezes blood vessels, encouraging blood to travel back around your body rather than pooling.

Assist Muscle Health

As mentioned, blood will often pool around your lower limbs after high-impact exercise. Not only can this be problematic in the short term (with swollen feet and ankles), but it can affect your overall muscle health in the long term, too. This is because it reduces venous return and slows the elimination of muscle damage waste. Compression socks will help keep your blood flow strong and consistent, which will battle the blood pooling and thus improve your overall muscle health.

Keep Your Legs Healthy With Compression Socks

Now that we’ve answered, “Why wear compression socks when running?” you’ll need to find the best pair for you! Crazy Compression understands that maintaining your foot and leg health is crucial, especially if you regularly participate in exercise. That’s why we’ve developed compression socks to suit your needs, including ones expertly designed for running. Not only will they make you feel good, you’ll also look great, too, with one of Crazy Compression’s many unique and expressive compression sock designs. Check out Crazy Compression and start taking even better care of your legs today!