Compression Socks

I wear both the compression race sleeve and the recovery socks.  Both help, it feels like you can go a little longer and harder in training and the recovery socks help squeeze your blood through your legs and reduce the swelling.  I can run back to back days when using them, I noticed a difference.  On the down note, Tri-Tech is the only place that has them in Columbus and both are $50.00 each. 

So you wear them while riding or when you are done?

For recovery, I've been using the Zoot Compression Tights (they make a pair specifically for recovery) and I think they work really well.  I also have a pair of SLS compression socks to wear when the tights are impractical and they work reasonably well, too.  Given the option, I'd go with the tights.

I have two pairs of socks (one Zoot and one Desoto) and one pair of the Zoot recovery tights.  There have been a few studies that show the benefit of using them as a recovery tool but nothing showing any sort of benefit to use while exercising.

I use them for recovery all the time.  Combined with proper rest and nutrition I think they are effective.  I did a running relay across Maryland two weekends ago and used the socks in between each leg that I did (separated by about 6 or 7 hours or so) and then the tights afterward.  Felt pretty good overall considering I ran 27 miles spread over three legs in less than a 20 hour timeframe.

I wear the sleeves riding and the socks when I am done at home resting.  Also think about ice baths.  They work as well

I wear them all of the time, especially when I am with my teen and tween daughters and I am wearing cargo shorts.  Seriously!

I also wear them for runs and recoveries.  I'm not sure if they offer any benefit that is not psychological in nature, but that is half of the battle.

If you aren't going to be running in them and just wearing them around the house, save your money and go buy them at the pharmacy, will save you quite a bit of money.  Also more variety of compression in the ones from the pharmacy.

I think I paid 20 bucks for mine and they feel great after a long run. 

I also have a pair of $50.00 calf sleeves, not as impressed with them, don't like running in them much.

Edited by dalessit 2009-10-06 9:14 AM

I've just started using compression socks for recovery, and they do seem to help for that.

FWIW, I got a cheap (< $15) pair from the drug store, in the "foot care" section. I haven't tried the more expensive variety, so I can't speak to any difference those might provide, but I do seem to notice pretty significant recovery benefits even using the cheap variety.

Tony,

So the geriatric support socks at CVS are pretty much the same as the Zoot and 2XU socks?  If so then I might just pick up a pair to test out ...

II have been curious about the affects given some of the feedback from friends but have found that $50 for a pair of compression socks is a ridiculous amount to spend on material that cost < $0.50 to manufacture.