Marathon runners sported compression socks for several years. Knee-high socks, however, don't occur naturally on trails, and have been known to scare away small animals and potential mates.
Maybe that's why trail runners have been a little slower to adopt the look. Now compression technology is hitting the roads and the dirt.
The makers of the expensive products tout the performance benefits of compression technology, but in terms of science, compression sock is kind of like ice baths. The people who use them swear by them. The people who study their effectiveness? Not so much.
These patterned compression socks are snug-fitting hosiery made of tightly woven materials like cotton and nylon. They are meant to help increase circulation in the legs and minimize the swelling that can result from long time sedentariness. Your legs feel fresher during and after your long runs, and whatever the reason, you will take it.
I have come up with a few other justifications to rationalize the purchase that doesn't depend on science.
• Protection: They protect your legs from small scratches, scrapes and dirty things like poison ivy on the trail.
• Blood Flow: The Blood flow hypothesis basically say that the compression of the lower leg increases the blood flow.
• Swelling: Compression technology has been proven to limit swelling, especially in people who spend all day on their feet.
• Muscle Vibration: It utilizes gradient pressure to help circulate blood and oxygen throughout the extremities to aid in muscle recovery.
• Dirt: Collects on your sleeves and not on your legs.
• Warmth: Allows you to wear shorts on those tentative days when you would reluctantly wear tights.
• Coolness: No, they don't keep you cool, but it looked pretty darn cool.
A couple of tips before you make a purchase: Also, make sure you measure your proper sizing. Too tight and they are uncomfortable and impossible to put on. Too loose and they don't provide enough compression and slide down on the trail.
If you are convinced that compression sock is good for a try, here is some websites where compression socks are available like daylong.co.uk or Torrsocks.com
Article Source: http://goo.gl/N0wJdv
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