Are you a serious runner or simply need some extra support on your lower legs when training? A staple for providing support and speeding along recovery post-run are calf compression sleeves. Especially for those who suffer from sore muscles and shin pain.
Calf Compression sleeves are designed to help support the calf muscles by squeezing the muscles and the blood vessels which helps to speed up blood flow. This will improve the circulation around the sore muscles which will improve oxygen and cause the muscles to repair faster. Cool,right?
So, you might be thinking that you need to invest in a calf compressions sleeve. But what one should you buy? Below you will find 5 of the best calf compression sleeves to give you that little bit of extra support and to speed up your recovery time.
1. Run Forever Sports Calf Compression Sleeves
This calf compression sleeve is designed to let the runner in you free. Without the worry of pain and strain holding you back.
Made of 70% Nylon and 30% Spandex the Run Forever Sports Calf Compression Sleeves are breathable, stretchy and supportive.
With a level of compression of 20 mmHg, these sleeves will support your calves and improve your blood circulation for that post-run recovery.
These sleeves feature a non-slip cuff and have a pull on closure allowing them to fully mold to your calf muscles.
The 4-way stretchable fabrics means these sleeves will stay in place as you walk, run, or take part in activities such as basketball or cross-fit training.
You can comfort and support without breaking the bank with the Run Forever Sports Calf Compression Sleeves.
Pros
- Breathable. The combination of Nylon and Spandex fabrics makes these compression sleeves breathable as you perform activities.
- Non-slip design. The 4-way stretch, non-slip cuffs and pull on closure means that these sleeves will stay in place all day.
- Pain Relief. As the sleeves compress your muscles and improve blood flow, there will be pain relief from sore joints, shin splints and leg cramps.
- Price. Extremely affordable for a high quality compression sleeve.
Cons
- Style. Bright colors and designs may draw attention to the problem rather than provide a subdued solution.
2. Rymora Calf Compression Sleeves
With these anti-slip calf compression sleeves in place, your calves don’t budge throughout your intensive and dynamic workouts.
You will gain an incredible compression of 20-30 mmHg which will boost blood flow and speed up recovery from injury.
Wear for a range of activities from intense cardio or weight lifting sessions to enjoying a Sunday hike.
As you workout and exercise the breathable, lightweight fabric will provide airflow while still providing firm support to your lower legs.
Pros
- Lightweight. You can train and exercise without feeling weighed down by your compression sleeve.
- Breathable. Moisture-wicking fabrics keep moisture and pressure off your calf muscles whilst still remaining supportive.
- Compression. Between 20-30 mmHg of compression to boost blood circulation throughout the muscles during activity and recovery.
Cons
- Care. Sleeves will require extra care and attention when washing and cleaning.
- Price. While not the most expensive, it is still more expensive than other compression sleeves.
3. Physix Gear Sport Compression Calf Sleeves
No matter how many precautions and care you take, shin splints and muscle cramps can still take place. Calf compressions sleeves are one of the best tools you can use to help prevent these pesky injuries.
The Physix Gear compression calf sleeves begin right at your ankle and work upwards to just below your knee. They fully encompass your leg providing the best form of comfort when exercising.
If you often find that your calves swell after an intense cardio or leg focused workout then these compression sleeves could be the solution for you.
They are designed with a therapeutic grade compression with an elastic band that doesn’t cut off circulation at your knees.
The Physix Gear compression calf sleeves can be worn by runners, cyclists, dancers or even pregnant women for extra comfort and support.
Pros
- Multipurpose. Can be worn by anyone looking for calf support and muscle compression. From runners to pregnant women, they provide relief of shin splints, swelling and other symptoms.
- Machine Washable. With a combination of Nylon and Spandex you can pop your compression sleeves in the washer for a quick, effective clean.
- Price. These calf compression sleeves are some of the most affordable sleeves on the market.
Cons
- Non-Sweat Proof. If you are planning to wear your compression sleeves for working out you may notice you have to wash them more often. They do not control odor or sweat.
4. NEWZILL Classic Compression Sleeves
Often find yourself working long hours, traveling or even just walking for hours every day then you are no stranger to the pain of shin splints and calf cramping.
The NEWZILL classic compression sleeves are designed to fit the natural form of your leg and provide stretch where needed.
These sleeves enable you to train harder, recover faster, and feel stronger regardless of whether you have varicose or spider veins, hurting calves, leg cramps, swelling or edema, shin splints, POTS, or any other condition.
These compression sleeves contain a graduated compression of 20 mmHg that helps eliminate toxins that may be lingering and boost blood flow.
The reinforced knit feature helps reduce the muscle vibrations that can carry through the leg and cause fatigue and strain. Fight off swelling and cramps with the NEWZILL classic calf compression sleeves.
You may find that the price tag is rather hefty for calf compression sleeves. But the benefits of this product can make the investment worth it. Especially if you suffer from calf pain regularly.
Pros
- Tight-fit. Comfortable and secure whilst providing excellent compression to the legs.
- Reinforced knit. Helps to reduce muscle vibration and the impact of shock absorption which can lead to fatigue and strain.
- Versatile. Wear for work, traveling, training or simply to help boost blood and oxygen circulation throughout the calves and legs.
Cons
- Price. The NEWZILL classic calf compression sleeves are more expensive than other compression sleeves on the market. However, do offer a graduate level of compression and comfort.
5. Vive Shin Splint Calf Compression Sleeve
When you need a tight fitting, supportive compression sleeve, especially when treating shin splints these compression sleeves are for you.
The sleeve’s neoprene material employs therapeutic heat and light compression to promote blood flow and speed up the healing of muscle injuries.
There is also the concept of the 3 adjustable velcro straps. You can adjust the sleeve to whatever tightness you require by pulling the straps further.
Ensuring that the compression sleeves fit your needs and provide that much needed support.
Pros
- Adjustable Velcro Straps. These compression sleeves fit your needs with 3 adjustable velcro straps. Loosen or tighten the sleeve as you need to experience the most.
- Lightweight. The brace maintains a comfortable temperature all day long because it is made of permeable neoprene material.
- Non-slip Design. The contoured calf brace is easily adjustable for a tailored fit and ergonomically created for optimal efficiency. For a comfortable fit, the polished edges keep the brace from sliding, rolling, or bunching.
Cons
- One component. While the straps are adjustable, they are non-detachable if you wish to have a simple compression sleeve.
Calf Compression Sleeve Buyers Guide
As you look through the thousands of options for calf compression sleeves, you may begin to feel overwhelmed and confused. With different features offering different benefits, it can be difficult to determine which features will support you.
This simple buyer’s guide takes out all of the guesswork. With each feature explained, you only need to look for those all important benefits.
Compression Level
This may seem confusing but the compression level is what helps your blood circulate around your muscles correctly.
Our calves require 20-30 mmHg to have the proper blood circulation. The amount of compression you require from your sleeve will depend on your activity and your medical issues.
If you are looking for a compression sleeve to wear to work or for travel, choose ones which provide 15-25 mmHg compression. For varicose veins and other circulatory issues, you may need sleeves with higher compression at a level of 25-40 mmHg.
Maximum pressure from graduated compression sleeves is applied close to your ankles to return deoxygenated blood to your veins. Such sleeves are an option as well.
If you are unsure of what level of compression you will require then it is recommended to seek guidance from your doctor. You don’t want to purchase or use calf compression sleeves which are too loose or too tight.
Size & Length
You can select longer or shorter compression sleeves that fit your own individual preferences. Whether its for aesthetic reasons or for comfort, just make sure that:
- The entire area or the foot and calf are covered. Athletes use full length compression sleeves as they promote blood flow throughout the entire length of the calf and foot. This is extremely important when preventing or healing injuries. You may discover that runners are more likely to opt for a longer compression sleeve for the promotion of blood flow through the duration of their run and recovery.
When it comes to size you think that one size fits all. Well this just isn’t the case. We all have different sizes and require different levels of comfort. You want to choose a sleeve which is neither too tight nor too loose. They should be snug against your leg but feel comfortable and supportive.
To find the right size of compression sleeve for you, measure the widest section of your calf. This will tell you what size will work best and provide you with the best results.
Material
Compression sleeves can be used during a range of activities. From high intensity cardio to long distance travel. This means that the material the sleeve is made of is highly important.
If you are working out and sweating regularly then you want to look for a sleeve which is made of breathable, lightweight fabric.
Sleeves made from Nylon and Spandex are recommended as they are machine washable, avoid odors and prevent fungus or bacteria growth.
Elastic fabrics such as elastane and polyamides are popular as they allow the sleeve to stretch whilst still compressing the muscles without being uncomfortable.
You may find that sleeves come with an elastic band at either end to make it easy to put on and off. This will also prevent the sleeve cutting off circulation to the rest of the leg.
Design
If you are using the compression sleeve for during work or for long runs, you may want to research the costs and benefits of the design on your particular sleeve.
While it may seem beneficial to wear the sleeve all day, every day, you can hinder the blood circulation in other areas of your leg.
It is important to purchase a sleeve which is made from a flexible and breathable fabric such as Spandex. If the fabric has no room for movement you find it becomes uncomfortable to wear rather quickly.
Another aspect of the design which may impact your design to buy is the colors and patterns. Calf compression sleeves do not need to be boring. Many brands offer a wide range of colors and patterned compression sleeves to keep your outfits bright and fun.
Or you can stick with trusty old black to hide any sweat marks. Black is a common color for compression sleeves as it matches a higher percentage of outfits and is part of work or school dress codes.
Price
Calf compression sleeves come at a whole range of price points. Whether you want to make a serious investment or need something affordable and budget friendly, there is something for everyone.
The price of a compression sleeve is depending on the materials, compression grade, the brand itself and the benefits they claim to have.
Whether you purchase a more affordable compression sleeve, as long as it is of good quality materials, has a graduate compression level of 20-30 mmHg and suits your style, you are good to go.
Special Features
While the main job of a calf compression sleeve is to help improve blood circulation throughout the muscles in your calf, many compression sleeves now also come with cool, special features.
This can range from cooling technology, antimicrobial fabric, additional padding and adjustable support. These are great features to have on a compression sleeve and are often beneficial to supporting your recovery.
Features such as additional padding and adjustable support will make the compression sleeve more brace-like which is great if you require more support.
However, if you do not need the extra support, you can often save yourself the dollars and purchase a classic compression sleeve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are the most common questions regarding calf compression sleeves and their benefits.
So, whether you know everything you need to know about compression sleeves and want some more confirmation, or want to expand your knowledge further. The answers are all in one place.
How Long Can You Wear Calf Compression Sleeves?
Compression sleeves can be worn during every exercise and activity on the daily. They are mainly worn for traveling, commuting, working and exercising. This means they can technically be worn all day, every day.
However, having a tight compression sleeve on your calf all day can quickly become uncomfortable and restrict blood flow. It is recommended to wear a compression sleeve for 2-3 hours before giving your muscles a break.
Can I Sleep With A Calf Compression Sleeve On?
It is not recommended to sleep whilst wearing a calf compression sleeve. The restriction of blood flow can result in your calf becoming uncomfortable, swollen and possibly numb.
When using a calf compression sleeve, it’s critical to stay awake so you can gauge your degree of comfort.
How Tight Should Calf Compression Sleeves Be?
Commonly calf compression sleeves are designed with 20-30 mmHg of compression.
However, a compression sleeve which fits correctly shouldn’t be too difficult to put on or take off. If you feel it is difficult to put on or take your compression sleeve off, it could be too tight.
On the other hand, it tends to slip down your leg during activity then the sleeve is likely to be too loose.
You can measure your perfect size by measuring around the narrow part of your ankle and around the widest part of your calf. This will give you the exact size you require.
Final Thoughts
Whether you have an intense workout regime, travel a lot or work long hours on your feet, calf compression sleeves can do wonders for your recovery.
They will help reduce muscle cramps, prevent shin splints, reduce edema and prevent varicose nerve conditions. All by boosting blood and oxygen flow throughout the calf muscles.
Sound like you need to invest in a calf compression sleeve? Above are 5 of the best calf compression sleeves on the market! Check them out and find the right calf compression sleeve for your calf recovery today.
