What Does Compression Socks Doing For Runners?

Whether you are a serious distance runner or just enjoy the occasional run up a hill, one question that may come up is “what do compression socks do for runners?”. They have been used for years by runners of all types and are very popular among those that run regularly. You may be curious about how this product can affect you and your performance. You may even be thinking, if you could wear them when you run and see how much better you would feel. In this article I hope to provide you with all of the answers you have been looking for.

Runners who wear compression socks know that the material they are wearing provides an important benefit to their foot, which is better circulation. If you have ever seen a runner down on the side of a road that seemed to be gliding by, you may well have noticed that their feet were not only moving a great deal easier, but they also looked smoother. Wearing these socks provides additional support to the arch of the foot which helps the runner maintain proper spinal alignment during their run. The added benefit of having better circulation results in less pain for the runner as the pressure on the disks of the lower back is relieved and blood flow is improved throughout the body. Wearing compression socks during a run helps to reduce tiredness and increase the recovery time which makes the runner more efficient during their next workout.

There are many types of specialized socks available to both professional athletes and recreational runners of all ages. One type that is growing in popularity amongst both is the graduated compression sock. Gradual changes in the pressure of the socks cause the socks to compress only at the top of the foot where the most strain is felt and at the bottom of the foot where there is little pressure and so the socks provide increased comfort and support. Another name for this style of sock is active-wearing socks as this design includes the graduated nature of the pressure relief which gives the foot greater comfort as it begins to respond to the changing forces it encounters while running. Most people who wear the graduated compression socks will tell you that they are much more comfortable than the traditional socks worn by many runners.