SKINS Calf Tights with Stirrup (Compression Socks)

I have always wondered if compression socks work or not.  As a result, I decided to take the plunge and purchase a pair since they were on sale.  These were the first pair of socks I have ever purchased that came with a CD!  Who knew socks could be so technical?  SKINS claim their calf tights will accelerate you blood flow to deliver more oxygen to your active muscles.  The idea is that this will increase your power and stamina which is something any runner would love to have.  They also claim that wearing SKINS will help you recover quicker and have less pain.  They say this is a result of less lactic acid buildup and less muscle vibration.

Some people wear compression shocks while running and others just for recovery.  What I have found works is buying two pairs, one for both.  I like something with more compression for after a long run compared to what I would wear during a run. When determining what compression socks you want, pay attention to the amount of compression.  Try on a few pairs and find what works for you.   After a run people often ask “do those things work”.  I answer, I think they do.  My legs feel fine and not as tired.  Even if they don’t do anything and is is all psychological, then that is all that matters.

I typically wear the SKINS on longer runs.  I try not to wear them for every run so my body doesn’t get use to them and require them all the time, but that is just a personal opinion.  It is important to make sure that you get the sizing right when choosing these socks.  Take a measuring tape and measure your calf size.  Using that number you can simply look on the sizing guide on the box to determine what size you are.  Too small and you may have too much compression or they may annoy you when wearing them.  Too large and they lose their benefit.  I followed the sizing but I must say that if you wear your SKINS for recovery, over the course of the day you may find yourself having to pull them up.  The good news is that during races they have always been fine.  I just make sure I start with them pulled up nice and high.  It might not be the sexiest of looks but as long as they work, I don’t care.

As far as compression socks go, the SKINS product doesn’t seem to have as much compression as some others.  I would classify them as “mild compression”.    This works for me when doing the long runs.  The material breathes well, and has fast wicking technology to transport moisture away from the skin.  This helps regulate temperature on those long runs.  With an SPF of 50 they also protect you from burning your legs. SKINS also have a antimicrobial treatment with helps them remain odour free which I must say works pretty well.  I tend to use another manufacture for recovery days when I need that extra compression.

Other feedback I can provide is to make sure you pay attention to the cleaning instructions.  I have always been very careful when washing these and typically hang them to dry.  Other complaints have been the stitching coming loose which could just be a result of how they were taken care of.  I know the company replaced them and made things right which is also very important.

In summary, I personally think compression socks / stockings / stirrups make sense.  They aren’t exactly cheap so if possible, try a few different manufactures to compare.  SKINS were my first pair of compressions socks and I have used them for about 8 months now.  Since my original purchase I have been able to try other manufactures.  All compression items are not created equal so do your research, find out what is important to you, and try before you buy if possible.