The Best New Compression Gear
From tops to socks, it gets your blood pumping for running or recovery—or both.
by Lisa Jhung
As runners continue to look for ways to recover and heal from their workouts, it makes sense that the number of companies creating new and innovative compression garments has been growing. Head to any specialty running store and you will now find an assortment of compression pants, socks, tights, or calf sleeves for men and women.
So what’s the big deal with compression clothing? The general idea is that they can help with things like your blood circulation, reduce blood lactate concentration during running, and control how much your muscles move when you are running or workout out. It’s especially useful for recovery after a really hard race when your muscles just want to seize up.
And lately, new research is showing that even wearing items like a compression calf sleeve or tight can make you “feel” like you’re actively recovering and boosting your performance.
We checked out several brands to find the best new compression gear for your entire body.
LEGS: RecoFit Compression Tights
These women’s-only tights are made of a carbon-based fabric that improves oxygenation to the muscles. Various panels support calves, IT bands, and the lower back. $145, amazon.com
LEGS: CW-X Endurance Generator Shorts
Using construction that mimics kinesio tape to provide support to the lower back, quads, hips, and hamstrings, these tight shorts also compress for circulation and recovery. Men’s only. $120, amazon.com
CALVES: Lorpen Compression Light Calf Sleeves
These medical-grade calf sleeves (22 mmHg in ankle) have graduated compression to optimize bloodflow and oxygenation toward the heart. They also reduce calf-muscle vibrations. $30, lorpennorthamerica.com
CALVES: Enerskin Unisex Calf Sleeves Set
Wear these sleeves to combine the benefits of compression and elastic therapeutic taping. Silicone taping next to skin supports calves and fights shin splints. Turn them inside out afterward for recovery. $100, amazon.com
CALVES: Zensah Compression Ankle/Calf Sleeves
Graduated unisex compression from the foot to the top of the calf comes with a bonus feature: Fold the cuff over at the arch for structural support for plantar fasciitis. Chevron ribbing aims to relieve shin splints. $50, amazon.com
UPPER BODY: Opedix Blade-Tec 2.0 Tech Shirt
Bands built into the fabric allow this shirt’s directional compression to align shoulders for better posture, which minimizes stresses to muscles and tendons. $125, opedix.com
UPPER BODY: Suresport Arm Compression Sleeves
These graduated compression sleeves improve blood circulation and lend support from the forearm through the elbow and over the bicep. They also work nicely as arm warmers. $16, amazon.com
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