Originally, “compression” socks were used on extended airplane flights to prevent cramping in the legs. They were long tight-fitting socks that covered one’s calves. They were also used by people who sat down all day long. The purpose of the socks was to move blood around in the legs so that clots and cramps would not form. These days, however, compression socks are being used in an opposite way, by people standing, moving around and most notably, running. The running community has taken to compression socks with fad-like fervor. In any park or running track, you’ll see runners in shorts with noticeably long socks covering their calves and upper thighs.
The idea and theory behind wearing compression socks while running is that they aid in blood circulation, reduce the chance that lactate acid will build up, and control muscle oscillation that results from pounding during running. In other words, they keep the muscles from flopping around or moving with the runner’s stride, and prevent the “lactate burn” you feel when you’ve run too much. All of which makes for fewer sore muscles, faster recovery, and increased performance.
Wearing long socks during running has benefits and these begin with a simple fact: you should keep your muscles warm while using them. Ballerinas have done this for decades with leg warmers and long socks. Yogis practice in very hot rooms to keep muscles warm and limber. Cyclist cover their legs with leg warmers, and swimmers smear themselves with thick layers of petroleum jelly—all for the same reason—to keep muscles warm.
Sounds good, so why not look stylish and cool at the same time by wearing attractive and funky socks? Stripedsocks.com has patterned socks that gently compress your calf muscles just like “compression” socks, but at half the price and twice the style. Checkered knee socks or knee socks with stars are fun and splashy. You might be half asleep during your 6 am run, but your socks are electric. They also gently squeeze your calves because of the weave of the patterns, making them “compress” your muscles and protect them from injury.
But, you don’t have to wear long stylish socks just on the running track. It’s important to keep your legs warm while traveling to and from the gym or yoga studio. You can wear them at the start of a work-out class and fold them down as your body heats up. Stripedsocks.com has socks of many lengths to keep your legs warm: 27 to 33 inches. We have also have leg warmers in different lenghts and styles.
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