Compression Running Socks & Support Socks

Compression vs Support Socks

What is the difference and which is most suitable?

Compression Running Socks

You can wear compression running socks either during exercise, or as a recovery sock. The benefits of compression socks for runners include:

Improved blood circulation in the lower legs

Reduced muscle vibration, helping limit fatigue

Less risk of shin splints and calf soreness

Enhanced venous return, speeding removal of lactic acid

Better stability for calves and ankles

Lower swelling during and after long runs

Reduced risk of cramps

Improved recovery times post-run

Support for long-distance performance (marathons/ultras)

Warmth without bulk, helping maintain muscle efficiency

Compression enhances proprioception (you “feel” your stride better)

During exercise they give support and stability to the calf muscles and lower-limb soft-tissues. As a result, they improve biomechanical efficiency and help guard against compartment syndrome. They also encourage blood-flow, which helps remove lactate from the muscle. Compression running socks also aid proprioception which is the body's sense of where it is in space.

As a recovery sock they aid blood and lymphatic flow. As a result, helping removal of lactate from the muscles in the lower leg post exercise. Compression also helps reduce swelling.

Support Socks

These target compression to aid the function of certain soft-tissue structures in the lower limb/foot. In particular, the unique Ultimate Performance Support Sock supports almost all the major ligaments and tendons in the foot and ankle.

Which injuries can compression running socks help with?

Whilst wearing the sock alone is unlikely to be the perfect cure, they can help when treating and recovering from the following:

Calf strains – supports and protects the muscle when recovering.

Shin splints (MTSS) – improves circulation and supports the lower leg muscles.

Achilles tendon irritation – supports the calf–Achilles complex

Swollen ankles - compression helps reduce swelling.

DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness) – speeds venous return and recovery

General muscle fatigue in the calves after long runs

Varicose veins / venous insufficiency in runners (with appropriate compression level)

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