The best compression sleeves for running

Their presence is becoming increasingly noticeable at the start of trails and marathons. Compression sleeves have become the new accessory of choice for runners. Whether you're an elite athlete looking to beat the clock, or just a keen runner looking for a bit of fun, they've all been snapped up. You're probably wondering why: why wear compression sleeves when running? Because compression sleeves help to reduce muscle fatigue, increase your performance & optimise your recovery.

Are you convinced now? Now how do you choose them? By opting for our ‘Ultralight Run Calf’ compression sleeves, little jewels of technicality, lightness and comfort, developed and validated with our champions. At Sidas, we work with some of the world's best marathoners, trailers and ultra-trailers, including Jim Walmsley, winner of the UTMB; John Albon; Thibaut Baronian; Camille Bruyas; and the Sidas-Matryx Team. These compression sleeves are therefore the meeting point between their high standards and our expertise.

Why wear compression sleeves for trail running? Do compression sleeves improve running performance and recovery? How do you choose the lightest compression sleeves? Find out all the answers to these questions in this no-pressure article.

WHAT ARE COMPRESSION SLEEVES? AND HOW DO THEY WORK?

A compression sleeve is a textile product that slips on like a sock and covers your entire calf. Inspired by the medical method of compression that originated in ancient times to drain the blood, this running accessory exerts compression from the bottom of the knee to the malleolus, just above the ankle. This slight compressive force, which is in no way unpleasant, allows better venous return and muscle support, which is highly beneficial during exercise. Whether you're running or trail running.

Ultralight Run Calf' compression sleeves, black and yellow

WHY WEAR COMPRESSION SLEEVES WHEN RUNNING?

Why do all those elite athletes and avid runners wear compression sleeves at the start of their trail run or marathon? What are the benefits of our compression sleeves? The answer is simple and multifaceted:

1/ To improve muscle oxygenation

Our compression sleeves encourage blood circulation and venous return. In practical terms, this means that compression of the calves will bring oxygen to your muscles more quickly. As oxygen is the fuel of the muscles, the latter, particularly the calves, will function more efficiently and sustainably over time, helping to increase your enjoyment and performance.

‘This compression of the calves will bring oxygen to your muscles more quickly.

2/ To limit muscle breakdown

With each stride, your foot hits the ground hard, causing a shockwave that reverberates throughout your leg. This shockwave causes the muscles to oscillate, resulting in the appearance of micro-lesions. It is these micro-lesions that are at the root of muscular fatigue, muscle soreness and, if we extrapolate over time, the risk of injury. Our compression sleeves take on the role of limiting the phenomenon of muscular oscillation. In other words, they absorb part of the shock wave with each stride, to reduce its harmful effects on your muscles. That's why our compression sleeves are particularly popular with runners - who suffer from the ‘muscle breakdown’ associated with eccentric downhill efforts - and marathon runners, who take the same stride thousands of times over on the asphalt.

‘Our compression sleeves play a role in limiting the phenomenon of muscular oscillation. In other words, they absorb part of the shock wave with each stride.

3/ To improve overall coordination

This has been scientifically proven by a study: over and above the purely muscular benefits, compression sleeves offer a neuromuscular advantage. They act on the skin receptors responsible for the body's overall balance. Does wearing compression sleeves make you feel more sheathed, more stable and more aligned? Your sensations are not deceiving you: that's the goal! Improved proprioception and better postural stability are particularly important when trail running, to give you greater confidence and precision on uneven terrain and reduce the risk of ankle or knee sprains.

4/ For lighter legs before the race!

Popular for their benefits during exercise, our compression sleeves can also be used to optimise blood circulation and keep your legs cool in the hours leading up to the race, especially if you have a long train or car journey ahead of you to get to the start.

‘Our running compression sleeves can also be used to optimise blood circulation and keep your legs cool in the hours before the race, especially if you have a long train or car journey ahead of you to get to the start’.

5/ To manage your body temperature

Here lies the most unsuspected benefit of our compression sleeves: supporting your thermoregulation, i.e. the proper management of your body temperature. Let us explain: if it's cold, our compression sleeves will keep a large part of your legs warm, without you having to wear tights; if it's hot, these running accessories can be wetted, like a cap or T-shirt, to keep you cool for several kilometres.

Ultralight Run Calf' compression sleeves in navy blue and orange

HOW DO OUR COMPRESSION SLEEVES OPTIMISE RECOVERY?

You've probably already heard it said that compression socks and sleeves ‘promote recovery’. They do! And perhaps even better than the beer or gourmet meal that usually rewards the effort and accompanies the feeling of satisfaction.

Firstly, wearing our ‘Ultralight Run Calf’ while running limits ‘muscle breakage’ by ensuring better assimilation of the oscillation phenomenon: your muscles will regenerate more quickly and regain their initial freshness not 4 or 5 days after crossing the finish line, but rather 2 or 3!

Secondly, slipping on our compression sleeves once you've crossed the finish line offers an unequalled feeling of comfort without imprisoning your feet, which need to breathe. Above all, their presence promotes better drainage of aches and pains. In other words, the ‘used’ blood, loaded with toxins, is ‘recycled’ more efficiently.

In the long term, optimising this recovery reduces injuries. You can continue to ride and train with fewer risks. This makes our compression sleeves an even more essential accessory for regular runners who take their trainers out several times a week.

WHAT ARE THE BEST COMPRESSION SLEEVES FOR RUNNING?

At Sidas, we're convinced that we've designed compression sleeves that meet benchmark standards in terms of technicality, lightness, breathability and performance. This is made possible by combining our almost fifty years of know-how in sports footwear with the high standards and expertise of our top-level athletes. Accompanying some of the best international marathoners, traileurs and ultra-trailers - including Jim Walmsley, winner of the UTMB; John Albon; Thibaut Baronian; Camille Bruyas; and the Sidas-Matryx Team - pushes us to our limits.

As a result, our ‘Ultralight Run Calf’ are innovative gems that we're proud to see on the start line of the UTMB and other famous marathons. What's in it for them?

1/ Progressive rather than uniform compression of the calf to optimise oxygenation and muscular stability.

2/ Ultra-light weight. 10 grams: that's the weight of our compression sleeves! This lightness makes them almost imperceptible. You'll forget they're there as soon as you start walking!

3/ Made from breathable materials and soft, hydrophobic textile fibres. This ensures comfort and perfect wicking of moisture from perspiration or rain.

4/ Their versatility. Like the athletes with whom they were developed, our compression sleeves shine on all terrains: from road running to trail running. So when you ask us if Sidas compression sleeves are suitable for marathons, we can give you a resounding ‘yes’!

5/ Their style. Our ‘Ultralight Run Calf’ are available in 3 different unisex models, to appeal to those looking for colour and fun as well as those looking for sobriety!

Ultralight Run Calf' navy and turquoise compression sleeves

‘Ultra-light. 10 grams: that's the weight of our compression sleeves! This lightness makes them almost imperceptible. You'll forget they're there from the very first stride!