Published October 31, 2016 03:32PM
How And When Should You Wear Compression Socks?
There are no hard-and-fast rules about compression socks, so our resident coach breaks down what's most important for you to know.
NCAA runner turned high school coach Hillary Kigar has an answer for all things training!
Q: How tight should compression socks be and when’s best to wear them?
A: Compression socks should fit quite snuggly. It’s okay for them to be tight enough to leave impressions from the fabric on your skin—but you shouldn’t feel any pain while you have them on.
There are no hard-and-fast rules about when to wear compression socks. Some runners like to wear them while running to increase circulation to their calves and lower-leg muscles. For others, running in the socks feels uncomfortable or might make them feel too warm.
I like to wear compression socks for post-workout recovery. Slip them on after you shower to promote blood flow to your legs following a long run or hard session. They are also great to wear on airplanes, especially on your way back home from a race vacation.
Have a question for Coach Kigar? Email editorial@womensrunnning.com or tweet @womensrunning with the hashtag #AsktheCoach.