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The Best New Compression Gear

From tops to socks, it gets your blood pumping for running or recovery—or both.

By Lisa Jhung

Apr 20, 2016

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.

Ryan Olszewski

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

Ryan Olszewski

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

Ryan Olszewski

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

Enerskin

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

Ryan Olszewski

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

Ryan Olszewski

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

Ryan Olszewski

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

Morpheus

UPPER BODY: New Balance Trinamic Short Sleeve

The soft, stretchy, and super-snug fit hugs the torso tightly to encourage bloodflow and better posture. $75, amazon.com (men’s, women’s)

Ryan Olszewski

FEET: 2XU Striped Run Compression Socks

Fashion meets function in these socks that have padding in the heels and toes for comfort and graduated compression for increased circulation. $50, amazon.com (men’s, women’s)

Ryan Olszewski

FEET: EC3D Twist Sock

A graduated compression sock. You can twist the material under the arch to help correct pronation or rotate it to the outside of your foot to correct supination. $60, amazon.com (men’s, women’s)

Ryan Olszewski

FEET: CEP Run Ultralight Socks

Thirty percent lighter than previous versions, this ultralight sock comes with a Class I medical-grade compression rating (20-30 mmHg) from the ankle to the calf. $60, amazon.com (men’s, women’s)

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Lisa Jhung Lisa Jhung writes about all things adventure and is the author of Running That Doesn't Suck: How To Love Running (Even If You Think You Hate It) and Trailhead: The Dirt on All Things Trail Running.

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