Much like the SPF in your sunscreen, the higher the number, the better protection from the sun. UPF-or ultraviolet protective factor-measures the amount of UV rays a piece of clothing allows to reach your skin. UPFĬonsider sun protection if you wear your compression leg sleeves outdoors with shorts. If you’re between sizes or at the top of a compression leg sleeve’s particular size range, it’s best to size up. If you don’t have one, you can measure your calf circumference with a piece of string or even a power cord by wrapping it around your calf, then measuring that length with a ruler. SizingĬompression leg sleeves are sized by calf circumference, which you can measure with a flexible measuring tape. In any case, it’s best only to wear compression leg sleeves during movement and fitness routines, taking them off between sessions to prevent foot swelling. Sleeves with a high percentage of spandex, sometimes called elastane or Lycra, offer more stretch for those with large calves. Some athletes find natural fibers softer and more comfortable. Synthetic fabrics are lighter and quickly wick away moisture, preventing bacteria growth. By comparison, compression leg sleeves cover the calf, making them better for athletes and runners while granting ankle flexibility.įitness apparel is made of synthetic fibers (nylon, polyester, or spandex), natural fibers (wool, cotton, or bamboo), or a combination of both. If you’re seeking a solution for all-day travel, sleep, or office work, consider a compression sock instead, which starts at the foot, helping blood from becoming stagnant by increasing blood flow, thus preventing swelling. Tightness aside, comfort depends on the sleeve’s ability to retain heat, wick away moisture, and feel soft against your skin. For all-day comfort while you recover or work at a desk job, opt for 20 to 30 mmHg of compression. Less compression won’t optimize blood flow, and more can cause numbness and less efficient energy return. According to medical studies, 14.7 to 29.4 mmHg is the ideal amount of compression for sports, medical recovery, and treating varicose veins. Since shin splints are a combination of inflammation and small muscle tears, this extra blood flow can help you recover faster-and, moreover, compression sleeves can help prevent shin splints in the first place.Įach compression leg sleeve on this list provides around 15 to 30 millimeters of mercury (mmHg) of compression, a metric commonly used to calculate blood pressure. It also stabilizes the muscles and tendons, reducing lactic acid build-up known to cause fatigue and soreness. The pressure increases blood flow during recovery and runs. Best for Travel: Physix Gear Sport Compression SocksĬompression sleeves, whether for arms or legs, support your muscles by applying even pressure to your entire extremity.Best for Full Leg: Keking Full Leg Compression Sleeves.Best for Runners: CEP Compression Run Sleeves.

Best for Calf Strain: McDavid 441 Deluxe Calf Compression Sleeve.

Best Overall: Zensah Compression Leg Sleeves.

We recommend a slew of men’s compression leg sleeves, from medical-grade leg sleeves to help recover from serious strains to thin sleeves that’ll help prevent soreness.įor more great compression and recovery tools, check out our picks for the best ankle sleeves, arm sleeves, and ice packs.

Even if you’re not a runner or don’t suffer from shin splints, these leg sleeves are an effective way to reduce swelling, whether due to injury, activity, prolonged sitting, or air travel. Leg compression sleeves are a great way to alleviate the pain and improve circulation, speeding up your recovery. Irritating at best and debilitating at worst, you need a way to relieve the condition before it worsens. Nothing slams the brakes on your running as quickly as shin splints.

Leg sleeve