General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Compression Calf Sleeves Rss Feed  
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2013-01-19 9:52 AM

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Member
66
2525
Seneca, South Carolina
Subject: Compression Calf Sleeves

I've been having good results wearing compression socks and want to try some calf sleeves. I'm a big guy 240 and 6 ft. My calves are about 18 inches in circumference. What are you using and how's working and wearing? Thanks

 



2013-01-19 10:33 AM
in reply to: #4585891

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Regular
176
100252525
Houston, Texas
Subject: RE: Compression Calf Sleeves
I like them for recovery.  Earlier I wore them during runs but never really thought it did anything.  Mind you, I don't run more than 5k's.  I do like wearing them when my calves or achilles are aching after a workout.  Plus, I also have bought some snug soccer socks that are calf length.  I'll sometimes wear them both if my calves really ache.  The heat and compression both seem to help.  *I Think*  ;-)
2013-01-19 2:11 PM
in reply to: #4585891

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Veteran
320
100100100
Edmonton, AB
Subject: RE: Compression Calf Sleeves
I'm in the same boat. I LOVE the compression for recovery but find I get way too hot and crampy if I use them while exercising. 
2013-01-19 5:31 PM
in reply to: #4585891

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Veteran
437
10010010010025
Pittsburgh, PA
Subject: RE: Compression Calf Sleeves
I use the CEP calf / quad compression sleeves. I believe the sizes are marked on the box. My local running store measured me for a size 3 calf sleeve. 
2013-01-19 6:46 PM
in reply to: #4585891

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Veteran
230
10010025
Broomall, PA
Subject: RE: Compression Calf Sleeves
I use the 2XU sleeves, love them
2013-01-22 6:35 AM
in reply to: #4585891

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Master
2504
2000500
Southwest Iowa
Subject: RE: Compression Calf Sleeves

Do you put them on immediately after the run, and for how long do you keep them on?

 



2013-01-22 8:54 AM
in reply to: #4585891

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Master
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1000500
Grand Prairie
Subject: RE: Compression Calf Sleeves

I have various compression sleeves:

-Desoto

-CEP

-1105

All of them have a different usage for me.

The Desoto are out of the new material that does not soak up water. So I wear them in the summer or rain while I rain, also in windy conditions. I use them on the run as well as on the bike and for recovery.

The CEP are more like cotton, hence I only wear them for recovery.

The 110% are thicker (due to the double layers) and great for running in the cold. Also they compress nicely when I got lower leg aches and pains, especially with the ice pack.

So, depending on what you intend to do there are different options.

The Desoto are the best all-around if you don't want to get more than one set.

2013-01-22 10:12 AM
in reply to: #4585891

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Master
2500
2000500
Crab Cake City
Subject: RE: Compression Calf Sleeves

I have CEP sleeves and socks. I used to wear the sleeves while running but would get pain at the top of my shin where the sleeve ended. I strictly use them for recovery now.

Socks- I wore them for a half marathon in October and had no pain at all during the race. I dont train in them often and still use them for recovery. They can be used for both.

2013-01-23 6:22 AM
in reply to: #4585891

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Master
2504
2000500
Southwest Iowa
Subject: RE: Compression Calf Sleeves
I ordered a cheap set to see what I think.  If these are what I think I need, I will possibly upgrade.
2013-01-23 12:12 PM
in reply to: #4585891


376
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Subject: RE: Compression Calf Sleeves
I use Zensah sleeves.  Love em'
2013-01-24 6:42 AM
in reply to: #4591238

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Master
2504
2000500
Southwest Iowa
Subject: RE: Compression Calf Sleeves

asianflava - 2013-01-23 12:12 PM I use Zensah sleeves.  Love em'

I think those are the cheap ones I ordered to arrive today.  There are days I wished I lived in or near a big city, so I could go to a running store, but not having to deal with crappy traffic and many idiots, makes a difference too.

 



2013-01-24 8:02 PM
in reply to: #4585891

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Master
2504
2000500
Southwest Iowa
Subject: RE: Compression Calf Sleeves
So, why are they made so short.  About 4" to short and I got the biggest they have. 
2013-01-24 9:35 PM
in reply to: #4585891

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Regular
196
100252525
Eldorado, Texas
Subject: RE: Compression Calf Sleeves
If you wear them in a race, dumb Q but do you swim in them?
2013-01-27 10:39 AM
in reply to: #4585891

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Member
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Peachtree City, GA
Subject: RE: Compression Calf Sleeves

I recently got a pair of the CEP men's size IV compression sleeves. My calves are just shy of 18". That put me between size IV and V, but the store only had up to IV in stock so that's what I went with. I decided to go with sleeves since I run with toe socks and wanted the option of wearing compression during a run and not be stuck with a regular style sock.

After a couple of weeks of use, I've got mixed feelings about them. First, they are NOT comfortable while running. I tried them on a few easy, 3 mile runs and each time my calves seemed to be mildly cramping the entire run. Not pleasant, and I'm guessing not performance or recovery enhancing. Based on those experiences I decided not to try them on any intermediate or longer runs, not wanting to adversely effect my training during the build up to my first 1/2 marathon.

I've also worn them during recovery - for hours post-run, and even for a bit the day after a longer run (for me right now that's 8 or 9 off-road miles). My calves seem to be fairly free of soreness with the CEP sleeve use, but I can't tell if it's the sleeve making the difference or another variable (ex. I'm getting fitter and my recovery is improving). I still have a bit of ankle and achilles soreness, and I wonder if having a full length sock vs. a sleeve would've helped with that. My guess is probably not, but since I bought the sleeves and not socks I'm have a little buyers regret since I'm not using them during runs. For now I'll continue to use the sleeves I have as a recovery tool only, and hope they're doing something. I feel a little silly even writing that.

If I were to do it over I would probably size up since it's possible the size IV is too tight and that's what's causing the cramping during a run. Take all the above with a grain of salt since my issues may be caused by wearing miss-sized sleeves. But based on my experience I definitely would not recommend large calved individuals buy any compression with generic sizing, such as one size fits most or small/med & large/Xlarge.

I would really like to get a look at some suggested protocols for compression sleeve/sock use for healthy individuals, does anyone know if there is some good, legitimate (peer-reviewed, research-based) information on the web?

2013-01-29 1:13 AM
in reply to: #4585891

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Regular
176
100252525
Houston, Texas
Subject: RE: Compression Calf Sleeves
I have Zensah and CompresSport.  The compress sport are just like what PCinPTC said, WAY TOO TIGHT.  But, I think that's about the material they're made out of.  For being thin, it's very, very tight and I'm sure I bought the right size.  I don't use them as much as they are hard to get on and off.  The Zensah's are my throw down recovery sleeves.  I use them for a few hours and put them back in my sock drawer, so they are likely getting more and more stretched out and I need to wash them soon.  But I like them and my soccer socks better than the CompresSport one's.
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General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Compression Calf Sleeves Rss Feed