WHO has experience with compression socks????

[JetSpeed]

TWELVE Compression Socks by Swiftwick

Want a pair for long flights, curious about if they may make a difference?
Swiftwick seems like a good standard.

[Creakyknees]

I have experience with compression socks. In fact I wore them all day yesterday, first under my legwarmers during the race then later under my jeans, just standing around watching the other races. I'm a fan, especially for the standing around after a race part.

But don't pay the cycling-specific marketing tax. Get any old knee length socks from a Walgreen's or Amazon or wherever. Make sure you get the highest compression type.

[MB1]

I always wear them when I ride (for sun protection). I agree with Creaky that the cycling specific ones are a waste of money. On-line diabetic sites or the local drug store (no I am not talking about the back parking lot of the nearest 7-Eleven ) usually have a great selection. Go with a low compression.

[wooglin]

I have vast experience with compression socks. I see them everywhere. And every time the phrase "what a doof" pops into my head for some reason.

[Mel Erickson]

They're a good idea for long flights. I'd go to Walgreens for the medical variety. After all, that's what you're getting them for, right? Or is it fashion?

[Uprwstsdr]

Medical ones work better than sport ones. Go the the local pharmacy and get them, make sure that they go over your calf.

[JetSpeed]

Interesting; Walgreens. OK, I will try them. And no, not for fashion for sure!
Thanks!

[Used2Run]

I have been running in them for 2 years and just finished a training session on CEP socks online. According to CEP, you want socks with 15-20 mmhg in them with graded compression. They're phasing out their regular, non-graded socks. I love running just moderate days and some long runs and hard days in them. They're also good to wear for a few hours after a workout/race. Don't wear them all day or at night though. It's not safe to wear them while sleeping.

Also, from talking to a CEP rep (the store I work at is looking to start selling them), she said the calf sleeves are only good for while you're running or riding and if you want ones to help with recovery, get full socks.

FWIW, I think they're overpriced and only did this training so I can get them for cheap. I've had the Wally World medical ones and they're not good for running in because the material caused blisters. They may work out on the bike though. I've only worn my CEP ones then. Also, I have 2XU half tights that I run in. I've run all of my track PB's in them. When my new coach wouldn't let me race in them, I stopped running fast times. Anecdotal evidence at it's best right there...

[hfc]

My experience is of seeing people run in those things and they look pretty dorky.

[bob.satan]

I have to wear them everyday for medical reasons.

The best that I have found are the ones that you pay a lot for, specific compression companies, such as 2XU do very good ones. i have also had mizuno, skins and many other companies. You can also get them custom but he $ goes up quickly that way

there are a couple of different types, atm I am wearing the lycra type with cut-out heel and toes, you still have to wear socks with these. These are good to play sport in, or cycle. You can also get the stirup ones, they are alright, but lose compresion the fastest

the full sock types are better for walking around etc, and you can get them in colours, black, blue, grey, pink. If you have a look on some of the micro financing websites, there are people starting to make them in a lot more colours and patterns.

the ones you choose, should be harder to get on or off than your regular socks and you shoudl be chnaging them every 6 months to keep the compression up, as that is the whole point of them!