Physical fitness is a big part of a healthy lifestyle. Be it the gym, the park, the pool, or at home, there are many ways to sweat it out. It is necessary to pay attention to the right kind of gear for each workout type. A good quality calf compression sleeve is a good addition to your workout gear, specially on leg days. In this article, we have compiled some of the best calf compression sleeves to add to your wardrobe. So, go ahead and check them out to take your pick.
What Does A Calf Compression Sleeve Do?
Call it a fashion statement or comfort booster; calf sleeves are a need of the hour for those who take fitness seriously. They deliver the correct compression and pressure around your calves to decrease fatigue. While wearing these sleeves, there is an improvement in blood circulation, and your calf muscles will receive oxygenated blood. Besides this, you can prevent shin splints, cramps, muscle tightness, and even Achilles injuries by wearing them.
13 Best Calf Compression Sleeves In 2022 To Run That Extra Mile
1. Best Breathable: Run Forever Sports Calf Compression Sleeves – Black
Invoke the runner in you and let no pain and strain be a hurdle with these amazing calf compression sleeves. These sleeves are made of nylon and Lycra materials and deliver a graduated level of compression of 20 mmHg to support your calves and improve blood circulation. The non-slip cuffs and 4-way stretchable fabric hold them in place when you walk, run, or have your cross-fit training. Wear these sleeves to easily prevent deep vein thrombosis, varicose veins, shin splints, and leg cramps. Pros
Breathable Moisture-wicking fabric Non-slip design Pain relief Above average compression Injury prevention
Cons
They do not cure swollen legs.
2. Best Stretchable: BLITZU Compression Calf Sleeves – Purple
Whether trekking or a marathon, your calves need conventional support to keep their energy levels high. These pull-up compression sleeves are designed with 4D-knitted fabric and a kinesiology tape to support your calves and dynamically assist muscle function. Boost your blood circulation with 20-30 mmHg sleeve compression pressure and alleviate the probability of muscle cramps and strains. People with diabetes can use these sleeves to ward off varicose nerves while expecting moms can curb the swelling in their feet by wearing these sleeves. They are easy to maintain and can be machine-washed. Pros
Firm fit during any physical activity Optimum compression Machine washable Extra stretchable Durable
Cons
Does not wick moisture.
3. Best Sweat-Proof: Rymora Calf Compression Sleeves – Black
Work out without compromising on anything; not even muscle strains or cramps that can come your way as hurdles. These anti-slip calf compression sleeves stay on your calves without moving an inch, allowing you to perform intense and dynamic workouts effortlessly. The 4-way stretchable fabric gives a consistent compression of 20-30 mmHg to enhance blood flow and heal injuries. You can wear this pair of compression sleeves at the gym or while hiking and it keeps moisture and pressure off your calf muscles and tendons. Watch this youtuber speak all about this product in this video. Pros
Snug-fit Lightweight material Sweat-proof Firm support Breathable fabric
Cons
The material needs care when you wash it.
4. Best Slim-Fit: Physix Gear Sport Compression Calf Sleeves – Black/Blue
Shin splints and muscle cramps can happen anytime during work or workouts. Stay prepared to avert them with the best calf compression sleeves that are integrated with compression technology. They begin right at your ankle and go upwards, compressing your calves to give you utmost comfort. The elastic bands on the top prevent the sleeves from digging into the back of your knees. These can be the best calf compression sleeves for shin splints, varicose veins, aching calves, and swollen legs. Learn all about this product in this video review. Pros
Slim-fit Unique pattern Stretchable Machine-washable
Cons
The sleeves do not control odor and sweat.
5. Best To Improve Blood Circulation: Zeta Wear Plus Size Calf Compression Sleeves – Black
Are you scouring the Internet to find the right plus-size calf compression sleeve? These premium-quality compression sleeves could fit you right. They provide soothing comfort and graduated compression of 20-30 mmHg to improve blood circulation, even when your legs are inactive. Good blood supply solves several circulatory issues like edema, restless leg syndrome, DVT, cramping, and more. The multi-stretch fabric is soft against your skin and you can pull it on and off without effort. These extra-large calf compression sleeves are neither too tight nor too loose but give you the proper compression and fit. Pros
Stretchable fabric Better fit Soft against skin Durable Fashionable
Cons
They do not regulate heat.
6. Best Snug-Fit: NEWZILL Classic Compression Sleeves – Solid White
If you travel frequently or stand for long hours during work, shin splints, calf fatigue, and cramping are no aliens to you. Get the best support and calf care with these ergonomically designed compression calf sleeves. These sleeves stretch around your calves to render a graduated compression of 20 mmHg that eliminates toxins and increases blood supply. The reinforced knit at the calf region reduces muscle vibrations that could lead to fatigue and strain. You can wear them all day long and still feel dry with their breathable moisture-wicking properties. Fight edema, spider veins, fatigue, and post-surgical aches by wearing these calf sleeves. Pros
Snug-fit Moisture-wicking Reinforced knit Graduated pressure Breathable
Cons
They could be too long.
7. Best Support: Vive Shin Splint Calf Compression Sleeve
Do those elastic calf sleeves do no good in giving you that tight fit? Check out this customizable calf compression sleeve designed with 3 Velcro straps to provide you with that much-needed snug fit. The neoprene material of the sleeve uses therapeutic heat and gentle compression to increase blood circulation and quickly heal muscle injuries. You can cure or prevent shin splints, varicose veins, cramping, and calf injuries with this adjustable sleeve. Pros
Adjustable Velcro straps Snug-fit Breathable material Superior support Lightweight neoprene calf compression sleeve
Cons
It comes as a single unit
8. Best Durable: Crucial Leg Compression Sleeves – Pink
Stop at nothing when you decide to get fit and do not compromise on your comfort either. With the best compression calf sleeves for running, your calf muscles will get adequate support and comfort to cover that extra mile. The lightweight expandable fabric of these sleeves stays soft on your skin, covers up your calf muscles, and prevents sudden cramps and strains. When wearing them, your calf muscles get enough blood supply to save you from fatigue, varicose veins, and other leg issues. Pros
Non-slip grip Stretchable Durable Even compression
Cons
It does not control body odor.
9. Best Temperature Control: Copper Joint Calf Compression Sleeves – Brown
Fight pain and strain not just with compression but also with copper. Copper ions have the ability to pull out electricity from damaged nerves and knock down pain, redness, and muscle aches. These copper calf compression sleeves work the same way in soothing your aching muscles and promoting good blood flow. Fight varicose veins, shin splints, and other nervous and muscular issues by simply pulling on these weightless sleeves. You can wear them to stay warm during winters and wick off sweat during summer. Pros
Real copper ions Lightweight Sweat-wicking Temperature control Stretchable
Cons
May cause skin abrasion
10. Best Lightweight: Hasly Women’s Compression Calf Sleeves
Don’t feel like wearing a thick compression sleeve? Check these nude and skinny calf compression sleeves designed to sync with any of your outfits. These sleeves can be very light and look transparent but are highly durable. They can provide compression of 20-30 mmHg to your calves to increase the oxygen delivery to your muscles. By wearing these sleeves, you can naturally heal swellings, shin splints, varicose veins, and even calf cramps. Pros
Durable Lightweight Stretchable Breathable fabric
Cons
Delicate washing needed
11. CEP Athletic Compression Calf Sleeves 3.0 – Ice/Grey
Make way for productive workout sessions by keeping your legs fueled with oxygen and nutrients. These athletic calf sleeves evenly compress your calf muscles to increase blood circulation and give each cell nutrients and oxygen. They are breathable and wick moisture away to provide you with ultimate comfort when you work out. The hi-tech compression fibers of the sleeves wrap your leg around 300 times to provide the best support and stability. You will have no shin splints, cramps, and strains when you exercise wearing these calf sleeves. Pros
Breathable Moisture resistance Snug-fit Insulating
Cons
Sizing issues
12. Zensah Compression Calf Sleeves – Black
Your calves need care and so do your ankles. Support them in one go with these ankle-calf compression sleeves. They start right from your heel region and go above your calves with the anti-slip cuffs holding them in place. The ribbed micro-fibers compress your calves and ankle to offer you the much-needed support. With this, your legs will be free of leg strain, cramps, and shin splints. The 4-way stretchable material with moisture-wicking ability keeps you feeling fresh when you pull these sleeves on. Pros
Breathable fabric Odor prevention Soft on skin Breathable
Cons
Length issues
13. Doc Miller Calf Compression Sleeves – Pink Pink White
Travel for long hours in an airplane or simply have a basketball match in your lane; layer your calves with these pretty pink and white calf sleeves and keep them free from cramps and shin splints easily. The 4-way nylon-spandex stretchable material of the sleeves gives you a snug fit and boosts your blood circulation in your leg by providing graduated support of 20-30 mmHg. These calves reduce fatigue and heal edema in pregnant women. You can wear them to recover from leg surgeries or medical conditions like restless leg syndrome, varicose veins, and more. Pros
Perfect fit Breathable fabric Lightweight Sweat-proof
Cons
No heat regulation
These are the calf compression sleeves reviews for the 13 best sleeves. Take a look at the buying guide here before you choose to buy any of them.
How To Choose The Best Calf Compression Sleeves
Compression level
Your calves need compression of 20-30 mmHg to have the proper blood circulation. You need to choose a compression level based on your medical issues. For a long day at work or travel, opt for calf sleeves of 15-25 mmHg compression. While choosing calf compression sleeves for varicose veins and other circulatory issues, pick one with a higher compression level of 25-40 mmHg. Sleeves with graduated compression apply maximum pressure near your ankles to send back the deoxygenated blood to your veins. You can choose such sleeves as well.
Size
Look for compression sleeves that are neither too tight nor too loose. A snug fit is good but too tight sleeves can work the opposite way and reduce blood circulation. Similarly, there is no point in wearing loose sleeves that constantly make you tug them. To find the right size, measure the widest portion of your calf and not over it, then pick the right size of sleeves.
Material
The best calf sleeves materials you can be investing in are the ones that have a combination of nylon and spandex or nylon and Lycra. Woolen compression sleeves can be good during winters but make your calves overheat during summers. If you are picking one to support your calves during workouts, opt for breathable sweat-kicking sleeves.
How To Wear Calf Compression Sleeves
Step 1: Measure the circumference of the widest part of your calf. Step 2: Get calf sleeves with graduated compression that are tight near the ankles. Step 3: Turn the sleeve tape-side out and flip it upside down on your leg. Step 4: Gently pull them up above the calves. Step 5: Let the sleeves be 3 inches above the ankle for better grip. Step 6: Make those final adjustments so that the sleeve fits comfortably.
Benefits Of Calf Compression Sleeves
Prevents sudden muscle cramps Prevents shin splints Heals and prevents varicose nerve conditions Curbs orthostatic hypotension Reduces edema Helps in aiding post-workout recovery
Does calf compression sleeve work? Compression sleeves work in increasing the blood supply. With increased blood supply, your muscles receive oxygenated blood and heal faster. Are calf compression sleeves good for varicose veins? Yes, they enrich the blood supply and are good for varicose veins. How long can I wear calf compression sleeves? Medical experts recommend you to wear compression sleeves only for 2-3 hours. Can I wear compression calf sleeves to bed? It is not recommended to wear compression calf sleeves to bed. When should I wear my calf compression sleeves? Wear your calf compression sleeves while you are running, jogging, traveling, or during recovery. These products are known to improve the efficiency of your muscles. What is the difference between compression socks and calf sleeves? Compression socks mostly improve blood circulation and cater to the swollen areas of your legs. Calf sleeves offer more support to calf muscles and provide support to your legs during workout.
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