How to Choose the Right Compression Sock for Your Fitness Routine

How to Choose the Right Compression Sock for Your Fitness Routine

You might already know that choosing the best compression socks for workouts is vital, but did you know that targeted compression levels vary? Due to this, you’ll need to select the right type of compression for your specific activity. Plus, each type of targeted compression for athletes can be a bit different, so don’t forget to factor in other variables such as how they fit and how much compression they provide. 

Ultimately, wearing the right pair of compression socks can aid recovery, improve performance, and help you avoid the fatigue and soreness that usually hits post-workout. Therefore, let’s discover how to buy compression socks to suit your specific needs! 

What Are Compression Socks and How Do They Work?   

The purpose of compression socks is to place controlled  pressure on your legs. As a result, you’ll experience improved circulation, along with boosting your athletic performance and reducing the risk of blood clots. In most cases, these socks have a graduated compression design. In other words, the greatest pressure is exerted against your ankles and gradually decreases as it moves up the compression sock or sleeve.

Targeted zones enable you to address your needs. For example, joint compression will provide stability and support to your knees and ankles. Meanwhile, thigh and calf compression are needed for endurance sports. To take this even further, adding in a pair of compression tights or shorts is a good way to improve your posture and keep your core stabilized. 

Fortunately, it’s relatively easy to answer the question of ‘what compression socks do I need?’ Begin by checking the compression level: mild, moderate, firm, or extra firm. 

Understanding Compression Levels: Which One Do You Need?

The following list contains various compression levels explained: 

  • Mild Compression (8-15 mmHg) – Best for daily wear, light activity, and recovery. 

  • Moderate Compression (15-20 mmHg) – Good for workouts, standing for long periods, and mild swelling.   

  • Firm Compression (20-30 mmHg) – Ideal for high-intensity athletes, running, weightlifting, and post-workout recovery.

  • Extra-Firm Compression (30-40+ mmHg) – Medical-grade compression. Only for severe circulation issues (e.g., DVT, varicose veins).

As you can see, each compression level has its own pros and cons. For instance, moderate compression is good for a general workout, but firm compression is best for high-intensity athletes who go running or weightlifting. 

What Compression Socks Do I Need for My Workout?

Now, let’s look at three specific categories to help answer the question of ‘what kind of compression socks do I need?’

Running & Cardio Workouts 

Focus on getting graduated compression socks that reduce muscle fatigue and promote improved circulation. Knee high compression performance socks are a good choice, especially if you’d like to avoid shin splints and experience calf muscle recovery. 

Another prime example can be found with TRUEENERGY® Compression Performance Running Cocks. These socks work great for runners and joggers due to their targeted arch support, which can keep you comfortable on your feet for longer! 

Plus, with Tru-X Technology, which combines the circulation benefits of compression with the recovery power of Infrared Energy, TRUEENERGY® Compression Performance Running Cocks provide increased energy, active recovery, and better overall performance. 

CrossFit & Weightlifting

If you’re more into weightlifting or CrossFit training, it’s best to opt for compression socks that offer extra calf and ankle support so they can protect you against straining yourself. 

By maintaining your joint stability, you’ll experience: 

  • Reduced swelling

  • Improved awareness of joint position 

  • Enhanced control 

  • Reduced risk of injury 

TRUEENERGY® Knee High Performance Compression Socks are a good way to protect your shins while you perform rope climbs and deadlifts.  

Recovery & Post-Workout

During your recovery process, it’s wise to wear higher compression to reduce soreness and speed up muscle recovery. Choose firm recovery (20-30 mmHg) to feel better fast. 

Benefits of Wearing Compression During & After Your Workout 

Wearing compression socks during your workout provides an entire host of benefits, including: 

  • Reduces your risk of injury 

  • Improves circulation 

  • Reduces muscle fatigue 

  • Eliminates lactic buildup 

  • Enhances venous return 

Don’t take them off after you’re done, though, as they’ll also provide the following benefits post-workout: 

  • Reduces swelling

  • Reduces muscle soreness 

  • Improves circulation 

  • Faster recovery 

  • Removes metabolic waste

How to Choose the Right Fit and Style

The best way to learn how to pick compression socks involves selecting the appropriate length, size, and overall fit. 

What Length Should You Get? 

Assessing the right length requires you to carefully think about how you plan to use them. Choose targeted compression performance ankle socks for low-impact workouts and daily wear. If, however, you’ll mostly be running, weightlifting, and performing long workouts, you’ll want to select knee high or calf-length socks. Have you found yourself in need of some intense recovery? Choose a full leg compression sleeve instead. 

Sizing & Fit Guide

Compression socks should be snug, but not too tight. Measure your legs at your calf and ankle by choosing your calf’s widest point and your ankle’s narrowest point. Once you’ve got both measurements, take them to our sizing chart to determine your ideal size. 

It’s also important to consider your shoe size. Generally speaking, TRUEENERGY® Compression Socks can accommodate women who wear between a size 6.5 and 14 shoe, and men who wear between a size 6 and size 14.5 shoe. 

By using both techniques listed above, you’ll find the perfect answer to ‘how to size compression socks.’

How to Buy Compression Socks & What to Look For 

Buying compression socks is a proven way to help improve your circulation, reduce your recovery, and relieve your achy muscles. But, of course, there is a lot more to it. Read through each of the following factors to help improve your answer to the question: “How to choose compression socks?” 

Targeted Compression Features

Selecting socks that have targeted compression in areas such as your arch, ankle, and calf are the best way to ensure you stay healthy. For instance, if you’re planning to do weightlifting, it’s wise to choose socks with extra ankle or calf support. 

Breathability & Moisture-Wicking Fabrics

The material you select will have a big role to play. After all, your comfort and performance rely heavily on what type of fabric you choose. Fortunately, TRUEENERGY® uses a specialty blended fabric with moisture-control, which will leave your feet able to breathe and feeling fantastic! 

Durability & Stitching

Low-quality compression socks are often characterized as being a poor fit that’s also itchy and uncomfortable. Additionally, the seam will dig into your toes. In contrast, high-quality compression socks are made to be durable, and they also have seamless toes. 

Brand Matters

When it comes down to it, the choice of compression socks you select can make a big difference in whether you actually receive the many benefits associated with compression. By choosing a trusted brand such as TRUEENERGY®, you can perform better and take care of your feet and legs at the same time. 

Our socks feature Tru-X Technology, which blends targeted compression with the recovery benefits of Infrared Energy to boost circulation and reduce muscle fatigue. This innovative design helps you stay energized longer and recover faster!

FAQs About Choosing Compression Socks for Fitness

What level of compression should I get for workouts?

The compression level you choose should be based on what type of workout you do most often. For example, if you’re a runner or a weightlifter, you’ll enjoy knee high compression performance socks. For recovery purposes, wearing mild compression works best and can include performance no show socks with tab.  

How tight should compression socks feel?

Compression socks are meant to be snug without being overly tight. A well-fitted pair will provide a supportive, comfortable fit that doesn’t impair your movement. Make sure you have the perfect blend of support and comfort by purchasing high-quality socks from TRUEENERGY®. 

Do I need different compression socks for different workouts?

If you change up your workouts on a regular basis, then it’s wise to have a few different types of compression socks. For instance, let’s say that you go jogging three days a week, weightlifting twice a week, and recover twice a week. You’ll need at least two different types: Knee high compression performance socks are good for jogging or weightlifting, and then get yourself a pair of mild compression socks for the recovery process. 

How long should I wear compression socks?

It’s generally fine for most people to wear compression socks for 8-10 hours per day. However, if you’re traveling, you can wear them for up to 12 hours. The difference between wearing them during exercise and post-exercise is whether you choose firm compression or mild compression. 

Are compression socks better than compression sleeves?

Compression socks are meant to offer full ankle and foot coverage. Compression sleeves, meanwhile, provide targeted calf support with freedom around your feet. Overall, compression socks work better unless you specifically need targeted calf support. 

Choose High-Quality Compression Socks 

It should be clear by this point that you need to select compression socks based on your specific activity, fit, and compression level. Otherwise, you might not get much out of them. Wearing targeted compression socks will help enhance your performance and make the recovery process faster. It’s also vital to mention that high-quality socks are the way to go because they last longer and offer better compression. 

Would you like to get the best performance and recovery benefits? Choose  TRUEENERGY® Socks such as knee high compression performance socks or performance no show socks with a tab and take advantage of our Tru-X technology. You’ll be more comfortable, recover more quickly, and improve your performance! 

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