During a particularly mucky morning workout recently (#BecausePortland), I bit it while running up some slick stone stairs and slammed my right shin directly into the corner of a step. It was one of those moments where your heart stops, your stomach drops, and a split second before the pain hits you try to do a full-body scan to assess the situation.
Fortunately, it was nothing too serious (aside from ego damage). It’s taken a few weeks, but the nasty bruise has finally subsided.
Unfortunately, though, this incident coincided with me needing wanting to ramp up my mileage base to get ready for the upcoming race season. And although a goose-egg lump and lingering tenderness certainly didn’t pose a huge threat, I figured it’d be the perfect opportunity to test a new pair of Calf Skin Sleeves that BioSkin sent me to check out.
BioSkin designs and manufactures compression supports, orthopedic braces, and human performance gear for the orthopedic, sports medicine, and recreational sports markets worldwide. They’re an Oregon-based (Ashland) company, and I love their mentality — i.e. they chose the location not because it’s the easiest place to run a manufacturing business, but because it’s such a great place to live.
It’s this kind of attitude — quality over quantity — that usually carries over into great products. Especially because they also believe in focusing on the little details, which can make a big difference when you’re talking about products that people wear on a daily basis.
So, why compression? Well, it not only cuts down on muscle vibration, but also helps ensure that your muscles are in the proper position to maximize force production without wasted energy. Decreased muscle fatigue and improved proprioception also protect you from injury by giving you more precise control of your body.
My first thought, out of the box, was that these aren’t your average compression sleeves. I wear a good amount of compression gear, but I’ve never run across anything quite like this; BioSkin uses a special material (non-neoprene and non-latex) that not only allows your legs to breathe, but also keeps it from sliding down your leg during vigorous activity.
They feel less like a sock and more like a super-thin wet suit. Getting them on can be a workout in and of itself — these suckers are tight! — but throwing on a thin sock makes it easier to shimmy them on over your heel and onto your leg.
The feel does take some getting used to at first; like I said, they’re designed to fit snugly. But I’ve been actively seeking a higher level of compression for my legs since my tibia injury last fall, especially because I envision it being a free mini-massage with every step.
And as much as I like them for workouts, I l-o-v-e them for recovery days. Whether it’s an easy session of running or biking, or just an off day, I’ll throw them on and feel noticeably less discomfort and soreness. BioSkin for the win!
I do wear compression sleeves, but mostly for recovery. My brand of choice is CEP, but I’m not opposed to trying other brands that people love 😉
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These babies take compression to a whole new level! Took a wear or two to get used to, but I think you might like the extra oomph for those Iron(wo)man training recovery days.
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Thanks for the tip!! I’ll luck into them 😘
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I love wearing full compression socks after a race or training, and traveling! They really do make a huge difference (at least for me!).
I have worn both sleeves and full socks during races, but I don’t notice any difference. Throwing a pair on during a long run never hurts though! 🙂
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Exactly! Even if the difference is more mental – or qualitative – than quantifiable, I think it’s worth it!
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I’ve been dying to try compression socks ever since I started reading all these running blogs! I’ve been using my old soccer socks BAHAHA sooo.. yeah ghetto.
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Ha! Well, that’s a great start! I’d definitely recommend taking the compression plunge…like a little massage for tight calves 🙂
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I wear compression socks during my long runs, intense workouts and races. I’ve also worn them post workout for recovery. Some parts of aging suck and the ability to recover quickly is something of the past for me.
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I hear you on that one! Which is why compression is a must-have for race & recovery days 🙂
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I love compression wear–great for wear during a race and perfect for recovery afterwards!
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I couldn’t agree more!
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Sounds like these are winners…..how do you think they would these be for air travel?
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I’d start with a traditional pair of compression socks – and if you like those, then work your way up to these puppies! I love flying with compression, though – helps the legs recover much faster!
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I wear compression socks after a long day and my varicose veins start to swell from being on my feet all day.
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I love them for recovery & travel, too!
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I have been wanting to try compression socks for a while now. These look really nice.
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They’re addictive – you’ve been warned, haha 😉
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I love compression socks, Especially when running!
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