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What are the Benefits of Compression Ski Socks?
Skiing already requires enough gear, to be sure. Skis poles, bindings, helmet, jacket, ski pants, goggles, boots, the list goes on. But one of the least seen and most important elements of your ski outfit could just be your socks. Compression focused socks have resulting benefits that are backed by science. Athletes who make compression part of their exercise routine are well aware of the benefits of compression socks and all skiers should be taking advantage of the benefits too!
What is the science behind the benefits of compression technology?
First, let’s talk about the circulatory system to understand how and why compression benefits athletic performance and recovery. Skiing is a rigorous cardio activity that gets blood pumping and keeps blood pumping throughout. According to Visit PA:
“Skiing and snowboarding are great cardiovascular exercises that can help families burn some serious calories and lose weight. The ultimate number burned per hour is based on weight and proficiency, but according to Harvard Medical School, someone who is 185 pounds burns 266 calories in 30 minutes of downhill skiing.”
Safe to say, your blood is pumped through your arteries to your muscles during skiing… a lot. Then, your cells take the nutrients and oxygen from your blood; the depleted blood enters your veins for transport back to your heart, over and over again. Compression socks add gentle, graduated pressure to your calves and feet to help fight the effects of gravity.
What are the benefits of compression socks for skiing?
The benefits of compression socks occur because of increased blood flow. The more oxygenated blood that your heart can supply to your muscles, the better your muscles can function. When you wear compression, studies show that the walls of your arteries dilate, which increases the amount of blood flowing to your muscles. When you increase your blood flow, your muscles are getting more of the oxygen and nutrients they need to power through your workout. So, either during or apres skiing, compression socks can help keep blood flowing and the benefits of compression socks are felt long after your day on the slopes is over.
Wearing performance compression ski socks do more than simply boost your circulation. The muscle vibrations created during your workout will cause your muscles to tire. Another purpose of compression socks is they support your muscles and decrease the amount of muscular vibration. This reduces the muscle fatigue you may experience during exercise. Less muscle fatigue can mean improved athletic endurance and a longer stamina to extend your ski session. Shop the below style.
Shop Pure Wool Tech Compression Ski Socks.
How does compression benefit muscle recovery?
When exercising, especially skiing, your body produces lactic acid and other waste products. The lactic acid created during exercise will contribute to the muscle pain felt after a workout. You do not need to feel muscle pain to benefit from exercise. The circulation boost from graduated leg compression keeps the lactic acid from building up in your muscle. Advanced compression technology also boosts your lymphatic system and reduces inflammation. Since your muscles benefit from this increase in circulation, you recover faster from exercise with less discomfort. Adding knee high compression ski socks into your routine can help you feel less sore and fatigued after a weekend away at the lodge. Also, a big benefit of compression ski socks? They can help reduce swelling and prevent injury. Since ski socks with compression compress, they also help with swelling caused by injury. Additional benefits of compression ski socks are helping with shin splints, muscle cramps, swollen feet, and tendinitis. Compression may not cure the injury, but you could feel much better when compression wear supports your injury. Making your routine more comfortable can motivate you to keep going. Swollen feet are often caused by a buildup of fluid, and compression can provide gentle support for swelling, and reduce inflammation.
Wearing compression may prevent future injury. The gentle pressure created by the graduated compression of a compression ski sock will support your calves and keep the area protected. Compression is not a substitute for massage, stretching or proper rest of an injured muscle, but compression may reduce your risk of future injury and swollen feet from overuse. If the option is there for added benefits with compression ski socks, the only question remaining is “Why not?”.
Which compression ski socks to get?
Not only will Pure Athlete help you perform better, reduce swollen feet, recover faster, and help you prevent fatigue after a long day of skiing on the slopes but also gives you several compression ski socks options for you to pick from! All of Pure Athlete compression snowboarding socks and skiing socks are made with 15-20 mmhg, premium materials, are moisture-wicking, and provide improved circulation which leads to a faster muscle recovery. Choose from over the calf (OTC) length Thermal Compression Ski Socks, Merino Wool Compression Ski Socks, and Copper Compression Ski Socks. So if you ever hear someone wondering “Are compression socks good for skiing?” The answer is: Yes, they’re good for you, and your ski game. If you are looking where to buy the best ski socks, shop Pure Athlete Compression Ski Socks Now.
Have more questions about compression? We’ve answered some common questions.
Q: Should you wear compression socks?
A: According to the Cleveland Clinic, foot surgeon Dr. Botek states:
“The great thing about compression socks is that you don’t need a doctor’s approval to try them and for most people, there are no risks to giving them a go… You just need to try it for your own personal use to know if it’s right for you or not…”
In other words, it doesn’t hurt to try compression ski socks and see if it works for you.
Q: Are compression socks good for you?
A: As mentioned, for most people, compression socks offer several benefits such as increased blood flow, decreased fatigue, muscle support, reduced swelling, and faster recovery. Compression socks for skiing can be a great option to keep you comfortable on the slopes all day long.
Q: Can compression socks be too tight?
A: Compression garments are supposed to feel snug, but they aren't supposed to hurt. Compression socks may take some time to get used to, but they should not feel restrictive or cause skin discoloration.
Q: Should you sleep in compression socks?
A: It depends, however in most cases, the answer is no. According to the Cleveland Clinic, cardiologist specialist, Dr. Joseph, states:
The benefit occurs when you’re up and moving, and gravity is working on your veins. When you’re lying down, you take away the effect of gravity. So there’s no reason to wear compression socks when lying down or sleeping. It feels good to take them off and give your legs a break. Wearing them 24/7 could also be hard on your skin. Nighttime is a good time to peel them off, rub in some lotion and let your skin breathe.
In most cases, it’s not beneficial to wear compression socks to sleep, but in certain instances, a doctor may recommend doing so.
Q: What other compression products can I use for skiing?
A: In addition to wearing compression socks while skiing, there are other products such as compression ski tights, compression base layer shirts and tights, and compression sports medicine products for targeted support like thigh, knee, ankle, and PF (plantar fasciitis) compression.