Running Tights & Compression Garments

Running tights keep your legs warm on those early morning or late evening runs and make winter running more bearable.

However, the new technology of compression garments has turned the humble tights into hi-tech performance equipment.

USA's Jeanne Daprano in her compression garments.
Photo courtesy of masterstrack.com

Personal Experience
Who is Wearing Them?
Benefits
Research
Pricing
Size Matters
Choices
Where to Shop
Caring For Your Gear
Reviews-What Others are Saying

Personal Experience

I was an early adopter of compression running tights. When “Skins” hit the market in Australia, I hopped on board. The initial feeling is odd, one of tightness and constriction. Thoughts of 1800’s corsets or 1950’s girdles come to mind. But you soon get accustomed to the new sensation.

I use my compression tights for speed workouts or easy runs on cold days. Nagged by Achilles tendon and calf injuries I swear by them for recovery after my long runs, hard sessions or races.

I also slip them on for my 17+ hour flights (yikes!) between the USA and Australia.

Depending on your fashion sense, you might feel like a super hero (Cat Woman or Wonder Woman) or a little weird. When I’m not hanging with other runners I disguise my tights under jeans or a long skirt.

Who is Wearing Them?

Compression garments are now donned by athletes across a variety of sports e.g. distance runners, sprinters, field athletes, cyclists, football players (rugby, soccer, Australian Rules), skiers, etc. Superstars like Paula Radcliffe and Kara Goucher have turned them into fashion statements.

The masters crowd (+40 athletes) are big fans. Compression clothing helps aging bodies bounce back from training/racing and “holds them together”.

Benefits of Compression Running Tights & Garments

Here are the benefits listed by the various makers of compression garments:

• Increases oxygen delivery to working muscles.


• Enhances circulation increasing venous return.


• Increases strength and power.


• Improves endurance.


• Reduces post-exercise muscle soreness.


• Assists in reducing lactic acid build-up.


• Removes lactic acid and other metabolic wastes faster.


• Reduces muscle vibration and assists with muscle stability.


• Can reduce muscle strain and ligament damage by keeping muscles in line and in optimum position.


• Reduces muscle cramps.


• Improves performance.


• Assists with chronic conditions e.g. shin splints, Achilles tendonitis, calf strains, etc.


• Decreases risk of Deep-Vein Thrombosis (blood clotting) on long-haul flights.


• Reduces muscle fatigue throughout the leg (calves, thighs, hamstrings).


• Provides additional support around knees.


• Optimizes your body temperature in warm or cool conditions.


• Made with moisture wicking fabric, keeping your skin dry.


• Made with anti odor and anti microbial fabric.

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Research

So what research is available to back up companies’ claims and the anecdotal reports from athletes of performance and recovery enhancement?

In a study published in the 2006 International Journal of Sports Medicine French researchers stated, “Wearing compression tights during running exercise may enhance overall circulation and decrease muscle oscillation to promote a lower energy expenditure at a given prolonged submaximal speed.”

In the Journal of Sports Science and Medicine (2006) researchers in Sydney, Australia concluded: “The data suggests that wearing compression garments in the recovery from eccentric exercise may alter the inflammatory response to damage and accelerate the repair processes inside of the muscle. However, further studies are warranted to confirm any alteration in muscle repair/recovery consequent to wearing of compression garments.”

Most companies list their own studies on their websites and brochures.

Pricing

Your basic running tights cost $40 to $90. Compression clothing with its research and development and hi-tech fabric is more expensive. Expect to pay $95 to $200 for full-length compression tights. The prices vary on the fabric qualities such as wicking performance, types of weaves, anti microbial, stability control, elasticity, durability, stitching, ribbing, etc.

As everyone’s budget is different it pays to shop around, read the specifications and reviews before buying.

Size Matters

It is important to check each company’s charts for their recommended size for your height and weight. As you want a tight fit for your compression garments, err on the smaller size if your body is between sizes.

Many companies provide a 30-day return and exchange policy, which helps to get the right fit. Always check policies before purchase.

Choices

Choose from a variety of compression clothing to suit your training needs. There are full-leg and half-leg running tights, shorts, sleeveless tops, tanks, short and long sleeve tops, sleeves only and socks.

There are plenty of companies who supply compression garments, some of more popular are: SKINS, 2XU, Opedix, CW-X, Zoot, Under Armour, Zensah, Sugoi, Adidas, New Balance, Nike, ASICS, Salomon, Craft etc.

Where to Shop

ParagonSports has a wide variety has a wide variety of brands. Otherwise visit the various brands websites or your local running store. Click here to check out their compression tops.

Caring For Your Gear

I prefer to hand wash my compression garments in cold water with mild soap. You can machine wash on the cold, delicates setting with a gentle detergent. As with most clothing, the gentler the washing process, the more life you’ll get out of them.

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Reviews - What Others are Saying…

I have a pair of "SKINS" compression tights that I wear for recovery after long runs. I do recover a lot faster.

I sleep in my compression tights after long runs and I feel no soreness the next day.

I call my “Opedix” running tights, “bionic tights”. They take compression to a whole new level. The support is particularly strong around the knee, the quad and hamstring.

I have several pairs of the “CW-X” running tights in various lengths and styles, some for summer and others for winter. I would not run without them. My recovery is faster and my legs less tired, particularly after long runs of 13+ miles. They keep me warm and I’m sure they will prevent any possible issues with veins later on.

I have “SKINS” and love them. While training for a marathon, I wore them for my long runs and the rest of the day. I noticed a positive difference. I physically was tired but my legs felt good and I wasn't sore the next day.


I’ve been able to increase my rate of recovery between events by wearing my compression tights.

I wear my compression tights on the plane to reduce fluid build up in my ankles and calves. They allow me to race straight off the plane.


I was skeptical about compression gear. But I was feeling a lot of fatigue in my quads and hamstrings as I trained for my marathon. I’m now a convert my “2XU” tights have been great.

I started out with the CW-X shorts in the summer and knew I wasn't turning back. Even during my 18-20 mile long runs, I felt no fatigue whatsoever in my legs. I then purchased the long running tights. I will never run a long run without compression gear.

My one complaint about my compression tights is the chafing caused by the extra seams for their support web. However, if you rub down with some Body Glide beforehand, you are fine.

I am a big fan of my CW-X tights for long runs. Once I started using them I noticed that I recovered faster and I had a lot more flexibility during my evening stretching sessions.

I live in Minnesota, so I typically use my “2XU” running tights during the winter. They are amazing. Mostly I like the built in core support and compression on the hamstrings.

Compression tights make a big difference for long flights. I go to the bathroom and put them on under my jeans. At first it is hot and uncomfortable but you are soon used to it. The difference in your freshness of legs and ability to run the next day is huge.

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