Scouted: Best Leg Compression Sleeves for Running

Leg compression sleeves are helpful for addressing a wide variety of leg conditions and ailments, from shin splints to all sorts of swelling and pain issues in the feet, ankles, and calves. The best leg compression sleeves for running are made of quality materials that are both durable and breathable. They need to have enough compression to promote blood flow and stay tight above the calf while still being comfortable enough for exercising. Runners love compression sleeves because they prevent swelling and give added attention to those areas of the lower leg that are taxed the heaviest by running. The best sleeves are easy to put on, easy to wash, and effective, and it was with these qualities in mind that we put together our list of top products. Have a look and enjoy getting out there and running with confidence.

Key Considerations

What does a compression sleeve do?

A leg compression sleeve fits tightly over your calf and stays there while you are exercising. The main effect of compression is to promote blood flow, which has the positive effect of reducing swelling. People with shin splints, spider-veins, and chronic calf tightness find a lot of relief using compression sleeves and can often perform the activities they love with more energy and optimism.

Would they be helpful even if I'm not injured?

They certainly can be. A lot of runners who don't have chronic calf or lower leg issues like to use these sleeves simply because the sport of running (especially sprinting or running long distances) is so hard on the lower legs. You don't have to be a runner either. Anyone who experiences pain in any part of their lower leg can benefit from the effects of compression sleeves.

Scouted's Tips

Here are a few things to consider when shopping for leg compression sleeves. The hardest part about buying compression sleeves online is getting the right fit. The best thing you can do is consult each manufacturer's sizing chart before making a purchase. Even if you don't normally wear a certain size, it is usually wisest to trust the sizing chart of that particular product.

Compression sleeves come in a wide variety of colors and designs. They come in fun and flashy designs that a lot of runners love, but they also come in basic blacks, greys, and whites for those who like a more standard look. Keep in mind that any light color, such as white, yellow, pink, or light blue, will get dirty faster, especially if you are running outdoors.

For those who have chronic conditions or specific lower leg pains that they are hoping to alleviate with compression sleeves, look for products that have special stitching, special elastics, and reinforced fabric that target particular areas.

Charlotte Atkins is a Tallahassee-based writer with 4 kids and 2 dogs. She has become a master of controlled chaos with a home filled with children and puppies. Her experience as a mother and avid pet owner has given her plenty of expertise in the field of any product relating to parenthood, pet-owning, arts and crafts, cooking, recreation, and health. In the very little free time that Charlotte has, she can be found scouring Pinterest for new recipes or crafting projects, driving her kids to school and to the playground, or tending to her garden.

Scouted, a product and shopping section from The Daily Beast, is here to share practical, entertaining, and sometimes unexpected ideas for products that you might like. In the same way that you trust The Daily Beast to help you navigate the worlds of power, politics and pop culture, we’re here to help you navigate the abundance that is internet shopping.
With so many products available to us, it can be really hard to sift through all of the available information and choose the best one. Scouted is here to help, by doing all of the research and providing you with well-informed reviews. All you have to do is peruse our list of the best, and you can be sure that an excellent product is on its way to you.