# Compression Socks

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/compression-socks/540226>\
**Category:** In My Humble Opinion\
**Created:** [May 21, 2010, 5:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/compression-socks/540226 "2010-05-21T05:50:25Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 6\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![emacknight](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/3ec8ea/32.png) [@emacknight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/emacknight)\
**Post date:** [May 21, 2010, 5:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/compression-socks/540226/1 "2010-05-21T05:50:25Z")

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I’ve noticed a lot of marathon runners using these, but I can’t tell if they’re a fad or not.

Has anyone tried them?

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**Author:** ![Markxxx](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/5daacb/32.png) [@Markxxx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Markxxx)\
**Post date:** [May 21, 2010, 7:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/compression-socks/540226/2 "2010-05-21T19:20:10Z")

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I think they can help if you have some sort of problem that makes you need a bit more support. With training and stretching you probably don’t need them, if you do them proper. I never noticed it when I tried them. I am sure for some people they will help, as most things in life it depends on the person.

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**Author:** ![3\_20\_59\_or\_bust](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/3/47e85d/32.png) [@3\_20\_59\_or\_bust](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/3_20_59_or_bust)\
**Post date:** [May 21, 2010, 9:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/compression-socks/540226/3 "2010-05-21T21:06:11Z")

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Well, I make a point to tease anyone wearing them…so there’s that.

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**Author:** ![Mona\_Lisa\_Simpson](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ce7236/32.png) [@Mona\_Lisa\_Simpson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mona_Lisa_Simpson)\
**Post date:** [May 21, 2010, 9:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/compression-socks/540226/4 "2010-05-21T21:07:05Z")

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I know nothing about compression socks for runners, but traditionally compression stockings were to help with the return of fluid back into the circulatory system, reducing edema and supporting venous return. I imagine they would help anyone with reducing swollen feet after a long time on the feet.

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**Author:** ![Valgard](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/7feea3/32.png) [@Valgard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Valgard)\
**Post date:** [May 21, 2010, 9:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/compression-socks/540226/5 "2010-05-21T21:09:00Z")

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An ultrarunner I know really likes them but she’s the sort of person who does multiple 100 mile runs each year and 30+ miles is a normal weekend day outing for her. She recommended them to me to help avoid calf cramps on very long runs.

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**Author:** ![lindsaybluth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/90db22/32.png) [@lindsaybluth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lindsaybluth)\
**Post date:** [May 22, 2010, 3:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/compression-socks/540226/6 "2010-05-22T03:05:24Z")

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Like Mona Lisa, I thought we were talking about socks for those with varicose veins.

I wear them even though I don’t have varicose veins, the moderate 20-33mm support. They make a WORLD of difference in making me less tired by the end of the day.