A calf sleeve is a footless knee-high compression sock that is designed to support calf muscles and tendons, energize the body, and provide recovery after a vigorous work-out. There are several factors that should be considered when choosing the best calf sleeve. For example, brands vary in design and fabric types, and each must be evaluated according to personal needs. There are also sleeves that are geared for specific sports. In addition, a person may select calf sleeves based on their size, color, and interchangeability with other body parts, such as the arms.
The design is of the utmost importance. Some brands are designed to support the calves alone, creating a single compression. Other brands are designed to support the shins or the Achilles tendons as well as the calves, creating a double compression. There are brands that are less irritating to the skin because they do not have any seams, while other brands are not seamless. In addition, some sleeves are designed to grip the upper part of the leg, preventing the sleeve from slipping down during exercise.
The fabric of the calf sleeve also varies significantly from brand to brand. Some brands are made from spandex and nylon. Other brands have moisture wicking properties in the fabric. Some brands even incorporate silver yarn into the fabric. The silver yarn is believed to regulate the temperature of the skin, making it cool during warm weather and warm during cooler weather.
In some cases, the style will vary depending on the sport or activity. For example, many people use calf sleeves designed for running or biking. There are also some that are styled for basketball players, soccer players, and skiers. Although each is designed to support the calf, some may provide additional support and recovery for jumping, as in basketball, or quick stops, as in soccer.
There are also basic decisions that must be made when choosing a brand. For example, some brands have distinct styles for men or women, while other brands are unisex. They can be found in specific sizes or as a one-size-fits-all size. These sleeves may be black, but they also come in many other colors, such as red, pink, yellow, blue, and purple. In addition, some may be used interchangeably on the calves, as calf sleeves, and on the forearms, as arm sleeves.
