Compression Pants for Running: What Every Runner Should Know

SNL often featured gray-haired old ladies in outdated clothing topped of with knee-high skin colored socks; turns out the joke is on us because compression pants and compression socks for running are all the rage and they knew it first! Today we’ll explain why and share some of our favorites from testing.Originally sold in drug stores to increase circulation for issues like diabetes and arthritis, these days compression gear has undergone a revolution and I’m in love.

It’s become a staple in my running gear rotation for the last decade. Sometimes for post long run recovery and other times I wear it during the long run itself. We’re doing to examine why, what the data says and as noted some of the top picks for running compression pants.

Are Compression Pants Good for Running?

While the medical community still utilizes compression apparel for healing, there continues to be debate about the benefit to athletes.

This is largely due to the low number of scientific studies…BUT that’s changing and part of why I want to talk about it again today!!

What Do Compression Pants Do?

Compression pants and other gear, usually made of 80% nylon and 20% spandex, conforms snugly to the body preventing oscillation of the muscle during impact and increasing blood flow to the area.

Let’s break that down in plain English:

• The reduction of oscillation, or muscle movement, is thought to prevent energy waste.
• Assists in maintaining proper body alignment.
• While increased blood flow ensures that the muscles are receiving a constant supply of oxygen, which is required to sustain performance or enhance recovery.

This article is going to focus specifically on compression tights, but I have an entire post on the best compression socks for running. Both have different uses and you’ll need to decide what’s most important to you.

Why Run in Compression Pants?

Skeptics believe compression gear falls into the placebo effect category. But still, even if the benefits turn out to be all in our heads, I’ve yet to meet an athlete who wouldn’t embrace any kind of confidence-booster.

Training for a distance event is all about consistency, which means finding the tools that will help you to recover faster and stay injury free.

It seems some of the hype about running faster or farther might just be true when you look at the LONG term impact of using compression gear, rather than the impact on a single run.

Which is exactly what a brand new study in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning found that wearing compression socks for 48 hours after running a marathon improved performance on a treadmill test two weeks later.

(These are the women’s leaders in the Houston Olympic marathon trials, rocking those compression socks!!)

10 Benefits of Compression Tights

In fact, a few brands have conducted a number of third party studies as well, and here is what they found:

• increases venous return
• reduces exercise induced muscle damage (EIMD)
• accelerates recovery processes
• removes lactic acid faster
• increases strength and power
• improves endurance
• increases muscle oxygenation
• improves body temperature control
• reduces in-flight ankle oedema (swelling)
• provides additional support to joints

5 Best Compression Tights for Running

These are fantastic for sore glutes, quads and calf muscles. They can also provide support while running that many feel helps with IT Band issues. Those who suffer from calf or foot cramps often prefer to focus on just the sleeves or socks.

And I know I often talk to the ladies, but men’s running compression pants are a big thing in our house, it’s become my husband’s go to as a base layer for running on any slightly chilly days and he’s getting the recovery benefit without realizing it.

I have happily run in a variety of compression tights over the years. Some I loved and some not so much. Here are my top picks.

Remember we aren’t focused on shaping your booty which you often see in yoga pants labeled as compression leggings. These are true compression pants! They are going to be tight, that’s how they do the work.

#1 CW-X Stabilyx

These have been my top recommendation for anyone running with knee or IT Band pain since like 2010. Seriously, they were a game changer for me during a time when I was dealing with issues and now are something that I might turn to during winter when marathon training runs get long.

I say during winter because they are a thicker tight, so many of you will find them warm.

Personally I’m ok with being warm if it means that my legs feel better when I finish.  Though they do have a capri version that I also tested, but decided why would I leave my calves out of the game!

You’ll notice a unique pattern to the CW-X tights, which is what helps them to truly provide that support we’re looking for.

#2 2XU Tights

These are going to be much thinner and a more lightweight option for those who run hot. I like the compression levels provided, but it’s not the same level of muscle support as noticed with the CW-X.

I have used these both for added support during long runs and for post run recovery.

They do have some reflective details on them as well, making them a great early morning run tight.

#3 Skins Tights

Skins has undergone a major make over in the last few years.

Now you’ll find they have 3 different levels of compression gear. Having tested all three levels, I’m going to say I didn’t feel a massive difference in Series 3 to Series 5. I would say level 1 is really for recovery and the other two are more performance focused, though 3 is also part of their nightwear for recovery.

They are also thin like the 2XU which most of you will appreciate for  not getting too hot and easily wicking away sweat as need.

#4 Thermal Compression Tights from Under Armour

If you’re running in really cold temps then I am a super fan of thermal or fleece lined winter running leggings. Most brands used to make these, but have backed off to streamline production in recent years.

While UA will NOT be the same level of compression as the above options, this could be a good and more budget friendly go to.

#5 Budget Compression Tights  – DSG Compression Tights

This is the cheapest option you’ll find for compression, but again I don’t find the level of compression to be as high as the top three brands listed. So it’s going to be really important to know what you want out of your gear before purchasing.

They’re still going to fit great and keep things from moving so much, but maybe not provide many of the benefits discussed.

As many of you know, I’m 5’9″ so long compression pants are also a must for me and finding ones with length isn’t always easy.

I would say most of these are long “enough” though I’d be happy with an extra inch in the inseam, Skins do seem to be the longest.

Can You Run in Compression Tights?

I love wearing my  compression tights for long runs, recovery runs or on race day. I don’t wear them all the time, but definitely when I need a little extra love for my legs or brain!

Important to know there are different kinds of compression tights!

Some are designed for the muscle support while running and some are designed for recovery, hence the reason my drawer is filled with a variety of compression tights from different brands (largely 2XU, SKINS and CW-X).

Should I Wear Underwear with Compression Pants?

This question always makes me laugh, but I get it and you need to know.

This is really a personal preference, just like going commando or not when you run in leggings. There is no reason you can’t wear underwear with them.

Should I get Compression Tights, Calf sleeves or Socks?

Below I’ll provide the pro’s and con’s for using each one.

• Tights will help to manage soreness in the entire leg, which I love because my glutes can get tired after long runs or help my IT Band
• Calf sleeves are best for people who don’t like the feeling on their feet, otherwise I’d skip them.
• Compression socks are great for dealing with tight calves and preventing cramping

Can you find great compression pants at Wal-Mart?

Maybe…the problem is that many pants labeled as compression are simply spandex and not truly fitted enough to have the impacts of compression gear.

I know we’re always looking for the great deals, but I can tell you all the compression tights I mentioned above have lasted me years and years, through many long runs, recovery days and travel.

Best Compression Running Shorts

Many people wonder, what are compression shorts anyway? Compression shorts are elasticized shorts that conform to your body and apply pressure to your glutes, quads, and hamstrings along a compression gradient.

These are the other option that seem more popular with male runners. I do have a pair that I tend to wear when my glutes or hips have been really sore, but I tend to prefer the tights because I might as well be getting the benefit in my calves!

You’ll often find compression running shorts are a bit longer, which I actually like to prevent chaffing!

• 2XU makes a good short and I’ve used Under Armour compression shorts, though I don’t usually consider the UA gear true compression…they’re tight, but not adding that level of compression we need for increasing oxygen flow.
• SKINS has a short with a running phone pocket that I tested out over the summer. It’s got a high wide waist band, so maybe not as comfortable as your other shorts, but they were absolutely compression!

Best Compression Sleeves

A compression sleeve is a band of elasticized fabric worn on the legs or arms to increase circulation. Athletes frequently wear sleeves on their calves, elbows, knees, and ankles.

I’ll be honest just never floated my boat. But if you want the calf support and don’t want to notice any change in your shoes, they could be the best option. (who am I to question Meb, after all?!)

Plus, if you have issues developing shin splints while running, these could be something you easily wear throughout the day to help with recovery.

And I will say, I’ve used my calf sleeves to add some compression to my knee when I was having issues last year, ha!

A few that I recommend from testing:

• CEP calf sleeves – they are a super high quality brand, which means these will last and you can get them in super fun colors.
• ProCompression – I have a pair of their socks and assume the sleeves must be every bit as good! Again they also really love coming up with fun patterns, so your race day look is always top notch.

Can I wear compression and fly?

Compression gear is actually used medically to help prevent blood clots while flying for patients!

BUT an important note is that you should NEVER wear compression sleeves when traveling home post race as this could cause blood to pool in your feet. Stick to socks or tights.

Can I sleep in compression gear?

Yes! But make sure you’re using recovery specific gear, which is designed with a lighter level of compression (see note above).

However, it’s important to note that some would say NO because compression gear is ultimately designed to help with circulation through gravity and graduated compression…neither of which you need while laying down.

How often does it need to be replaced?

Most of my compression gear has lasted years. It’s top quality and as long as you wash in cold water and NEVER put it in the dryer, it should retain it’s fit and feel.

Are all compression pants the same?

No. Just as each shoe line has their own features, compression brands do as well. I have found it’s worth paying for the quality pair because they last and seem to provide me with more of the benefits ascribed to compression wear.

I have said many times that CW-X Stabilyx is my go to for IT Band issues! It’s a much different feeling than the very thin Skins.

Do Compression Pants Keep You Warm?

Yes, they can help! And the main reason behind this is body temperature regulation.

Body temperature regulation is critical here. Compression pants create a breathable shell that traps body heat while preventing overheating.

The compressive pressure placed on your muscles, which stabilizes and lessens excessive vibration and shivering, is another beneficial factor. This energy that would have been lost can be used to keep your body warm and increase your endurance.

To further combat the cold, the inside of many compression garments will be brushed or thermal. This creates a warm and comfortable interior, perfect for keeping you going in damp and cold weather.

Does Compression Gear Prevent DOMS (delayed on set muscle soreness)?

William Kraemer, professor of kinesiology in the Neag School of Education, induced delayed onset muscle soreness through an eccentric resistance training protocol in 20 female participants.

Immediately after the muscle damaging protocol the women were divided into two groups, one group wore a compression garment for 5 days while the other group received no treatment.

The results indicated that compression garments facilitated recovery of muscle strength and power and resulted in significantly less perceived muscle soreness.

Really, Amanda, will it help me?

I have been recommending it to my athletes for years now! I don’t expect it to make them rapidly faster or stronger, but I have seen it improve recovery which keeps their training on track and that leads to results!

Looking for more running gear reviews?

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