Gear Review - SLS3 Compression Socks

Here's something relatively new on the block that you might want to check out. I've been testing out the SLS3 compression socks for a few months now and they work great.

Compression gear of any kind reduces fatigue by stopping your muscles from shaking and vibrating during exercising. Compression shorts were first on the scene many years ago, then Under Armour brought it to the upper body. Now we are seeing it being used on the lower portions of the legs.

What you might not know is that compression gear increases blood flow. From SLS: "...scientific tests have shown that the SLS3 Compression Sport Sox boost bloodflow about 34%. This increases oxygen delivery to the working muscles to enhance their performance. The circulation improvements also help the body to eliminate metabolic wastes like lactic acid. The combination of these effects allows you to work harder and longer."

Do they work? Heck yeah! I've been wearing them on my weekly long runs (2 hours or more) and I experience zero fatigue from the knees down. I also have been hearing that triathletes wear them after workouts to speed recovery and during long flights.

Aside from function, the most interesting thing is how they look. My wife laughed as I started out the door. But, after many years of biking at 3 AM, swimming with a foam block between my legs, and running with more electronics than the Space Shuttle, I've learned that you cannot care about appearances and be triathlete at the same time. Besides, if you act like you know what you're doing, these socks kind of look awesome.

My running buddy told me about one of his friends that wears them for trail running for additional protection against brush. Cool idea!

In conclusion, they work great and pros are starting to wear them like crazy. They may look a little weird at first, but they also have that signature style that shows that you know what you are doing and that you take your training and racing seriously.

They cost around $57 at various dealers and you can see more pictures of pro triathletes racing with them here.