What is a Shin splint, you say? It is among the most common leg injuries in athletes. If you’ve ever experienced it yourself, you know it’s not the best feeling in the world.
Based on our research, using a compression sleeve can do wonders. We have found that compression sleeves actually reduce the pain and sometimes even promote faster healing. This is possible because compression sleeves help prevent inflammation by improving blood flow.
While there are hundreds of different compression sleeves available in the market, it is impossible to list all of them here. So we’ve hand-picked only the best of the best based on our testing and customer reviews. These suggestions are in your best interest; as such, we want you to go through the list to find something that fits your needs.
Best Compression Sleeves for Shin Splints
- Blitzu Calf Compression Sleeve
- Pro-Tec Shin Splint Compression Wrap
- Shock Doctor Calf Shin Compression
- SB SOX Compression Socks
- 2XU Elite MCS Compression Calf
- Copper Compression Recovery Calf Sleeves
- BioSkin Calf Sleeve Compression
Blitzu Calf Compression Sleeve
Starting with the first product on this list, we have the Calf Compression Sleeve from Blitzu. The reason why this tops the list is that it’s our personal favorite. At just a little over ten dollars ($10), you get one of the most advanced compression sleeves on the market.
This compression sleeve from Blitzu offers an unmatched compression therapy that works like magic. It does an excellent job of promoting blood circulation and helps prevent swelling and soreness. Several customer reviews also prove the effectiveness of Blitzu compression sleeves for shin splints.
Besides treating shin splints, you can also use it for a wide range of activities like running and other sports. Moreover, you can find a wide range of size and color options as well. If you want instant comfort from all types of leg injuries, the Blitzu compression sleeve should be the one for you.
Pros:
Designed for shin splint
Effectively reduces swelling
Wide range of color options
Instant relief
Cons:
The material might be a little rough for some people
Pro-Tec Shin Splint Compression Wrap
The Pro-Tec Shin Splint Compression Wrap is like a compression sleeve designed specifically for dealing with a shin splint. While it is one of the more expensive products on this list, it does the job quite well. So if you’re someone who regularly suffers from shin splint, you might want to check this product out.
Unlike most compression sleeves that you slide it on, the Pro-Tec compression wrap comes with a directional wrap. This means that you can directly apply the wrap to the areas where you’re experiencing pain. The benefit of using a wrap is that it is much easier to put it on and take it off.
Wearing this wrap during your activity like running can help reduce the pain and even eliminate the chance of additional damage. The Pro-Tec Shin Splint is easily one of the most effective products on this list, thanks to its EVA foam that directly presses on the area of injury.
Pros:
Designed specifically for shin splint
One size fits all
Easy to put on and take off
Eliminates the risk of additional injury
Cons:
A bit expensive
Shock Doctor Calf Shin Compression
The next product on this list is the Shock Doctor Calf Shin Compression, which is easily one of the best compressions of all time. It is a one size fits all compression with strap closure. The main benefit of this is that you don’t have to waste your time trying to find the right size for your legs. The Shock Doctor’s straps are also easy to use, making it excellent for people of all sizes.
The Shock Doctor Calf Shin Compression effectively reduces pain caused by shin splints and any other strains. It provides great comfort and stability, which prevents any risk of injuring your legs again. Moreover, you can also use it as a compressor while running and playing sports like football, basketball, and tennis. The compressor can also provide support when you’re working out in the gym.
What we really like about this compression wrap is its superior quality and design. Besides acting as a muscle compressor, it also protects your skin from contact injuries, especially while playing sports. Professional athletes and college students wear this compression wrap all over the world.
Pros:
Durable build quality
Stylish design
One size fits all
Extremely effective in reducing pain
Excellent sports gear for skin protection
Cons:
The Velcro material could be better
SB SOX Compression Socks
The SB SOX compression socks are a budget-friendly alternative for compression sleeves and wraps. But do not be fooled by its simplicity and affordability. These compression socks are actually quite effective in reducing pain from shin splints.
These compression socks come in sixteen (16) different color options so that you can choose one based on your preference. Some of the color options have a nice design to it, so you will definitely find one that fits your taste. When it comes to functionality, the SB SOX provides the right amount of compression to improve blood circulation. This helps in reducing the build-up of lactic acid, which then reduces pain.
If you’re looking for a cheap and affordable alternative for compression sleeves, this product might be what you’re looking for. Besides reducing the pain of shin splints, you can also use it while running, hiking, and playing sports.
Pros:
Cheap
Comes in a wide range of color options
Comes in four different sizes
Decent fit
Effectively reduces pain
Cons:
Wears out very fast
2XU Elite MCS Compression Calf
The 2XU Elite MCS Compression Calf sleeves have one of the sleekest designs we’ve ever seen on compression sleeves. It comes in two color options, which are Black/Gold and Black/Nero. Both color options look almost identical, but they are guaranteed to turn some heads.
However, style is not the only thing that matters in a compression sleeve. So, let’s talk about the functionality and features of the 2XU Elite MCS. First, the Elite MCS is 80% nylon and 20% elastane. It also contains Invista LYCRA, which provides the ideal stretch for best fit and effectiveness. Besides being sleek in design, it is also very effective.
This calf sleeve comes with graduated compression. This means that the compression will slowly increase, which improves blood circulation and promotes fast recovery. Additional features include moisture wicking and anti-bacterial properties that keep your leg free from unwanted odors and sweat.
Pros:
Stylish design
Effective compression
Keeps sweat and odors away from your leg
Cons:
Becomes loose after some months
There’s more…
Copper Compression Recovery Calf Sleeves
The next compression sleeve on this list is the Copper Compression Recovery Calf Sleeves. This compression sleeve is suitable for both men and women and does an excellent job helping your legs recover. It comes in four (4) different sizes ranging from small to x-l. You can get these calf sleeves in either black or grey.
What makes the Copper Compression special is the high content of copper. Unlike most brands that spray copper on fabrics, copper compression infuses it straight into the nylon. This method enhances the sleeves’ compression and durability. Thanks to its effectiveness, thousands of people worldwide opt for copper compression to reduce all calves’ types of pain, including shin splints.
If you don’t already love this product’s features, the company also offers a full refund if you are not satisfied with the product. Their extreme policies for customer satisfaction make them one of the most trustworthy brands in the market. Since you don’t have anything to lose, there is no harm in trying out the calf sleeve from Copper Compression.
Pros:
Extremely durable
Great for sports and other activities
Prevents calf injuries
Reduces pain from shin splints and several other injuries
Stylish colorways
Cons:
Issues with sizing
BioSkin Calf Sleeve Compression
The last product is the BioSkin Calf Sleeve Compression. Although it is the last product on this list, it is not a bad sleeve compression by any means. It is actually one of the best compression sleeves you can get in the market. If you’ve been injured in your calf, this sleeve compression from BioSkin can help you heal and reduce the pain. Additionally, the BioSkin Calf Sleeve Compression has the ability to wick moisture from your legs to keep it free from bacteria and sweat.
Whether you are trying to heal a shin splint or prevent it, the BioSkin Calf compression can be your one-stop solution. This product effectively increases your blood circulation to help you heal from shin splints and many other injuries.
What makes the item special is that it comes with therapeutic grade material, which guarantees instant relief. However, if you’re planning to use this calf compression, make sure to discuss it with your physiotherapist to see if it is safe for you. If you get the thumbs up, this could be the best compression sleeves you’ve ever tried.
Pros:
Suitable for both men and women
Fast relief for calf injuries like shin splints and calf strains
Wicks moisture effectively
Great for running
Comes in a pair
Comfortable to use
Medical grade
Cons:
Some people find it hard to put on and remove the compression sleeves
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the main purpose of wearing a compression sleeve?
Answer: Wearing a compression sleeve comes with a ton of benefits. However, the main purpose of wearing a compression sleeve is to improve blood circulation and prevent muscles’ tightness and soreness. Compression sleeves can also prevent swelling when there is an injury in your muscles.
You can also use a compression sleeve to protect your skin, especially when you’re playing sports.
When is the perfect time to wear compression sleeves?
Answer: The best time to wear compression sleeves is when you’re running or recovering from a workout. You can also use compression sleeves when you’re traveling.
Compression sleeves can reduce vibration, eliminate lactic acid, and improve your muscle’s efficiency.
Are compression sleeves safe for use?
Answer: Yes, compression sleeves are quite safe and are suitable for just about everyone. However, experts do not recommend the use of compression sleeves by people who have severe vascular disease. Besides that, there are no major risks related to the proper use of compression sleeves.
How tight should your compression sleeves be?
Answer: While compression sleeves should naturally be tight, they should also not be too tight. However, determining the perfect tightness of compression sleeves can be difficult since different people have different tolerance levels.
The best way to check if a compression sleeve is too tight is by looking out for the symptoms below. If your compression sleeve is too tight;
The sleeves may feel like it’s pinching your skin
Your legs may feel numb or discolored
You might feel some pain
You might find difficulty in performing normal activities.
How do compression sleeves help in dealing with shin splints?
Answer: While compression sleeve is not a cure for shin splints, they can definitely help reduce the pain and promote healing. Compression sleeve reduces pain by increasing blood flow, which reduced inflammation. It also eliminates lactic acid, which can cause soreness in the muscle.
Wrapping Up
Compression sleeves are a must-have if you’re someone who performs many activities like running, hiking, and workout. They have tons of benefits, which you probably have an idea of by now. If you’re suffering a shin splint or simply recover from an intense workout, consider the options listed above.
Let us know which product impressed you the most down in the comments below. We hope that this article has been helpful for you in finding the best compression sleeves.