Aug 64 min read

Best Calf Compression Sleeves For Your Running Needs

Updated: Oct 26

Calf compression sleeves should be a key part of every runner's wardrobe, and if you are a runner without a pair of calf compression sleeves in your bag, then your missing out.

I would recommend you read this about the benefits of compression sleeves for your performance.

Benefits of calf compression sleeves:

The main way in which compression sleeves are beneficial for runners is that they reduce your risk of injury. Compression sleeves reduce your risk of injury in a few different ways:

Reduce muscular oscillation (muscles take less of the strain of running)
Increase blood blow
Provide stability
Increase lymphatic flow
Provide warmth

All of these factors are very important if you are someone who struggles with any kind of lower leg injury, especially in the winter. Getting a good pair of calf compression sleeves can be the difference between you making it through your season uninjured or having to be sidelined for a while. Be sure to pick out a good pair of calf compression sleeves to enhance your recovery.

Read: Compression sleeves for calf strain: What you need to know.

Best Compression Socks Overall:

BearHug

Check Price At Bearhug

Best Compression Socks For Trail-Running:

Bauerfeind

Check Price at Running-Point

Best reflective compression socks:

CEP calf compression sleeves

Check Price At Running-Point

Best Budget Compression Socks:

Cambivo calf compression sleeves

Check Price On Amazon

Why the quality of compression sleeves matter

I have been through many pairs of calf compression sleeves in my time running over the past 10 years. And guess what, I have paid some top prices for compression sleeves which have ended up with holes in them after a matter of 2 months.

So, through years of testing, I have found the best calf compression sleeves. You get the maximum benefits from compression sleeves which are a bit tighter (most are too loose and don't give the proper desired results), you can trust that this list will show you the compression sleeves that give the best benefits.

You can trust that this list also does not neglect durability! I mean how good is a pair of compression sleeves that only lasts a couple of months?

This may save you from spending big money on compression sleeves which are not good value!

Read: How Do Compression Sleeves Work.

Best Calf Compression Sleeves For Your Price Range

These are the best calf compression sleeves for your needs based on price, quality of material and how they feel.

Best calf sleeves overall: BearHug

BearHug is the cream of the crop when it comes to compression gear. They provide the best calf compression sleeves on the market, and these are the ones I get the most use out of by far.

I have had a pair of these for about 6 months and they still look brand new, they are the most durable compression sleeves I have ever tried.

BearHug also has the best compression I have ever had from calf sleeves, they feel very tight on my calf and provide great warmth in the winter. This provides extra stability, reduced muscular oscillation (less strain on your muscles), and better blood flow.

BearHug calf compression sleeves:

Compression: 10/10

Durability: 10/10

Style/looks: 8/10

£37.99 at BearHug.com

Best calf sleeves for trail running: Bauerfeind

These are a specific pair I had bought because they are built specifically for off-road running, so I thought I would get these as a pair I could get dirty. They turned out very good and I still use them for some of my runs on the road and track.

These are very different from the BearHug calf sleeves in a few ways. They are not quite as tight on your calves but still provide very good compression for your calves and are still going to give you all the injury prevention benefits.

Bauerfeind's calf sleeves are extremely durable as well and for me, these are the second-best calf compression sleeves on the market.

These are the ones for you if you are a trail runner.

Bauerfeind calf compression sleeves:

Compression: 8/10

Durability: 10/10

Style/looks: 5/10

£24.90 from running-point.co.uk

You may also like: Injury Prevention For Runners.

Best reflective calf sleeves: CEP calf compression

If you are someone who can only train in the dark during winter or even if you just want a pair for when it is a bit darker out and you want that extra bit of safety- then these are the pair for you. With reflective strips, they don't only look cool but they have an extra added benefit of safety.

Not only are these are great pick if you run in the dark but they are also just a great pair overall. They may just be seasonal for some runners but they are very durable even if you wear them year round and also provide great compression.

CEP calf compression sleeves:

Compression: 8/10

Durability: 8/10

Style/looks: 9/10

£41.90 from running-point.co.uk

Best budget calf sleeves: Cambivo calf sleeves

Now, whilst these were never going to be my pick for the best calf compression sleeves, they are good for the price. In fact, they are better than most which you could find yourself paying 2 or 3 times the price for.

They are still quite durable and provide great compression. If you are on a budget then these are for sure the calf sleeves you should be investing in.