Compression Socks for Golfers

There is an estimated 60 million golfers around the world. Golf is a low impact activity that stimulates the brain and provides you with some exercise, especially if you walk instead of taking a cart. Walking the course can be anywhere from three to six miles! How do your legs feel after 18 holes of golf? Probably tired, achy and sluggish. So, what can you do to make your day on the links better and prevent tired golf legs? The answer is compression socks!

In 2010, three dozen golfers, both men and women, ranging in skill level, were evaluated wearing SIGVARIS compression socks during a round of golf. After the study, 86% (31 of 36) of the golfers, responded that their legs and/or ankles felt LESS tired and aching at the end of the golf round when wearing the SIGVARIS graduated compression golf sock (Source: Sigvaris).

Why do compression socks help golfers? When you’re on your feet all day long, your body struggles to push blood from your feet back to your heart. Graduated compression helps enhance blood circulation in your legs, taking pressure off of your circulatory system and making sure fresh, oxygenated blood is getting to your muscles. The compression also stops the lactic acid build up which causes soreness.

Professional golfers are already realizing the benefits of compression. In recent LPGA and PGA tours, many golfers were wearing knee high compression socks with shorts, skirts and pants.

Brittany Lincicome, one of the longest drivers in women’s golf, is a fan of compression socks. She said, “I was unaware of the differences that a graduated compression sock could make in my performance, but my recovery is quicker from my workouts and that allows me to focus on my golf game. SIGVARIS graduated compression socks work wonderfully and make my legs feel energized and lighter.”

So, what kind of compression socks do we recommend for golfers?

• Sigvaris Cushioned Cotton for Men 15-20 mmHg – the original sock from the Sigvaris study mentioned above. Tested and approved by male golfers!
• Sigvaris Athletic Recovery Sock 15-20 mmHg – A unisex sock that features a padded foot, arch support, DriRelease fabric, and mild graduated compression.
• Allegro Athletic Support Socks 15-20 mmHg – Extremely soft with the added benefit of a padded foot for all day comfort. Customers say: “The first time that I put the Allegro Athletic Support Stockings on, my legs felt wonderful. I use them each time that I play golf and I can walk the course now.”
• Jobst Sport 20-30 mmHg – Has a padded foot bed, moisture-wicking fabric for warm days, and moderate graduated compression to keep your legs energized.
• CEP Men's Compression Socks 3.0 - with 20-30 mmHg these socks are made with a special fabric that features compression knitting to improve circulation for comfort.

Although wearing compression socks can't guarantee you will improve your short game, your legs will feel fresh and energized after a round. Let us know in the comments, are there other socks you would recommend to improve your golf game?