Should you wear compression socks while doing the high jump?
This one is an interesting topic because there have been many high jumpers over the years that have been known for wearing high socks when jumping. For some, it may seem like the athletes are expressing a fashion statement. But for others, there are health benefits that can be gained.
In my era of doing the high jump, compression socks were just starting to hit the scene. I personally wore ankle socks and when I did attempt to wear knee high socks, they were football socks which didn’t allow me to feel comfortable in my high jump spikes or improve my high jumping performance. I could still average 1.90m-2m based on my natural ability, however they didn’t add any value to my high jumping performance.
On the other hand, I gave my younger brother a pair of compression socks 15 years later. He wore those socks in most competitions and over a 5 year period, he went from jumping 1.80m as a 13-year-old to 2.16m as a 17-year-old.
What was the benefit of wearing compression socks for the high jump?
The compression socks were light, easy to wear, comfortable and aided with the blood circulation which was good for keeping the muscles active throughout the high jump competition.
Consider using compression socks in your high jump training.
Even when they were used for training, they could aid with muscle recovery. For anyone that has done the high jump, they will be aware of how much shock the muscles receive. Thus anything that can aid with recovery will help improve your high jump performance over the long term.
Beware of fake compression socks.
Compression socks aren’t cheap. You will find fake or low-quality alternatives available. As I mentioned earlier, when I opted for an alternative, my high jump performance suffered alot. So I would urge you to invest in at least 2 pairs of socks that make it easier for you to jump and also help you with your muscle recovery.
If you don’t want knee high socks, at least get the ankle socks.
Click here to browse and order a pair of compression socks for the high jump.
You can also check out the SKINS range of compression socks here.
Do you use compression socks when doing high jump? How do you find them when doing high jump? Let us know in the comments below.
Thanks for reading.
*Note – Affiliate links are used in this post. The opinions are my own.
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