Performance & Sports Recovery / Gear Guide
The Right Compression for Your Sport
Sleeves, socks, supports, wraps — compression comes in many forms. Each product has a specific job. Don't waste money on the wrong one. This guide matches your sport and goal to the right gear.
Quick Match: What Do I Need?
| Your Goal | Product | When to Wear |
|---|---|---|
| Reduce calf fatigue during runs | Calf Compression Sleeves | During activity |
| Speed up post-workout recovery | Sports Compression Socks | 2-4 hours after exercise |
| Prevent ankle re-injury | Ankle Compression Support | During sport |
| Sun protection + arm support | Arm Sleeves | During outdoor activity |
| Treat acute injury (swelling, pain) | Cold Compression Wraps | First 48-72 hrs post-injury |
| Overnight recovery | Recovery Socks (low pressure) | During sleep |
| Not sure what fits my calves | Sizing Guide | Before purchasing |
🦵
Calf Sleeves
Performance during activity
Calf Compression Sleeves
The athlete's favourite. Open at both ends — no foot coverage — so you wear your own sports socks and shoes. The sleeve focuses compression on the calf muscle only, reducing vibration, improving proprioception, and enhancing blood flow during activity.
Best for: Running (training and races), cycling, cricket, gym sessions, trekking. Wear DURING activity for performance benefits.
When NOT to use: If you need foot/ankle compression too. For full recovery, switch to complete compression socks that cover the foot — sleeves alone don't address ankle and foot circulation.
🧦
Sports Socks
Recovery after activity
Sports Compression Socks
Full-foot, full-calf graduated compression. The all-rounder. Unlike sleeves, these cover your feet and ankles too — giving complete lower-leg compression. Moisture-wicking, anti-odour, and cushioned soles make them comfortable for hours.
Best for: Post-workout recovery (wear for 2-4 hours), travel to/from matches, rest days, daily wear if you train regularly. The primary recovery compression tool.
Sleeves vs Socks — the simple rule: Sleeves DURING your sport (so you can use your own sports socks). Socks AFTER your sport (for full recovery). Many athletes own both.
🦶
Ankle Supports
Stability & injury prevention
Ankle Compression Supports
Targeted compression around the ankle joint — not the calf. Designed for sports with high ankle-injury risk: badminton, football, basketball, trail running, kabaddi. Thin enough to fit inside sports shoes without affecting fit.
Two uses: Prevention — wear during court sports if you've had previous ankle sprains (re-injury risk is 3-5x higher). Rehab — graduated return to sport after ankle injury, providing external stability while ligaments heal.
Key feature: Look for figure-8 strapping pattern that mimics sports tape. Provides lateral stability without restricting normal ankle movement. Unlike tape, compression supports are reusable and consistent.
💪 Arm Sleeves for Sports
Sun protection + muscle support + style
Originally popularised by basketball and cricket players, arm sleeves have become a standard accessory across outdoor sports in India. They serve triple duty: UV protection from the Indian sun (UPF 50+), light compression for bicep/forearm support, and sweat-wicking for comfort.
🏏
Cricket
Fielding in the sun for hours. UV protection is essential.
🚴
Cycling
Long rides in direct sunlight. Easy to remove when temperature drops.
🎾
Tennis
Elbow support + sun protection. Some players wear on the serving arm.
🏃
Running
Marathons that start cool, end hot. Removable layer without stopping.
❄️ Cold Compression Wraps
Ice + compression in one device · Acute injury treatment
When injury strikes, you need both ice AND compression simultaneously. Cold compression wraps deliver therapeutic cold through an integrated gel pack while the wrap provides consistent compression. More effective than loose ice bags, less messy, and the compression prevents rebound swelling when the cold is removed.
Knee Wrap
For runner's knee, post-match knee soreness, ligament sprains. Contoured design wraps around the patella.
Ankle Wrap
For ankle sprains, Achilles pain, plantar fasciitis. Figure-8 wrap pattern provides support + cold simultaneously.
Elbow Wrap
For tennis elbow, golfer's elbow, post-bowling arm soreness. Targeted cold therapy to the joint.
🌙 Recovery Socks & Night Wear
Lower pressure · Designed for rest · Post-training and overnight use
Not all compression needs to be firm. Recovery socks provide gentle, consistent pressure (15-18 mmHg) — less than sports or medical-grade compression. They're designed for the hours AFTER training and during sleep, when your muscles are repairing and you want enhanced circulation without the tight feeling.
When to choose recovery over sports compression: If you're wearing compression for more than 4 hours post-exercise, switch to lower-pressure recovery socks. For overnight wear, recovery grade is gentler on your legs during sleep. For rest days between hard training blocks when you want circulatory support without the squeeze.
Gear Up Right
The right compression at the right time makes the difference. Browse Sorgen's sports range or reach out at care@sorgen.co for personalised recommendations.
Shop Sports Compression →Other pillars under Performance & Sports Recovery