Are Compression Socks for Squash and Tennis Worth the Money?

So, I bought myself a couple of pairs of compression socks.

Before deciding on the compression socks, I had briefly considered investing in a pair of compression tights but chose not to. I didn’t feel comfortable with the idea of walking onto a squash court in spandex. Moreover, I didn’t relish the idea of being referred to as a MAMIL (Middle-aged Man in Lycra) by my squash and tennis-playing buddies.

I will start with the “why?”

My squash game had been on the wane, and my tennis wasn’t going anywhere either. Chronic knee injuries only seemed to aggravate the slump. I knew what I had to do on the courts; the trouble was in the execution. I needed something that would stabilize, if not improve, my performance on the squash and tennis courts.

Banking on compression socks to boost my game was a long shot.

My wife tried to tell me that I wasn’t getting any younger, and perhaps that had something to do with my losing streak. I wasn’t convinced.

I considered going back to the club pro for some refresher lessons but was unsure if that would help.

Been there done that.

I needed to try something new.

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After a fair amount of online research, I decided to make a modest investment in a couple of pairs of compression socks. With products ranging from $10 to $85, I settled for a pair that cost me just a little bit more than a good pair of branded sports socks. The good thing about it is that it won’t break your bank to buy a pair and try them.

While I wasn’t quite sure what I expected it to do for me, I was quite convinced that it couldn’t make matters any worse. After all, a lot of professional athletes were wearing compression gear. If you watch the NBA, you would know what I am talking about.

However, I had to admit that there were fewer professional athletes in squash and tennis who appeared to have bought into the value proposition behind compression garments.

Gregory Gaultier, Nick Kyrgios, and Milos Raonic are exceptions.

If you already possess some compression wearables, you probably know that product marketers and bloggers are bullish regarding their benefits. They would have you believe that compression gear would solve a lot of your on-court and off-court problems.

Among the many touted benefits of tights, some stood out: reduce lactic acid in muscles; reduce muscle tremors and shaking; help polish up your skills; suitable for travel, training, and parties; can be a comfy pajama…

Help polish up skills? That was a bit of a stretch!

I wondered how people would react if I showed up to a party in compression tights.

I reminded myself that my purchases were not about making fashion statements. It was a last-ditch attempt at boosting my performance on the court.

So, here’s my take on wearing compression socks while playing squash and tennis.

Compression Socks or Calf Sleeves?

Just a few years ago, you would have been hard put to find anyone wearing compression socks on the squash and tennis courts. That has certainly changed. Club-level squash players are increasingly wearing compression socks believing that it is good for their game and their legs. Watching random club players wearing colorful compression gear and matching outfits, I am skeptical.

The players’ fashion sense has improved; their game, not so much.

I debated between compression socks and compression calf sleeves before settling on the former. Putting the socks on was a bit of a pain until I saw a YouTube video and realized that I was pulling them on wrong. While the compression socks fit great, they felt slippery inside my squash shoes, requiring me to wear another pair of socks over them. I have since gotten used to it and am glad that I don’t have to add to our laundry at home when already more than half of it comprises my squash and tennis gear.

I had picked a pair of socks that promised graduated compression, which meant that the level of compression decreased from the ankle to the knee, with the compression at the ankle being the strongest.

The snug fit of the socks around my toes, heels, ankles, and calves did give me a sense of stability. The sweat-wicking qualities of the socks seemed to keep my legs cool and dry during the game.

Off-court benefits of compression socks

If the numerous writeups are to be believed, the purpose of wearing compression socks is to increase blood flow and reduce muscle fatigue that comes with physical exertion. After having worn compression socks to the courts for a few weeks now, I have to agree. My legs seem to recover quicker after an hour on the squash court or a couple of sets of singles tennis.

Has it helped my game? I would say no. However, I would add that it has helped me off the court.

The real benefits of compression socks are said to come from wearing them after your workout. Keeping the compression socks on for a prolonged period after your game is recommended. Pulling on a pair of compression socks for a couple of hours after my shower seems to help reduce the fatigue in my leg muscles.

Another off-court benefit is worth the mention. Compression socks feel great when worn on a long-distance flight. As someone who often flies on non-stop flights that last over ten hours, I feel that even if the compression socks do nothing for my game, it is still good value for money when it comes to travel.

Would I purchase compression socks again? I would.

As for my game, I hate to admit it. My wife may have been right…

So, have you tried compression socks or other compression wearables yet?