Zensah Compression Sleeves Review

If you follow me on Twitter, you probably already know that I am a fan of the Zensah compression sleeves. I thought it was high time that I did a proper review of them on my blog. First, let me tell you the reason I started looking into getting a pair of them in the first place.

I have struggled off and on with shin splints ever since I started running regularly about eight years ago. I have had to take time off of running multiple times to let the shin splints heal. My plans for running a certain half-marathon last year were also derailed because of this issue.  In addition to the shin problem, I have had some minor calf pain, which is probably related to the shin pain.

I had read numerous reviews that said that compression sleeves could help, so I finally broke down and bought a pair. I bought mine in the color black, but how fun are these hot pink ones?!

The first time I wore them on a run, I didn’t really like them. They felt like they were restricting my calf movement, so I decided that I would just wear them after my long runs. When I started doing that, I noticed that I didn’t really have any shin pain after my runs. I haven’t had to take any time off of running since I got them. That is amazing for me!

After my first half-marathon, we had to drive out of town for a family birthday dinner. We would be in the car for a total of about five hours, which I knew wasn’t the best thing for my legs after running that far. I put my compression sleeves on and wore them all day while we were gone. My legs felt great!  I could’ve used a nap, but my legs felt awesome!

Lately, I have increased my mileage and have begun to feel a slight ache in my shins due to this. I decided to give the compression sleeves another shot during my runs. I’m not really sure what the problem was before, but I like wearing them during my runs now. My legs feel great during and after my runs. Now, I just need to get another pair, so that I always have a clean pair!

A few facts about the Zensah Compression Sleeves:

Zensah has developed the best compression leg sleeves using a special knitting process and fabric unique to their leg sleeves. The Zensah compression leg sleeves are made with gradient compression which provides wide ribbing in the front for shin support and tight ribbing in the back for calf support.

Although there is a size chart on the website, I wanted to go to an actual store so that I would be able to actually try one on to make sure I got the perfect fit. I was glad I did because I was kind of in between the two smallest sizes. I ended up going with the smallest size, and I’m glad I did. If I’d gone with the next size up, I don’t think I would’ve gotten the level of compression that I was seeking.

The Zensah compression leg sleeves are unique in that they, unlike other leg sleeves, provide Pin-Point Compression to the front and back of the leg. The dual action support in the compression leg sleeves were developed by a professional athletic trainer.

You really can feel the support in both the front and in the calf area. The sleeves run about $40, and have been one of the best investments I’ve made in running gear. An added bonus, the Zensah compression sleeves are made right here in the good ole’ USA. Love buying American!

*I have no affiliation with Zensah. When I find a product that I love and believe in, I like to pass it along to my readers.

Do you have problems with shin splints? Have you ever tried compression sleeves?

By Tempie at February 4, 2013.