Zoot Compression Tights

[OakLeaf]

I just got a pair of Futuro thigh-highs from the drugstore. They claim 18 mm hg compression.

These don't come in small sizes, is the main complaint. Still, I can get useful compression from the Medium (for reference, I'm on the small end of small in CW-X tights).

Futuro firm support pantyhose go to 20-30 mm hg, although again they don't come in small.

I don't think they're any less money than the ones sold specifically for athletic recovery, and they surely are ugly, but they're a lot more easily available.

I posted a couple of links a while back when someone else asked the question ... there's plenty of research showing that graduated compression is beneficial for recovery (and I think anyone here who uses them will verify that anecdotally). Usefulness during exertion is less well established, but I will swear that I can run a faster pace at the same effort in my CW-X tights than without compression.

[rocknrollgirl]

If the measurements for the Zoots don't seem to work out, try the Skins. they are based on BMI, not specific measurements. It might fit better.

http://www.skinsusa.com/index.php/en/skins-fit-guides/

[Selkie]

Thanks, SK. Good news --- my DH wants to buy me a pair as a belated Mother's Day gift from the goldens.

[tribogota]

So, the vascular doctor told me to buy nylon stockings for compression for the post trombosis, seems NOW I have and EXCUSE to buy the totally cool running compression tights. I have a long flight coming up, maybe I could wear them on that.

[Susan Otcenas]

V -

We are an office full of believers.

Interestingly, we started out as an office filled with skeptics. But one by one, the performance of this stuff has won us all over.

When I run, my calves are the first thing to give out. They start to get tight and sore before I finish. But, there's a noticeable difference when I wear my compression socks. I wore there: http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodZT_F9WCS01.html this morning for my 15 mile run. My calves never got tired. That isn't always the case, but when they *do* get tired, it's usually much later in the run as compared to when I don't wear the socks. But today was a good day, and my calves never tired. (My hips, on the other hand.... ) If I don't wear them when I run, I'll pull them on post-run to aid in recovery.

Today, as soon as I got home, I ate, showered, and pulled on my Zoot Recovery Tights (the ones from the photo on the other thread) http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodZT_F9UCB04.html It's very hard to describe how they feel on. Of course, they are very snug, but even more importantly, with every step I take, my muscles flex and the tights push back against them. It's like getting a gentle massage with every step. It feels great. And very supportive.

Do they really work? Research on compression indicates that they aid in venous blood return (speeding up blood flow back to the heart), best achieved through graduated compression. Many compression products on the market are not graduated (ie snugger at the bottom and gradually lessening as you move up the leg) but the Zoot product is, quite noticeably!

From a personal standpoint, I do feel I recover faster. A few weeks ago I did an event that involved 3 time trials in 2 days. After the saturday morning event, I pulled on my tights and left them on until the start of the afternoon event. I rode very strong. Then I kept them on most of the night and rode very strong the next day. I was tired, but I didn't feel sore.

I'm sure there's some placebo effect happening - ie. I *believe* they are working, so I feel good using them. But I've used them long enough and often enough that I see noticeable differences, so for me, they are worth it.

YMMV! :-)

Susan

[mudmucker]

I have just recently found out that compression tights/socks are one of the best kept secrets. I never used or needed them until I had a moderate amount of lymph nodes removed in the groin area due to something that occurred over the winter, and compression garments were recommeneded to help prevent leg lymphadema. I bought a medical grade compression tight that the therapist recommended, rated 20-30 mm Hg. I've only been using them for a couple of months as I've been easing myself back into cycling but what a difference I found. My legs don't get very sore at all when I use them, compared to when I don't use them.

The brand that I have is medical grade Jobst but now I'm seeing more "sports" oriented garments that also have a very decent graduated pressure. The ones I have get a bit hot if used over 70 degress.

Susan or anyone else...are there any brands out there that might offer the 20-30mm range that could be used in hot weather, similar to arm coolers maybe? I'm speaking of tights worn during the activity as opposed to recovering after. I can't see myself wearing these cycling in hot weather at all. I wonder if the Zoots, since they're sports oriented, have different ventilation or cooling fabric compared to the Jobst ones I have (not sports oriented). It seems that the socks are. Would any of the Zoots be suitable in hot weather or what would a cutoff temp be?

Maybe the best strategy in hot weather is to do what you do Susan and wear them after to ward off any edema if it occurs.

[Susan Otcenas]

Mudmucker -

Zoot makes an active version as well, which we sell. Unfortunately, it's hard to make a recommendation about temperature levels other than when comparing two products (ie. this one is warmer than that one.) What I might wear in 50 degree weather might be totally different than what you might be comfortable in.

That said, it's hard to find a full tight that's going to be cool over 70 degrees. In that kind of warmth, I'd say you'd be best using compression for recovery.

Note that the compression levels on active are less than recovery. Note also that the recovery pieces tend to have feet (ie. socks & stirrups) while active pieces tend not to (ie. calf sleeves and tights.) The reason has to do with circulation and "foot pump". That is, when active, our feet act as "pumps" to move the blood past the compression. When we are resting, our feet aren't pumping in the same way, and it's common for your feet to feel like they are losing circulation unless you are using a piece with compression in the feet as well. Remember, these pieces are most compressive at the bottom.

[Selkie]

My Zoots arrived yesterday and alas, the inseam was too short! I'm disappointed because I wanted to wear them after tomorrow's ride/long swim. They are packed up for return TE but have already ordered them in the next size up. I'll write a review after they arrive and I have a chance to test them out.

[Becky]

My Zoots arrived yesterday and alas, the inseam was too short!

I have the same problem with my CW-X tights, so I'd really hoped to hear that the Zoots were longer. Please keep us posted on how the next size works!

[GLC1968]

Susan -

You may have answered this elsewhere already, but I have a question about the sizing on the Zoot Recovery Tights (or any compression recovery garment). Looking at the Zoot size chart, my legs put me in one size and my waist puts me two sizes smaller (stupid men's sizing). I assume that for something like this, leg measurements rule? Or would I be better off going a little tighter on the legs and choosing the size that falls between my leg measurements and my waist measurements?

(or, do I just hold off until I lose more weight and see if my body ever falls into just one size category? )

[Susan Otcenas]

Susan -

You may have answered this elsewhere already, but I have a question about the sizing on the Zoot Recovery Tights (or any compression recovery garment). Looking at the Zoot size chart, my legs put me in one size and my waist puts me two sizes smaller (stupid men's sizing). I assume that for something like this, leg measurements rule? Or would I be better off going a little tighter on the legs and choosing the size that falls between my leg measurements and my waist measurements?

(or, do I just hold off until I lose more weight and see if my body ever falls into just one size category? )

Leg, legs legs.

The waist is the least compressive part, but trust me, it won't gap on you. This stuff is snug.

ALSO, I haven't really mentioned this before, but on the RECOVERY tight, you will find the rise to be quite low. When you let it fall to where it wants to be naturally, it's VERY low. But 99% of the people wearing these are wearing them UNDER something (I usually wear them under jeans or a skirt), so the low rise isn't visible, or simply sleeping in them, so it's moot. BUT, they do often feel like they want to fall off your butt when you're walking around in them, and I have to hike them up a bit every once in a while. Most of us in the office feel that in the next generation, they need to make the rise a good 2 inches higher AND perhaps add some type of cinch, particularly to make these work better for women. We're providing that feedback to Zoot.

The ACTIVE version is higher in the rise and so does not give you the falling-down feeling.

[GLC1968]

ALSO, I haven't really mentioned this before, but on the RECOVERY tight, you will find the rise to be quite low. When you let it fall to where it wants to be naturally, it's VERY low.

Yeah, they look pretty low rise in the photo and I was imagining having to hike them up periodically. Good to know.

How warm are they? Like would they be uncomfortable for sleeping?

I'm thinking about these today after a rough night's sleep due to leg issues after running last night. I've had the same problem after long bike rides, too. The tights looked relatively 'thick' last Saturday, so I don't know if they'll be too warm for sleeping (in the non-winter, of course).

[roadie gal]

I have a pair of 2XU tights that I put on after long runs. I agree, they do help.

I've also got a pair of knee high medical compression socks that I bought from a medical supply company online. I wear them to work sometimes on days that I know are going to be busy. They make a huge difference on how I feel when I get home. BTW, they were CHEAP: less than $20/pair.