Trailblazer Calf Sleeves

Calf sleeves benefit both recreational and elite athletes as compression increases stability, improves endurance, facilitates recovery after exercise, and increases blood flow to the legs to reduce muscle wear and tear. Lower leg sleeves can also be worn while doing daily activities to reduce stiffness and support the lower leg and knee. Compression is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and you can determine the best size and compression level for your needs here.

Our unique fabric is exceptionally soft against the skin, abrasion-resistant, wicks moisture, and features anti-odor technology so the sleeves can be worn several times between washing. The Trailblazer fabric is Bluesign® certified, which means the process promotes the sustainable use of energy, water, and chemicals during fabric production.

Improved Circulation

Trailblazer compression helps the cardiovascular system do its job of providing oxygen-rich blood to muscles and moving deoxygenated blood back to the heart and lungs to restart the cycle. The pressure applied by the Trailblazer calf sleeves decreases the diameter of major veins to increase the velocity of blood flow back to the heart, improving circulation.¹

Better Proprioception

Proprioception is your body’s sixth sense! Proprioception utilizes sensory receptors in your muscles, tendons, and joints to evaluate velocity, movement, force, and the limits of your limbs. Your body uses these critical data points while exercising to move as efficiently as possible, which allows you to avoid injury and perform at your best. Studies have shown that compression enhances proprioception by activating more proprioceptors in your muscles and tendons.²

Enhanced Recovery

Recovery between runs is as important as the running itself to avoid injury and improve your fitness. After a hard workout, Trailblazer Calf Sleeves will provide the compression needed to increase circulation and prevent muscle soreness.¹ The extra blood flow to tired muscles reduces microtears and removes waste so you are left feeling fresh and ready for the next day’s work.

Specific Compression

Compression is measured in milligrams of mercury (mmHg). The amount of compression a calf sleeve provides depends on the stretch of the fabric, the size of the sleeve, and the circumference of the calf it will stretch around. We used a calibrated Zwick machine to test the stretch and compression level of each size (XS-2XL) on a range of calf sizes. Using these results, we created a chart to show the exact level of compression each size of the Trailblazer Calf Sleeve will provide your calf so you can choose the size with the best level of compression for you. Learn more here.

References

1. Engel FA, Holmberg HC, Sperlich B. Is There Evidence that Runners can Benefit from Wearing Compression Clothing? Sports Med. 2016 Dec;46(12):1939-1952. doi: 10.1007/s40279-016-0546-5. PMID: 27106555.

2. Ghai S, Driller MW, Masters RSW. The influence of below-knee compression garments on knee-joint proprioception. Gait Posture. 2018 Feb;60:258-261. doi: 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2016.08.008. Epub 2016 Aug 9. PMID: 27523397.