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The theory:
Compression socks are specialized hosiery items designed to provide extra support and increased blood circulation for their wearers. Some compression sock manufacturers may also use the term support socks to describe their product. Compression socks are not to be confused with traditional dress socks or non-compression diabetic socks, although they may look similar. The main purpose of compression socks is to provide graduated pressure on the lower leg and foot. Traditional dress and athletic socks offer some degree of compression, but not enough to be considered therapeutic.

The key to understanding compression socks lies in their graduated pressure application. Throughout an average day, the body pumps blood to all of the extremities as equally as it can. However, gravity often causes blood to pool in the lower legs and feet, causing circulatory problems such as edema, phlebitis and thrombosis. At the very least, all of this blood pooling can cause fatigue and leg cramps. Elevating the legs and feet may alleviate the pain temporarily, but it often returns after a few hours of constant standing or walking.

This is where the use of compression socks can be extremely beneficial. Compression socks use stronger elastics such as lycra, rubber or spandex to create significant pressure on the legs, ankles and feet. By compressing the surface veins, arteries and muscles, the circulating blood is forced through narrower channels. The arterial pressure is increased, causing more blood to return to the heart and less blood to pool in the feet. Compression socks are tightest at the ankles, gradually become less constrictive towards the knees. The soles of compression socks may be heavily padded for better shock absorption.
From: http://www.wisegeek.com/what-are-compression-socks.htm

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I hear ya RV.....;)

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Na, I haven't. Not really interested in them......fad I think. Just tigh tensors around the calfs, same thing :-P

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I got a pair in Europe where they are more popular.

I was walking around a bit before IM Switzerland (i know i should have been resting more but our friend was doing the olympic distance race the data before the IM event) and my legs were tired so I put them on. I was amazed that my legs felt better within 30 minutes. My legs the next morning felt good. I used then socks after the big event and compared to my first IM I think my legs recovered faster. I now use them pre-race and post-race and after long training rides. I like how my legs feel before and afterwards. I have never used them during training or a race.

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down here full length 'skins' have become extremely popular with the major football and cricket teams. They don't play in them but they do train in them to aid recover.

I bought a pair a few months back (on sale) and find them good when my legs are tired after a long ride, footy training or a run (for me, that's *any* run:) ) Many of the teams also use them on flights - the Aussie cricket captain a few years ago got a DVT during a flight to England.

http://www.skins.net/

//k

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Dude, I can't believe that you posted that picture of yourself. Lose the socks!!! Did you see that message come up in the energy lab?

One benefit, I think to be the greatest, is that your competition can't see what age group you are in. The socks cover your age on the calf. That frustrated the crap out of me!!

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Try 'em first... then maybe I'll listen to you. :)

I'll be wearing them again at 3M. BRING IT!!! :)

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So you put this on during T2?

Didn't you loose too much time compared to previous T2 times not wearing those socks?

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Just wanted to post this regarding compression garments:

http://www.bsu.edu/web/jkshim/scholarlywork/garment-kapherd.PDF

It appears that the garments reduce the time needed for warm-up and can reduce the fatigue caused by muscle oscillation. Pretty cool stuff.