Compressport F-Like Full Leg compression tight

I've been skeptical about the claims manufacturers make for compression clothing like these tights from Compressport; who wouldn't be?

In brief, the idea is that compression improves venous return the flow of blood back towards your heart. Increased blood flow speeds up the removal of waste products from the soft tissues and the supply of oxygen and fuel to your muscles when you're exercising. It is said to delay the onset of fatigue and lessen the chance of injury by reducing muscle oscillation too.

Compression is also designed to enhance the recovery process after exercise by encouraging the return of blood and toxins from your soft tissues back towards your heart.

Compressport are a Swiss company who make a whole range of compression clothing. These are made from polyamide (nylon), elastane and polyester and they fit the whole way from your ankle to your groin, so they cover most of the key muscles used in cycling (but not your glutes, obviously).

You get a double-layer cuff at the ankle and an elasticated top, a lot like you'll find on some leg/knee warmers. Silicone dots on the inside of that band help hold them in place; I've not had any trouble with these sliding down. The central section is a lightweight, fine weave. Hold it up to the light and you can just about see through it.

The main difference between these legs and other compression socks and tights that I've used is the degree of compression. Use Compressport's fitting charts to get the right size and these really do squeeze which, of course, is the whole point.

Once on, they're certainly supportive. They're not uncomfortably tight but they hold your muscles firmly. It's quite hard to explain but think of it like this: if you jump up and down, your leg muscles don't move as much as usual. That's the idea if you use them for running, for example; they reduce shock and vibration.

The weave over your knees is a little more stretchy than the rest so you can cycle easily. They offer about as much warmth as a pair of Lycra leg warmers rather than Roubaix ones, so they're suitable for cool rides but I'd be wearing something over the top for full-on winter.

Did my personal bests immediately drop when I wore these and rode my regular training rides. To put it bluntly, no. I don't find the evidence for performance gains on the bike particularly convincing.

The evidence supporting the recovery benefits of compression clothing is stronger. The literature is mixed but several studies suggest it isn't just marketing hype. Did I notice the benefits with these F-Like Full Legs? I think so, but we're talking about subtle differences. I think I recover a bit quicker following a hard ride if I wear these afterwards.

Could it be a case of The Emperor's New Clothes? Dumbo's feather? Maybe. There are so many variables that it's impossible to call it with 100% certainty, but my feeling is that these's provide a small benefit. And if you train seriously, any benefit is worth having.

Verdict

Highly compressive full-leg compression best used for improving your recovery after hard rides