cs r2 v2 leggings the lure of silk stockings

Preface

Marathons, trail running... Outdoor sports are becoming increasingly popular, and runners are acquiring more and more gear, with a growing variety and higher quality. Among these, compression gear has become one of the most popular types of essential equipment.

As the 'fashion trendsetter' of sports gear, the Swiss brandCompressport frequently appears in various trail running and marathon events. Its high aesthetic appeal results in significant exposure.

Let's briefly introduce this top-tier compression gear brand from Switzerland, which has a medical background.

Compressport products use 100% European yarns and dyes, featuring breathability, lightweight, and hypoallergenic properties. Currently, COMPRESSPORT is widely used in running, trail running, swimming, triathlons, daily training, competition, and sports recovery. It is also suitable for people who feel leg fatigue due to prolonged standing or sitting.

Compressport offers a wide range of products, from head to toe, with its compression calf sleeves being particularly famous.

Compression gear was initially used in the medical field to assist in treating conditions like lymphedema, which involve 'swelling.' It was later found to help with varicose veins and prevent blood clots in bedridden patients post-surgery. By providing positive pressure to the unidirectional flow of venous valves, it creates a pressure difference between the ankle and knee, promoting blood return to the heart.

Previously, we saw compression gear most commonly used by soccer players, and even earlier, the Red Army's leg wraps served a similar purpose. Nowadays, with the rise of running, compression gear has become one of the most popular running accessories.

Brand: Compressport

Model: R2 V2 Compression Calf Sleeves (Newly Upgraded R2)

Composition: 50% Nylon, 24% Spandex, 26% Polyester

Color: Red

Size: T2

Origin: Latvia

Price: 299 RMB (Discounts available on major platforms)

With multiple vibrant color options, I currently own black, blue, and orange calf sleeves and compression socks from other brands. This time, I chose China Red [I enjoy collecting gear in various colors, hence 'colorful'].

The packaging follows the usual European brand style: simple yet rich in content, with every inch utilized. The manual is in eight languages and includes a catalog of all Compressport products. The growing number of Chinese users strongly demands the addition of Chinese instructions.

Front of the packaging

Back of the packaging

The only understandable Chinese import label

Every Compressport product is infused with passion from start to finish, with great effort put into the color schemes, resulting in a spectrum-like presentation.

The upper and lower cuffs are densely woven and elastic to prevent the sleeves from slipping during exercise. The stitching at the connection between the cuffs and the main body is neat and seamless. The inside of the upper cuff has a '2' indicating the size.

The R2 V2 has added a patellar shock absorption band based on the old design.



One of the sleeves has the brand logo on the back, making it easy for perfectionists to distinguish between the left and right legs. Personally, I just put them on without checking.


The main body of the sleeve is made of lightweight, water-repellent fibers and is seamlessly woven, making it lightweight and breathable.


A pair of sleeves weighs only 36.7 grams, feeling almost weightless while providing effective compression.

When choosing a size, it should neither be too loose to lose its compression effect nor too tight to affect blood circulation.

To measure calf circumference, wrap a soft tape measure around the widest part of the calf. My calf circumference is 37.5 cm, so I chose T2 according to the official size chart. When wearing it, I could already feel the significant compression effect. If some runners' calf circumference is right at the boundary between two sizes, such as 38 cm, it is recommended to choose the larger size.

The testing phase involved multiple tests on different terrains and distances.

1. 10 km and half-marathon road runs

2. 2 km uphill road run and 2 km downhill stair run

3. Trail running in the mountains and forests

The Compressport R2 V2 sleeves are easy to put on and take off, much more convenient than long compression socks (which always leave me sweating).

After recent 10 km and half-marathon road runs, I found that the Compressport R2 V2 provides excellent support for calf muscles, giving the legs appropriate pressure, reducing lactic acid buildup, and alleviating fatigue after exercise.

During uphill and stair running, the sleeves stabilize the calf muscles during rapid and sudden movements, reducing muscle oscillation. This relatively decreases energy consumption and injury. On trails with lots of weeds or branches, the sleeves also offer protection.

The water-repellent fiber material used in the Compressport R2 V2 sleeves is lightweight, breathable, and sweat-wicking, keeping the legs dry even in the hot summer. However, the added patellar shock absorption band does not seem as effective as a dedicated patellar band, as it is only an auxiliary function.

Overall, for the average runner, the Compressport R2 V2 sleeves have limited impact on improving performance. Do not expect them to significantly increase your pace. However, they are widely recognized for their role in protection, delaying fatigue, reducing muscle soreness, and promoting recovery.

Wearing a pair of stylish Compressport R2 V2 sleeves during trail or long-distance runs is generally recommended. At the very least, they make women's legs look slimmer and add a cool factor for men.