Why Do Runners Wear Arm Sleeves? 9 Solid Reasons We Do
Have you ever noticed a runner wearing sleeves on their arms that weren’t attached to their shirt?
What could be the reason for this bold fashion choice? Why do runners wear arm sleeves?
There’s no one correct answer. But here are nine reasons we do and why you might consider wearing sleeves on your next run, too!
Why Do Runners Wear Sleeves?
Before diving into the why, know these arm sleeves are sometimes called compression sleeves.
This name explains the general action of the sleeves – to compress or squeeze the arms. But why would a runner want to have their arms squeezed while running?
I’m glad you asked!
1. Improved Circulation
The primary reason most runners choose to wear arm sleeves is for improved circulation.
Circulation is essential in everyday life. Of course, it’s necessary while running too.
The compression sleeves apply pressure to the specific area they’re worn. This compression increases blood pressure, improving blood flow throughout the body.
Have you ever wondered, “Why do runners wear a sleeve on only one arm?”
Suppose a runner has endured an injury to their left arm. If running doesn’t exacerbate their injury, they may only choose to wear a sleeve on that arm.
This compression then helps the blood flow freely and prevents it from collecting in the injured area, which would create more inflammation.
Although some inflammation is good as it’s how the body reacts to heal an injury, too much inflammation will lead to chronic swelling. Eventually, this can cause atrophy of the muscles.
2. Temperature Control
Are you a runner who experiences this dilemma?
When the temperature is a little chilly, you dress a bit warmer. But you know you’ll warm up a mile into your run. Well then, consider wearing compression sleeves!
Runners wear sleeves often because they’re versatile when the weather is confusing. If it’s too warm for a pullover but too cold for a T-shirt, what’s the next best thing?
Compression sleeves!
Wearing sleeves allows warmth and coverage early in your run while your muscles warm up. If you start getting warm, you can push the sleeves towards your wrists to help stabilize your temperature and avoid overheating.
Some compression sleeves are explicitly designed with cooling technology for hot days.
You could benefit from wearing compression sleeves on hot summer runs or chilly winter runs. Compression arm sleeves may help when you wonder what to wear on your run.
The versatility of arm sleeves for runners is a huge benefit!
3. Post-Run Swelling and Soreness Prevention
Improved circulation means better post-run recovery.
If you talk to someone who works in a profession that requires a lot of on-your-feet time, such as a nurse, you’ll likely hear them recommend compression socks.
Runners sometimes wear compression sleeves post-run to help speed up recovery time. Some studies suggest that compression garments may even help DOMS – delayed onset muscle soreness.
Although not all studies show conclusive evidence, many runners swear they wake up the next day with much less muscle soreness and fatigue than when not wearing sleeves.
In my book, perceiving your muscles as less sore is always an advantage, even if it’s the placebo effect at work.
4. Added Stability
Runners who have experienced an arm injury such as tendonitis or a tendon tear will find that a compression arm sleeve helps to keep the area stable during a run.
It’s common for runners to experience arm injuries and then struggle with pain from the bouncing motion of running.
Ask your doctor if compression sleeves for arms are a good option for you to return to running post-injury.
5. Protection from the Sun
When running on sunny days, sunscreen is a runner’s best friend.
Spending just an hour in the direct sun can lead to severe skin damage and a painful burn, so protection is crucial. If you plan to be out for a longer distance run, your run time may outlast the effectiveness of the sunscreen.
This is an opportunity to use compression sleeves. When searching for the best compression arm sleeves for runners, look for brands that block dangerous UV rays to keep your skin safe.
Just don’t forget to protect the skin not covered by the sleeves!
6. Better Running Economy
Compression sleeves are believed to improve running economy.
The idea is that the muscles move and shake less than when no running sleeve is worn.
Because there is less movement in the muscle, the body doesn’t have to work quite as hard to stabilize. Although only mildly detected, studies still show a slight improvement in the running economy.
If you’re trying to become a better runner, even a slight improvement in your running ability is a win!
7. Safety
This might be unclear if you haven’t seen different compression arm sleeve styles.
Some sleeves are brightly colored, while some have reflective characteristics. This ensures that runners are more visible to motorists on their runs, especially during early morning and late evening runs.
👉🏼 A visibility vest significantly improves running safety.
I recommend the Noxgear Tracer2 for the best quality light-up running vest.
Compression arm sleeves with reflective elements is an easy way to enhance your running safety.
8. Added Style
For some runners, using compression sleeves comes down to being stylish.
It’s true that compression sleeves, while scientifically sound, can make a fashion statement. When runners plan their race day outfits, especially for themed races (think runDisney), sometimes sleeves are the perfect accessory to bring an outfit together.
With various colors, patterns, and designs, it’s worth considering sleeves on your next race day.
9. Trail Running Protection
If you’re a trail runner, you likely already know that running on a trail often leads to cuts, scrapes, and scratches on your legs and arms.
Using arm sleeves can be just the protection you need to avoid these minor injuries on your arms from forest brush, bushes, and tree branches.
Be sure to invest in thick arm sleeves to protect your skin this way. Some sleeves are designed with very thin, light material and may easily tear.
Best Arm Sleeves For Runners
Now you know the benefits of arm sleeves for running, but where can you find the best arm sleeves for runners?
Keep in mind that while we usually think of sleeves as material worn on the arms, there are also calf compression sleeves that runners often wear too. When searching for arm sleeves, be sure you aren’t accidentally looking at calf sleeves.
Here are three great options if you’re searching for the best arm sleeves for running.
✅ Copper Compression Arm Sleeves
Copper Compression Arm Sleeves sent me their compression arm sleeves for running. The following is my honest thoughts on these sleeves.
I took them out on a few runs to see how they felt.
They were great at staying in place. I never had to stop to adjust where they were sitting.
It was an incredibly sunny day on one of my runs. Because the Copper Compression Sleeves are black, it created a situation where my arms were heating up much quicker than the rest of my body.
At the end of each run, I found them easy to remove, even when sweat-soaked. Overall, these sleeves feel very high quality. I would definitely recommend them to anyone looking for a good compression sleeves brand.
Copper products are infused with copper, which helps prevent odor and extend the product’s life. They also offer a 30-day money-back guarantee. You’ve got virtually nothing to lose!
✅ New Balance Unisex Sports Compression Arm Sleeves
The New Balance brand is well-known and trusted among runners. This makes their arm sleeves a top contender for runners.
Why they’re great:
⭐️ Sold as a pair
⭐️ Moisture-wicking material keeps you cool and dry
⭐️ Made with NB Fresh material designed to keep your sleeves odor-free
✅ B-Driven Sports Compression Arm Sleeve
B-Driven is a small business that makes arm sleeves that provide significant value. If you only require one compression sleeve, B-Driven is the best option.
Why they’re great:
⭐️ Endless colors and patterns
⭐️ Compression sleeves for adults and children
⭐️ Machine washable
You can find many different brands and styles of compression sleeves for running. Chances are you’ll find something that helps to improve your running.
If you know a runner who could benefit from compression sleeves, they make a practical running gift.
Which Arm Do You Wear A Compression Sleeve On?
It’s common to ask, “Why do runners wear arm sleeves?”
The next most common question is, “Which arm do you wear a compression sleeve on?“
If you’re unsure which arm you wear a compression sleeve for running, your answer is likely “both.”
Runners who wear a compression sleeve on just one arm generally do so because of a prior injury.
Have you experienced an arm injury that might be affected during running? Is your previous arm injury hindering your running? Ask your physician if a compression sleeve is safe for you.
If you want to try wearing sleeves while running but don’t know where to begin, start by purchasing a set of sleeves.
Running with both sleeves helps you see if you feel a difference in your circulation, running economy, and recovery. Sleeves could be the thing that boosts your running ability enough to help you earn that next personal record!
Do Arm Sleeves Work for Runners?
Although no studies conclusively show compression arm sleeves help runners improve their performance, many other benefits exist.
If you’re new to running, you may not know that many things runners swear by often lack data to back them up.
However, if something does not harm a runner and they believe in it, allowing the placebo effect to occur is worth it. A positive mental state can be the thing that makes a difference on race day, so follow that positivity!
Final Thoughts: Why Do Runners Wear Arm Sleeves?
Runners choose to wear sleeves for a variety of reasons. Perhaps one of these reasons resonated with you.
With even the slightest possibility of improving your running, getting a pair of compression sleeves and testing them out on your next training run is worth it.
