Why Athletes Should Wear Compression Socks When Travelling for Competitions

Whether you're boarding a long-haul flight or spending hours on a team bus, travel can take a real toll on an athlete’s body, especially the legs. Extended periods of sitting and inactivity can cause swelling, stiffness, and even raise the risk of dangerous blood clots. That's why compression socks have become a go-to essential for athletes on the move.

1. Boosted Circulation

Compression socks apply graduated pressure to the legs, promoting healthy blood flow and minimising venous pooling. This means more efficient oxygen delivery to your muscles and a reduced risk of cramps, heaviness, or fatigue, keeping you fresher upon arrival.

2. Reduced Swelling and Discomfort

Long travel times often lead to fluid buildup in the feet and ankles. Compression socks help keep things moving by assisting the upward flow of blood and lymphatic fluid. The result: less puffiness, more mobility, and a lighter step post-journey.

3. Serious Protection Against Blood Clots

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a serious risk during prolonged travel. Alarmingly, 4–10% of long-distance travellers may develop clots without symptoms. Athletes—especially those who are taller or have prior injuries—may be even more vulnerable. Compression socks have been clinically shown to reduce the risk of DVT by maintaining consistent circulation and minimising blood stasis.

Important Insight: Athletes often have lower resting heart rates due to their high fitness levels. While beneficial in training, this can slow circulation during long periods of immobility, further increasing the risk of VTE (venous thromboembolism). Compression socks help counteract this.

4. Enhanced Post-Travel Recovery

Compression gear supports muscle recovery even after the journey ends. By promoting blood flow, compression socks help reduce inflammation and muscle soreness, giving athletes a recovery head start—right when peak performance matters most.

5. Comfort That Performs

Modern compression socks are made with the athlete in mind: cushioned soles, targeted arch support, and breathable, high-performance fabrics make them as comfortable as they are functional, even on the longest journeys.

Pro Tip: Put your compression socks on before travel begins and keep them on for a while after arriving. This maximises circulation throughout your full travel window, not just while you’re seated.

Understanding the Risk: VTE & Athletic Travel

A 2024 study in the Journal of Thrombosis and Thrombolysis revealed that highly active individuals, like elite athletes, may be at an increased long-term risk of VTE. Over a 27-year study of Swedish men, those with the most intense physical activity were over twice as likely to develop these life-threatening clots.

Key VTE Triggers in Athletes Include:

• Long-haul travel and tournament schedules

• Dehydration and microvascular trauma

• Prolonged immobility during transit

• Delayed recognition of symptoms like fatigue, leg swelling, or discomfort

Research also shows that athletes using ISOABR compression socks reported reduced leg heaviness and jet lag during travel, further evidence of their practical benefits.

In Summary:

Compression socks are a small, inexpensive addition to your travel kit but they offer outsized benefits: improved circulation, reduced swelling, faster recovery, and a significantly lower risk of dangerous blood clots. So, before you zip up your bag for your next competition, make sure your compression socks are packed and ready.