Does anyone feel self conscious wearing compression socks?

I'm detecting this reoccurring trend on Letsrun with posters who care far too much about what others think.

Running is an individual sport never forget that

I wear them and pull them up when descending down from mountains over snow and glaciers in May / June. Just a simple way to protect the ankles and shins when breaking through the rough surface layer.

We are runners. We run in the rain, snow, ridiculously cold weather, and blazing heat. Just own it. Forget what other people think.

Years ago, the color red was associated with gays. I like red tops so I wore red then. Now, the color red is associated with MAGA. I still wear red BECAUSE. I. LIKE. RED.

Over a decade ago on a similar topic, I wrote, "I'd wear a potato sack if it made me faster."

Ignore the fashion police. Wear what works for you. Grow a pair; be different and own it.

Poor guy doesn’t know when a carload of girls is hitting on him.

I once was running in pink patterned calf compression sleeves and a girl having lunch in an outdoor restaurant patio complemented my “socks”.

I soon realized they were just placebo anyway. The sleeves too.

Enjoy them now: there’ll come a day when you’ll really need them but will have a hell of a time getting them on.

First, I have edema - swelling of the legs and feet - and it is probably due to aging, though I suspect that it may also have to do with the years of running weakening the valves in my lower extremeties. Doc recommends compression socks.

I've been using compression sleeves most every day.

Since I also have significant symptoms of "Athlete's Heart", I find that the compression sleeves and socks alleviates the faint headedness I otherwise suffer from.

I wear the compression socks in the coldest months when they are covered by pant leg, but otherwise wear the sleeves.

My spouse advised me to wear colorful sleeves so as to distinguish them from compression socks, and to avoid white, which has a compression sock look.

Nothing that I would choose to do, but that's how I deal with it. Health comes first.

I could wear long pants and sweats more often to cover them up if I cared enough, but I like shorts most of the year.

This ^

Sure, it is nice if you can also "adhere to some social norms" now and then (don't run in a speedo or whatever) but worrying about your socks or Vaporflys is taking it too far. There is nothing inappropriate about weird socks though I do think they look ugly with 2" split-side shorts.

That said, just run in the way that is best for you!

p.s. I am wearing compression socks on my run today because my calves are messed up from a track workout I did yesterday... Then again, I am old, so nobody cares what I am wearing.

I wear a gimp suit to distract people from the fact I'm wearing compression socks and running in hoka bondis.

There are also compressions tights and I know some runners who swear by them for the purpose of improved running performance through better circulation.

If you are out running, you are almost guaranteed to get heckled at some point, even as a guy (which I'm guessing is the case here). It happens to me maybe 1-3 times every year in the most generic running clothing imaginable. More if you count random teens who don't yell something specific and who only yell "AAAAAAAAAAH" as they drive past from behind trying to startle me.

Some people are just dickheads. Just keep doing your thing. If it's really bothering you look around and find some that aren't bright colors (medical supply places have skin tones) or get calf sleeves that only cover the affected area or something to dial the visibility down a notch.

Run, Forest, Run!

They do look nice, Lol!

I wear compression socks to look hot around babes who wear support hose.

There's no reliable evidence to suggest they have any recovery benefit.

Just don't poop in them.

I’ll keep things succinct for you: no, I have not felt self-conscious wearing compression socks because there is absolutely no logical reason to worry about such illogical things. Also, stop being a wuss.

There could be poo inside

I started wearing compression socks and immediately saw a decrease in recovery time and a significant increase in how many miles my body can withstand. I am 66 so it may be there is less benefit for younger runners. I run on trails, and so far, the squirrels have not heckled me.