Craft - In step with compression
Press Release / 21.04.2010
Designed to provide extra support and improve blood circulation, CRAFT’s high-tech Compression Socks help prevent and relieve leg fatigue and speed recovery. The tight fitting stockings also reduce muscle vibration and focus muscle power.When you think of compression socks, images of long haul flights and hospital beds may come to mind: the knee-high socks, which provide gentle pressure on the lower leg, are used to prevent leg ache, swelling and even thrombosis (blood clotting). However, the stockings are more and more growing on athletes. Although they may not yet be considered a fashion item, with basketball or soccer players and elite runners swearing by them, this image might soon change. The compression material supports the blood flow, reduces muscle vibration and thus helps focus muscle power.
Recovery. Compression socks utilize elastic material to create pressure on the lower leg, ankles and feet. Several scientific studies recognize the support of the venous system and the acceleration of blood circulation. Veins serve to carry low-oxygen blood back to the heart, pumping it up from the lower extremities – against the pull of gravity – and on to the lungs to be re-oxygenated. Compression helps the blood flow and thus speeds the athlete’s recovery.
Athlete feedback. CRAFT’s product development team deeply relies on the feedback of its sponsees. Many of the pro athletes not only train with compression socks, but also wear them during the recovery phase as well as on their many flights while travelling. A lot of them also underline the ‘feel-good effect’ of compression garments.
Enhancing performance. However, the question whether compression garments actually improve athletic performance – e.g. make you run faster or longer – remains ambiguous. So far, many claims regarding the benefits of compression during exercise still wait for objective scientific proof. CRAFT closely collaborates with the Research Center of Elite Sport at German Sport University Cologne, particularly in the fields of Bodymapping and Compression. CRAFT Product Manager Layer 1 Sven Mostögl explains the main objective of the cooperation: “For us, it is not about ‘sponsoring’ scientific evidence to confirm our product development. We are working with one of the world’s leading Sport Institutes to study how our body works and how garments can provide the best support possible for athletic performance. The research is an essential part for the optimization of CRAFT products.“
Comfort. CRAFT also focuses on perfect wearing comfort: a channel-stitched upper allows warm air to circulate and wicks moisture effectively from the skin. Wide Lycra® cuffs ensure a comfortable, non-slip fit beneath the knee. Pre-shaped arch ribs keep the socks in place on the foot. And the soft, seamless soles eliminate chafing and prevent blisters. The socks also feature an antibacterial, odour preventing treatment and with a certified rating of UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) 50+ they offer maximum sun protection.
CRAFT’s range of compression garments also includes: Compression Top, Compression Boxer and Compression Arm Cooler. Further, the Swedish brand utilizes compression fabrics in its top range, ELITE, in all segments: Running, Bike as well as Triathlon and Cross-Country in winter.
For more information see www.craft.se
