Friday, June 10, 2016

Got Compression? #SKINSornothing

Got compression?

Compression socks, tights, tops--all the cool kids are running in compression these days. I don't always run in compression but when I do, I prefer compression tights. When I'm running on tired legs or have a long run to do, more often than not, I'll pull out a pair to help my legs run faster and recover better. I really believe that compression has a place in every runner's wardrobe. 

I've tried a variety of brands of compression tights. Recently, I received a pair of SKINS DNAmic compression tights to trial and review on the blog. Did they stand up to the other tights I've worn in the past?


SKINS, an Australian company, was started when an Australian skier wanted to develop a product that would let him party all night but be able to recover and perform at his best all day. He theorized that by providing more oxygen to the muscles, he'd be able to work harder. He was right, and there has been a lot of research to support his theory. According to the SKINS website, where there are quite a few scientific studies listed, SKINS compression actually: improves venous return, reduces exercise induced muscle damage, accelerates recovery, removes lactic acid faster, increases strength and power, improves endurance, enhances muscle oxygenation, improves body temperature control, and reduces in-flight ankle edema. The DNAmic technology was developed to deliver specific levels of compression to active muscles. 

Pretty bold claims, right? Did these tights stand up to my cynical eye? Or legs?


Mother Nature cooperated with a bit of a cold spell this week so I could try out my tights. I took my tired legs out for a 5 mile run on a cool, blustery morning, wearing the SKINS DNAmic compression tights. At first, my legs felt "tight" as they always do when I run in compression. But when I looked down at my first mile split, I was pleased as I had an 8:25 minute mile. The rest of my mile splits were even faster. All good. 

I also did my pushups for Marcia's push up challenge and did some bar hangs and scapular pull-ups per Becky's homework.


Overall, I LOVED these tights. They were easy to pull on, which hasn't always been the case with other compression tights. They look great. They aren't at all restricting. At first I wasn't sure if I liked the pattern on the fabric, but as it turns out, they look great with a variety of colors of shirts. I don't know if they made me run faster, but my legs felt good while I was running. And best of all, my legs felt great after the run. I went to work, spent most of the day on my feet, and my legs weren't tired at all. Imagine if I could wear compression to work!


The only comment I would make is about the sizing. Even though I followed the sizing chart on SKINS website and ordered accordingly, I found the tights to be a little snug around my torso. The legs fit great but I would have liked a little more breathing space for my tummy. I've had this issue with other brands, so maybe it's just me. I would recommend sizing up one size. Still, I will wear these again and again. I really liked them. A lot.


One other comment: this isn't my first pair of SKINS compression. A few years ago, I bought a pair of SKINS compression shorts for running. My youngest son, who plays rugby, needed a pair of compression shorts to wear underneath his rugby shorts. I gave him the SKINS compression shorts and he just loves them. In fact, when I told him I was trialling a pair of the tights, his comment was, "SKINS are the best". He says they are really comfortable and he doesn't really notice them when he's playing, but he does think they help him run faster.

Running for a try in his SKINScompression!
Do you want to try SKINS DNAmic Compression? You can enter win an item from the SKINS DNAmic compression line! Sorry, but only US residents can enter. Only one prize per person. If you win this giveaway, and have already won a SKINS prize from another blog, please disclose that you have already won so we can choose another winner.

And if you're not a winner or just can't live without the gear you chose, use the discount code SWEATPINK-SKINS20 on everything except sale items!

Do you wear compression gear? Have you ever used SKINS? What item would you choose if you won? 

I'm linking up with the DC Trifecta of Courtney, Mar, and Cynthia for the Friday Five!












Also with Nicole for her Fit and Fashionable Friday Link Up!












And with Smitha and Erica for Wednesday Giveaway RoundUp! #WinAllThePrizes












Disclosure: I was given a pair of SKINS DNAmic tights to trial and review on the blog from SKINS and SweatPink. All opinions are, of course, my own.

148 comments :

  1. I used to wear compression leggings during my long run, but now I prefer them for after. These are adorable! I've found that many of them have too much restriction in the belly area (thus, part of my reasons for waiting until after to put them on...).

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    1. I'm glad that tight tummy thing isn't just me! Maybe they could make compression tights without tummy compression. Thank god girdles are not a thing anymore! #letitallhangout

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  2. I love compression...shorts or tights! These are very cute and I'm so glad you reviewed them because I now have a new resource the try out! Thanks for the review, Wendy and I'll cross my fingers for the win!

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    1. I have always loved SKINS! So you can imagine how excited I was to try these.

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  3. I swear by compression socks for post run recovery and I have been anxious to try tights. I would get the tights you sampled. They are awesome.

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  4. I like your tights too. I prefer compression capris/tights over socks.

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    1. I haven't found any magic in compression socks but I really see the value of tights.

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  5. I swear by compression socks for post run recovery and I have been anxious to try tights. I would get the tights you sampled. They are awesome.

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  6. Cool giveaway!! I've only tried compression socks so far, and am a big fan of them for both racing and recovery. I'd love to try a pair of tights though.

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  7. i have never tried any compression clothes. those look awesome!

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  8. I LOVE that pattern! So cool. I think you look adorable in them!

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  9. Having had my legs stripped twice for varicose veins, I should wear compression stockings all the time. I did for nearly twenty years, then sort of back-slid. Reading this post makes me want to check out these tights. I'm sure my legs would thank me, especially given the improved venous return. By the time I reach my half marathon walk in September, I'm sure these would be a great "accessory."

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  10. Those tights are the BOMB! I'd love a pair for my long legs ;-) I'm a strong believer in compression...I can't honestly say I notice a difference while running, but they certainly help with recovery. I typically get a lot (in my opinion) of fluid retention post-race, but it doesn't show until 3-4 days later (just when you think you're pretty much recovered). Compression socks/sleeves help a lot!

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  11. I haven't tried SKINS, but I use compression sleeves/socks all the time, and in the past ran in cw-x a lot (I found tape worked better for me than the cw-x and the lack of pockets always bothered me).

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    1. Pockets and compression pants don't really go together. I use my SpiBelt when I wear these.

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  12. I got a pair too but went for plain black...yours look so fun. LOVE how they look on you!

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    1. I have black compression tights in other brands so I totally went for it with these. When I first got them I was like, what did I do? But once I slipped them on, I loved them! And they go with everything.

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  13. I'm all about compression. I wear compression leggings, socks, shorts, etc. I feel it helps me with recovery for sure. I haven't tried SKINS but I love the leggings that you selected!

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    1. At first I thought they might be too wild for me, but after I wore them, I loved them!

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  14. I've never tried any kind of compression gear, but would defiantly like to try it!
    I would try the leggings as well!

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  15. I have never tried Skins, but I love my compression gear for recovery reasons. I swear by my Procompression socks and sleeves. These tights are super cute with their fun patterns. May have to give them a try.

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    1. I like the pants much better than the socks. My thighs really seem to benefit the most.

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  16. I love compression and I'd wear a compression body stocking if they made one. Wow I love that pattern!

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  17. The only compression item I've worn is low socks (like regular socks) to support my feet on long runs. I really like them but would love to try calf sleeves too.

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    1. I like the low socks too! The knee socks don't do much for me. But I really like the compression tights. My upper legs really seem to benefit.

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  18. I wear compression capris when I run. And yes, I find that the sizing is snug because they do compress. I heard compression socks are good to wear on airplanes by the way.

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  19. The tights look amazing and I would love to try them out! I've never worn full compression tights, only socks.

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  20. I love compression and could use some new gear!

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  21. Those skins are adorable! I've never tried compression clothing but it looks awesome!

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    1. I really like compression tights out of everything I"ve tried!

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  22. not Skins related....but I have taken up the stationary bike to rehab "Leftie" the knee.....and was hoping you had a good video for beginners on youtube you could recommend? I really loved the Lululemon video for runners you posted a while back. Thanks so much wendy.

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    1. I really like the Global Cycling Network videos on YouTube. I rode to those all winter on my bike trainer.

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  23. When I initially read the title of this post, I thought it said "Got a confession?" LOL! Anyway, I love the looks of these. Compression is awesome and (TMI warning) the only issue is that sometimes it presses against my bladder too much, making me need to pee!

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  24. I have a couple pairs of compression tights I use for running that I love. And of course socks for recovery. Love those tights on you - great pattern!

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  25. I've never tried that brand of compression but they are super cute. I like to wear them for longer runs and in the winter to stay warmer.

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  26. I haven't used compression leggings or socks for a while but I think it's due time for them! Love the look of these!

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  27. I love compression socks for recovery. I've tried running in them and both times I stopped and pulled them off finishing the run with no socks. Not sure if I would like the tights with compression, but willing to try them.

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    1. I like the socks for recovery as well. Not so much for running.

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  28. I have used compression tights after running during marathon training. Would like to try the SKINS dynamic leggings while running. Maybe they would provide some knee support for my cranky knees. The print on yours is very cool!

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    1. These have a panel that goes up the side of the leg and I found them to be very supportive.

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  29. I use compression socks for recovery, but I haven't tried compression leggings. These ones look pretty awesome! Thanks for linking up :)

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    1. I'm not much of a fashionista but I thought it would be fun to strike some poses for this post!

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  30. I have never tried compression tights. I hate anything tight, and I hate it even worse if things are tight around my tummy because I have a thick waist. So I am very very picky about the running tights and shorts I buy. Skins are really big here in France but I haven't tried them......

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  31. I haven't tried this brand. I do like compression tights for those long cold runs- I do notice they help with keeping my hamstrings happy and seem to help with recovery. I will agree with you sometimes they can be hard to get on and then don't think about stopping to PEE! :)

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    1. These were easy to put on, which was one of the first things I noticed about them.

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  32. I would love to win some compression tights! I wear sleeves/socks every time I run!

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  33. I'm trying out the SKINS shorts and am liking them!! The tights you got look great and I'm kinda wishing I chose those, but in the long run shorts are better for the weather here. :)

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    1. I knew I wanted the tights--I love the whole leg compression! But I was worried about being able to take them for a test run this time of year. Luckily, our weather is always wacky...

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  34. WOAH! Those tights are badass! I would want that exact same pair, and I want to wear them to CO when we do the TransRockies Run this August. These poor sea level legs are going to need compression!

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  35. the compression leggings look fantastic

    linda

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  36. If my body was like yours, I would wear more compression. I wear compression socks on my long runs and races.

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  37. I've been wearing compression socks/sleeves for about 2 years. These tights look great! I'd love to try them too!

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    1. I haven't loved the compression socks but I do love these tights!

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  38. I have never tried these but they look amazing, love the print too!

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    1. Yeah, I wasn't sure about the print but once I put them on I knew I liked them!

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  39. I would love a pair of compression tights that don't take forever to put on! I love the way they feel once everything is in place, but getting some brands right is a challenge. Sounds like I need some SKINS!

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    1. I was pleasantly surprised by how easily they went on! And I'm not a compression virgin. These are definitely my new favorite.

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  40. I love compression tights, but I always hate the struggle to get them on! I'd love to try these, especially since you said you had less of a problem with that! I love the Capris in the Living Lines pattern- so fun and unique!

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  41. Cool pattern of the tights! I love wearing compression socks post run--they are awesome for recovery. I also like leggings for recovery and have worn them sometimes when I run but the weather has to be cold enough, which it so rarely is around here!!

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  42. I love these pants! I am an advocate for compression gear and these leggings look great!

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  43. I love compression especially after a long run. Leggings are great but my favorite is calf sleeves.

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    1. I like the compression all the way up the legs. It seems like my quads work extra hard and they need the compression!

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  44. I have a pair of the CWX compression capri leggings and love wearing them on a run when my legs feel tired. Never tried the Skins brand though but the ones you have on look great! I also like to wear compression calf sleeves.

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    1. I've tried CWX and 2xu as well. The SKINS were the easiest of all 3 to put on, and the designs were really fun!

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  45. Would love to try more compression wear! They're cute too. :-)

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  46. I love the compression pants you're wearing! I haven't tried skins before but would so love to!

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  47. These tights look and sound awesome! I heard so many great things about SKINS! The leggins would probably be too hot for me here in Florida. I can only use calf sleeves, even those feel too hot most of the time.

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    1. I was worried about testing the tights this time of year because it's hot here too! But the ever reliable Mother Nature came through for me!

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  48. i have never tried compression socks..but SKINS sounds like a great company.

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  49. I was skeptical, but have become a believer...and those are cute!

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    1. I've never been sold on the benefits of compression socks but I have had good results with the pants.

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  50. These look super cute! I have never actually worn compression gear before but have heard such great things about it. I would love to try any of the tights!

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  51. I love these! I have compression pants that I wear post long bike rides & runs, but they are not as fun as these, will have to check them out :-)

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  52. I would love to try the Mens Long Tights, my wife has a pair and loves them

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  53. Would love a pair! I have compression calve sleeves that help some but my inner thighs really need the compression. "American thighs" lol

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  54. i love compression socks but i'm thinking i might like to try some tights!

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  55. I wear compression socks during long runs and sometimes for recovery. As an aging runner it has become more difficult to rebound after intense workouts and I feel that compression helps. I would choose the DNAmic Men's Long Tights in black.

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    1. I'm right there with you on the slow rebound thing. I really did like these tights a lot. I've tried other brands but these were the easiest to put on and the compression is in all the right places.

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  56. Those leggings look amazing! I've never used compression socks or leggings before cuz I'm not a runner but I've been having some circulation issues recently so maybe I'll give these a try :)

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    1. I really like them! They'd be good for any activity, really.

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  57. The midnight sage long tights would be my choice

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  58. I would like the long tights. What convinced me even more to try them is when you said that they are easy to pull on. I cannot imagine the struggle trying to put on tight tights. I do wear compression socks and sometimes those are hard to put on. :-)

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    1. These are the easiest compression gear I've found so far! And they stay in place.

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  59. I have tried compression tights before. If I won, I would like to try the DNAMIC WOMEN'S LONG TIGHTS.

    dlatany at gmail dot com

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  60. I would love to win a pair of compression tights to wear in the winter!

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  61. I would get the compression tights if i win. I have compression calf sleeves I wear during long runs now but I'd love to try tights.

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  62. I would love to win a pair! I love compression tights!

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  63. I have always wanted to try compression tights but they have sadly never been in my budget.

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  64. I love my procompression socks, but I've never tried out any tights. I would love to try the tights or the capris out.

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  65. I would choose the DNAmic Women's Long Tights in black/limoncello.
    Sadie B.

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  66. I've never tried SKINS but I'd love to try their compression socks!

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  67. I'd love to try a pair of tights though.

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  68. THe only compression gear that I've tried are the socks - and I'm a big fan! I'd love to get the DNAMIC WOMEN'S SUPERPOSE SHORTS

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  69. I love the compression shorts

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  70. I love my compression socks and sleeves when I run, I would love to try some pants!

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  71. hmm I'm not sure. I've only tried the sleeves before, but those capris look awesome! How are they in warmer weather?

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  72. I really like these!! I would have to pick the A400 STARLIGHT WOMEN'S 3/4 TIGHTS
    Product Code: ZB9933146

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  73. I would love a pair of these tights!! The pattern is SO my style :-)

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  74. I would love to try a pair of the Women's DNAmic Long Tights.

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  75. I like the DNAmic Men's Long Tights in black/citron.
    mcfallsk8er[at]aim[dot]com

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  76. I would like to win the DNAMIC WOMEN'S LONG TIGHTS!
    cbythesea5 at gmail dot com

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  77. I would probably go for some tights.

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  78. Very cute! I would love to try their compression socks.

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  79. I've had one pair of compression tights and knee-high compression socks, and I've been impressed with how they feel both during runs and after. After a long hiatus from running, I am now easing back into running regularly and I'd love to have a pair of A400 3/4 length tights to keep my muscles snug! (email: ayzitd AT gmail dot com)

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  80. How did I not see this?! Glad you reposted! :)

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  81. I've been wanting a pair but couldn't find it!

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  82. I have used compression socks before, they really help when my legs are hurting real bad-

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