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Reduce swelling and kick shin splints to the curb.

If you've suffered from shin splints in the past, you know that they're not only annoying, but often relentless. Unfortunately they're usually not severe enough to warrant pausing your life for, so that means you need a way to treat them to get through the day. One of the easiest, cheapest, and most effective ways of accomplishing this is by wearing compression leg sleeves. These help to both alleviate pain in the moment and increase circulation, which can speed up your recovery.

Whether you're looking for medical-grade leg sleeves to help you recover from more serious strains or just want some extra support, we've rounded up the best men's compression leg sleeves on the market, along with advice on what to consider before you buy.

When looking for compression sleeves, there are a few things you'll want to consider first. All of the sleeves we've chosen will provide between 20-30 millimeters of mercury (mmHg)—a metric commonly used to calculate blood pressure—of compression. This is the ideal amount of compression for all-day wear, as it is tight enough to provide circulation-boosting benefits without being so tight as to become uncomfortable.

Most compression leg sleeves are sized in terms of calf circumference. You will want to measure your calf at its widest point to accurately assess your size; if you're between sizes or at the very top of a particular size range, it's best to size up.

Finally, consider where you'll be wearing your compression leg sleeves and how long you plan to wear them for. If you are going to be wearing them all day, when traveling, or while sleeping, you will want to opt for a sock instead of a sleeve to ensure your continued comfort and reduce the risk of cutting off circulation to your foot. During workouts, however, you can easily opt for a full sleeve, which some people prefer because of the increased ankle flexibility they offer.

To find the best compression leg sleeves for men, we researched the most popular models available and considered their materials, design, efficacy, comfort, and price. We then looked at both expert reviews and customer ratings, written by people who’ve bought these men's compression leg sleeves on sites like Amazon, to settle on the products you'll find below, all of which have average user ratings of four out of five stars or higher.

For more great compression and recovery tools, check out our picks for the best ankle sleeves, arm sleeves, and ice packs.

These sleeves were specifically designed to help eliminate shin splints, and they do so by using a V-shaped chevron design on the front that mimics the feel and effects of Kinesio Tape. They are also incredibly lightweight and breathable, which makes them great for wearing in the summer or underneath pants.

This sleeve has extra-firm stitching along its back panel, which is great for supporting a strained or achy calf. This compression leg sleeve is made from nylon, which is soft and breathable, and has flat-locked stitching that ensures it won't rub or chafe your skin.

These compression leg sleeves have been a staple for runners for years thanks to their comfort, breathability, and wide range of colors. They are lightweight but offer 20-30 mmHg compression, and when sized properly, they won't move around or fall down. They are also machine-washable, making it easy to clean them after a sweaty run.

Unlike many compression leg sleeves on the market that cover just your calf, these sleeves cover your full leg. They help reduce swelling and pain and their lengthy design means they won't cause an uncomfortable pressure point above your knee. The fabric also has 50 SPF, so the leg sleeves can help protect you from the sun, and they are flat-stitched, so they won't rub or chafe.

If you're traveling or have persistent circulation issues, a sock may be a better option than a longer compression sleeve. Longer socks, like the ones in this three-pack from ZFiSt, provide compression that extends past your ankle—a frequent injury site—and lend compression and boost circulation through parts of your foot, as well. These come in a pack of three and are made with nylon, which is breathable, moisture-wicking, and soft against the skin.

These may not be your standard compression leg sleeve, but if you are looking for some serious post-workout recovery, they're a great choice. These sleeves work by applying dynamic air compression to your legs, which increases circulation and helps reduce pain and soreness. They also have seven levels of intensity and customizable zone, time, and pressure settings.