Why arm sleeves for running

In full transparency, we may collect a small commission at no cost to you! These funds allow us to keep the site up and continue to write great articles. Sleeves protect your skin from the sun and can even help boost circulation and performance. And they also work well for shoulder seasons when you want to begin with something warm on your arms that can be easily removed as you warm up.

Ready to see how a good arm sleeve makes life better? Take a look at our reviews of the best arm sleeves for running to see which product is a good fit for you. Under Armour is known for their durable, high quality, and breathable gear. These sleeves fit true to size, though their smallest sleeve does run a little large.

The material is soft and highly breathable, while also drying quickly to keep you cooler while you run. The mild compression is enough to be protective without distracting. There is just one thing we want to note, however. You get just one sleeve at a time.

If you want two HeatGear sleeves, you need to order two of them. Unlike many compression and cooling sleeves, this pair is designed to be unisex. More importantly, these sleeves are great for athletes that want to make sure they are taking care of their skin and elbows and can even help address issues with lymphedema.

This design is also good for all-year use. In the summer, the durable and flexible fabric cools quickly, keeping you dry and maximizing the cooling potential of your sweat.

In the winter, the fabric retains a little extra heat, keeping you warmer. All their colors and designs are also UV-protective, making these sleeves great marathon gear, and good for regular runs without sunscreen or sunburns. Sometimes you just need a little extra compression. Unlike many other arm sleeves, these offer a ton of compression without pinching or getting uncomfortable.

The top of the sleeve is designed to hit a naturally narrow point in your muscular structure. These sleeves can also help with healing by stabilizing your arm and elbow and improving the effectiveness of your natural circulation. The biggest downside of these sleeves is that they are a gentle-wash, no-dryer product. Compression sleeves are often made from synthetic materials, making them one of the less environmentally-friendly kinds of athletic gear you can own.

Rockay Ignite sleeves use recycled fabric to get all the same benefits of a sleeve made from new fabrics, but with a much smaller carbon footprint than other sleeves.

That way you can get UV protection, moisture-wicking, and compression, without polluting any more than you have to. Available in several colors, the main downside of these sleeves is that they are only available in small to medium and medium to large sizes, so you should always check to make sure the sleeves will fit. The materials are durable and longer-lasting than most budget athletic gear. The biggest constraint of these sleeves is that they are only available in two sizes: small to medium, and medium to large.

Fortunately, the sizes are well designed enough that most runners will fit into one size or the other, and careful measuring can help you pick the right size for your first purchase. Additionally, they are a great way to avoid rug burn and skin rash.

Volleyball, soccer, and football players spend a lot of time on the ground. Sleeves add a layer of protection against abrasions, especially on field turf. More protection equals fewer cuts and scrapes. If you are a trail runner, you might also appreciate compression sleeves to avoid uncomfortable scratches from those branches that just jump out at you! Arms warmers are, in a way, distinct from compression sleeves.

That being said, compression sleeves can also provide a degree of warmth on cooler days. Compression arm sleeves work the exact same way. They can give you an additional layer under a long sleeve.

The big difference is that arms warmers are meant to be stripped off, or at least peeled down to the wrists, if you get too hot. Compression sleeves are meant to be left on for the duration of a run. And most running gear is known for giving you the ability to add some style. Or stay classic with a sleek black set. Pick team colors to match your running mates. It is recommended to wear sunscreen while spending any time outside but many runners find the greasy feel of sunscreen unpleasant.

Wearing a pair of running arm sleeves with a high UPF factor is a great solution. These sun sleeves are made by a number of manufacturers and can block If you are a casual runner or a pavement-pounding veteran, the sun protection that running arm sleeves offer is one of the top reasons to have a pair in your running kit. How often do you start a long run when it is a little chilly outside and then end up around mile 4 regretting that extra layer you put on?

It happens to the best of us. Which leaves you with two choices, be too hot or deal with the annoyance of a shirt tied around your waist and slog through the rest of your run. This is where the beauty of running arm sleeves comes in. If you had a pair, you could start your runs comfortably warm, and then just slip them down toward your wrists when you warm up. Worst case you have to take them off, which is easy to do while staying on that 8 minute pace.

They can easily be tucked into your amphipod belt or case and be out of your way, adding little extra weight to carry. This works great if your run travels through some forested areas that are noticeably cooler than the uncovered portions of your route. No matter what type of runner you are, you will thank yourself time and again by having a pair of running sleeves.