Compression clothing is now standard soccer gear from tops to shorts worn under uniforms. While many players are now familiar with Under Armour, Nike and adidas baselayers, Australian brand SKINS (now available at World Soccer Shop) offers another alternative for those seeking every possible advantage on the field.
A favorite amongst endurance athletes such as Triathlon competitors, long distance runners and cyclists over the past few years, SKINS products are based on extensive scientific research. The firm has synopsis of this on its website at this link.
In a nutshell, SKINS garments are designed to offer the athlete muscle support via calculated amounts of pressure. They also aid in blood circulation and the removal of lactic acid (the by-product of muscles burning energy that builds up in them and make you sore) and are made of quick-drying fabrics.
Over the past week, we’ve taken a couple of SKINS products – the SKINS Compression Half Tights and Compression Sox onto the soccer field to see how we fared in them. Here is what we thought.
Aesthetics
Both products look good on and off the body. They are basic black highlighted with functional Aussie gold stitching and vertically positioned SKINS logos. They definitely can hold their own even when not used as baselayers as they often are among runners and cyclists.
Fit
Our tester usually wears size Large shorts and size Medium calf sleeves. That is what he wore for the SKINS product test. Both pieces fit perfectly and as expected. Therefore, we believe that SKINS is true to size. However, we suggest that you check the SKINS Sizing Chart to determine what size is ideal for you.
What did they do?
Our tester wore the SKINS Compression Half Tights and Compression Sox during two soccer matches in extremely hot conditions. He said that he would usually have sore thighs and calves for up to three days after an intense match. However, he said that SKINS greatly reduced the post-game soreness in his thighs and calves. He quantifies the decrease in soreness by 40% in each pair of muscles. What this amounted to was being ready for another game or long training run in two days as opposed to three.
How did they feel?
Our tester said that the SKINS Men’s Compression Half Tights and Compression Sox were extremely lightweight and that he felt like he was not even wearing them. He also reports that even though he was playing soccer in temperatures of above 90°F, the SKINS garment did not retain sweat and dried very quickly. The illustrate the moisture dissemination of SKINs, he said that the Half Tights and Compression Sox were both almost totally dried out during his post-game ten minute car ride home.
Conclusion
Since Under Armour invented the compression sports clothing genre in the early 2000s, just about every major sportswear firm has launched similar products. As serious athletes, we’ve tried many of them including offerings from UA, adidas, Nike, Canterbury and Zensah. However, none of them did what SKINS does in terms of reducing soreness, supporting hard working muscles and drying rapidly. Whenever faced with a choice we seriously recommend considering SKINS.
