(I was given a free pair of the SLS3 Compression/Plantar Fasciitis Foot Sleeves in exchange for my review. All opinions below are my own.)
After trying the SLS3 running belt, I was stoked to try another product by SLS3. I use my running belt all the time and I had bought a pair of SLS3 compression calf sleeves I run in regularly.
I got an email to be part of a blogger group to try the plantar fasciitis foot sleeves and thought, “Well, I do have plant fasciitis and I like SLS3 products, so yes, I’ll try those!”
I’ve been battling the dreaded plantar fasciitis, a bad word to runners, off and on for a few years now. Although mine is un-diagnosed by a doctor, I’m 99% sure I have it and it sucks. I am lucky that it hasn’t gotten to the point of side lining me completely. When I first discovered the signature bottom of foot pain, I did my research, read every book I could, and came up with a routine. Every time I feel a little twinge, I use my methods and it’s gone.
With my running being off and on as it has been over the last 6+ months and me admitting not taking care of myself due to low energy and lack of time, I haven’t been able to shake this bout of plantar fasciitis as easily. The foot sleeves were calling my name!
What are they? They are compression sleeves that just cover from above your ankles to right before your toes. Claiming to help with the relief of plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendon pain and stress fractures by applying compression, increasing circulation, reducing inflammation, and providing support for weak ankle muscles.
While, I can’t prove if they reduce inflammation and increase circulation, I can say they did relieve some pain!
SPECIFICS:
- Come in black or pink
- Three different sizes to choose from (S, M or L based on shoe size)
- Moisture wicking fabric
- Interchangeable (each sleeve is not right or left foot specific)
- Machine washable
PROS:
- Alleviated my foot pain relating to plantar fasciitis and achilles tendon issues for a brief time
- They fit under socks
- Cool, in temperature
CONS:
- Stiff when you run in them
- Thick. Yes, the fit under socks but I could still feel them
- Too tight for LONG periods of time
Originally, I was wearing them to treat plantar fascitiis, now I have some weird achilles pain and I have been using them for that. While great for a temporary relief post-run, I don’t like them while running.
Althought the website says, “Helps relieve joint and muscular pain even during sleep,” I once, accidentally, fell asleep in them. I did order my size based on their sizing guidelines, but they must have been too tight because I woke up to shooting pains in my feet! I quickly took off the sleeves and the pain was gone, leaving me to believe that they were cutting off my circulation.
Would I recommend them? Sure! If you have achilles pain or plantar fascia issues. However, they aren’t a cure for either issue, just a temporary pain relief. I personally will put them on while I foam roll (my calves because that’s sometimes the root of feet issues) and then keep them on as a barrier while ice.
I would also suggest them for if you need some ankle support while running. I don’t necessarily need a brace or ankle support, and running in them was stiff and uncomfortable for me, but if that’s a need for you, they would work well.
I’ll save mine for recovering on the couch!
Find them:
Racing & Wandering 