Also sometimes called calf compression sleeves, the use of calf supports is favoured by many runners, offering various benefits to sports activities, including an increase in blood oxygen delivery, a decrease in the build up of lactic acid, helping to prevent shin splints and cramps, and also minimising muscle fatigue. Wearing them before and after intense exercise has also been shown to aid muscle preparation and recovery.New Milkteds® Calf Support Sports Footless Socks offer further advances for these sports accessories. These luxuriously comfortable calf support compression socks are designed by a British doctor and manufactured to the highest standards in Italy, with a fully luxury seamless finish, from milk fibre, derived directly from your daily pint! The amino acids in milk protein make these fabulous supports fully antibacterial and anti-fungal, and able to actively nourish and soften the skin while being worn. The milk fibre is also easier to pull on and wear for long periods than conventional compression wear, despite being a measured graduated pressure of 18-22 mm Hg, British Standard Class II.The gentle, non-irritating Milkteds® material protects outdoor and hill runners from scratches and bites, while leaving you free to choose the footwear appropriate to your sport, be it specialised padding socks or today’s ‘five-toe’ and ‘barefoot’ style shoes. Please note though, Footless Milkteds® should not be worn over the knee, but pulled up to the correct calf position.Milkteds® benefit from regular washing, as it helps restore elasticity, prolong the product lifespan and maintain the compression factor. The company recommend hand washing, in a wash bag and in cold water, using a gentle soap, or machine washed, in a 30° gentle wash cycle and mild detergent. Do not use fabric conditioners, bleach, iron or dry clean Milkteds® and air-dry whenever possible. Milkteds® should ideally be replaced after three months of regular use (or six months of occasional use) to maintain the correct level of compression.(04/15)