Soccer Leggings

by Elizabeth Gray
Wearing leggings, as well as stretching, helps protect your muscles.


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Since soccer is played outdoors, it often can get cold and wet during games. When muscles get cold, they tend to cramp up, shorten and increase potential for injury. In order to combat this, players can wear leggings underneath their shorts to keep their legs and muscles warm while on the bench and on the field. The best soccer leggings also compress the muscles, which can help circulate the blood and keep muscles from cramping. According to the rules, if any leggings are worn, they must be the same color as the shorts.

Leggings for Warmth

The first purpose of soccer leggings is to keep the legs warm. In soccer, the players are constantly running when the ball is in their zone, but when it is on the opposite side of the field, the players stop running. This can be a problem on a chilly day, as their muscles may easily become cold and therefore prone to injury. The players who begin the game on the bench and are later substituted in have a similar problem, as they are sitting still for a good portion of the game. Leggings greatly reduce the risk of injury that comes from cold muscles by keeping them warm during movement and stillness. The best leggings also keep moisture out and flick away sweat, thus keeping the muscles dry, which can help keep them warm.

Compression Leggings

Many soccer leggings also compress the muscles. This is beneficial because the compression keeps the blood circulating in the legs, which in turn keeps the muscles warm and flexible. The increase in blood flow also helps the muscles recuperate faster after a lot of exertion. The compression reduces muscle vibration, which reduces the chances of injury during play and rest. The reduction in vibration also enhances the abilities of the muscles. It increases muscle endurance and elasticity, making the muscles more responsive.

Color of the Leggings

According to the official rulebook, any leggings worn must be the same color as the shorts. Typically, soccer shorts are black or navy blue, and most leggings come in those colors. However, if your team wears colorful shorts, it may be harder to find leggings to match. Be sure when buying leggings that they conform to the rules. Otherwise, you may be required to remove them for play.

Top Brands

Nike, Adidas, Under Armour and SKINS all make reputable leggings and have similar technology. Adidas has a wide color variety of leggings, but their leggings are not compression leggings. Nike, Under Armour and SKINS all make compression leggings but have a limited selection of colors to choose from. While it depends on the style, Adidas and Nike have some of the least expensive leggings.

About the Author

Elizabeth Gray has been writing since the age of five, but professionally since the age of 21. Her current writing gigs include article writing for Studio Anya, and playwriting for the Manhattan Repertory Theatre.

Photo Credits

  • Hemera Technologies/ Images
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