Studies have shown that compression apparel (including socks, tights, and leg sleeves) help to both reduce fatigue and improve recovery.  On an anecdotal level, I notice a huge difference in my recovery the next day when I wear compression socks, and almost all of my athletes use some form of compression technology after their hard workouts.

These products use graduated compression (tighter at the extremities, looser as you move up the leg) to improve blood flow -- specifically to improve the flow of blood returning to the heart from the veins.   This allows blood to return to working muscles faster, delivering nutrients and oxygen, and clearing waste products....