Once in a while I decide I need something that is not commonly available and I embark on a Quest (yes, with a capital Q) to find it. This is the final result of one of my Quests.

The Quest for Leg Sleeves

Dutch people have a preference for things that are practical. They forget that practical doesn’t have to exclude ‘fun’. As mentioned in a previous post, in the Netherlands being normal is considered crazy enough. So sportsgear is generally practical and boring (black, darkblue, maybe red or pink if you’re female). There are no crazy prints on shirts, no arm sleeves, and runningskirts are for the daring few – like me. I’m Dutch and I’m proud of it, but I hate the ‘being normal’ mentality.

So I embarked on a Quest for leg sleeves that are both practical and fun. Now why do I need leg sleeves, I hear you think. Well, I like running in the wild where there are bushes with thorns.  I also like running in the mountains where there are rocks with sharp edges. And I’m a bit clumsy. So to prevent my lower legs from looking like a battlefield, I need leg sleeves. Kneehigh socks are no option, because I wear VFFs.

Right. Leg Sleeves. In the Netherlands. I actually found leg sleeves in a store. Compression sleeves available in black and white. I bought a pair, I used them on a few different occasions, but they had some shortcomings:

• They are compression sleeves. I don’t need compression. For me the feeling is too tight.
• They are so tight that I can’t get them off without help.
• They stay wet. Even after the weather brightened, they didn’t dry.
• They are only available in black and white.

My Quest went on. In the Netherlands this was the only type I could find, so I got a friend of mine who went the US to buy me a pair of leg sleeves there. These were pink, less compressive, but too short for my long legs. So fail again. I did try them on runs, but they were just not satisfying.

Then, finally, my running buddy Esther sent me a website of an American webshop (Ink ‘n Burn) that sells clothing for (ultra)runners that is colorful and at the same time practical! And they sell Leg Sleeves! So I got myself a pair. This is what they look like:

The photo was taken after a long run in the rain and mud. They do get wet, but as soon as the rain stops, the sleeves are dry. Almost immediately!

As you can see, they are not black or white, but nice and colorful. The front is made of a powerful wicking material with the print you see (they also sell other prints) and the back is made of a more elastic material so you get a snug fit that isn’t too tight. You can order them in different sizes and they make them for both men and women. Mine are a women’s M. I’m very happy that they fit my very long legs, but I know you can also custom order them in longer (or shorter) sizes.

Since they dry very quickly, they don’t feel cold. Actually I didn’t feel them at all! But they look awesome! And they’ve stayed this vibrant and goodlooking after several times in my washing machine.

There is just one disadvantage about them: I am addicted to them and I only have one pair. :-D