So, you’re in the market for Compression socks. Lucky for you, you’ve come to the right place. We spend a lot of time using our legs and feet every day — sitting, standing, trying to keep up with pets and children — that it’s inevitable they’re going to be tired or swollen. But that’s where compression socks come in. Many compression socks go over your calves, and while they look somewhat like the knee socks you wore in childhood, they’re designed to help improve the blood flow in your legs to help support them during either leg-intensive activities or if you tend to stand all day. They can’t make life slow down, but they may be able to help your legs keep up with it. If you’re curious why and when you should wear them, as well as how to pick a pair for you, here are some tips.
What do compression socks do?
Compression socks, well, compress your legs and aid in “preventing and treating inflammation or edema (the accumulation of fluid in the legs) from overuse injuries, electrolyte imbalance, or other causes such as venous insufficiency (when your leg veins don’t function properly, which can result in swelling,” says New York City Podiatrist Dr. Nelya Lobkova, DPM at Step Up Footcare. Because they can help in the rehabilitation and recovery of muscles, tendons, and ligaments, wearing compression socks can help treat inflammation in the foot and ankle.
There are many use cases for them: during running or high impact activities to prevent overuse of tendons; during long periods of standing to prevent tired and swollen feet; during pregnancy to prevent or decreasing the pooling of fluid legs (resulting in swollen feet). Dr. Lobkova also adds that compression socks are measured in mm of Hg (millimeters of Mercury) — the higher the mmHg, the more compression delivered to the legs and feet.
What should you look for in a pair of compression socks?
- Compression level: Dr. Lobkova recommends patients with venous insufficiency to wear compression socks at least 30 mmHg; below that, compression is effective in preventing but not treating swollen feet. She says athletes could wear at least 15 mmHg compression socks to prevent overuse injuries.
- Fit: It’s important to buy compression socks that measure your calf circumference,” says Dr. Lobkova, who recommends looking at www.discountsurgical.com to buy socks. The length of the sock will also depend on where your problem is. “For example, those with venous blockage in the thigh must wear compression socks that go above the thigh. The correct length of sock could be determined by seeing a specialist and having a lower extremity diagnostic ultrasound test.” For athletes and runners, she advises knee-length as a starter sock.
- Material: “I also advise diabetics, patients with skin ulcers (skin wounds), and patients with venous problems to purchase cotton compression socks instead of synthetic materials to prevent irritation of skin,” says Dr. Lobkova.
- If you have any questions on length or how to use compression socks, consult a specialist for advice.
Best Compression Socks
CEP Athletic Compression Run Socks
Even though they’re called run socks, these CEP compression socks aren’t just for running. With 20-30mmHG compression and a knit design to improve air flow, these socks provide compression, comfort, and coolness. The toe closure is also seamless to prevent rubbing or blisters.
One reviewer said, “These socks are the best compression socks, period. They are hard to get on but are amazing on your legs. They are not just for running. If you ever have aching or suffer from tired/cramping legs these are the socks. While expensive, they are definitely worth it. I have purchased many socks and brands over the years and nothing is better than my CEPs. They let you run much longer and eliminate the soreness and lactic acid build up after a run. No more cramping at night either.
Physix Gear Compression Socks
These 20-30 mmHg compression socks are a popular choice on Amazon, with over 30,000 five-star reviews. They’re knee high, made with a nylon/spandex blend, have moisture-wicking properties, and also come in a variety of colors.
Says one reviewer, “I’ve had a hard time finding compression socks that don’t completely cut off my circulation, but finally found a pair. I am taking a high blood pressure medicine that causes fluid to build up in my ankles. I flew from Arizona to New Orleans and walked for hours and my feet and ankles didn’t swell. The socks were actually comfortable as well.”
Sockwell Women's Circulator Moderate Graduated Compression Sock
These Sockwell socks have four zones (15-20mmHg) of graduated compression, as well as arch support and a seamless toe closure. The socks also have 32 percent merino wool, which not only helps regulate temperatures but also helps keep your feet dry and controls odors.
One reviewer said, “I started wearing these in PA school on spy surgical rotation and now wear them every day at work. Whenever I’m on my feet for most of the day I wear them, including work, and when hiking, or traveling on an airplane. I have told all my friends who work in medicine about them and convinced at least 5 of them to try these, all have bought additional pairs because they are so comfortable and help with leg fatigue. They wick well so I never have wet feet, they also keep my legs warm.”
Best Compression Socks for Nurses
Figs Best Shot Compression Socks
If you’re going to wear compression socks all day, wear ones themed to your job. These have light compression, 360-degree seamless compression, and toe and heel padding. The socks are made with sustainably-sourced yarn and have a nylon and lycra blend. And the pattern, with needles and bandaids, is great, but the message on the soles — “Hit me with your best shot” — is even greater. Says one reviewer, “These are the best socks I have ever tried. Feet are supported and they don’t hurt at the end of my shift.”
Absolute Support Unisex Cotton Compression Socks
These compression socks have 15-20 mmHg of graduated compression and are made with a cotton/lycra/spandex blend. They come in three different colors (black, white, and navy) and have a simple style that will go with any outfit.
One reviewer said, “As a nurse and on my feet all day I struggled to find support hose that didn’t bind at the knee. I have had some that caused more issues but these are great! The compression is spot on and no binding at the ankle or knee. My legs feel wonderful after a long shift! Highly recommend these!”
HYRIXDIRECT Compression Socks
These compression socks have 20-30 mmHg of graduated compression and 360-degree stretch for flexibility. They’re moisture-wicking, have arch and ankle support, and a reinforced heel and toe for durability and comfort. The socks come in packs of three, like most good things.
One reviewer said, “I have been working in a hospital for 9 years now. I am currently a Surgical Tech so I stand in the Operating Room all day next to the surgeons. Some cases can go on for hours at a time. My legs and feet used to hurt and I started getting little blood spots on my legs from the knee down. These socks stopped the pressure and pain and the spots eventually diminished. If you are standing or walking all day, do yourself a favor. Get a couple of the 3-packs and be sure that they come up to just below your knee. This is a must have item for people on their feet all day.”
Best Compression Socks for Swelling
CHARMKING Compression Socks
If you’re looking for a pair and some spares, this pack comes with three unisex socks that have 15-20 mmHg compression. They’re made with a breathable fabric as well as a silver fiber that provides moisture and odor control. You can choose from solid colors or a variety of prints and patterns.
One reviewer said, “I got these compression socks due to some serious swelling in my ankles, caused by pregnancy. After only about 3 or 4 days of wearing these consistently, they took care of the problem and my ankles are back down to normal size!!”
Go2 Compression Socks
With 16-22 mmHg compression, the Go2 socks will give you mild compression to keep any leg swelling at bay, whether you’re on your feet or sitting all day. They come in fun patterns (hello, leopard print) because wearing compression socks doesn’t have to be boring.
One reviewer said, “My favorite compression socks! They are thick, warm, and provide the best compression of any compression sock I have ever tried. The price is higher than other socks, but I am telling you it is well worth it, as the other packages of socks are either too flimsy or do not help enough with blood flow. I am completely pain free from my varicose veins when I wear these and they last the full 16 hours that I am on my feet. Great for nurses!!”
Lily Trotters Compression Socks
Lily Trotters compression socks provide both fashion and function. They have 15-20 mmHg of compression, are moisture-wicking and antimicrobial, and made with a 93/7 nylon/spandex blend. The socks have a proprietary weave to make the socks thinner and easier to put on and take off.
One reviewer said, “Whether I am working out, sitting/standing at my office job or chasing after an active little person, I wear this brand almost daily. I like the hug they give my feet and legs. They are comfortable and made with quality materials.”
Best Compression Socks for Men
Mojo Compression Socks
These knee-high socks provide 20-30 mmHg of compression and are lined with silver fiber so the socks are antimicrobial, reducing odor and fungi to prevent Athlete’s foot. They’re also moisture-wicking, and have a large toe box and a terry foot and heel for some extra cushion.
One reviewer said, “I was shopping for a more comfortable support sock and these certainly fit the bill. They are easy to put on and at the end of the day the compression has really helped to keep the swelling down. I could not ask for a better stocking.”
2XU Men's Elite Compression Performance Sock
2XU was co-founded by a professional triathlete and makes technical sportswear, including compression tights, tops, and socks. These compression socks are made with a lightweight lycra blend that provides support to the calf, shin, and ankle regions. They’re breathable and have SPF 50+ protection as well.
One reviewer said, “As an avid runner and CrossFit athlete, recovering from workouts is important to maximize gains in strength and in endurance. I tried 5-6 different brands of compression socks before I bought the Elite Compression socks from 2XU. These socks are everything they are advertised to be. Despite being a pain the neck to put on, they hug the calves and lower leg area perfectly. I found they do not slip leaving your legs feeling great the next day. I wear them not only after exercise but also when flying cross-country to keep circulation going while sitting for 5+ hours.”
SB SOX 3-Pair Compression Socks
This three-pack of socks has 15-20mmHg of compression and are made with a lightweight, breathable fabric. They have a smooth heel and toe for comfort and come in a variety of colors and three different sizes to accomodate different calf sizes. Best of all, they’re so affordable, you’ll want to pick up an extra pack or two.
One reviewer said, “I am on my feet, literally all day, and suffer from lower leg cramps and night swelling. Surprisingly, these 15-20mmHg compression socks worked for me. These socks actually begin compression gently at the foot then I actually feel the graduated compression from the arch to heel, up to ankle, then moving up to calf.This alone sets these apart from 90% of the other brands on the market I have tried where compression is sporadic. And the beauty is they haven’t lost elasticity after a week. The others were losing elasticity after 3 to 4 wears.They are not bulky and you actually forget they are on. Overall — great socks!! Would definitely purchase again.”
Best Compression Socks for Running
Swiftwick Aspire Twelve Running Socks
Swiftwick builds compression into all of their socks, at varying levels depending on your preference and goals — firm, moderate, and relaxed. The Aspire Twelve running socks have firm support (managed compression with 20-30 mmHg in the ankle), but are thin, breathable, and lightweight. The heel is Y-shaped to make sure your socks don’t slip off in the middle of a run.
One reviewer says, “These Aspire 12 are the best running investment I’ve made. My feet are always dry after long trail runs (10 – 20 miles) and well supported. I’ve not had any blisters either. They are extremely durable but are not very thick and have a great feel if you like a closer to minimal running shoe. Rather than wearing separate compression sleeves for my calves, I wear these 12 inch socks. The compression is more even and natural… no cutting or binding. I also wear them on my winter runs… they are all the warmth I need for my lower legs.”
Zensah Tech+ Compression Socks
Zensah’s socks are made with a fabric that’s moisture-wicking, lightweight, and thermal regulating, to keep your legs feeling cool no matter how long your runs are. They use graduated compression, have a seamless toe, and have targeted ankle and arch stabilization. They also come in lots of neon colors, if you want to make sure you are easily spotted while running indoors or outside.
One reviewer said, “The material is well thought out and stretchy to the degree it needs to be, the fit is great, and the socks feel as though they will be durable. I suffered from shin splints and these have nearly eliminated that problem. I wear them during and after a run for various lengths of time and will sometimes wear them overnight. They never get uncomfortable and it is easy to forget they are on. Putting them on is straightforward, and I will usually turn them inside out up to about midfoot, slip them on, and then pull the rest up…I have had surgery on one of my ankles and they are both notoriously unstable, and these socks offer just the right amount of compression and support to eliminate ankle pain while running.“
PRO Compression Marathon Socks
If you’re looking for a pop of color for your outfit, look no further than these compression socks. The PRO compression socks are unisex, come in bright and colorful designs, and provide 20-30 mmHg of graduated compression. They’re made of a nylon/lycra spandex blend and are moisture-wicking.
One reviewer said, “As a nurse working 12-16 hour shifts, my legs used to ache at the end of the day. The pro compression socks have helped tremendously! I highly recommend these to my nurse friends and fellow runners.”
Best Compression Socks for Standing All Day
Bombas Women's Compression Socks
In addition to making socks (and underwear and tees) for all sorts of activities, Bombas donates an item for every one purchased. These compression socks have 15-20 mmHg of compression, are made of extra durable yarn to keep up with all your daily activities, have a seamless toe, and have a honeycomb arch support system. The fabric is a cotton, polyester, nylon, and spandex blend. One reviewer said, “Amazing pair of compression socks. Definitely my favorite of all time.”
VIM & VIGR Cotton Graduated Compression Sock
These VIM & VIGR socks have 15-20 mmH of graduated compression to help support you for everyday use. They’re made with the brand’s signature fabric (a cotton blend that also includes nylon and spandex), which will make them as comfy like your regular socks, but help make your legs feel better.
One reviewer said, “These socks are great. I have worn the nylon ones and liked them, but I was looking for something cooler to wear. They are perfect. I also like the wider calf. They’re cute too!”
BLITZU Compression Socks
These 20-30mmHg socks have graduated compression as well as a kinesiology taping design to provide targeted achilles tendon stabilization. The twill design allows for movement and also provides for shock and absorption, and there’s seamless toe construction so you won’t have to readjust your socks throughout the day.
One reviewer said, “I will go so far as to say that so far these are hands down the nicest, most comfortable and well-made socks I’ve bought. The kinesiology tape idea in the design of the sock really comes through nicely in the end product. These socks are very very comfortable, while maintaining perfect compression. After weeks now of use I can attest they do indeed do their job very well. This seems [to be] the only pair with truly graduated compression throughout. I’ve [had] many pairs that are just too tight up top choking off blood flow and digging into my upper calves that rely on only that tightness to get the job done, some that are just oddly uneven with many pieces stitched together, some that just aren’t true compression socks, and then the ones from the doctors office… Anyway, these are far and away the best looking and feeling as well as doing an awesome job. They are very well made, no odd stitching anywhere along the inside of the socks, very uniform sizing, with a perfect fit. No complaints at all, have ordered more already.”
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