When you’re sitting down for any long period of time, whether it’s in-flight, on a train, or even at your desk, your blood flow isn’t at its most efficient. The lack of proper circulation can leave you dealing with discomfort and swollen feet. Enter the compression sock.
As per medical experts, compression socks primarily function by applying gentle pressure to the lower extremities. In many people, but more common in patients over 65 years of age, the veins of the lower extremities do not function properly. The result is pooling of fluid in the lower legs, which can result in infection, blood clots, ulcers, and even limb loss. A good pair of compression socks will gently squeeze your legs to increase pressure in your tissues and reduce leakage in your blood vessels.
Here are some of the best compression socks for keeping your feet happy.
Best Overall: Vim & Vigr Cotton Graduated Compression Socks
What to Like: Vim & Vigr offer dozens of well-designed options to find your perfect fit, fabric, and color.
What to Consider: If you choose the cotton option, be aware it can stretch a little faster than synthetic fabrics without proper care.
Best Budget: Physix Gear Sport Compression Sock
What to Like: They feature a straightforward design and have earned widespread acclaim.
What to Consider: The unisex design means it may be more challenging to find your ideal fit, and there aren’t many light colors available for people who prefer them.
Best Everyday: Bombas Everyday Compression Sock
What to LikeThis tried-and-true brand put its usual thoughtful touches into its compression socks.
What to Consider: The color and design options are more limited than some other brands.
Best for Running: CEP Ultralight Tall Compression Socks
What to Like: These socks are incredibly light.
What to Consider: There are no scientific guarantees of compression socks affecting athletic performance.
Best Patterns: Charmking Compression Socks
What to Like: They come in convenient packs of six.
What to Consider: Despite the many pattern options, there are only two available sizes, so it may be hard to find a good fit.
Best Elastic: Comrad Knee-High Compression Socks
What to Like: They’re made with odor-minimizing material.
What to Consider: Some users have had trouble putting the socks on, and it’s unusual that they don’t have a listed compression rating.
Best Medical Design: Figs Compression Socks at Figs
What to Like: Figs uses sustainably sourced yarn.
What to Consider: Most Figs purchases are final sale, so be sure you’re confident in your sizing.
Most Stylish: Lily Trotters Signature Compression Sock
What to LikeThese stylish socks are thin enough for easy packing.
What to Consider: Some customers aren’t fans of the visible stitching.
Best Unisex: SB Sox Compression Socks
What to LikeSB offers solid uniform compression.
What to Consider: Calf sizing may run small.
Best With Arch Support: Sockwell Circulator Moderate Graduated Compression Sock
What to LikeThis popular brand offers four different zones of graduated compression.
What to Consider: Women’s sizes run small, and some people have trouble getting them on and off.
Best Height Range: Swiftwick Aspire
What to LikeSwiftwick socks have numerous features that promote breathability.
What to Consider: Most of Swiftwick’s available heights aren’t tall enough for full compression benefits.
Tips for Buying Compression Socks
Understand compression levels
Since you’re looking specifically for compression socks, the first thing you want to consider is, compression. Pressure levels are measured in mmHg, which stands for “millimeters of mercury;” according to Vim & Vigr, this originated from the pressure generated by a 1-millimeter-high column of mercury. Yes, it’s a bit obscure. Nowadays the unit of measurement is mostly used to denote things like blood and intracranial pressure in medicine.
The standard level in over-the-counter compression socks is 15-20 mmHg, but a few more intense options offer 20-30 mmHg. Prescription-level socks also come in 20-30 mmHg, 30-40 mmHg, and 40-50 mmHg. Older travellers should consult with a physician to choose their best compression level, but most doctors will recommend 20-30 mmHg, as anything higher than 30 is generally too strong for non-medical use.
Choose the most effective materials
By definition, a compression sock is one that applies some degree of pressure or compression to the lower extremity whereas a normal sock applies minimal to no pressure to the lower extremity. This ability by a compression sock is made possible, in part, by the material that comprises a compression sock. That is, most compression socks are made of breathable and stretchy materials like nylon, lycra and spandex. Conversely, a normal sock usually is made of cotton, cotton blends or polyester that does not have the properties.
Pay careful attention to size
You need your compression socks to fit well. Too small and you risk cutting off circulation, but if you go too large, they won’t actually compress you.
