For those who don’t know, your body has more than 60,000 miles of blood vessels, and the entire US is only 2802 miles across. The blood vessels play a significant role in delivering oxygen as well as nutrients across the body.
If the blood vessels in your feet don’t work, you will start feeling numbness and coldness in your leg region. Wounds will take more time to heal, and you will also feel wobbly.
Can you wear any ordinary compression socks? No, Wait.
Wearing any compression socks will not improve blood circulation in your legs and feet. Finding the best compression socks is a challenge. Therefore, we have compiled the best compression socks reviews to help you find the right fit.
Table of Contents
What are compression socks?
Compression socks improve blood circulation in your legs and feet. These socks can squeeze all your leg tissues and the walls of the veins and create a compression force. The force pushes the blood into the narrower muscles of your legs and feet. And due to the low body pressure in arteries, the blood turns back conveniently to the heart.
There are numerous benefits to these compression socks. Athletes can use them to improve their overall performance and avoid injuries. Those who can have varicose veins can also use these socks to stop this condition from progressing.
Top 10 Best Compressions Socks for 2021
Socks by Physix Gear Sport
- Ideal for athletic fit, cycling, work, or skiing.
- It provides perfect support and comfort.
- Washable design enhances its durability.
Physix Gear Sport is manufacturing the best compression socks, especially for athletics. These socks are made with 30% spandex and 70%nylon materials, which make them durable and comfortable. The double stitching fabric socks help to reduce swelling and fatigue of your lower legs.
Its comfortable design is seamless for cycling, flight travel, hiking, skiing, maternity, runners, teachers, Crossfit, and work. It comes with outstanding vascular toning advantages, so you can wash it thoroughly without losing its compression.
These compression socks give you plenty of health benefits such as increased blood circulation, relief pain of varicose veins, and swelling issues of your lower leg.
Available in small/medium, large/X-large, XX-large sizes, and 10 stylish and fashionable colors.
Durable and comfortable socks.
Features moisture wicking that quickly air dry.
Perfect for athletic fits such as extreme races, long runs, Crossfit, hiking, walking, and much more.
The shock absorption effects help to reduce swelling or fatigue in your legs.
Stitching around the cuff area is loose.
Best Place to Buy
Socks by SB SOX
- Gives the ideal 20mmHg to 30mmHg compression
- Graduated compression improves blood flow.
- Premium construction and deluxe comfort.
If you are looking for the best compression socks, then SB SOX socks should be your priority because of their premium construction and luxurious comfort. It came with a reinforced heel and cushioned toe support, which helps relieve your ankle, calf, feet, or leg pain.
Moreover, these socks provide comfort, relief, and support without compromising mobility. These socks are fabricated with a breathable and lightweight fabric, which maintains your joint stability.
The company uses the graduation technology of compression (20mmHg to 30mmHg), which offers the best compression. These socks give various health benefits such as increases your blood circulation, recover your calf muscles, minimize lactic acid, and much more.
It is accessible in four different sizes for delivering the ideal support for both men and women. In addition to that, it is also available in 16 fabulous and stylish colors so you can opt according to your needs.
Luxurious comfort.
It helps to increase blood flow, decrease lactic acid, and recover your calf muscles.
Fit your legs.
The anti-static and anti-odor fabric stops the growth of fungus and bacteria.
Extremely tight to wear.
Best Place to Buy
Socks by Laite Hebe
- Best for travel, varicose veins, and athletic sports.
- It provides excellent flexibility and durability.
- It offers luxurious comfort, premium support, and relief muscles.
Laite Hebe Compression socks increase air permeability during the compression process. It comes with superior fabric strength and retaining softness flexibility. Furthermore, it gives premium relief, comfort, and support without compromising mobility.
The premium fabric is blended, which fights against moisture and odor for an enhanced level of comfort. And if you sit for a longer time at work or during traveling, it will give a comfortable feeling.
Here’s more…
You can wear it for athletes, joggers, office workers, workout fanatics, and much more. These compression socks are designed to enhance oxygen flow and blood circulation.
In addition to that, it prevents cramping, swelling, fatigue and aids in muscle recovery.
A 360-degrees stretch for better durability and flexibility.
Ideal for walking, running, travel, pregnant, nurse, receptionist, and athletic sports.
Accessible in two sizes and 31 stunning colors so you can purchase that fit ideally.
Delivers the best comfort and quality that relieve your lower leg muscles.
Not highly breathable.
Best Place to Buy
Socks by FuelMeFoot
- The ideal copper compression socks.
- Delivers a mild compression.
- It offers various health benefits.
Do you want moisture-wicking and breathable compression socks? Well, we suggest FuelMeFoot socks fashioned with breathable and moisture-wicking fabric.
The company uses a unique copper-infused fabric, which stays cooler in hot temperatures and warms in the wintry cold.
A unique copper property also helps eliminate odor and permits you to wear it for a more extended period. Therefore, this remarkable fabric keeps you comfortable, and your skin dries even in extremely cold or hot temperatures.
It comes with 15mmHg to 20mmHg, so it provides you mild squeezing for enhancing blood flow or warmness.
Last but not least… It removes stress, stimulates each cell, and relieves varicose veins symptoms.
Reduce fatigue, cramping, soreness, and much more.
Available in 25 trendy colors and two sizes so you can choose the right one.
The significant fabric aids keep you comfortable
Dry skin even in extremely hot temperatures.
Best Place to Buy
Socks by CHARMKING
- Suitable for both men and women.
- It comes with greater flexibility and durability.
- Best for running, travel, flight, edema, etc.
The CHARMKING compression socks are lightweight socks that help to enhance blood circulation, oxygen flow and prevent fatigue.
These socks provide 15-20 mmHg compression. These compression values are chosen by trainers and recommended by doctors.
You can wear them to relieve discomfort related to plantar fasciitis, spider, muscle recovery, diabetic, and varicose veins. Moreover, it is suitable for runners, doctors, nurses, and athletes.
This compression sock helps to recover your injured muscles faster. The nylon fabric makes it breathable, supportive and delivers a comfortable fitting as well.
Provides premium comfort, relief, and support to your legs, calf, or heel.
Breathable and lightweight fabric helps to maintain joint stability.
Your purchase comes with a bundle that contains 3 compression socks.
Available in 33 stunning colors and two sizes.
Made with thin fabric.
Best Place to Buy
Socks by BLITZU
- Equipped with the technology of compression therapy.
- It comes with a design known as kinesiology taping.
- Suitable for outdoor activities and everyday use.
If you need the best compression socks for recovering your stiff muscles, we suggest BLITZU 20mmHg to 30mmHg compression socks. It is equipped with a high technology known as compression therapy that helps to promote blood and oxygen flow.
Thus, it prevents your feet and ankle from cramping, swelling, and fatigue. And it also aids in recovering your muscles, varicose veins, and spider veins.
On the other hand, if you have diabetes, it will rejuvenate your stiff feet and lower legs.
The best feature is that it comes with a kinesiology taping design, which supports your heel, ankle, arch, foot, and calf.
Apart from that, the breathable fabric allows you to wear it in everyday use or outdoor activities.
Fashionable, stylish, and sleek design compression socks come with 08 colors and 2 sizes.
Delivers the shock absorption feel, which minimizes swelling and fatigue.
The kinesiodology taping design supports your arch, heel, ankle, foot, and calf.
Ideal for long runs, extreme race, traveling, nursing, etc.
Leaves compression marks on your feet and legs.
Best Place to Buy
Socks by Vitalsox
- Finished with chemical-free materials.
- Designed for a gym, maternity, working, driving, etc.
- Durable, comfortable, and supportive.
These compression socks are manufactured with 10% nylon, 10% Lycra, 10% spandex, and 70% Silver Drystan.
These materials make it fungus-resistant and moisture-wicking, which makes these compression socks odor-free. Therefore, you can confidently wear it for a more extended period, such as during your training sessions.
Moreover, these Silver Drystat socks are infused with polypropylene and Silver that increase the socks’ performance. Thus, it provides the ideal support to your arch, feet, heel, and plantar ligaments.
Regular use of these socks will minimize injuries, increase performance, and offers a quick recovery.
Available in 13 stylish colors and five sizes so you can select your favorite one.
Made from polypropylene that makes the socks fungus-resistant and moisture-wicking.
Machine washing of these socks won’t lose compression.
These socks come with a too-long design.
Best Place to Buy
Socks by NEWZILL
- Equipped with unique compression technology.
- Gently squeeze your feet and enhance blood flow.
- Breathable, reliable, supportive, and comfortable socks.
NEWZILL compression sock is carefully constructed with comfortable materials. The company uses 20% spandex, 15% Lycra, and 65% nylon.
This 4-way stretch, anti-bacterial, moisture-wicking fabric enhances breathability, reliability, and performance.
Additionally, it is the best compression sock because it delivers deluxe comfort and support simultaneously.
This compression sock is suitable for frequent travelers, doctors, construction workers, and much more.
A CLIMA-PRO stocking makes it anti-bacterial, anti-fungus, and odor-free.
Suitable for line workers, chefs, plane flight, nurses, doctors, stylists, and more.
Increase flood circulation and oxygen flow that relaxes your lower leg muscles.
Best Place to Buy
Socks by Sockwell
- Recommended for pregnant women, travelers, workers, etc.
- It comes with four moderate zones.
- High performance and superior comfort socks.
The yarn used in these socks is the best for odor control, moisture management, and thermoregulation. You can wear them for jobs that demand prolonged standing, such as nursing, retail, and healthcare.
The company uses 31% Bamboo Rayon, 32% Merino Wool, 5% spandex, and 32% stretch nylon. Additionally, it is equipped with Accu-Fit technology that provides ultra-light cushioning and arch support.
If you are looking for moderate compression, then the Sockwell compression sock is ideal for you. It comes with 15mmHg to 20mmHg graduated compression that relieves your minor to moderate muscles or pains like varicose veins.
Energizes your feet and legs.
Available in four sizes and 18 stylish colors.
The sole comes with an ultra-light cushioning that enhances the comfort level.
Suitable for either men or women with premium support.
Best Place to Buy
Socks by MudGear
- Lifetime warranty.
- Suitable for hiking and running.
- Super comfortable and supportive.
MudGear manufactures these compression socks by using 28% polyester, 63% nylon, and 9% spandex. These premium materials make the sock super comfortable and more supportive. You can wear them all day long.
This 15mmHg to 20mmHg delivers your legs medical support and also relieves your calf and leg pain. You can also wear it for motocross, ski, ice hockey, field hockey, and soccer.
The good thing is that your purchase comes with a lifetime warranty.
Your purchase comes with a lifetime warranty.
True compression socks that minimize muscle fatigue.
Available in four stylish and fashionable colors and 3 sizes.
It comes with less durability.
Best Place to Buy
Why choose compression socks?
People use compression socks for relaxation and comfort. These also allow them to be better in sports, and they can also avoid severe medical conditions.
These compression socks can improve your blood flow, and they can also reduce your pain. Compression socks also alleviate any chances of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a type of blood clot, and various other circulation issues.
Which compression levels are right for you?
There are different compression levels that you can find in different socks. Some brief details associated with these are listed as follows:
- Compression levels ranging between 8 to 15 mmHg can provide relief and can also minimize achy legs. These compression socks are also suitable for treating minor swellings and are also useful during pregnancy because they prevent the development of spider veins.
- The stockings that provide a compression ranging between 15 and 20 mmHg are better for moderate varicose veins. These socks will help elevate tiredness and achiness, and they are useful during pregnancy in reducing spider veins. It is so helpful in preventing DVT as well as post-sclerotherapy.
- The socks with compression levels ranging between 20 and 30 mmHg are also useful in reducing severe varicose and spider veins. They are suitable for post-surgical therapies along with severe lymphatic edema.
- The stockings and socks with compression levels ranging between 30 and 40 mmHg are best for severe stages of all conditions mentioned above.
- Socks and stockings with compression levels ranging between 40 and 50 mmHg are suitable for severe diseases of veins and arteries.
How should I measure my legs for these socks?
Measuring should be done carefully and correctly if you want your compression socks to fit in the right manner. You’ll be uncomfortable if your compression socks are either too tight or too loose.
First, you need to measure your ankle’s circumference just above the ankle bone, right at the smallest section of your ankle. Keep your measuring tape straight when you have it wrapped around your ankle.
After that, measure your calf and find the widest part of the calf and wrap the tape around, keeping the measuring tape flat!
Now measure the length of your calf, and for that, you need to sit down on the floor. Start measuring from the bend of your knee to the floor to find the right size for you, as it will make a substantial difference in your overall comfort.
What to consider before buying the best compression socks?
Following are the different features that you need to consider before buying the best compression socks:
1. Materials
Different manufacturers use different types of materials in the construction of these socks. But you need to choose good quality material that lasts for a long time and is also very durable.
Consider choosing the right kind of materials for different seasons. For instance, merino wool is better suited for winters, while cotton is better suited for daily use. You can also choose a synthetic fabric.
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Synthetic
This material involves fully artificial fibers. You can choose spandex, acrylic, polyester, or nylon. In most cases, socks are made of a combination of different materials. These materials are lightweight, and they are also moisture-wicking and breathable.
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Cotton
If you are looking for a pair of compression socks that are better for comfort during summer activities, then 100% cotton is the way to go. As cotton is a natural material, it is highly breathable. Furthermore, cotton is a lot cheaper as compared to synthetic, as well as any blend.
2. Compression level and comfort
You will need a different pair of compression socks when you are doing some outdoor or sports activity. For handling any medical condition, there are other types of compression socks available. So choose according to your needs and comfort preferences.
3. Height/Coverage
With more surface area, compression socks will become more difficult to wear and take off. Full-coverage compression socks are suitable for various medical conditions, while others can focus on specific areas of your legs.
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Pantyhose
This type of compression stockings is better for improving blood circulation in the entire lower section of your body.
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Knee-high
These knee-high socks focus on your feet and shin area, and they will keep the blood flow at an optimum level even in the small arteries and veins.
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Thigh-high
Thigh-high stockings will be suitable for anyone who travels a lot and for long distances. These socks will keep the blood flow at this best through your entire legs and will keep your muscles healthy and fresh at all times.
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Maternity
As the name suggests, these stockings are designed for pregnancy, and they will keep the blood circulation fluent in the areas where your body and the fetus need it.
4. Breathability
If you’re looking to wear your compression socks throughout the day, you need them to be very breathable. Your feet will stay dry, and you will feel a lot more comfortable in them.
Even for the sports activity, you need to go for a highly breathable pair that will keep the sweat at bay. In either case, breathability is essential no matter how long you will wear your socks, and cotton is the best when it comes to breathability.
5. Style
If you want a pair of compression socks that you can use daily, you need a pair of socks that go well with your everyday routine wardrobe. Your compression socks don’t need to look like some medical equipment. These socks come in different designs and stylish looks.
6. Durability
The support that these socks provide needs to remain strong throughout the time you wear them. They must also provide even pressure and should be able to maintain it.
It is only possible when the materials used in the construction of these stockings are of good quality. This way, they will be able to maintain their shape for a more extended period.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between graduated and uniform compression socks?
The graduated versions of compression socks are also known as gradient or graded compression socks. These socks can keep the pressure on your foot as well as the ankle area. As you go high on the leg, the pressure will decrease significantly.
On the other hand, uniform socks keep the pressure uniform throughout from top to bottom. Graduated socks are better for various medical reasons. Therefore, most of the medical-grade stockings and socks are graduated.
Can I wear compression socks if I have swollen legs?
If you’ve been walking around all day, then allow your legs to relax and let the swelling subside. Make sure that you don’t wear your compression socks when your legs are swollen. Try to wear them before you start your activity, not when you’re legs have become swollen.
What kinds of compression socks are there?
Compression socks come in a range of different sizes and types. They are designed in such a manner to cover different areas of the lower section of your body.
Most of the socks or stockings go just under knee height for DVT. However, you can go for tights as well as thigh-highs too.
Additionally, they come with different pressure levels. These socks should not be painfully tight and should feel snug.
Mild compression is better, and it will keep you comfortable throughout the day.
TED or thrombo-embolic deterrent socks or stockings are made for you to use after surgery when you stay in bed for an extended period during recovery.
If you can move around comfortably, then graduated compression stockings will work better.
Can I sleep in these socks?
If you are pregnant or have any medical condition, then you can wear these socks overnight. However, there is no reason for you to keep them on at night when you are healthy. It would be best if you took them off at night before going to bed.
Are these socks useful in neuropathy?
A pair of socks with a slight compression in them can significantly improve edema, and they don’t make the poor blood circulation worse. Therefore, even in diabetic neuropathy, these socks can prove to be very useful.
Our Verdict
The winner of this roundup of best compression socks is the Physix compressions socks. If you live a very active lifestyle, then these are the right compression socks for you. The compression level of these knee-high socks ranges between 20 to 30 mmHg. These socks feature 30% spandex and 70% nylon, and they are incredibly durable.
Make sure that you choose the right kind of compression socks with proper height and compression levels so that they can produce the results that you desire.
Don’t go for a pair that is either too loose or too tight for any reason.
So which one of the compression socks have you tried before? Were you satisfied with the results or not? Have your say by leaving your comments and suggestions below!
Stay healthy!
*Last updated March 2021
