If you’ve ever dealt with sore, crampy legs (maybe after a long flight or a tough workout), you might have considered wearing compression socks. After all, they’re often marketed as a solution for swelling, soreness, and poor circulation—as well as a preventative measure for blood clots and visible varicose and spider veins.
While they’re far from a cure-all, they’re definitely worth a try if you’re curious about their benefits. “I personally wear compression socks every day while working,” Elizabeth Daughtry, DPM, FACFAS, a podiatrist based in North Carolina, tells SELF, adding that they can be useful for frequent travelers, regular exercisers, pregnant people, and anyone who sits or stands for long periods of time. Below, we’re diving into how compression socks can come in handy in your everyday life and what you should look for when shopping for a pair.
Our top picks Best Overall: VIM & VIGR 20-30 mmHg Moisture-wick Nylon Compression Socks Best Budget: Tommie Copper Compression Socks Best for Light Compression: Sockwell Moderate Graduated Compression Sock Best Length Options: Bombas Compression Socks Best Size Options: Apolla The Infinite Mid-Calf Recovery Socks Cutest Designs: Wellow Compression Socks Best Calf Sleeve: Zensah Running Leg Compression Sleeves Best Thigh-High Socks: Apolla The K-Warmer Ballet Compression Leg Warmers FAQs about compression socks
What are the benefits of wearing compression socks?
Compression socks apply pressure to your ankles and legs, which encourages blood to flow from your lower body to your heart. They usually fit tightly around your ankles, then gradually get looser the higher up your legs they go, Michael L. Ormont, MD, MS, FACS, the medical director of Nuvance Health Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine at Vassar Brothers Medical Center and Northern Dutchess Hospital in Poughkeepsie, New York, tells SELF.
By improving the circulation in your legs, compression socks can help reduce swelling, pain, and fatigue. That effect makes them a hit for anyone concerned about post-workout recovery: Research has found that people felt less sore when they wore compression socks after exercising. That’s also why a lot of people wear compression socks when they fly or have to be still for long stretches of time. Movement naturally boosts your circulation—but if you’re in the same position for a while, you can get a little help by way of compression.
Compression socks can also help prevent blood clots, varicose veins, spider veins, and deep vein thrombosis (a.k.a. DVT, which occurs when a blood clot forms deep inside your veins), Dr. Daughtry says, explaining that they raise the blood pressure in your lower body and stop blood from pooling in your feet and legs. They’re also useful in addressing circulation issues related to postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, or POTS. Olympic swimmer Katie Ledecky, who was diagnosed with POTS in 2015, previously told SELF that she regularly wears compression socks to jump-start her recovery process, especially while traveling.
Who aren’t compression socks good for?
There are some people who are better off avoiding compression socks, , Dr. Ormont says. If you have open wounds, fragile skin, symptoms of heart failure (like shortness of breath, weakness, swelling, or rapid heartbeat), or peripheral artery disease (which is when the arteries that move blood from your heart to the rest of your body become more narrow), it’s best to skip them.
Totally new to compression socks? Dr. Daughtry recommends talking to a health care provider before trying them. A doctor can determine if you can benefit from wearing them and help you find the best ones for your needs.
How and when should you wear compression socks to get the most out of them?
You can wear compression socks while traveling, sitting at your desk, or relaxing after a workout, Dr. Daughtry says. She adds that pregnant people can get ahead of the swelling that commonly accompanies pregnancy by putting a pair on when they first wake up.
Dr. Daughtry adds that compression socks are generally safe to wear for a few hours at a time, although your doctor may tell you to wear them for longer (Dr. Ormont says you may be able to wear them comfortably all day). Dr. Daughtry compares compression socks to orthotic insoles—you might need to ease your way into wearing them, but you’ll eventually get used to how they fit and feel. If they start to hurt or if you notice excessive swelling in your legs, take the socks off right away, Dr. Ormont says.
What should you look for when shopping for compression socks?
Shopping for compression socks is a little more complicated than picking up some regular old running socks—here are a few things to keep in mind that’ll help you find the right pairs.
Fit: First, they need to fit correctly, Dr. Daughtry says. Check a brand’s sizing guide whenever possible to make sure your pairs of choice match your shoe size and keep their length in mind too. Compression socks can be as short as ankle socks and as tall as thigh-highs, although most are about knee-high. The length you choose can be a matter of personal preference, or your doctor can advise which one is right for you. Materials: Most compression socks are made of a fabric blend that’ll feel soft against your skin and maintain a snug fit. For comfort, brands might use classic cotton, lightweight nylon, or all-season Merino wool. For compression, it’s common to see stretchy materials like spandex in the mix. It’s mainly a matter of personal preference which ones you choose to wear, but Gregory Rubin, DO, a primary sports medicine physician at the Hospital for Special Surgery based in Naples, Florida, previously told SELF that if you’re working out in your socks, you should look for ones made with moisture-wicking fabrics. Compression level: The amount of compression a pair of socks provides is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHG), the unit used to measure blood pressure. Most brands list their socks’ compression levels using a range of mmHG, Dr. Daughtry says: 20 mmHG and under provides low-pressure compression; 20 to 30 mmHG is considered medium-pressure and a good range for preventing the health conditions we mentioned above; 30 to 40 mmHG is high-pressure. There are socks with higher compression levels (firm compression is in the range of 40 to 50 mmHG) that can help with severe swelling and vein problems, but they’re generally only available with a prescription, Dr. Daughtry says. Shop the best compression socks
Now that we’ve gone over what they can do for you, let’s get to the socks themselves—our top picks come recommended by experts, frequent flyers, and SELF staffers.
Best Overall: Vim & Vigr 20-30 mmHg Moisture-wick Nylon Compression Socks
VIM & VIGR
20-30 mmHg Moisture-wick Nylon Compression Socks
Pros
Good for sweaty feet Wide calf size options They last for years
Cons
On the pricier side
Multiple travel writers, one of whom takes dozens of flights each year, recommended Vim & Vigr’s socks to SELF, shouting out their size range, durability, and the fact that they’re developed in partnership with vascular surgeons (they’re also registered with the FDA). “I first started wearing them after I had to have surgery on my foot and was worried about my circulation after sitting for long periods. I barely feel them on flights,” Caroline Eubanks, a freelance travel writer and author, says.
Sizes: Small-medium to large-x-large | Materials: Nylon, spandex | Compression level: 20-30 mmHG
Best Budget: Tommie Copper Compression Socks
Tommie Copper
Compression Socks (4-Pack)
Pros
Under $15 per pair Thick, durable fabric Warm yet breathable
Cons
Limited color options
Tommie Copper’s socks provide the “perfect level of compression,” according to SELF’s senior commerce editor. “My feet tend to swell a little after a long day of walking—but when I wear these in the evenings, my feet are back to their usual size before I go to bed,” she says. “[They’re] tight enough to do their job, but not so tight that they’re uncomfortable (I can actually forget I’m wearing them after a while).” She adds that they also help her manage POTS symptoms, noting that she doesn’t feel as lightheaded when she stands up if she’s wearing these socks.
Sizes: 6-8.5 to 12-14.5 | Materials: Polyester, cotton, spandex | Compression level: N/A
Best for Light Compression: Sockwell Moderate Graduated Compression Socks
Sockwell
Moderate Graduated Compression Socks
Pros
Temperature-regulating Moisture-wicking Lightly cushioned sole
Cons
Limited size options Compression level isn’t high enough for moderate-to-severe conditions
SockWell’s moderate compression socks “energize without feeling constrictive,” Julie L. Kessler, a journalist, frequent traveler, and attorney, tells SELF. Their compression level is relatively low, so they’re best for general pain and fatigue relief—if you want to prevent things like blood clots, choose a pair with a higher compression level. SockWell’s pairs are made of a Merino wool blend, which makes them especially nice when you’re traveling (and can’t predict whether your flight will be freezing cold or hot and stuffy).
Sizes: S/M to M/L | Materials: Merino wool, bamboo rayon, stretch nylon, spandex | Compression level: 15-20 mmHG
Best Length Options: Bombas Compression Socks
Pros
Available in three lengths Soft Easy to pull on and off
Cons
Can feel too tight on wide calves, according to Bombas reviewers
“I personally use these socks, and they are so soft and comfortable, with excellent compression,” Dr. Daughtry says. She adds that they’re easy to put on and take off, and that their built-in arch support and seamless toe make them extra comfortable. They also keep the air flowing with their ventilated design, which is a real perk if you’re pulling them on after breaking a sweat in the gym. You can choose from ankle-, calf-, and knee-high lengths, which come in packs of up to six pairs.
Sizes: S to L | Materials: Polyester, cotton, elastane, nylon | Compression level: 20-30 mmHG
Best Size Options: Apolla The Infinite Mid-Calf Recovery Socks
Apolla
The Infinite Mid-Calf Recovery Socks
Pros
Good range of size and width options Targeted cushioning APMA accepted
Cons
Limited color options
Apolla’s quick-drying, anti-odor socks are a favorite of SELF’s senior writer of health conditions, who loves their arch support, the padding under their heel and forefoot, and, of course, their snug compression: “My feet like they’re being hugged with these on,” she says.
Known first as a dancewear brand, Apolla’s socks have a seal of acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA), which indicates that they can help promote good foot health. Plus, they come in a nice range of medium and wide sizes. So even if you aren’t slipping them on after a tough barre warmup, we’d say they’re an excellent option for recovery.
Sizes: XS to XL | Materials: N/A | Compression level: 20-30 mmHG
Cutest Designs: Wellow Compression Socks
Pros
Lots of fun colorways Antimicrobial Warm and fuzzy
Cons
May pill over time Compression level is on the lower side
Dr. Daughtry likes Wellow’s line of compression socks for their cheerful colors and patterns, as well as their size range (they only come in one width, but they’re designed to fit wide calves). Made with four-way stretch and a unique, low-ish compression level, they’re meant to feel like a “gentle hug” and be easy to pull on—then, once they’re up, they’ll stay put. Wellows feel soft, warm, and cozy, but may start to pill after a few washes, Dr. Daughtry notes.
Sizes: S to XL | Materials: Bamboo viscose, polyester, spandex, nylon | Compression level: 18-25 mmHG
Best Calf Sleeve: Zensah Running Leg Compression Sleeves
Zensah
Running Leg Compression Sleeves
Pros
Sweat-wicking Easy to wear with a wide range of socks and footwear
Cons
Run slightly short, per Amazon reviewers
Not sure what size to get? Here’s a trick from SELF’s director of fitness and food: Buy compression sleeves instead and wear your regular socks with them. Her sports medicine doctor recommended compression garments to help her deal with a persistent shin injury, and now she wears Zenah’s moisture-wicking calf sleeves during long marathon training runs. “They’re tight but not constricting, and my calves and shins feel supported even when I’m on uneven trails,” she says.
If you give these a try and realize you actually prefer sleeves over socks, you might also like this pair from Comrad. They’re another favorite of our fitness and food director, who says they’re a great choice (for a little less money).
Sizes: XS/S to L/XL | Materials: Nylon, spandex | Compression level: N/A
Best Thigh-High Socks: Apolla The K-Warmer Ballet Compression Leg Warmers
Pros
Odor-resistant Quick-drying APMA-accepted
Cons
Limited color and size options
Another APMA-accepted option from Apolla, K-Warmers are great if you’re interested in thigh-high compression (Dr. Daughtry points out that longer compression stockings and tights are getting trendy among athletes). They provide a very light amount of compression up the length of your leg, soothing achy, tired calves and easing knee pain. While some thigh-high socks use grip strips to stay up, the K-Warmers have a soft control top that won’t pinch or dig into your upper legs.
Sizes: One size | Materials: N/A | Compression level: 10-15 mmHG
More great options
You can always use another pair of socks, and these options are also worthy of a spot in your drawer. They narrowly missed our top picks list due to their higher prices, but they’re still top-notch when it comes to quality.
CEP Running Compression Tall Socks
CEP
Running Compression Tall Socks
Pros
Targeted cushioning Breathable Odor-resistant
Cons
Very pricey
With strategically placed padding, ventilated calf panels, and blister-preventing materials, these socks are a very good choice for active people. Amazon reviewers love wearing them after long bike rides, runs, and hikes, and some note that they’re comfy enough to wear while traveling too.
Sizes: 2 to 4 | Materials: Polyamide, elastane | Compression level: 20-30 mmHG
2XU Vectr Light Cushion Full Length Compression Socks
2XU
Vectr Light Cushion Full Length Compression Socks
Pros
Wide toe box Ventilated Prevents blisters
Cons
Some Amazon reviewers noticed shrinkage after washing Pricey
“These socks provide just enough cushion on the soles of your feet, and they tightly hug your feet and calves,” one SELF editor says. “I truly felt they made my feet and calves feel less fatigued on long runs; and helped my calves feel less sore post-run.” We appreciate their intentional design—they’re molded to suit the shape of your left and right foot, giving your toes room to spread naturally.
Sizes: S to XL | Materials: Nylon, Lycra | Compression level: 20-30 mmHG
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