Best overall: Sockwell Firm Compression SocksBest for men: Physix Gear Sport Compression SocksBest for women: Hi Clasmix Graduated Medical SocksBest for running: 2XU Vector CushionBest ankle-length: PAPLUS Ankle Compression SocksBest toeless: SB SOX Plantar Fasciitis SocksBest budget: ACTINPUT Compression Socks for Men and Women
How we picked these best compression socks
Let’s start with the most basic question—what are compression socks used for? Compression socks apply gentle pressure to the tissues beneath the skin of the legs. That extra pressure prevents fluid leakage and promotes fluid absorption. That generally means less swelling, as well as swelling prevention. Weakening veins and valves get a boost from pressure socks by supporting vein and capillary walls. Even if your veins are perfectly healthy, blood can pool in the legs after long periods of sitting or time on your feet. Consequently, people who work while standing, those who are walking all day, and those who travel for several hours at a time find relief from swelling with the added pressure of compression socks. These socks come in different types and designs. For example, gradient or graduated compression socks apply higher pressure toward the toes, feet, and ankles, with less pressure through the calf. Ankle compression socks only apply pressure to the foot and ankle. Toeless designs make it easier to wear regular socks over for greater cushioning and comfort. Compression socks also come in different pressure levels, with socks available to the average consumer having a light to medium compression. Pressure is measured in millimeters of Mercury (mmHg). People with certain health issues may require a specific sock pressure level recommended by a doctor, while others can just choose a level that feels comfortable.
15-20 mmHg (light compression): Daily wear, general sports, and travel.20-30 mmHg (medium compression): Daily wear (especially for varicose veins and swelling), mild symptoms of discomfort, sports recovery.30-40 mmHg (strong compression): Often recommended for blood clot prevention, medical recovery, or post-surgery.
Pressure socks should not cause pain or uncomfortably pinch the skin. A sock that causes numbness, tingling, or discoloration is too tight. We picked a range of socks for a variety of needs.
Best compression socks: Reviews & Recommendations
Best overall: Sockwell Firm Compression Socks
Why they made the cut: Sockwell’s Firm Compression Socks provide plenty of support while you’re on the job and still look stylish. Specs
Materials: Merino wool, rayon, nylon, SpandexCompression: 20-30 mmHGMachine washable: Yes
Pros
Designed witn graduated compression to reduce swellingComes with arch support and cushioned soleProvides moisture wicking and odor control
Cons
Not designed for athletic performance
If you’re looking for a compression sock you can wear all day, Sockwell’s Firm Compression Socks provide plenty of support while not looking like medical socks. Created to improve circulation in the legs of people who sit or stand all day, these socks are designed with graduated compression that minimize swelling and cuts down on fatigue. They also wick away moisture, provide odor control, and come in a range of colors from black to putty.
Best for men: Physix Gear Sport Compression Socks
Why they made the cut: These compression socks provide a moderate amount of pressure and come in a range of fun designs that will look great when working out. Specs
Materials: LycraCompression: 20-30 mmHGMachine washable: Yes
Pros
Great for extreme racesAnkle cuff stays putRange of colors and designs
Cons
Not particularly suited for the cold
The Physix Gear Sport Compression Socks provide 20-30 mmHg of pressure, which is adequate for running and other sports, as well as post-workout recovery. Their graduated pressure provides higher pressure through the feet and ankles and gradually decreases toward the top of the calf. These socks come in three sizes and include “stay put” cuffs to keep the sock in place. They also come in 12 colors.
Best for women: Hi Clasmix Graduated Medical Compression Socks
Why they made the cut: These socks are designed to promote blood flow and discourage blood clots after surgery and are also great for people who work on their feet all day. Specs
Materials: Nylon, polyester, copper fiberCompression: 20-30 mmHGMachine washable: Yes
Pros
Comfortable for all-day wearEncourages blood flow and circulationMoisture wicking and breathable fabric that eliminates odor
Cons
Striking design may not work with professional outfits
The Hi Clasmix Graduated Medical Socks are the best compression socks for women and fit shoe sizes 6 to 15.5. They feature graduated compression that stays between 20-30 mmHg, enough for daily wear, athletics, or recovery. A copper-infused fabric helps prevent odors and wicks moisture for more comfortable wear.
Best for running: 2XU Vector Cushion
Why they made the cut: These athletic compression socks are specifically designed to improve runners’ performance with decreased recovery time and streamlined comfort. Specs
Materials: Nylon, LycraCompression: 15-20 mmHG at base of foot (20-30 mmHG at ankle) Machine washable: Yes
Pros
Support feet and legsCushioning provides plantar fascia and arch supportLock-in technology reduces blistering
Cons:
Expensive
Runners, if you’re looking for compression socks to enhance performance without looking stodgy, the 2XU Vector Cushion Socks are a solid option. Designed with graduated compression, these socks for running increase circulation in your feet and legs to get more blood to your muscles. They come with arch and plantar fascia cushioning to absorb shocks and with technology that helps reduce blistering. That said, they’re an expensive pair of socks.
Best ankle-length: PAPLUS Ankle Compression Socks
Why they made the cut: Created for athletes, these ankle socks are designed with light compression and provide 360 degrees of support that cradle feet and aid recovery. Specs
Materials: Nylon, SpandexCompression: 15-20 mmHg Machine washable: Yes
Pros
Designed with targeted compression zonesMoisture wicking Comfortable
Cons
Only provides compression to feet and ankles
The PAPLUS Ankle Compression Socks feature light, 15-20 mmHg compression in a side-specific design. Each is labeled R or L, which helps the compression fit and target the foot’s arch better. This compression provides progressive pressure throughout the foot and ankle. They’re made of a moisture-wicking fabric that improves breathability for more comfortable wear. That said, they’re not the best for cold weather, so you may also want to check out these heated socks.
Best toeless: SB SOX Plantar Fasciitis Compression Socks
Why they made the cut: Created specifically for people with foot ailments such as plantar fasciitis, arch and heel pain, and achilles tendonitis, these compression socks are designed to relieve pain. Specs
Materials: Nylon, SpandexCompression: 15-20 mmHg Machine washable: Yes
Pros
Provides arch supportMoisture wicking Comfortable
Cons
Not designed for cold weather
SB SOX Plantar Fasciitis Compression Socks feature compression and ribbing designed to follow the arch of the foot. The ribbing through the arch mimics the natural movement of the foot’s ligaments to provide better support. A thin heel lets you fit it under your regular socks without changing the fit of your shoes. Moisture-wicking fabric keeps the SB SOX cool even under another pair of socks. They come in four sizes and nine colors.
Best budget: ACTINPUT Compression Socks for Men and Women
Why they made the cut: If you’re looking for light compression, this eight-pack of socks provides great value for everyday use for people who stand all day. Specs
Materials: Nylon, polyester, elaataneCompression: 15-20 mmHg Machine washable: Yes
Pros
Comes in an eight-packMoisture wicking Good value
Cons
Not designed for foot ailments
The ACTINPUT Socks for Men and Women are made with 15-20 mmHG compression and come in packs of eight. These knee-high compression socks provide uniform pressure from toe to knee in two sizes. You get lots of options, from a pack of all black to nude, white, gray, and colorful patterned designs.
Things to consider when buying compression socks
Alleviating ankle swelling
Pregnancy, poor circulation, temperature fluctuations, and fatigue are only a few of the reasons your feet and ankles may swell. Capillaries, which are very small blood vessels, help carry blood to the arteries and veins and back again. Their thin walls are easily damaged, which can lead to fluid buildup and poor circulation. Pressure socks gently squeeze the legs, helping fluids to reabsorb and blood to flow more easily. These pressure socks also decrease the diameter of veins, increasing the velocity of blood flow and volume. In short, they keep the blood moving and fluid from pooling. If swelling plagues you during and after a long airplane, car ride, or a long shift on the job, these socks may help.
Potential improved running performance
Here’s the deal: The jury is still out on the benefits of compression socks for running performance. Some studies have found a correlation between pressure socks and improved running performance and muscle fatigue, while others have found no difference. It comes down to what you need and want the compression socks to do. If you have swelling when you run, which is pretty normal, pressure socks can definitely reduce fluid buildup in your feet and legs. That may or may not benefit your running time and recovery. Runners who travel long distances to get to their events, such as marathons or triathlons, may also reap the benefits of compression socks because they can reduce swelling due to prolonged periods of sitting or standing. However, a fairly universal finding is that if the wearer believes the socks help, they report less fatigue, better circulation, and quicker recovery. For runners, the mental “race” can be just as difficult as the actual race. If the socks work for you and help with recovery, you may want to consider a purchase.
Style of sock
Something that goes to your knees or beyond is too much sock for the occasion. In other cases, you may only need compression and extra support in the arch, heel, or low ankle. Ankle socks may offer a solution to any of the aforementioned issues. These socks sometimes rise above the ankle bone, but many stay below this visible landmark. They have similar pressure levels as taller socks. Some of these designs feature targeted pressure through the arches or heels to relieve plantar fasciitis or support foot injuries. These socks also cover less surface area, making them a cooler option when temperatures rise.
What to expect from budget socks
A single pair of socks that cost $15 or more can quickly get expensive. However, you can get comfortable compression for much less, but you do have to let go of a few things. First, budget compression socks usually have less pressure. They’re more likely to fall in the 15-20 mmHg range. The quality of the fabric may be lower compared to higher-priced socks. For example, you won’t find moisture-wicking fabric among the less expensive designs. The seams may come apart quicker, too. That said, you can buy several cheap pairs for the price of a single pair of pricier designs.
The final word on shopping for the best compression socks
Keeping your tootsies happy can help you stay on the move when your feet start to get tired. The best compression socks allow your blood to flow and reduce swelling without pinching or cutting off circulation. They also make great gifts. You may need a sock without toes or an ankle compression sock to support your arch. If you have a medical condition that requires a compression sock, talk to your doctor to determine the right pressure and sock style. These socks can express your personality with bright colors and patterns, or they may blend in with your natural skin tone. If you need a pair, there’s a design out there that will work for you.
