To determine the most effective compression socks we spoke with those who wear them in various situations: when pregnant, doing their footwork while running, afterwards after exercising, traveling, or just for fun. After examining a variety of pairs, we’ve compared 18 pairs of socks since 2017 and came across five that fit comfortably (yet nevertheless surprisingly comfortable to wear) They also retain their elasticity after multiple washes, and are available in a variety of sizes and shades. Some of them are fashionable, and stylish too.
Our top picks include a soft but snug blend of bamboo/merino from Sockwell and a tough budget choice, Go2Socks a stretchy blend of cotton and nylon from Comrad with a stylish modern design; ultra-comfy socks by Dr. Segal’s which are extremely simple to put off and put on and off; and socks made by Vim & Vigr, a brand that has a wide range of size of calf and foot (in various fabrics in colors, patterns, and colors). Our picks are arranged by focusing on the socks that offer the most compression, first, and then those that have smaller, looser fittings further down.
Who should buy compression socks?
There are two primary motives to put on compression socks: either because your doctor has suggested you wear them or you feel they are comfortable.
Compression socks are made from elasticized material that squeezes your legs in order to improve circulation. In general evidence for the benefits of compression socks are mixed. As it’s been checked with your physician if you are suffering from issues with circulation or skin, “there’s no downside in wearing compression socks,” dermatologist Bruce Katz from the Icahn School of Medicine located at Mount Sinai, told us.
The doctor may recommend wearing compression socks due to one of many reasons. They may help reduce swelling after surgery. They’ve been shown to decrease the risk of developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT) during flights, and decrease the chances of complications after the treatment of DVT. Compression could help heal from skin issues including rashes and leg ulcers. Additionally, (though there’s no definitive evidence from science) the possibility exists that they can aid for treating varicose veins.
This guide, however, is specifically focused on compression socks that can be used for non-medical uses. (Unless your doctor advises that any compression socks is suitable and suitable, we suggest following their instructions when selecting them.) The non-medical use of compression socks is to wear socks to help you relax on the plane, or after workouts that are tough or during work shifts that is spent at your feet. Although compression socks aren’t magical, they can create a pleasant ritual.
What is your experience with running? Compression socks are known for enhancing performance and decreasing fatigue, however a brief unpublished study suggests the opposite. Researchers at Ohio State University’s Ajit Chaudhari along with his colleagues arranged for 20 runners to do 30 minutes of grueling exercise in compression socks and another without socks. They measured the height at which the runners could jump after the run as compared to before–a measure of their exhaustion. The compression socks did not show an obvious benefit.
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What we used to select and test
A collection of four of our choices for top compression socks with a range of patterns and colors.
We began with a huge assortment of long-length socks. (We didn’t think about the use of compression stockings or sleeves when we wrote this list.) Compression socks are available in various lengths and styles, the knee-high cut is the most popular and will fit most people. When compared to compression socks with thigh-highs they are generally more comfortable for people to slip on.
The most widely available compressive socks’ strengths are 10 to 20 millimeters Hg (which is considered moderate) and 20-30 millimeters (which is considered to be firm). Millimeters of mercury, or mm Hg is an indication in blood pressure. If you experience compression greater than 30 millimeters, you’ll have consult a specialist retailer to make sure you have the correct fitting.
Socks that have the same strength rating can feel very different. They may feel looser or tighter due to many reasons, ranging from fabric to knit, to the size of your calves. Due to this, certain brands, like Nike do not give any compression ratings at all.
Compression socks typically have graduated, which means that they are tenseer on the bottom than the top to not hinder circulation. The socks we tested were graduated socks.
In the case of compression socks priced below $25, the socks typically adhere to shoe size (for the most expensive compression socks, calf width and length measurements are more typical). Although certain socks we looked at had measurements of calf size on their sizing charts typically, there is only one size range for calf to match the shoe size, which makes the measurements for calf length not very useful. We made sure to choose socks that fit at minimum three sizes. However, the elasticity of the fabric played a large role in what had of an impact on how a sock would fit and a smaller size wasn’t an issue.
Additionally, a lot of the socks are not gender-neutral and are not even available on separate men’s and women’s shopping pages on the website. Therefore, fitting really depended on the height of the sock and the way in which it was made.
We weren’t thinking much about the material, as it’s a matter of personal preference. What you’re looking for in compression socks will be based on the way they feel on your skin or the way you’d like to clean them.
Compression socks can range from $45 to $50. A lot of the more expensive pairs are advertised as athletic socks or provide more compression due to medical reasons. However, there are plenty of top-rated socks that cost less than $35 which is why we chose to concentrate on. One reader who claimed to have worn compression socks on a daily basis for 20 years informed us that they paid more than $60 for a pair. According to this reader’s experiences, “The cheap ones don’t last for as long or aren’t as comfortable.”
We walked over 18 pairs socks that were highly rated that met our criteria and compared the firmness of their feel and what the material was like, and if there was any sort of bunching at in the upper part of the calves as well as around the feet. We cleaned each pair at least twice to determine which ones sagged or have lost their stretch. Although most brands advise air drying socks We also tumbled our socks in the dryer to see if they’d fare for those who may throw them in the dryer (purposefully, or otherwise). We compared our notes with customer reviews, and then listed the other choices (and size of the feet) by our editor.
$30 from Sockwell
We like them because: Sockwell Lifestyle Firm Compression Socks that are available in both women’s and male’s designs, are comfortable and are made from a luxurious wool blend. They feel and fit more comfortable than other socks of their price and are one of the most affordable Merino-blend compression socks on the market.
The Sockwells we love the most are the ones with a firm compression (20 to 30 millimeters Hg) composed of merino and rayon made of bamboo (a soft, comfortable synthetic). It is a light socks that is slightly thicker to it (though not enough to classify the cushioning). The brand also offers smaller-sized socks.
The sock shaft isn’t coiled around the knee in a way that is uncomfortable as well as there’s not much material between the feet (though there’s a bit) and they’re comfortable. In both female and male versions, the socks come in two sizes: M/L and S/M for women’s versions, and M/L or M/XL in men’s models. And while we’d like to have more sizes We had no trouble making these fit the feet of our test subjects.
A tester’s lower leg sporting socks from Sockwell compression socks with an terra cotta blue green, gray and stripe pattern.
Sockwell Men’s Up Firm Gradually Compressed Socks with a color of Black. Photo: Sarah Kobos
A test subject’s lower leg sporting socks from Sockwell compression socks in a muted violet with a purple design.
Sockwell Women’s Step-Up Compression Socks that are Firm in Plum. Photo: Sarah Kobos
The instructions recommend air drying the socks, however we cleaned then dried the socks in machines regardless. They performed better than other merino socks, and there was only a little stretch in the upper part of the cuff. If you make the effort to dry them in the air socks, they’ll last an extended time.
Sockwells are available in eight designs in women’s sizes, and four for men’s sizes, with a range of neutral shades, which means they’re suitable for an everyday casual outfit.
Some flaws, but not a deal-breaker: The most sweeping criticism we could make of Sockwells is that they’re moderately difficult to pull off when compared to other options. There are only two compression-level sock selections in this article including the Sockwells are among the two. Based on our experience at this level of compression We’re not too surprised that they require a bit of more effort to pull on.
Compression range: 20-30 millimeters Hg
Maximum calf size: 16 1/2 inches
Material: The Elevation model comprises 31% merino wool 31% rayon made from bamboo 30% nylon and 88% spandex. Other options from Sockwell are similar however, they differ in the synthetic content. Women’s New Leaf style is a without-cushion socks (the other styles have all light cushion choices).
Other compression options include women’s moderate Compression Socks (43 models 15 to 20 millimeters Hg) and Men’s Moderate Compression Socks (16 styles 15 to 20 millimeters Hg) none of which have we tested.
Firm compression, inexpensive (yet long-lasting): Go2Socks Compression Socks
The Go2Socks are compression sock in the grey and black argyle design, with the brand’s name clearly visible on the sole.
Our top pick
Compression Socks by Go2Socks
A budget-friendly option that is durable
The most inexpensive pair of socks we came across, they are a good height for calf. They still appeared brand new after a few washings and a dryer.
$19 from Amazon
$18 at Walmart
We like them because The comparatively low-cost Go2Socks Compression Socks come out from the dryer and washing machine and look like they’ve just popped from a box. They’re also priced to beat: they retail for nearly 1/3 less than other socks in this list (though their style isn’t for everyone and they tend to gather around feet).
They are socks with a firm compression (20 to 30 millimeters Hg) which are made from nylon. They’re a thin sock that has no cushioning, and beat out other less expensive alternatives. The shaft of the sock is sized appropriately and isn’t too long. They come in four different sizes: M, S L, XL, and. The XL size can also accommodate up to 21 inches of calves, which is a rarity (something that the top athletic brands, which have socks that cost $50 and up typically advertise about).
A tester’s lower limb wearing Go2Socks compression socks. the grey and black argyle pattern.
Go2Socks Compression Socks in Black Argyle. Photo: Sarah Kobos
A tester’s lower leg sporting these compression socks with bright candy-hued stripes.
Go2Socks Compression Socks in Stripes. Photo: Sarah Kobos
There are 31 designs and colors to pick from that include nine solids and various variations of dots. Some colors hide the brand’s logo at the top, creating a less sombre style.
Some flaws but nothing that can be considered a deal-breaker: The sign that these aren’t expensive socks is the size of fabric that covers the toes, which is where the seams join. If you wear shoes that are tight fitting or want an athletic sock that needs an improved fit for your feet to avoid blisters, they could be rubbing against the toes.
The design and colors aren’t very sophisticated however, not paying attention is also a matter of aesthetics. Perhaps these are the socks you need.
$29 from Comrad
What we love about them: Comrad Knee-High Compression Socks immediately caught our attention because of their sleek design. We were pleasantly shocked to learn how well they held against drying and washing.
Comrad Knee-Highs are firm compression socks (15 to 25 millimeters Hg) comprised from spandex and nylon. They are thin and feature no cushioning, but the heel and toes have a more robust weaving (for the durability). The unisex size is wider than other choices, and comes with the total of six sizes which is the same size offered from Vim & Vigr, another brand that we suggest, which has the largest size selection.
A tester’s lower leg in Comrad Knee-High Compression Socks. They have an intricate stripe pattern with dark, thin lines against an tan background.
Comrad Knee-High Compression Socks in Charcoal/Grey Stripes. Photo: Sarah Kobos
The lower leg of a tester wearing socks from Comrad Knee High. They are the color of a light pinkish-tan with a thin orange band on the top of the socks.
Comrad Knee-High Compression Socks in Rose. Photo: Sarah Kobos
We are very pleased with the shelf life of this pair. The socks did not show any obvious damage following a run through the dryer and washer (as as with any compression socks. The instructions say to dry in air) without stretching in the cuff, and no damage or rips to the material. After a couple of washes, the socks still appeared brand new.
The Comrad socks are available in four modern styles that include stripes, solids colors, color blocks, and ombre styles. They are available with around 30 combinations of colors.
There are some flaws, but they’re not major issues The sock is difficult sock to pull off at all, especially for something that falls within the range of compression that is firm. We believe that the elasticity is unstoppable is the reason this sock has lasted so long during the washing cycle. This could be one to avoid if you are having difficulties fitting compression socks.
Dr. Segal’s Energy Compression Socks
Socks that are comfortable for wear all day long
Simple to put on and wear the cotton blend socks have a soft feel and a noticeable feel next to skin.
30 dollars from Dr. Segal’s
What we love about them Why we like them: We like them because Dr. Segal’s Energy Compression Socks are like a light, pleasant hug to your calves. We immediately noticed how simple to put them on–much more than other socks we tried–and consequently the comfort they provided to wear for a long time.
These Energy socks is a medium-strength compression socks (15 to 20 millimeters Hg) comprised of nylon, cotton and Lycra. The socks that are very thin without cushioning, are perfect to wear while relaxing at home or working at home. Additionally, if you have boots for winter that have lots of padding that’s difficult to get your feet into, these socks are soft enough to let your foot slip right into.
The shaft of the sock isn’t clumped together in a way that makes knees uncomfortable The sock fits snugly around the feet and eliminate any extra fabric at the point where the seam joins (a common feature of less expensive alternatives). They come in four different sizes: M, S L, XL, and S. While there are two distinct pages to shop on the site that are for males as well as one specifically for females, both lead to the same webpages.
A tester’s lower leg in the Dr. Segal Energy Compression Socks in black with gray polka dots, and an gray band on the top of the edge.
Dr. Segal’s Polka Dot The Black Energy Socks. Photo: Sarah Kobos
A tester’s lower leg in the Dr. Segal Energy Compression Socks in sunset colored stripes and brown heels, toe and the top band.
Dr. Segal’s Striped cotton pink energy socks. Photo: Sarah Kobos
Did we dry these by air in accordance with the instructions for care? No, of course it wasn’t. However, a single pass through the dryer and washer caused them no harm which resulted in a tiny warping that is typical of all cotton socks. The company also sells stronger socks.
There are 18 patterns and solids you can pick from most of which are horizontal stripes of various widths, and also Polka dots, houndstooth along with a trippy color space.
Some flaws but nothing that could be considered a deal-breaker As these socks are made of cotton we believe that they will stand up better when you don’t put them in dryers. The socks will remain worn them and wash them, and will keep an eye out for any quality problems.
$36 from Vim & Vigr
What we love about them What we like to love about Vim & Vigr is the huge choice of options it provides that includes more fabric options as well as more compression levels and more sizes options than the options offered by any brand other than Comrad.
We tested the moderate-strength compression socks (15 to 20 millimeters Hg) made of a cotton blend. With their thin material and lack of cushions, these socks tick all the boxes needed for the right fit, which includes no bunching below the knee, and no excess between the feet and toes. They also performed very well during our test of washing, warping little (as every cotton socks does) however not in a surprising way.
A tester’s lower leg in the Vim and Vigr Compression Socks. The socks are an old-fashioned pattern of orange, blue, with oatmeal strips.
Vigr & Vigr Compression Socks (15 to 20 millimeters Hg) in Thick Stripe Oat & Orange. Photo: Sarah Kobos
A tester’s lower limb wearing the Vim and Vigr Compression Socks. They are an brown, aqua with oatmeal strips.
Vim and Vigr Compression Socks (15 to 20 millimeters in height) available in Brooks Stripe Grey. Photo: Sarah Kobos
There are a lot of options. Apart from wool, pick socks made of nylon or a blend of merino. There are three levels of compression that include moderate (15 to 20 millimeters Hg) and hard (20 -30 mm Hg) and extremely robust (30 to 40 millimeters Hg) which is a standard recommended by a physician, instead of being wearing lightly. Six sizes are available available, comprising S M, L, S and wide-calf versions of each of them, ranging from 21 to inches (the widest width available). For medium-compression, there are a variety of options we found 20 distinct colours and designs. In total the selection is greater than any other brand we would recommend.
There are some flaws, but they’re not major issues. It’s possible that the exact combination of design and fit that you’re seeking might not be in stock. For instance, the high-compression socks do not come in a merino-based blend. However, we’re sure that the vast selection of options available this site will help a lot of people customize their choices.
We are the reason you should be able to trust us.
To find out the reasons why individuals wear compression socks, and figure out what constitutes a great pair, we dug through hundreds of reviews from customers and sat down with more than a dozen Wirecutter users who regularly wear them.
We talked to Ajit Chaudhari, an associate professor of orthopedics, physical therapy mechanical engineering, biomedical engineering at Ohio State University, who investigates the effects of exercise compression. (Although Chaudhari designs his own research, Chaudhari has received funding from Nike which sells compression sock.) We also spoke to Bruce Katz, a professor of dermatology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, about when and why he recommends people to use compression socks.
Former staff writer Shannon Palus is a distance runner and frequent traveler. being a resident of New York City, she spends much of her time walking.
Former staff writer Eve O’Neill was on the team for outdoor and travel at Wirecutter where she analyzed and dissected the finer aspects of good socks as she analyzed more than 200 pairs of socks while writing reviews.
Other excellent compression socks
A tester’s lower leg in The Lily Trotters Signature Compression Socks in black, with bright pink and blue small dots, and an edgy pink toe and the top edge scallop.
If you’re looking for compression socks that will aid you in running stylishly There’s a good chance you’ll like Lily Trotters Signature Compression Socks. We had previously made Lily Trotters a pick in this review, however after nearly two decades of washing and wearing the same pair of socks, we noticed that Lily Trotters became notably stiffer and more worn-looking than other pairs. Also, one test participant wore holes in her soles after just a few months of wearing. However the Lily Trotters are a good option for a compression sock due to the synthetic material (they’re 93 percent nylon and 7 percent spandex) and a snug fit around your foot. They are available in a variety of neon shades that may assist runners with their visibility. They also come with solid black and polka dots as well as a myriad of other fun prints. Some have outdoor icons that resemble the style of hiking socks that you can find at REI. Be aware that although our choices are mostly non-specific to gender however, the design on a few of them is distinctly feminine. The compression range is between 15-20 mm in height.
If you’re in search of an unisex ski sock that is compressible The Icebreaker ski+ compression Socks available in both men’s and women’s designs are costly and fill somewhat specific on this list, however the ski socks do need to stand out from an ordinary compression socks. The average skier will spend over a hundred dollars making their boots to accommodate their feet. Nothing other than an extremely thin–almost slippery–form-fitting sock will prevent blisters.
The soles on these socks are designed to fit both right and left foot separately with no extra fabric hanging out of the toes. The fabric is thin and a majority of skiers we’ve met like wool socks due to the fact that they wick naturally and don’t smelt in the same way. The socks contain 54% merino wool combined with synthetics for strength.
Even even if you’re not a professional skier and you’re looking for an extremely thin, form-fitting socks, these are the perfect fit around your toes that we’ve ever have tried.
The challenge
Medium-strength Sockwell Incline Compression Socks for males and females feature the most cushioned sole that you can feel that is not just a more hefty knit across the sole. Sockwell’s concept of a running socks. However, unlike the ski sock there’s no standard way that a running sock can be designed to fit. Some prefer cushioning while some do not. If you’re in the market for a compression sock designed specifically for running and don’t know the initial opinion of the way you’d like it to fit, we’d suggest starting with the Sockwell soft compression sock. It’s the same sock but without the cushioning, and has a greater compression (20 to 30 millimeters Hg) that we have found that a lot of runners prefer.
The Figs Comppression Socks for both men and women are compression socks made by medical experts. the adorable illustrations of doctors treating llamas and pills as well as body parts are awe-inspiring. But, they did suffer a lot during washing, which isn’t so for socks made of synthetic material. One test participant stated, “I’d be disappointed if something I loved so much was worn out fast.” Overall the fit is very comfortable and, if you’re a fan of the designs it is possible to care for them by air drying (which is the method Figs suggests).
The SB Sox are a budget-friendly unisex compression product (20 to 30 millimeters Hg) which we suggested in the previous version of this guide. However, we decided that the Go2Socks were the better option. They are longer and are much more comfortable (the SB Sox run ultra-long and tend to bunch up at the knee) There are more sizes available.
It’s true that the unisex Comrad Merino wool Compression Socks performed poorly in the washer and dryer. The toes and heels were sloppy and worn-looking after only one wash. Merino is generally a mess in dryers and washers and Comrad recommends air drying which isn’t surprising. However, other socks — including the nylon-spandex socks we suggest–affected lesser wear during our tests.
Ostrichpillow produces a pair Bamboo Compression Socks with sort of a color-blocked modern design. The compression is moderate with a range of 8 to 15 millimeters Hg. However, as with many socks, these didn’t hold against the washing machine We don’t believe they’ll last long. If you’re looking for very lightweight compression, this one is among the smallest of the ones we examined.
We did not test Bombas Compression Socks (15 to 20 millimeters Hg) due to the fact that we’ve seen how fast the regular pairs degrade. This is why we weren’t convinced that the compression variant would hold against the quality of other alternatives.
Blitzu Compression Socks offer some compression to the foot and some feel to be comfortable. After just one use and a wash it became apparent that the bottom part of the sock began piling. In addition, there’s only one size that women can wear (the medium and small sizes are women’s sizes 5-11) So, those who have smaller feet might not feel any compression.
Physix Gear Sport Compression Socks have a similar appearance packaging, size, and color choices to our budget choice Go2Socks, however, they’re more substantial and cost more.
A less-compression version of our choice Sockwell’s Circulator Graduated Compression Socks designed for women and men are available with a greater variety of colors than the more traditional versions. However they’re compressive range (15 to 20 millimeters HG) was not snug enough as the top part of the socks began to feel somewhat loose and warped after only several minutes of wear.
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