The Best Compression Socks

Buying Guide

There are many reasons why people choose to wear compression socks. They help treat and prevent a variety of potentially serious ailments. But that’s not all. They also offer comfort for athletes and active people who want to improve their performance and recovery.

Given these benefits, you’re likely to need a pair for yourself at some point. Thankfully, they are easy to find and purchase. You can buy them online, at many drug stores, medical supply companies and athletic stores. They can range in price, depending on what kind you purchase and where you buy them.

Many people can benefit from compression socks or compression stockings. Their primary use is for those with circulation problems. Compression socks help with deep vein thrombosis (DVT), varicose veins and diabetes. They can also help with post-surgical recovery and anyone who is bed-bound or has a hard time moving their legs.

Compression socks can compensate for minimal movement and prevent dangerous circulation issues. Compression socks are also especially useful for people who are active and stand all day for work. Similarly, many athletes use them to prevent injury and encourage circulation during a workout.

Finally, frequent travelers, pilots or travelers with long-haul flights on their itinerary can combat some of the effects of being in the airplane with compression socks. Essentially, they improve your blood flow, and that’s something just about everyone can benefit from. They can lessen pain and swelling in your legs. They can also lower your chances of getting deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a kind of blood clot, and other circulation problems.

“These are a great investment if you travel a lot, feel swollen, have plantar fasciitis, or any other inflammatory or pain issues with your feet or calves,” Stephanie Mansour, a certified personal trainer and the founder of fitness brand Step It Up With Steph, says. “Many of these compression socks are supportive and literally compress the skin and muscles to help with inflammation.”

“If you’re wearing these socks out with an outfit, I would choose the socks based on color and how they look! Fashion first in this case,” Mansour says. “However, if you’re not worried about appearance and looking for the most effective one, I would recommend a thicker compression sock instead of a thinner one so that there’s more material and stronger material to compress against the body.”

Compression socks come in different sizes and strengths, so you or your doctor will need to decide which option will work best for how you plan to wear them. These socks are a simple but effective solution to circulatory issues. They work by putting pressure on your legs to improve blood vessel function. As a result, the arteries that transport oxygen-rich blood from your heart to your muscles can relax and blood flows freely.

Plus, the veins also get extra help pushing blood back to your heart and out of the legs. The enhanced circulation means your legs are less likely to get tired and achy and your feet and ankles won’t swell. The compression also helps prevent and treat spider and varicose veins.

The most significant benefit is keeping blood flowing so it is harder to pool in veins and form a clot. A blood clot that forms in the legs can be very dangerous, even deadly. It can travel in your veins throughout the circulatory system, potentially getting stacking and clogging your lungs or brain.

• Anyone can buy compression socks or compression stockings, no prescription or specific condition is required. However, if your doctor prescribes them for you for a medical condition, your insurance may cover the cost.
• Some compression socks come in multiple styles made specifically for men and women. However, the only real difference between men’s styles and women’s styles is size. The rest of the design is practically identical.
• Many compression socks come in bright, vibrant colors similar to athletic attire. Of course, there are also sets that conveniently come in neutral and dark shades, so they are more wearable and less obvious.
• It’s important to think about exactly what type of activity you’ll plan to wear the compression socks for before you purchase them. Some socks are made with extra durable fabric to withstand tough training. Other styles are made in discrete neutral colors and minimal logos for wear in athletic, office and travel environments.
• You should also be aware that compression socks overall come with a much higher price tag than your standard socks. There is a significant amount of technology as well as health benefits built-in, so it’s more than worth it.
• Most socks have graduated compression and fabric to optimize circulation and blood flow. Some set themselves apart with an extra-padded calf for additional support.

This review has been updated by DWYM staff.