We Tested 26 Pairs of Compression Socks—These Are the Most Comfortable and Effective (2024)

We Tested 26 Pairs of Compression Socks—These Are the Most Comfortable and Effective (1)

Compression socks support circulation in your feet to relieve swelling and prevent pain. They can be useful for all kinds of people. Pregnancy, extended sitting, or long hours on your feet can strain your veins and cause your feet to swell. Compression socks are also a useful tool to help treat varicose veins, which are more common than you may think. Approximately 73% of women and 56% of men experience varicose veins in their lifetime.

While compression and relief are the main considerations, you'll also want a pair that's comfortable, easy to wash, and able to wick away moisture. Our editors tested 26 pairs of compression socks, wearing each pair while sitting for a few hours and again when standing for a few hours. Then, we rated the socks based on fit, support, feel, comfort, and value.

What Healthcare Providers Want You to Know

  • Frequency of use: Jeffrey Apple, MD, FACS,a board-certified vascular surgeon with VeinSolutions, says to avoid wearing compression socks to bed since this can cut off blood flow. You can wear compression socks for up to 16 hours each day, but exactly how long depends on why you’re wearing them. For instance, if you need them for occasional travel, you will wear them less than someone who wears them for everyday support. If you wear compression socks to prevent common side effects from conditions like diabetes, edema, or varicose veins, it’s best to wear them for longer stretches of time.
  • Who can benefit from them: Compression socks can be helpful if you experience swollen legs or feet. You may also consider wearing them if you are pregnant, work long hours at a desk or counter, or train as an athlete.Your doctor might also prescribe them if you have troublesome varicose veins or other circulatory conditions. If you have mild pain and swelling, buying a low-compression pair could help, saysHarry Ma, MD, PhD, a board-certified general and vascular surgeon.
  • Strengths of compression: Compression socks have different compression strengths, measured in millimeters of mercury, or mmHg. There's a considerable range from nonmedical grade socks, which provide mild (8–15 mmHg) or moderate (15–20 mmHg) compression, to medical grade compression socks of 20–30 mmHg and 30–40 mmHg. Apple says a 20–30 mmHg compression level should be adequate for varicose vein relief or after spider vein treatment.
  • Compression socks for diabetes: If you have diabetes, you must pay extra attention to your feet and legs. This is because diabetes often results in poor circulation, which can cause swelling in the feet and legs, also known as peripheral edema. Soft, comfortable, well-cushioned compression stockings support healthy circulation and protect your feet from hard surfaces.Note that not all people with diabetes need compression socks, and sometimes, swelling of the legs from diabetes may not pose an issue to veins. That's why, if you have diabetes, it's important to see a doctor before you use compression socks.

Why We Recommend It

Designed for healthcare workers on their feet all day, these medical-grade compression stockings check all the right boxes. Since they provide a higher compression rating, these socks are best for people who spend long hours on their feet or have a medical condition that can slow circulation.

When we tried this pair, we felt immediate relief, especially in the arches and heels. The socks were tight but not too difficult to put on or remove.

Keep in Mind

They come in various bright, vibrant designs that add color to your wardrobe, but they’re not the best pick if you want something more inconspicuous.

Key Specs:
Material:
90% Nylon; 10% Spandex | Compression Level: 20-30mmHg |Fit: Below knee | Available Sizes: S, M, L, XL

We Tested 26 Pairs of Compression Socks—These Are the Most Comfortable and Effective (3)

Pros

  • Comfortable all day long

  • Supportive

  • Affordable

Cons

  • Not the most attractive pair

  • May be too long for petite builds

Why We Recommend It

Physix Gear Sport Compression socks are our top pick for varicose veins because they feel amazing and provide impressive support without any itchiness or discomfort. In fact, at one point, we forgot we were even wearing them—and when you have varicose veins and need to wear compression socks all day, every day, that’s a huge benefit.

The socks feature graduated compression, which makes them easy to put on and off. They also come in many sizes and colors.

In comparison, we also tested the Figs Compression Socks. We love that they are made from sustainably sourced yarn and have ball and toe padding with 360-degree compression for your feet. We found them soft and supportive. However, they were a bit too tight and restrictive of blood flow, making them hard to wear for long periods. So, if you're looking for a pair of socks that you can wear all day, we recommend the Physix Gear socks over the Figs socks.

Keep in Mind

Although they don’t have the great designs many other brands boast of, they make up for that in comfort and support.

Key Specs:
Material:
85% Nylon ; 10% Polyester ; 5% Copper Fiber | Compression Level: Graduated from 20-30 in the foot to 10-15 at the calf | Fit: Below the knee | Available Sizes: S, M, L, XL

We Tested 26 Pairs of Compression Socks—These Are the Most Comfortable and Effective (5)

Pros

  • Durable

  • Affordable

Cons

  • Not suitable for longwear

Long flights, extended time at a desk, or immobility after surgery compromise your circulation and increase your risk of forming blood clots. Bluemaple Copper Compression Socks are our pick for the best clot-preventing stockings because they provide adequate compression while being breathable and offering great value if you need multiple pairs.

The socks are snug but also easy to put on and remove. We loved that they stayed in place all day without bunching or slipping. They’re also extremely breathable and hold their shape well after washing. You get six pairs at an accessible price point, so you can wash and wear them all week.

Keep in Mind

After wearing the socks for eight hours, we felt slight discomfort and mild itchiness, so these may not be the best if you have sensitive skin or need to wear them for long periods. The socks may also shrink in the dryer, so air drying is preferable.

Key Specs:
Material:
85% Nylon; 18% Polyester | Compression Level: Graduated from 20-30 in the foot to 10-15 at the calf | Fit: Below the knee | Available Sizes: S, M, L, XL

  • We Tested 26 Pairs of Compression Socks—These Are the Most Comfortable and Effective (7)

  • We Tested 26 Pairs of Compression Socks—These Are the Most Comfortable and Effective (8)

Pros

  • Comfortable all day long

  • Durable

  • Breathable

Cons

  • Take some work to get into them

  • Not the most affordable pair

Why We Recommend It

If you have diabetes and your doctor wants you to wear compression socks, we like Sockwell Women's Elevation Firm Graduated Compression Socks. They're breathable, with great arch support and graduated compression. During our testing period, the socks greatly improved foot circulation when worn while sitting and during long walks. They're also high quality and don't pill or shrink after multiple washes. The blend of merino wool, bamboo rayon, nylon, and spandex is comfortable and allows for freedom of movement while providing adequate support.

Keep in Mind

The socks fit tighter, so you might want to order the next size up.

Key Specs:
Material:
31% Merino Wool; 31% Bamboo Rayon; 30% Stretch Nylon; 8% Spandex | Compression Level: Graduated, 20-30mmHg | Fit: Firm to tight, below the knee | Available Sizes: US 4 - 11

Pros

  • Affordable

  • Supportive

  • Comfortable all day long

Cons

  • Fit isn’t as snug as other options

Why We Recommend It

Charmking Compression Socks come in an 8-pack and are ideal for nurses and anyone who spends long hours on their feet. The socks reduce foot pain and swelling, even after two to three-hour walks. One of our editors, who recently had foot surgery, noted a significant decrease in pain and swelling after wearing the socks for 12 hours per day over three weeks.

The socks are designed for athletic daily wear and are the compression socks you want when you need to perform at your best. They kept our feet dry, and we loved the light padding.

Keep in Mind

They’re a bit stretchier than other socks we reviewed, and the compression isn’t as intense. If you need more support, look for socks that provide at least 20mmHg.

Key Specs:
Material:
85% Nylon; 15% Spandex| Compression Level: 15-20mmHg | Fit: Stretchy, below the knee | Available Sizes: S, M

We Tested 26 Pairs of Compression Socks—These Are the Most Comfortable and Effective (11)

Pros

  • Easy to wear

  • Durable

  • Supportive

  • Comfortable all day long

Cons

  • Limited patterns

Why We Recommend It

Whether you want to blaze past like Usain Bolt or do a light maintenance run around the block, compression socks have been shown to improve performance. Lily Trotters Athletic Compression Socks are designed to free your feet from swelling, soreness, and cramps after long runs or workouts.

We found the socks easy to wear and remove, and they were comfortable even after being worn for 12 hours. They also held up great after multiple washes. The socks are thin enough to be worn in layers for extra warmth during cold-weather training but also supportive enough to wear alone.

In comparison, we also tested Hi Clasmix Graduated Medical Compression Socks, which we loved for enhanced workouts. While they were comfortable and easy to wear, their durability was questionable, and they didn’t do much to combat sweaty feet, so we recommend the Lily Trotters Athletic Compression Socks over the Hi Clasmix socks.

Keep in Mind

The pattern options are very limited.

Key Specs:
Material:
93% Nylon; 7% Spandex| Compression Level: 15-20mmHg | Fit: Below the knee | Available Sizes: S, M, L, XL

  • We Tested 26 Pairs of Compression Socks—These Are the Most Comfortable and Effective (13)

  • We Tested 26 Pairs of Compression Socks—These Are the Most Comfortable and Effective (14)

Pros

  • Easy to wear

  • Supportive

  • Comfortable all day long

Cons

  • Mild compression might not be enough for some people

Why We Recommend It

Gradient or graduated compression is necessary for extra support below your ankles. Dr. Scholl’s Women’s Graduated Compression Socks provide the most compression to your feet, gradually easing their grip from your ankles to your calves. We found them to be breathable, comfortable, and supportive of a wide range of motion. We expected the ankle compression to be too tight but surprisingly comfortable.

The stay-up design prevents the socks from slipping or bunching around your ankles, and the ultra-smooth, invisible seam and lightweight construction favor all-day wear. These socks give you the right compression at the right spot with minimal hassles.

Keep in Mind

Some people may need more compression. The grip here loosens over time, so if that's not right for you, you should consider other options.

Key Specs:
Material:
96% Nylon; 4% Spandex | Compression Level: Mild, 8-15mmHg | Fit: Below the knee | Available Sizes: M, L, (US 4 - 12)

  • We Tested 26 Pairs of Compression Socks—These Are the Most Comfortable and Effective (16)

  • We Tested 26 Pairs of Compression Socks—These Are the Most Comfortable and Effective (17)

What to Look For in Compression Socks

  • Material: The best material for compression depends on your needs. Cotton is popular in warmer weather since it’s breathable, while Merino wool may be better in winter. Nylon socks stretch better and can be easier to wear if you have mobility concerns. Other common materials include spandex, polyester, and rayon.
  • Level of Compression: Compression levels vary from 8-12mmHg to 40-50mmHg. Most people will only need 15-20 mmHg. Compression socks with 20-30mmHG or above can be very difficult to wear and may cause people to skip them. If you have mild symptoms, you will probably need less compression, whereas you’ll need more if your symptoms are severe. If you’re new to compression socks, it’s best to start with a lower level of compression and gradually increase as needed. If you’re unsure how much compression you need, consult a doctor or vascular surgeon.
  • Fit: For compression socks to work well, they need to fit snugly over your feet and legs. They should be tight enough to encourage blood flow and reduce pain but not so tight that they hurt. While all the socks on our list hit just below your knee, you can also get thigh-high stockings and crew or ankle socks with extra compression.

Our Experts

We use expert input at every step of reporting and writing this story. Here are some of the experts we consulted along the way:

  • Jeffrey Apple, MD, FACS,a board-certified vascular surgeon with VeinSolutions
  • Harry Ma, MD, PhD, board-certified general and vascular surgeon affiliated with Manchester Memorial Hospital

Why Trust Verywell Health

Nsisong Asanga is a licensed physician with several years of medical experience. Over the last two years, she has been using her writing to help people live healthier lives. She has used compression socks herself and helped others get a pair too. She constantly contributes toward personal and public health by sharing well-researched, accurate information. You can find her health contributions on platforms like The Independent, Healthline, Insider, Parents, and Reader’s Digest.

We Tested 26 Pairs of Compression Socks—These Are the Most Comfortable and Effective (2024)

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