These $14 Compression Socks Keep Swelling At Bay Even After Hours On Your Feet

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For anyone familiar with the strains of long hours on their feet or intense workouts, discomfort in the legs, particularly the shins and calves, is all too familiar. That’s where compression socks come in handy, as they're designed to support your muscles and healthy blood flow when you're on your feet for long periods of time. They can even prevent leg fatigue during flights, making a quality pair of compression socks a travel essential we can't fly without.

Best compression socks for women

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"Compression socks are great for recovery because they slow blood flow to your lower legs while you're wearing them and then flood the area with fresh oxygen once you take them off, which helps with muscle recovery," says Becs Gentry, a certified run coach/trainer and instructor at Peloton. This mechanism proves beneficial for athletes seeking to alleviate post-workout soreness.

Cara Dobbertin, a physical therapist with Practitionr, underscores their value for athletes, highlighting their role in optimizing circulatory efficiency and minimizing muscle soreness following strenuous activity. However, the utility of compression socks goes way beyond the realm of fitness. (In fact, most people don't think of them within the context of fitness at all.)

Aside from travelers and athletes, they're great for pregnant individuals, those prone to varicose veins, and those recovering from surgery due to their ability to improve blood circulation and reduce swelling in the legs.

Considering their benefits, investing in quality compression socks proves wise. So, if you're looking for some online shopping inspo, keep reading for the 11 best compression socks, according to experts and editors who have actually tested them. Your lower legs will thank you!

What to consider

Compression

Standard medical grade compression socks are 20 to 30 mmHg, but that much compression can sometimes feel uncomfortable for people at first, says Patrick McEneaney, DPM, owner and CEO of Northern Illinois Foot & Ankle Specialists. "Unless someone has grossly swollen calves, I usually start people at like 10 to 15 mmHg; those are half-strength." If you start there and find the compression doesn't feel strong enough, you can always bump up to something stronger.

Another thing to note is the look of the socks and where they deliver pressure, too. “Great compression socks are segmented into small areas of the foot, as well as looser areas like around the toes and heels,” Gentry explains. “Good socks shouldn’t leave your lower legs or feet freezing cold if you leave them on too long, either.” (You want 'em to slow the blood flow, not cut it off entirely, obvs.)

Material

Material plays a crucial role in the comfort, durability, and overall performance of compression socks. Look for socks made from breathable fabrics such as nylon, spandex, or a blend of both. These materials offer a high level of elasticity, allowing the socks to maintain their compression levels without feeling too tight or restrictive. Synthetic materials like these also have moisture-wicking properties, which helps keep your feet dry and comfortable, reducing the risk of blisters and irritation.

Length

Like regular socks, compressions socks come in various lengths, ranging from ankle to knee-high. The choice of length depends on your specific needs and preferences. Ankle-length socks provide targeted support through the midfoot and are discreet under clothing, ideal to ease foot fatigue for everyday wear or during workouts.

Knee-high compression socks offer more coverage, providing compression from the foot to just below the knee. This length is ideal for individuals seeking relief from swelling or for those with circulation issues in the lower limbs.

Size and fit

When it comes to buying compressions socks, you should aim for ones that are slightly snug, but not so tight that they’d cut off your circulation, explains Latoya Shauntay Snell, HOKA One One athlete, ultrarunner, and Runner’s Alliance ambassador.

Pay close attention to the diameter of the sock's opening, especially if they're calf or knee-height. Some compression socks are tighter than others, which can result in an uncomfortable fit over the calf for some people.

McEneaney recommends buying just one pair at first. "Don't buy up six pairs and then find out later that they don't fit right, or they're too big and they slide down." Since that's not helpful, it’s important to get the right size at the beginning, he says. Once you find something comfy, go ahead and stock up.

How we Tested and selected products

Our team tests a wide range of products and services to provide our readers with reliable, honest, and trustworthy information. It's our belief that our readers deserve the best, which is why our recommendations have been thoroughly tested and vetted by our very own editors.

For the past few months, Women’s Health editors, including our commerce editor Jasmine Gomez and fitness editor Talene Appleton, tested the bestselling, most popular, and top-rated compression socks. On top of testing, we consulted four medical and running experts and evaluated thousands of customer reviews and ratings to narrow down the 12 best compression socks for a wide range of needs and preferences.

With over 42,000 positive reviews on Amazon, you can easily say that these compression socks are the best of the best. Not only do they look sleek, but they’re easy to slip on and off while still putting enough pressure on your calves. They’ve even got special segments built up the heel and into the arches and toes to support areas susceptible to overuse injuries.

"I've had a hard time finding compression socks that don't completely cut off my circulation, but finally found a pair," says one tester who had their ankles swell up from a hight blood pressure medication. "I flew from Arizona to New Orleans and walked for hours and my feet and ankles didn't swell."

Oh, and they're super comfortable, too, testers say.

Gentry enjoys using Comrad socks because they’re not too tight, but great for when you’re still hot from a workout or in a tight space on a plane.

WH fitness editor Jennifer Nied says that these socks are easy to slip on and off. She also says that she wasn't sure they'd work, but that they exceed her expectations. "They came through and my feet and ankles stayed comfy through a full travel day of flying and car and boat transfers," Jennifer says. "The light fabric didn't make me overheat in a tropical climate either," she adds.

This particular design is a little wider at the calves, so you won’t get annoyed adjusting them in tight spaces or tucking them in pants. And if you want more room, know that these socks are also available in 'wide calf' sizes, which allots for even more room towards the sock's opening. "I realized how effective they were on the return trip when I forgot to put them on after boarding (big mistake) and arrived home with swollen ankles and achey feet," Jennifer says.

These socks are thick and heavyweight, so you’ll really feel the compression on your tendons, but they'll also keep you warm when temps dip. The socks come up knee-high to keep the cold out and are made with merino wool (which is naturally sweat-wicking, yet insulating).

You'll love this pick if you're looking for socks for the winter. They're perfect at keeping your feet not too hot, but not too cold. "I am in Minnesota so my feet get cold in winter, yet I do get hot from moving around the house," one reviewer writes. "This sock breathes and keeps my feet dry and warm."

“I'm an avid fan of Swiftwick socks, particularly the Flite XT and Aspire line," says Snell. "They are the perfect length and I'm always blister-free."

These socks hit just above the ankle and have a stitched Y-shape at the heel to support your feet. Plus, they’re super breathable and, yes—they also have mesh bottoms for water release. The socks are travel-approved, too. Women's Health deputy editor Amanda Lucci wore them on a 15-hour flight and she had no ankle swelling at all.

If you want socks you can put to work while you're on your feet, Sockwell's got you covered. These socks have everything your feet need to reduce foot fatigue—full arch support, ventilated flex zones, an ultra-light cushion sole, and more. "My pair of Sockwell’s Ascends Crew Cut has been my favorite for nearly a year now. For starters, they’re insanely soft, especially on the bottoms, where it feels like there’s extra cushioning," says Women's Health editorial assistant Addison Aloian. "Walking around my apartment without shoes on feels luxurious when I have these on," she adds.

These socks are also moisture-absorbing, so they prevent blisters, eliminate odor, and stay comfy while keeping your feet dry. "The crew cut is perfect, as they reach just an inch past my ankles, making them the perfect ankle socks to pair with white sneakers when I’m at the gym," says Addison. "Plus, they’re adorable."

Adorable? Yes. But they’re durable too. "Even though I’ve had them for almost a full year, they look just as good as the first day I got them." While a lot of other compression socks she's owned have developed holes within than a year, these Addison says these have worn and washed well through many sweaty runs, HIIT sessions, weightlifting workouts, walks, and everything in between.

However, while they’re marketed as having a medium level of compression, our testers don't agree. We would classify this level of compression as 'light', meaning it may not be the best choice for those with more significant compression needs.

Dobbertin recommends this pair of compression socks for their "therapeutic level of graduated compression." With almost 1000 five-star reviews, this pair is perfect for a subtle, but effective compression. One 70-year-old tester said they've tried dozens of compression socks, but feels Jobst offers the best for the price.

"These socks give good support and actually increase your activity tolerance to allow you to do activities that were previously tiring," the tester says. "I eventually moved to the open-toe style because everyone starts to have trouble with their toes and toenails as they age, as did I." The open-toe gives a bit more flexibility to wear, as you can adjust them to sit where you need them, testers say.

Made with medical-grade nylon, these compression socks are built with calf support that reduces leg vibration possibly leading to less fatigue. The material doesn't lose compression with each wear, so if you're into open-toe socks, this option is great for everyday wear.

Women's Health managing editor Laura McLaughlin says she has a family history of both varicose and spider veins and struggles with "bad veins," so she's tried a lot of compression socks. Out of the many she's tested, she regularly uses this model from Doc Miller to combat occasional discomfort.

She landed on the brand after trying many others, weighing factors like comfort in both warm and cold weather, how well they stand up to wear, and how well they layer under clothes. “Doc Miller compression socks tend to be thin, strong, and durable. For me, they have the best variety in size, compression, and length (this is more important than you would think!), and they don’t look medical, they are sporty.”

Designed with a Y-stitched heel which creates a natural cap around the heel, these socks are super supportive and great at preventing swelling, too. They're even great during pregnancy, says Women's Health senior deputy digital editor Maridel Reyes, who continued to wear them through postpartum to ease swelling. And when she sprained her ankle a few months after giving birth, her physical therapist suggested that she wear the compression socks to keep her joint supported while she recovered.

"I've tried other compression socks before, but some were too long (I'm short), and others were TOO tight and would leave welts," she says. But not these socks from Bombas. She wore them for one long travel day (two and a half hours driving and over a two-hour train ride) without any complaints. "They were so comfortable that I didn't take them off for the rest of the day when I got to my destination! When I finally took the socks off that evening, my feet and legs weren't swollen," she says.

Not only are Bombas' compression socks made of high-quality, soft materials, but they also help those in need. For each pair of Bombas socks purchased, the company gives a pair to someone without the means to buy their own.

WH executive health and fitness director Jacqueline Andriakos owns both the ankle and the knee-high version of this sock from Copper Compression and is a huge fan of both. The ankle cut provides just the right amount of compression to prevent puffiness and swelling after a day of walking, without feeling overly tight (an issue our testers have encountered with many compression socks). "I also like that the ankle cut comes up slightly higher on my ankle than other ankle socks and features a heel pad to prevent rubbing and blisters from shoes."

The knee-high pair is ideal for airplane travel, according to Jacqueline. "Unlike other compression socks that are thick and difficult to put on, this pair strikes the perfect balance of compression and ease of wear," she says. "They effectively support circulation in my legs without the struggle of squeezing them on, which is especially important for me at 35 weeks pregnant."

To give you support where you need it the most, Threads' compression socks feature light graduated compression that provides support to tired and achy legs. The feet are also boarded, which adds a slight massaging effect on the soles. The socks are designed like tights, so you can pair them with your prettiest dresses and skirts.

Women's Health assistant social media editor Isabel McMahon loved how comfortable they were, on top of being stylish. "These are the perfect addition to my work intimates," says Isabel.

"I wore them after a tough yoga class and definitely felt less swelling in my lower legs than I normally do post-workout," she says. "They were very comfortable, especially because they were thin and could easily slide into any of my shoes or underneath pant legs. Putting these socks on felt extremely similar to any pair of tights I’ve worn, and still offered the benefits of a supportive compression sock."

Probably the comfiest pair on this list, Pear's cute compression socks look and feel just like another pair of everyday socks. But, they're actually designed to offer 360-degree targeted compression, which improves circulation and lymph flow.

Women's Health associate commerce editor Lily Wohlner loves this pair for everyday wear. "If I'm ever stepping out for a long day, these socks are always on my feet," she says. "They're also moisture-wicking and anti-odor, so they don't stick to your skin when you go take them off." These socks from Pear are also okay for those with sensitive skin, since the soft, breathable fabric is also hypoallergenic.

Who should get compression socks?

Compression socks are great for travel (particular flying), pregnancy, or trouble with varicose veins. Dobbertin also suggests wearing them for post-op recovery, and if you sit for long periods of time at work.

Athletes should also consider investing in a few pairs, Dobbertin suggests, as they make great athletic socks. "Compression socks can improve workout recovery through enhanced circulatory efficiency, thereby minimizing muscle soreness following strenuous activity," she says.

How do compression socks work?

You've probably felt the relief of a snug-fitting sock before, but you may not know how the magic works. So, here's how. Compression socks are designed to gently squeeze your ankles and calves to help stimulate better blood circulation, says McEneaney.

More blood circulation means ailments can heal faster and more efficiently. "These socks increase the pressure in your leg's tissue to minimize and prevent swelling," he explains. The pressure can also help prevent damage to the vein walls and valves, minimize inflammation, and prevent blood clots, he adds.

Is it okay to wear them everyday?

"Generally, compression socks are fine to wear all day when you follow your doctor's advice," says McEneaney. If you're having leg, ankle, or foot issues, you should speak to a doctor to see if compression socks are in fact the solution, since there are different kinds of socks used for different kinds of ailments. It's not a one-size-fits-all kind of thing, McEneaney says.

You should also always make sure that your compression socks are properly fitted. "If they're either too tight or too loose, they won't do their job, or can actually make the ailment worse by cutting off blood flow," McEneaney says. If they are too tight, they can cause bruising, lesions on the skin, and aggravate sensitive skin, especially if you're wearing them for too long.

How does the compression strength scale work?

When shopping for compression socks, you may see a mmHg abbreviation in their description. This is a measure of blood pressure, and is associated with millimeters of mercury. "The mmHg stands for the amount of pressure the socks will apply to your legs," Dobbertin says. The scale will typically range from eight mmHg to 40 mmHg or higher, depending on the brand or type of socks you buy and their intended use. "The lower levels provide light compression," Dobbertin explains. "As you go up the scale, the compression increases and typically requires medical supervision." So, ultimately, you want to make sure you consult with your healthcare provider to find the level of compression that best suits your needs, she says.

How long should I wear them for?

Because this differs from person to person, you should speak to your doctor to see what their recommendation is for how long you should wear your compression socks.

Dobbertin says the best time to wear compression socks are during travel, pregnancy, a workout, or as consulted by a medical professional.

Meet the experts:

• Becs Gentry, a certified run coach/trainer and instructor at Peloton

• Latoya Shauntay Snell, HOKA One One athlete, ultra-runner, and Runner’s Alliance ambassador

• Patrick McEneaney, DPM, owner and CEO of Northern Illinois Foot & Ankle Specialist

• Cara Dobbertin, PT, DPT with Practitionr

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