Wearing compression socks can provide multiple health benefits to your calves, ankles, and feet.
Wearing compression socks can provide multiple health benefits to your calves, ankles, and feet.
These socks provide light compression to improve blood flow, reduce swelling and inflammation, control blood pressure, and potentially prevent deep vein thrombosis and other medical conditions.
The thing is, most compression socks in the market will only provide some of the said benefits. That’s why we’ll help you discover the best compression socks for everyday wear in this guide.
Our Top Picks: An Overview
- Wellow Plum Twist Compression Socks
- CompresSport Full Socks Oxygen
- Comrad Nylon Knee High Socks
- Levsox Wide Calf Compression Socks
- Dr. Segal’s Energy Compression Socks
- Go2Socks Compression Socks
6 Best Compression Socks
Here are our top picks for compression socks:
1. Wellow Plum Twist Compression Socks
Compression level: 18–25 mmHg
The Wellow Plum Twist compression socks strike the sweet spot between the gentle wrapping of your legs, ankles, and feet and the required support that can improve circulation with lighter compression levels.
Because of their antimicrobial properties, Wellow socks are especially helpful on long flights or in hospital settings where keeping the feet warm and protected is needed.
They’re soft, durable, and machine washable (using cold water on the gentle cycle). Lastly, the moisture-wicking, breathable fabric properties will keep your feet smelling good, even after a long, exhausting day.
2. CompresSport Full Socks Oxygen
Compression level: Varies across the socks’ length
The Compressport Full Socks Oxygen is an ideal choice if you seek sturdy compression socks that provide thermoregulation, comfort, and breathability.
Designed specifically for athletes, the socks’ different lengths have different degrees of compression, with the lightest compression around the calf area to prevent restricting its mobility.
It also has a graded ventilation within its fabric around the calf area to allow for more air and freedom. According to CompressSport, these socks improve muscle oxygenation by 10%, which can delay fatigue and improve endurance.
CompressSport even went the extra mile and provided grippy 3D dots around the foot area to provide gripping within the running shoes to improve stability during rapid movements.
Keep in mind that, unlike the Wellow Plum Twist socks, the CompressSport fabric doesn’t have antibacterial properties, so it must be washed regularly.
3. Comrad Nylon Knee High Socks
Compression level: 15–20 mmHg
The Comrad Nylon Knee High Socks made their way into our list because of their durability. Even after multiple washes, you won’t find visual distortion or damage to these socks.
They also have modern styles and a unisex sizing system, as well as 30 color combinations to choose from, making it easy to find a suitable pair.
Performance-wise, the Comrad Socks provide medium compression and are a lot more comfortable than they look. It’s probably because of the contoured design that follows the shape of the calf.
According to Comrad, their winning card is the True Graduated Compression, which is strongest around the ankle for stability and gradually reduced as you go up for comfort.
While not a deal breaker, wearing these socks was more difficult than other socks, and it’s probably because of the elasticity provided by its 91% nylon composition.
4. Levsox Wide Calf Compression Socks
Compression level: 15–20 mmHg
With 10,000+ reviews, the Levsox Wide Calf Compression Socks are among the best sellers, especially among people with large calf muscles, as the sock is specifically designed for them.
The 360-degree woven design provides long-lasting compression, support, and comfort, making them suitable for extended wear.
Unlike many other compression socks, wearing these Levsox socks for extended periods doesn’t lead to that annoying tightness under the knee.
This makes it suitable for nurses, security guards, long-flight passengers, and teachers who need to stimulate blood flow to their feet and receive other compression benefits.
Since these socks target larger calves, the sizing starts from medium, not small. In other words, their smallest size might be too big if your calf isn’t large enough.
They’re also not suitable for sports because, despite being comfortable, they’re not breathable enough for vigorous exercise.
5. Dr. Segal’s Energy Compression Socks
Compression level: 15–20 mmHg
Dr. Segal’s Energy Compression Socks made it to our list because of their versatility. If you have swelling or pain in your calves, ankles, and feet, and you need a pair of compression socks for everyday use, this is the one for you.
According to Dr. Segal, these compression socks boost circulation, reduce the risk of blood clots, provide faster recovery time after workouts, and may reduce the risk of varicose veins.
Since these socks were designed to be worn all day long, many efforts were made to improve their comfort. The footbed is cushioned with extra padding, the top has a wide comfort band, and the construction is flat-felled—all to provide maximum comfort.
Also, much like Wellow’s Plum Twist, Dr. Segal’s socks provide anti-microbial and moisture-wicking properties.
6. Go2Socks Compression Socks
Compression level: 20–30 mmHg
If you’re shopping on a budget but still require a high-quality pair of compression socks, the Go2Socks Compression Socks can be the perfect choice. These socks cost less than any other pair on this list, but they can perform just as well.
You can choose between four unisex sizes, with the XL size accommodating up to 21-inch calf measurements, similar to the more expensive Levsox compression socks.
Moreover, you have 20+ colors and patterns to choose from, and they have a perfect fit (assuming you have the proper size).
Still, while the Go2Socks are great for everyday use, the low price point comes with a few limitations.
For example, the 20–30 mmHg compression (the highest on our list) can be too tight for some people, especially around the toe area and below the knee. Further, on continuous washing, the heel area may wear off faster than other products on the list.
What Should You Look for Before Buying Compression Socks?
Compression socks are often more expensive than regular ones, so you can’t just pick up a handful and see which one fits.
Here are the factors to keep in mind before you make your purchase:
Usage
Not all compression socks serve the same benefit. For example, if you wear compression socks designed for everyday use, like Dr. Segal’s, you can’t expect them to do well in rigorous activities. A better alternative would be the CompresSport Full Socks Oxygen.
Compression Level
Do you need a compression sock for regular use, or do you have a swelling/inflammation you need to control? Consult your physician before deciding on a compression sock to avoid worsening your condition by accident.
Durability
Are you willing to wear compression socks as part of your daily career? For example, if you’re a nurse who spends long periods standing, you need compression socks that won’t deteriorate with continuous usage and washing.
Alternatively, if you’re just wearing compression socks during occasional workouts, durability may not be up high on the list. Sure, it’s always better to have a durable sock, but when the budget is tight, you need to prioritize.
It’s Not Always About Compression
Sometimes, you require the benefits provided by compression socks, but your legs can’t withstand the compression because of a medical condition (or any other reason).
Accordingly, if you need to solve circulation issues around major joints but can’t wear compression socks, non-compression recovery wear, such as what we provide at Thermo Recovery Wear, is the most suitable alternative.
Because of their gentle wrap around the skin, our recovery wear increases blood flow and provides an unrivaled comfortable fit around your joints, allowing you to even sleep with the sleeves on.
They are also made from a special material known as bamboo charcoal fabric, which provides even more benefits compared to other synthetic materials.
Final Words
This was our most recent list of the best compression socks. While all compression socks can improve blood circulation, the fabric choices and construction can make some socks more suitable for certain conditions.
As such, it’s important to decide what you’re using the sock for before spending your hard-earned money.
If you want even more comfort while recovering your knees or ankles, consider our Thermo™ Lite Recovery Knee Sleeve and Thermo™ Lite Recovery Ankle Sleeve.
Sources
- Compression Stockings: Benefits and Side Effects | Web MD
- 5 Benefits of Wearing Compression Socks | Health.com
- Everything You Need To Know About Compression Socks | Cleveland Clinic
- The Best Compression Socks | The New York Times
- The Very Best Compression Socks | The New York Magazine
- The Best Compression Socks For Travel, Reviewed By A Podiatrist | Forbes
