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Byrdie / Chloe Jeong
What are compression socks for? Well, that depends on who you talk to, as athletes, medical workers, and those who are pregnant or suffering from foot conditions can benefit from wearing them. "Some may use them for leg ulcers, others to improve circulation, while others still can even use them to prevent thrombosis during and after a long-haul flight," says Dr. Marion Yau, a podiatrist based in the UK. Compression stockings put gentle pressure on your lower legs and feet, which can help encourage blood flow to the area. The result? Reduced swelling and relief from various other discomforts of the lower extremities.
This type of hosiery comes in varying materials, styles, and lengths (including knee-high, crew, and ankle). Compression socks are sometimes prescribed by healthcare providers, but there are tons of stellar over-the-counter options. And just because they might be serving a medical purpose doesn't mean they can't be cute. You just need to know where and what to look for when shopping.
Best Overall
FIGS Solid Compression Socks
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FIGS
Notably soft
Easy to pull on
Gentle compression
Toe and heel padding
May not fit everyone
Not breathable
FIGS is well known for stylish scrubs that flatter all figures; however, they're not the only brag-worthy items of the brand. These exceedingly soft compression socks are designed to alleviate the aches and pains associated with being on your feet all day.
Price at time of publish: $28
Material: Nylon, elastane | Size Range: S–L | Colors: White, Navy, Black +more
Best Budget
CHARMKING Compression Socks
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Amazon
Great value
Pack of three
Minimal compression
Compression socks can be expensive, but they don't have to be. Case in point: Charmking. With light pressure and 360-degree stretch, these nylon stockings come in packs of three and are available in a range of colors and prints.
Price at time of publish: $30
Material: Nylon | Size Range: S/M–L/XL | Colors: Various Multi
Best Lightweight
Burton Performance Ultralight Compression Socks
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Amazon
Lightweight
Budget-friendly
Ergonomic design
Not machine-washable
You don't have to be hitting the slopes to reap the benefits of Burton Performance Socks. Woven from a brilliant blend of merino wool and nylon, these mid-rise compression stockings are stretchy, supportive, and toasty-warm.
Price at time of publish: $30
Material: Nylon, merino wool, polyamide nanoglide, acrylic, polypropylene, elastane | Size Range: S/M–M/L | Colors: True Black, Blue/Green Slate +more
Best for Fitness
Sockwell Pulse Firm Women's Compression Socks
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Sockwell
Moisture-wicking
Arch support
Anti-fatigue technology
May be too warm for year-round use
Designed for performance, Sockwell's Pulse Firm line flaunts anti-fatigue technology and full arch support, plus graduated compression (20–30 mmHg) up the calf. Fitness aficionados will also appreciate the lightly cushioned soles and seamless toe closures.
Price at time of publish: $30
Material: Merino wool, nylon, rayon, spandex | Size Range: S/M–M/L | Colors: Mineral, Black, Lilac +more
Best for Medical Workers
Sockwell Firm Graduated Compression Socks
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Amazon
Luxe and breathable fabric
Contains odor control
Hard to put on
Sockwell’s sock uses four zones of 20-30 mmHg graduated compression and offers natural moisture management, odor control, and thermoregulation so you can feel as comfortable as can be as you reap the benefits of the design. The firm compression is idea for anyone who's standing or sitting all day, according to compression sock brand Comrad.
Price at time of publish: $30
Material: Merino wool, rayon, nylon, spandex | Size Range: S/M–M/L | Colors: Black, Bluestone, Oyster +more
Best for Athletes
Physix Gear Sport Compression Socks
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Amazon
Reasonably priced
Won't slip down
Not machine-washable
Whether you're a distance runner, cyclist, obstacle course racer, or downhill skier, you can count on Physix for below-the-knee support. Made with serious athletes in mind, these double-stitched compression socks help increase circulation for improved performance. And thanks to a stretchy band around the tops, they won't slip down.
Price at time of publish: $18
Material: Nylon, spandex | Size Range: SM, L/XL, XXL | Colors: Black, Black/White, Nude +more
Best Crew
Champion Compression Sport Crew Socks
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Amazon
Memory-cushioned bottoms
Moisture-wicking
Reasonably priced
Limited support
Champion Sport Crew Socks deliver graduated support from the toes up to the mid-calf. The compressive design is enhanced even further with ultra-comfy memory-cushioned soles.
Price at time of publish: $18
Material: Polyester, cotton, nylon, spandex | Size Range: One size | Colors: Black, White
Best Ankle
Thorlo Experia Compression Low Cut Sock
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Amazon
Stabilizing ankle wrap
Moisture-wicking
Ventilated toe boxes
Runs small
Sometimes all you need is a little support for your feet, which is why we love the low-cut Thorlo Experia Socks. Loomed from copper-infused polyester with stabilizing ankle wraps, midfoot compression, and ventilated toe boxes, they pull out all the stops to keep your puppies comfy and cool.
Price at time of publish: $16
Material: Copper-infused polyester, nylon, elastic | Size Range: S–L | Colors: White/Black, White, Royal, Grey +more
Best Knee-High
Comrad Knee-High Compression Socks
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Comrad
Ombre design
Wide sizes available
Odor control
May shrink in the wash
Comrad's effortlessly cool Ombre Compression Socks offer medium (15–25 mmHg) support to increase circulation, reduce swelling, and aid in muscle recovery. Though some doctors will prescribe a more firm compression level to pregnant women with extreme swelling or discomfort, these will suit most, according to the brand, given their coverage and and gentle compression. The design is also infused with silver ions to keep foot odors at bay.
Price at time of publish: $32
Material: Nylon, spandex | Size Range: S–L | Colors: Berry, Black, Teal
Best Copper
BlueenJoy Copper Compression Socks
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Amazon
Budget-friendly
Pack of six
Won't slip down
Wear down quickly
Copper-infused fabrics are thought to help increase circulation while minimizing bacteria-causing odors. In addition to progressive support up the calf, these copper compression socks have wide toe boxes and a non-slip cuff.
Price at time of publish: $28
Material: Copper-infused polyester | Size Range: S/M–L/XL | Colors: Black/White/Gray, Black/Blue, Gray +more
Best for Running
Vitalsox Compression Socks
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Walmart
Four-way stretch material
Quick-drying polypropylene
Not true to size
Vitalsox Compression Socks are a popular choice among runners, but they're also a good option if you're active, pregnant, or otherwise dealing with foot or calf pain. They’re lightly padded, which provides additional comfort and helps to avoid friction from impact exercises like running.
Price at time of publish: $30
Material: Silver DryStat, spandex, lycra, nylon | Size Range: XS–XL | Colors: Black, White
Best for Wide Calf
CopperJoint Wide Calf Copper Compression Socks Wide Calf Copper Compression Socks
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Amazon
Enhanced compression provides superior arch support
Copper helps reduce odor
Some reviewers note they can be hard to remove
Infused with copper, these compression socks from Copper Fit are known for their intense arch and ankle support (the copper also functions to help control foot odor). They are specifically designed for wide calves, with fabric that comes right up to below the knee. Reviewers note that the compression is strong, so consider ordering a size up.
Price at time of publish: $27
Material: Nylon, spandex, polyester | Size Range: S–5XL | Colors: Black
Final Verdict
FIGS Solid Compression Socks are our top pick. The brand's exceedingly soft compression socks are designed to alleviate the aches and pains associated with being on your feet all day. The only things we don't love is that it doesn't specify the socks' compression. And, since their for final sale, first time buyers may have a difficult time finding the right fit. But reviewers tell us they have gentle compression, are easy to pull on, and feel pretty comfortable overall. For more bang for your buck, you can shop CHARMKING's Compression Socks on Amazon. They're solid in a pack of 8 for under $30.
Meet the Expert
Dr. Marion Yau is an award-winning celebrity podiatrist and YouTuber based in the United Kingdom. She's also known as Miss Foot Fixer.
What to Look for in Compression Socks
Performance
There are many different types of compression socks, and it's necessary to find a pair that provides the right amount of support to help you achieve your goals. You may want a pair that helps reduce fatigue and prevents injury while you’re exercising, or perhaps you want to use them for recovery, on long flights, or at any other time that you may need to regulate your circulation. The amount of compression you'll need in each scenario can vary and is measured by mmHg (see an explanation of this below).
Material
To deliver the supportive stretch you're after, compression socks are typically made with synthetic materials, such as nylon, rayon, lycra, or spandex. For added breathability and durability, some are woven with cotton, merino wool, and other natural fibers.
mmHg
When shopping around for compression socks, you'll often see an mmHg rating. This unit of measurement is short for "millimeters of mercury" and indicates the compression level range. For instance, socks with 15–25 mmHg would offer at least 15 and no more than 25 millimeters of mercury of pressure, with the lower number in the range indicating the amount of pressure applied to the calf and the higher end of the range reflecting the pressure on the foot and ankle.
Light compression is known to alleviate mild symptoms, such as minor leg swelling and mild discomfort from long periods of sitting or standing, and to promote stability and good posture in athletes, while mild compression can promote faster recovery after exercise. Socks with 20-30 mmHg and above are considered medical-grade and should come recommended by a doctor to prevent and alleviate symptoms of various medical conditions.
Length
Compression socks are typically knee-high, offering increased circulation and supportive benefits from the knees down to the toes. However, you can also get shorter styles, such as crew socks or ankle socks.
Care Instructions
Compression socks vary in terms of their care instructions. Many recommend hand-washing or at least air-drying, so be sure to check the tag or product description before cleaning them. If you prefer low-maintenance socks, look for a machine-washable pair.
How We Researched
To compile this list, our team of editors and contributors spent hours researching the best products on the market in this category, evaluating their key features—like ingredients, shade range, or design—in addition to reviews from customers and other trusted sources. We then used this research to assign a star rating from one to five (five being the best; one being the worst) to certain products on the list.
Why Trust Byrdie
Theresa Holland is a freelance commerce writer specializing in fitness, pregnancy, and lifestyle. For this story, she interviewed a podiatrist, pored over user reviews, and researched the general purpose, benefits, and various uses for compression socks. She looked at styles from a wide range of brands and carefully considered the material, length, price, and mmHg ratings before making her final selections. From the brands on this list, she has tried and loved Thorlo and Champion. She's a regular contributor at Byrdie, where she covers workout apparel, at-home therapeutic devices, and cosmetics.
According to our Diversity Pledge, 15% of products in our newly-published market roundups will feature Black-owned and/or Black-founded brands. At the time of publishing, we were not able to find any compression socks from a Black-owned and/or Black-founded business. If you know of one we should consider, please email us at contact@byrdie.com and we will evaluate the product ASAP.
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