Everything You Need To Know About The Best Compression Socks
Contents
- Top 10 Best Compression Socks
- What Are Compression Socks?
- What Are Some Reasons To Wear Compression Socks?
- Why Are Compression Socks Great For Travelers?
- Types Of Compression Socks
- What Does The mmHg Stand For?
- Best Compression Socks Reviews
- 2nd Era Compression Sports High Socks
- A-Swift Compression Socks
- Sockwell Women’s Graduated Compression Socks
- Nurse Mates Women’s Compression Trouser Sock
- CompressionZ Compression Socks
- MudGear Compression Socks
- Upgraded Knee High Graduated Compression
- Compression Socks Mojo Sports
- Dickies Men’s Heavyweight Compression Socks
- Graduated Compression Socks By DANISH ENDURANCE
- Wearing The Socks All Day?
- How To Care For Your Socks
- Purchasing Your First Pair Of Socks
- Other Reasons Athletes Benefit From Compression Socks
- Conclusion
- Sources
If you’re ready to start wearing compression socks, you might have a lot of questions buzzing around in your head.
Firstly, what exactly are compression socks and how will they benefit you?
Secondly, how do you pin down the best compression socks on the market?
Follow along with my compression socks reviews to have all your questions answered.
Top 10 Best Compression Socks
What Are Compression Socks?
Compression socks are designed to help in the prevention and recovery from various venous disorders.
Doctors often recommend them for people with edema, a history of blood clots or vein problems.
These socks gently squeeze your legs to help move blood back up toward the heart. This narrows the veins slightly and improves blood flow.
It used to be that only people with medical issues wore compression socks, but now, many athletes and even workers are finding benefits in wearing them as well.
What Are Some Reasons To Wear Compression Socks?
Your clinician may suggest compression socks for issues like these. If you have a diagnosed condition such as a blood clot, follow their advice on the type and strength.
- Tired, aching legs
- Chronic venous insufficiency
- Edema
- Varicose veins
- Deep vein thrombosis
- Spider veins
- Phlebitis
- Pregnancy
In addition, many people use them who don’t suffer from any conditions. These people include:
- Nurses
- Construction workers
- Those going on long journeys
- People who sit for long periods of time
- Factory workers or others who stand on their feet all day
Why Are Compression Socks Great For Travelers?
Sitting still for hours on a long flight or car ride raises the risk of a blood clot in the legs, known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT). The risk is low for most healthy people, but it is higher if you have other risk factors.
A clot can be dangerous if it breaks loose and travels to the lungs.
Wearing these socks during travel improves blood flow in the legs and may help lower that risk. Getting up to walk and flexing your ankles also helps.
Now you’ll only have to deal with the discomfort of being in the middle seat on the plane or hearing, “are we there yet?” from the kids in the backseat.
Types Of Compression Socks
There are two types of compression socks you’ll find on the market. First is the graduated variety, which helps blood flow back up the leg.
It gives you a controlled amount of pressure at the ankle and decreases as it reaches the top of the socks.
These are ideal for reducing swelling and relieving tired legs. These are also your choice when using them for athletics or work.
The other variety is anti-embolism stockings. These are designed to help prevent blood clots in people who are bedridden or recovering from surgery, and they are usually provided by a hospital or clinician.
What Does The mmHg Stand For?
mmHg stands for millimeters of mercury, a unit of pressure. You’ll use this to measure the pressure of compression in hosiery.
Ranges vary a little by brand. As a general guide, 8-15mmHg is a mild compression, best for tired and achy legs, minor swelling, and during pregnancy.
The next level up is your 15-20mmHg which provides a medium support ideal for moderate varicose and spider veins, tired and swollen ankles, and travel.
Firm compression of 20-30mmHg is used for more serious vein problems and after some surgeries.
Extra-firm 30-40mmHg compression is used for severe varicose veins, edema or post-thrombotic syndrome. Use 20-30mmHg and stronger levels only on a clinician’s advice, as they need proper sizing.
Best Compression Socks Reviews
2nd Era Compression Sports High Socks
If you’re active, this pair of compression socks would be at the top of your list of best compression socks.
This is due to the fact that they feature a design that stimulates blood flow.
In addition, they’re soft, made with an anti-bacterial fiber and are sweat resistant, which is a must have when active.
The maker markets them for shin splints, calf cramps, ankle swelling and Achilles tendon support. Compression may help with comfort, but it isn’t a treatment for these injuries on its own.
They’re made with 70% nylon, 25% elastane and 5% spandex with a compression rating of 15-20mmHG.
They’re about 15 inches tall and will rest right below your knee joint for a comfortable fit that won’t slide down.
A-Swift Compression Socks
If you’re looking for a higher level of compression, these socks offer 20-30mmHg and are available in a variety of styles.
They use graduated compression, with the most pressure at the ankle.
You won’t need to worry about bad odors or sweat as these are deodorized to keep you dry all day long with their special silver fiber.
In addition, they’re anti-static and ideal for sports or daily wear.
Compression at this level can help with leg swelling. If you have ongoing swelling, see a clinician to find the cause.
The maker also markets them for plantar fasciitis, shin splints and cramps, though the evidence for these uses is limited.
The additional padding at the ball and top of the foot can add comfort and reduce rubbing.
Sockwell Women’s Graduated Compression Socks
This moderate (15-20 mmHg) sock is one of the best compression socks for standing all day.
They’re also fantastic for prolonged sitting or traveling, exercise and the recovery of injuries.
This pair is available in many styles and reduces swelling while promoting healthy circulation.
Made with 32% Merino wool, 32% stretch nylon, 31% bamboo rayon and 5% spandex, these socks are produced in the United States.
Because of the Accu-fit technology of these socks, you’ll have the same fit at the end of your day as you did when they were first put on.
If you’re a friend of the environment, you’ll be happy to know that this company is environment-friendly.
Nurse Mates Women’s Compression Trouser Sock
These knee length compression socks are also available in a nice variety of styles and provide a comfortable heel and toe pocket.
They’re made of an ultra-soft microfiber blend and provide 12-14mmHg compression.
These are cool compression socks for nurses and other people who will be standing on their feet for long periods of time.
CompressionZ Compression Socks
These socks are aimed at active people and those on their feet all day.
With the 20-30mmHG compression, you’ll achieve better blood circulation with more support at the ankle and decreasing support up through the leg.
The maker says the fabric includes silver yarn to help control odor.
Planning to spend long periods on your feet or traveling?
The sturdiness and stability to your foot with these socks allow for a full range of motion while providing relief to tired muscles.
They are marketed for heel pain and swelling and for sports. If heel pain lasts, have it checked.
Thankfully, this pair won’t slide down after many hours of use because they easily retain their shape even late into your day.
MudGear Compression Socks
Made from 63% nylon, 28% polyester, and 9% spandex, this pair of socks is extremely comfortable and designed to wick away moisture and even prevent blisters.
They can be worn all day for tired legs and to support circulation.
Upgraded Knee High Graduated Compression
With an exclusive wicking and quick drying design, these socks are designed to stay dry, support blood flow and give steady support.
They suit people who work on their feet all day or play sports.
Compression Socks Mojo Sports
With zone construction, you can receive cushioning and compression right where you need it most.
They offer 20-30mmHg compression with support around the Achilles tendon.
These socks are ideal for anyone who’s active.
Dickies Men’s Heavyweight Compression Socks
Designed with the worker in mind, these socks are made with 68% cotton, 31% polyester, and 1% spandex to create arch & ankle compression.
Achieve full cushion comfort with this pair that’s made to provide durability and all-day support.
Graduated Compression Socks By DANISH ENDURANCE
This 18-21 mmHg graduated compression sock has a padded footbed for extra cushioning.
It’s also great for the prevention of blisters and keeps you cool and confident all day.
Wearing The Socks All Day?
Many people wonder if wearing the best compression garments is ideal for all-day use.
For swelling or vein problems, clinicians often advise wearing them through the day, especially if you’ll be standing or sitting for long periods of time.
MedlinePlus advises putting them on first thing in the morning, before you get out of bed and your legs start to swell.
Ask your clinician whether to take them off at night. Most people remove them for sleep unless told otherwise.
Keep a couple of pairs so you can wear one while the other is being washed.
How To Care For Your Socks
Some compression socks are machine washable, but hand washing helps them last longer.
Wash them in mild soap and water, then rinse them well.
Make sure you’ve removed all the excess soap and gently squeeze all the water out by hand. Then carefully hang out to dry for like-new socks.
Replace them every 3 to 6 months so they keep their compression.
Purchasing Your First Pair Of Socks
While compression socks relieve a wide variety of issues, it should be noted that you’ll never want to move forward without first speaking with a healthcare professional.
There are some patients that shouldn’t wear compression socks.
You should avoid use if you suffer from a peripheral vascular disease that affects your lower extremities.
People with diabetes and nerve damage (neuropathy) should also check with a clinician first, because they may not notice problems in their feet.
If you wear compression socks and notice any change in the color of your toes, foot, or leg; you should remove the socks immediately and seek help.
Please also be aware of any bunching of your socks as they can replicate a tourniquet and end up interfering with your circulation.
Other Reasons Athletes Benefit From Compression Socks
As I mentioned earlier, compression socks aren’t just for those with medical issues anymore.
More and more athletes are recognizing the benefits to the increased circulation and added support that these socks bring.
But, what about those other, not so well-known reasons they wear them?
There are several you might be interested in hearing about.
First, they can provide a layer of warmth for when you want to wear shorts but the weather is cool. They also offer some additional protection to your legs.
If you’re running on a trail, they can give your shins a little protection from scrapes and brush.
Many athletes say their legs feel fresher after a workout when they wear these socks. Research on performance and recovery benefits is mixed.
But a lesser known reason that they wear them is for the coolness factor. There are so many designs and styles available these days, so you can effectively make it your own unique look.
Conclusion
Whatever your reason is for needing the best compression socks on the market, I hope you found this guide to be helpful.
In this compression socks review, I discussed what the compression sock is, why you should wear them and what types are available, as well as 10 top choices you will want to check out.
If you’re an athlete looking for additional support or someone who spends a lot of time standing on your feet all day, you’ll find relief in compression socks.
If you are pregnant or have a circulation problem, talk to your clinician about the right type and strength before you buy.
Sources
- Compression stockings, MedlinePlus (NIH)
