Even if you exercise regularly, prolonged periods of standing or sitting can cause tightness and cramping in your legs and feet, especially when you’re traveling. The best compression socks help promote better blood flow and circulation in your lower body, keeping that discomfort at bay. Some athletes and active individuals may also experience reduced muscle fatigue and soreness after wearing compression socks, particularly when recovering from intense workouts. When shopping, look for soft, breathable fabrics that don’t cause any skin irritation or chafing. Podiatrist Ernest L. Isaacson, DPM, FACFAS, adds that a compression sock should feel tight, but not so tight that it becomes uncomfortable.
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How Compression Socks Work
Compression socks help your veins circulate blood back to your heart, says Isaacson. Research has shown that wearing compression socks can protect your muscles from excessive forces during movement, thereby reducing muscle fatigue and soreness after intense, high-impact activities. They can also help you exercise more efficiently by improving your proprioception (the sense that tells your brain where your body is moving in space).
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What to Know Before You Shop
- Materials: Most socks are made with a blend of synthetic materials that wick away moisture and stretch comfortably, says Isaacson. The socks on our list are made from a variety of materials, including cotton, polyester, Lycra, nylon, elastane, spandex, rayon, bamboo, and Merino wool. Look for socks made with warm, breathable, lightweight, and sweat-wicking fabrics. They should also be soft yet durable enough to withstand repeated washes.
- Pressure Rating: The pressure rating is the amount of compression a sock provides to help circulate blood in your legs and feet. The amount of pressure you need depends on how and when you plan to wear your socks. Isaacson recommends looking for socks in the 7 to 21 mmHg range because they provide gentle pressure for moderate help with your circulation. Some socks can reach up to 40 mmHg, which is recommended for individuals recovering from surgery or those experiencing certain chronic illnesses. Consult a healthcare professional to find the right pressure rating for you.
- Sizing: A compression sock should feel tight, but not so tight that it becomes uncomfortable, says Isaacson. Most sock manufacturers offer a size chart to help you find the right fit. Often, you’ll need to measure the circumference of your calves to decide which size is best. Further guidance from a healthcare professional may be necessary if you’re dealing with recovery or illness.
- Comfort: Look for a pair of comfortable compression socks with just enough pressure to relieve tension and swelling in your legs and feet. They should feel tight but not so tight that they’re painful to wear. Also, consider the material your socks are made from; moisture-wicking fabric can prevent uncomfortable chafing and blisters.
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How We Tested
To find the best compression socks, we tested 25 pairs at home, wearing them during our workouts, daily routines, and travel. When testing compression socks, we evaluate each pair based on the following criteria.
- Fit: Compression socks should fit snugly but not be so tight that they cause pain or cut into your legs. The first time we put the socks on, we note if they fit as expected according to our normal size. We ask things like: Are the socks too long? Too short? Do they bunch up or slide down? Does the band stay put? We also consider how easy it is to pull them on and remove them.
- Support: To evaluate the support of each pair of socks, we wear them for a week while standing, walking, or sitting for hours at a time, as well as during our exercise sessions. We assess whether we feel a difference in our legs and feet, noting if any previous swelling and fatigue have been reduced. We also pay attention to whether our legs feel energized and refreshed.
- Feel: While wearing the socks, we assess their feel by considering whether our legs get sweaty and sticky or if the socks feel breathable and wick away moisture. We also ask ourselves if we can move freely in the socks or if they cut into our skin or limit our range of motion. After we wash them, we check if they feel the same as they did when they were new.
- Value: We wait to check the price until after the testing period, when we’ve evaluated all the other key criteria. We then note if the price reflects the value based on the socks’ performance. We also determine if we would pay full price or wait for them to go on sale. Lastly, we consider whether we would recommend the socks to friends and family.
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Key Specs
Compression: 20-30 mmHg | Material: Nylon, spandex | Length: Knee-high | Best For: Walking, standing, sitting, traveling, recovery | Our Overall Rating: 5/5
Who They’re For
Best for wearers who want all-day support for working out, traveling, and daily wear.
Why We Love Them
Ultra-comfortable and supportive, LEVSOX’s Compression Socks are our top overall pick. Thanks to a higher pressure rating of 20 to 30 millimeters of mercury (mmHg), they feel snug without being too tight—it’s like a massage for our feet. They’re easy to put on, and we noticed our legs felt significantly less tired after hours of sitting, standing, and walking in them.
We especially appreciate the material, a blend of nylon and spandex that gives these socks a silky smooth, breathable, and flexible feel, almost like high-quality compression leggings. We didn’t experience any irritation while wearing them, even behind our knees, where many sock bands can cause chafing. Plus, they still looked like new after multiple washes. Best of all, they’re budget-friendly, which we really appreciate.
Potential Flaws
- We love the fun prints these socks come in, but wish there were more neutral, solid options available.
Meet Our Tester
Our tester has experienced both extremes: sitting for hours at a computer or standing for hours in a studio for work. They also have a toddler they’re trying to keep up with and often deal with fatigue and leg tension at the end of the day. They have previous experience with compression socks during pregnancy.
Verywell Fit
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Key Specs
Compression: 15-20 mmHg | Material: Nylon, spandex | Length: Knee-high | Best For: Walking, standing, sitting, traveling, recovery | Our Overall Rating: 4.9/5
Who They’re For
Best for wearers who want light to moderate daily support at a budget-friendly pirce.
Why We Love Them
If you’re shopping on a budget, CHARMKING’s Compression Socks have our vote. You can pick up a set of eight for a fraction of the cost of other individual pairs on our list. And since the sets are so large, you’ll get plenty of wear between laundry loads. We found that they provided plenty of support, whether we were walking, sitting, or working out. And they feel comfortable, offering 15 to 20 mmHg of moderate pressure.
The band stays in place, never rolling down or bunching up, even after wearing them for 12 hours straight. Plus, the reinforced heel features thick cushioning for a softer feel underfoot. With a wide variety of colors and styles available—from basic black and beige to bright patterns and neons—you can easily find the perfect pair. At their budget-friendly price, you can choose several sets, making these compression socks incredibly versatile.
Potential Flaws
- While we appreciate that these socks are moisture-wicking, we found them less breathable than other options on our list, since our feet occasionally felt hot.
Meet Our Tester
Our tester walks two to three hours daily and participates in total body conditioning classes three to five times a week, so they’re on their feet a lot. They also recently underwent foot surgery, which resulted in some swelling. They hoped that wearing compression socks regularly would help reduce the pain associated with the swelling, and these socks didn’t disappoint.
Verywell Fit
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Key Specs
Compression: 20-30 mmHg | Material: Merino wool, rayon, nylon, spandex | Length: Knee-high | Best For: Walking, standing, sitting, traveling, recovery | Our Overall Rating: 4.9/5
Who They’re For
Best for wearers who want high compression for conditions related to or that cause poor circulation.
Why We Love Them
For low circulation, especially when flying, we recommend compression socks made from high-quality materials that offer firm support. While testing, we found SockWell’s Elevation Firm Graduated Compression Socks checked all of these boxes and then some. We immediately noticed how well they fit, with a secure band that didn’t bunch up or roll down. When we took them off, our legs and feet weren’t tired at all—we felt our circulation improve after day one.
If your feet tend to sweat, you’ll appreciate that the material includes Merino wool for a soft feel and improved breathability. The addition of rayon, nylon, and spandex enhances durability, with no pilling or shrinking, even after repeated washes. We also appreciated additional support under the arches for all-day comfort. Plus, you can save a few dollars by purchasing a three-pack.
Potential Flaws
- The higher compression level made these socks a bit challenging to put on, but the excellent support made it worth the effort.
Meet Our Tester
Our tester has a condition that causes low circulation in their hands and feet, and was advised by a doctor to wear compression socks as often as possible. They found it hard to find high-compression socks that are comfortable to wear, until they found these.
Verywell Fit
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Breathable
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Reinforced heel with extra cushioning
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Secure fit, with no bunching or digging in
Key Specs
Compression: 20-30 mmHg | Material: Nylon, spandex | Length: Knee-high | Best For: Walking, standing, sitting, traveling, recovery | Our Overall Rating: 4.9/5
Who They’re For
Best for wearers that want moderate support for long periods of time.
Why We Love Them
During our test, we found that SB SOX’s Compression Socks were breathable and easy to wear for hours on end. We liked how they fit, with supportive fabric that provided a snug feel without being difficult to put on. The band stayed put while we went about our day and didn’t bunch up, dig in, or slide down. Like others on our list, this pair features a reinforced heel with extra cushioning, enhancing the supportive and comfortable feel.
We noticed these socks were effective, too, relieving our tight, tired calf muscles. After wearing them for a full day, we felt less cramping and fatigue. We also appreciated their flexibility and breathability, which allowed us to maintain our full range of motion without becoming sticky or damp. Plus, they showed no signs of wear or tear, even after multiple washes throughout testing.
Potential Flaws
- Some wearers find the toe seam fabric uncomfortable over long periods, but we didn’t notice this when testing.
Meet Our Tester
Our tester participates in hot yoga and then sits or stands for the majority of the day. They experience stiffness and tightness in their feet and calves by the end of the day and have noticed some poor circulation. They were pleasantly surprised that these compression socks were comfy and led to significantly less cramping and fatigue.
Verywell Fit
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Key Specs
Compression: 15-20 mmHg | Material: Nylon, polyester | Length: Below the knee | Best For: Walking, standing, sitting, traveling, recovery | Our Overall Rating: 4.8/5
Who They’re For
Best for wearers who want light, moisture-wicking support.
Why We Love Them
Bluemaple’s Copper Compression Socks fit seamlessly into our daily routines. Made from a lightweight, breathable blend of nylon and polyester, these socks kept our feet cool and dry. If sweaty feet are your pet peeve, you’ll appreciate the performance fabric’s moisture-wicking capabilities. With an easy-on, easy-off design, we were impressed that the band stayed in place while we sat down and stood up throughout the day.
During testing, we found that the light, comfy compression made a difference from our first wear. Our feet and legs felt less tired and heavy, and when we chose not to wear the socks the next day, our fatigue returned. The socks washed well, too, without pilling or losing their shape. We also appreciate that they’re one of the more budget-friendly options on our list, offering a wide range of bright colors and patterns to choose from.
Potential Flaws
- These socks offered comfortable compression, but we did notice that the material started to feel itchy after eight hours of wear.
Meet Our Tester
Our tester spends long stretches of time sitting or standing at a desk and is looking for compression socks that will improve circulation when paired with movement breaks. They also have previous experience with compression socks while training for a half-marathon. They love that these socks are highly breathable, budget-friendly, and help their legs feel less fatigued throughout the day.
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The Bluemaple Copper Compression Socks are super easy to slip on, plus, they feel lightweight and very breathable during wear.
Credit: Verywell Fit
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These more affordable socks stay in place well, helping to reduce leg and foot fatigue, however, some may find the fabric to be a bit itchy.
Credit: Verywell Fit
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Firm, effective compression
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Comfortable, breathable material
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Easy to put on and take off
Key Specs
Compression: 20-30 mmHg | Material: Nylon, spandex | Length: Knee-high | Best For: Walking, standing, sitting, traveling, recovery | Our Overall Rating: 4.8/5
Who They’re For
Best if you have wider calves or prefer extra room, but still want firm compression socks that stay put.
Why We Love Them
If you’ve had issues with compression socks being too tight or rolling down, consider a pair with extra room in the calves. When testing Physix Gear Sport’s Compression Socks, our tester, who has larger calves, noted that they fit her perfectly. She noted how easy they were to put on and take off, even though she usually struggles to pull compression socks all the way up. Even so, the band stayed in place, and the 20 to 30 mmHg of pressure visibly reduced swelling in her feet and lower legs.
We also love the fabric, which is soft, breathable, and moisture-wicking, keeping you comfortable. The socks held up well after washing and didn’t feel itchy after hours of wear. We like the double-stitched seams, which are strategically placed to prevent chafing. We appreciate that Physix provides a detailed size chart and a money-back guarantee, allowing you to shop with confidence.
Potential Flaws
- We noticed that these socks bunched up at our knees, so they may be too long if you have shorter legs.
Meet Our Tester
Our tester has experience with compression socks, especially while traveling on long flights. They tend to use compression socks to help avoid swelling and improve circulation. They like that these compression socks are easy to put on and take off, and that they’re soft and very breathable.
Verywell Fit
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Warm, but lightweight
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Comfortable compression
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Moisture-wicking
Key Specs
Compression: 15-20 mmHg | Material: Merino wool, nylon, rayon (from bamboo), spandex | Length: Knee-high | Best For: Walking, standing | Our Overall Rating: 4.8/5
Who They’re For
Best if daily walking is a part of your fitness routine, especially if you want extra support and warmth from your socks.
Why We Love Them
Do you daydream about putting your feet up after a long day of crushing your step count? We recommend SockWell’s Winterland Compression Socks for combating pain and fatigue associated with prolonged walking. During testing, we observed that they provided moderate, comfortable support with a pressure of 15 to 20 mmHg. We love the range of colors and patterns, many of which are more subtle and neutral than other pairs on our list.
The band was secure, staying put even after hours of walking. But our favorite feature was the fabric: Our tester, who often gets cold feet in the winter, noted the socks kept her warm and comfortable whether she was working out or trekking three miles in the snow. We also found the lightweight material successfully wicks away sweat in our walking boots.
Potential Flaws
- Some wearers note that these socks tend to run small. While compression socks should feel snug, they should never feel uncomfortably tight, so you may want to consider ordering the larger size.
Meet Our Tester
Our tester has not used compression socks before, but they do walk a lot and sit for long periods during the day. They also experience cold feet, which could be due to poor circulation, and were happy to find that these compression socks helped alleviate both concerns.
Verywell Fit
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Antimicrobial properties
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Stylish design
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Warm, but lightweight
Key Specs
Compression: 18-25 mmHg | Material: Bamboo, spandex, polyester, nylon | Length: Knee-high | Best For: Sitting, traveling | Our Overall Rating: 4.5/5
Who They’re For
Best for wearers who want light to moderate compression while sitting.
Why We Love Them
With a pressure rating of 18 to 25 mmHg, Wellow’s Compression Socks have a unique level of support ideal for preventing pins and needles after long days of sitting at a desk. Most socks fall between 15 and 20 or 20 and 30 mmHg, so if you’ve had problems in the past with compression socks feeling too tight or too loose, this pair could be a happy medium. When we wore them while sitting, our feet and legs felt noticeably less tired.
The material is warm and holds its shape well, resisting pilling even after multiple washes. We found these socks to be very breathable and moisture-wicking, and we like that they also have antimicrobial properties. Additionally, we think they’re a solid buy, offering a wide range of jewel tones and additional savings when you purchase a three- or five-pack.
Potential Flaws
- These socks started to feel itchy after wearing them for eight hours.
- We had to roll the band to keep the socks at knee height, so they may be too long for some petite wearers. However, we appreciate that the band remains comfortable even when doubled up.
Meet Our Tester
Our tester is not generally very active and spends a lot of the day sitting. They were hoping that compression socks would help boost circulation and support exercise on a spin bike, and these breathable socks didn’t disappoint.
Verywell Fit
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Key Specs
Compression: 20-30 mmHg | Material: Polyamide, elastane | Length: Knee-high | Best For: Running, walking, recovery | Our Overall Rating: 4.5/5
Who They’re For
Best for intermediate to advanced athletes who want moderate to high support for long workouts.
Why We Love Them
Although they’re pricier than other options on our list, CEP’s Run 4.0 Compression Socks are our top pick for athletes looking to add to their workout or recovery routines. With a solid 20 to 30 mmHg of pressure, these are one of the more compressive pairs we tested. Still, we found they were comfortable for hours on end.
With additional cushioning and plenty of room in the toe box, they provide even support for your arches, heels, and calves. We appreciate the stylish design, which is available in a range of colors. We also like the moisture-wicking and quick-drying properties that enhance our comfort during workouts.
Potential Flaws
- These socks are pricier than other options on our list. However, we think they’re worth it given their exceptional quality.
Meet Our Tester
Our tester spends much of the day sitting and experiences swelling and tingling in their feet. They also cycle and go for long walks, where they can experience tiredness and strain in their legs. They have used compression socks in the past for exercise. They love that these socks are moisture-wicking and comfy to wear for long periods.
Verywell Fit
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Key Specs
Compression: 20-30 mmHg | Material: Cotton, polyester, spandex, nylon | Length: Knee-high | Best For: Walking, sitting, traveling, recovery, pregnancy | Our Overall Rating: 4.9/5
Who They’re For
Best for wearers who want support during pregnancy, particularly the second and third trimesters.
Why We Love Them
When combined with regular exercise, compression socks can help relieve swelling and other symptoms in your lower body, both during pregnancy and postpartum. We found that Bombas’ Strong Compression Socks successfully prevented swelling in our legs and feet during long flights in our second and third trimesters. While supportive, the socks were so comfortable that we frequently forgot we were wearing them.
We like that the secure band doesn’t slide down or bunch up. And the fabric features a breathable blend of cotton, spandex, polyester, and nylon to keep your feet cool and dry. Unlike other socks with rough toe seams that can cause irritation, Bombas socks feature a seamless toe for additional comfort. We also love the sock’s arch, which provides extra support right where your feet need it the most.
Potential Flaws
- These might run a bit small, so consider sizing up if you’re in between sizes.
Meet Our Tester
Our tester was pregnant during the testing period and wore compression socks, as recommended by a doctor, particularly during air travel. Our tester also has experience with the Bombas brand and was excited to learn it offered compression socks. They really like how comfortable these compression socks are, especially noting the seamless toe design and added arch support.
Verywell Fit
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Key Specs
Compression: 8-15 mmHg | Material: Nylon, spandex | Length: Knee-high | Best For: Walking, standing, sitting, traveling, recovery | Our Overall Rating: 4.7/5
Who They’re For
Best for wearers who need mild compression, particularly around the foot, ankle, and lower leg.
Why We Love Them
A gradient compression sock delivers varying levels of pressure throughout your lower leg. Dr. Scholl’s Graduated Compression Socks provide more compression around the feet and ankles, gradually reducing pressure as they move up the leg. In our testing, we found they effectively relieved fatigue and swelling, all at a very budget-friendly price. Plus, we appreciate their smooth, comfy toe seams that don’t irritate our skin.
After wearing these socks for a full day, we found our normal leg fatigue was alleviated, and there was a noticeable reduction in swelling from a recent ankle injury. With a pressure rating of 10 to 15 mmHg, these socks offer mild compression that still yields results. They are an excellent choice if you’ve struggled to find compression socks that aren’t too tight or are new to wearing them. The socks also washed well, making them a reliable addition to your sock drawer.
Potential Flaws
- Since these socks are on the lighter side, we found they may not offer enough compression around the ankles for some wearers.
Meet Our Tester
Our tester experiences lower leg pain after long workouts or long hours of sitting or standing. They had never tried compression socks before and appreciated that these helped alleviate swelling, pain, and discomfort in their feet and legs.
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Dr. Scholl’s Compression Knee-High Socks offer mild compression around the feet, with even less compression up the leg.
Credit: Verywell Fit
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These budget-friendly compression socks feel really comfortable, thanks to their smooth toe seams, and they stand up well to laundering.
Credit: Verywell Fit
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Key Specs
Compression: 15-20 mmHg | Material: Cotton, polyester, nylon, elastane | Length: Knee-high | Best For: Walking, standing, traveling | Our Overall Rating: 4.8/5
Who They’re For
Best for wearing while participating in cold weather activities.
Why We Love Them
Compression socks designed to retain heat can be a lifesaver in winter (or when your office’s air conditioning is cranked up). We recommend Bombas’ Everyday Compression Socks, which are made from a thick blend of cotton, polyester, nylon, and elastane. They fit well and keep your feet warm while remaining breathable. We didn’t experience any foot sweat, even after a full day of running around and working out.
With 15 to 20 mmHg of compression, these socks comfortably sit in the middle of the pressure range. We also appreciate the simple, sporty design, making them ideal for everyday wear. We found that they allow unrestricted movement, providing a full range of motion for our feet and legs. And we appreciate that they feature Bombas’ signature seamless toe for added comfort, whether worn alone or with a pair of sneakers.
Potential Flaws
- While we loved how supportive these socks were, we weren’t a fan of how tight the band felt. You may want to size up for more room.
Meet Our Tester
Our tester has a condition affecting their nervous system and was advised by a doctor to wear compression socks to support circulation and combat fatigue. They have previously used compression socks while working from home, where they spend most of their day sitting. They appreciate that these socks keep their feet warm while remaining very breathable, even after all-day wear.
Verywell Fit
Compression Socks We Also Tested
We tested 25 pairs of compression socks, but only 12 made it onto our final list of recommendations. While these pairs have some notable features, they ultimately didn’t meet our rigorous testing requirements.
- Copper Fit’s Energy Easy-On/Easy-Off Knee High Compression Socks fit well and offer a comfortable level of support. But the band hits right where our knees bent, which was uncomfortable and sometimes annoying.
- We liked that Figs’ Compression Socks successfully prevent swelling. However, the fabric was so thick that our feet started to sweat almost immediately, and we found them difficult to put on.
- Zensah’s Tech+ Compression Socks have padding underfoot and decent support. We liked that they were breathable, but at around $50 per pair, they didn’t perform as well as the less expensive socks on our list.
Verywell / Loren Brutsch
Our Experts
We consulted experts at each stage of our research, testing, and reporting process. The following experts advised us on specific features to consider, how to determine the appropriate amount of compression, and how compression socks can be beneficial. We choose and test products independently, but expert input helps influence our choices.
- Ernest L. Isaacson, DPM, FACFAS, podiatrist at Paragon Podiatry in New York
- Diana Levin Valencia, DPM, a podiatrist at NYC Foot and Ankle Center in New York
- Melissa Prestipino, DPT, clinical director of Therapeutics Unlimited in New Jersey
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best level of compression socks?
Most socks provide pressure that’s between 12 and 30 mmHg. Studies show that compression socks are most effective when the pressure is between 20 and 30 mmHg. As for the fit, your socks should be snug but not so tight that they’re unbearable or painful to wear. They also shouldn’t dig into your calves, especially at the top of the band.
Is it okay to wear compression socks every day?
For most people, it’s safe to wear compression socks every day as long as you’re wearing the correct size. Just make sure to take them off every once in a while, since it’s not a good idea to leave the same pair on for multiple days in a row, says Prestipino.
Who shouldn’t wear compression socks?
Although our experts confirmed that most people can wear compression socks regularly, they aren’t for everyone. Avoid compression socks if you have severe peripheral artery disease (PAD) since they may overly restrict your blood flow. If you’re unsure whether compression socks are right for you, consult with your healthcare provider before purchasing a pair.
Is it better to size up or down in compression socks?
In general, if you’re in between sizes, it’s better to size up so the compression socks aren’t too tight and uncomfortable. Because sizing can vary by brand, be sure to check the sizing chart to ensure the proper fit.
Why Trust Verywell Fit
As a running coach, certified personal trainer, and Verywell Fit writer, Christine Luff, ACE-CPT, has researched and recommended multiple compression socks. For this article, she reviewed testing insights from our experts and the Verywell Fit team to evaluate the socks based on criteria like fit, support, feel, overall value, and how they perform during both exercise and rest. Whether you’re traveling or engaging in physical therapy, Luff recommends finding a pair that provides support, comfort, and optimal fit for your needs. The compression socks she recommends are reliable, thoroughly researched, and well-reviewed by those who have tried them.
Additional reporting by Sarah Felbin and Jen Zeltwanger
With over two decades of dance experience, Sarah Felbin understands the importance of feeling comfortable on your feet after a long day of walking, standing, or exercising. As a Verywell Fit writer, she’s passionate about finding products that are a great value and make life easier.
Jen Zeltwanger, ACSM-EP, is a Verywell Fit writer who has 25 years of experience in the health and fitness industry and knows how important it is to find quality products that add value to your fitness routine. She is particularly focused on finding and recommending products for effective home workouts and uses compression socks regularly for exercise recovery and comfort during long days at her desk.
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