The Best Compression Socks Of 2024 To Reduce Leg Fatigue And Swelling
Compression socks offer a range of benefits in different situations—and today’s compression socks are more stylish, and more available than ever before. They improve exercise performance by reducing muscle damage, swelling and fatigue, provide relief for varicose veins during pregnancy, and help prevent deep vein thrombosis. “The main purpose of compression socks is to increase circulation in the legs, which is necessary for life in all aspects of our body systems,” says Dr. Lorri Lankiewicz, PT, DPT and owner of FYZICAL in Butler, Pennsylvania. After wearing the best compression socks while exercising, standing and sitting for hours, the Bombas Everyday Compression Socks earned top marks for their light compression, comfort and breathability.
We’ve included compression socks not only for travel, but pregnancy, varicose veins and running, too.
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Best Compression Socks Overall: Bombas Everyday Compression Socks
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Best Budget Compression Socks: Fenglaoda Compression Socks (8-Pack)
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Best Compression Socks For Recovery : Sockwell Circulator
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Best Compression Socks For Style: Comrad Cloudcotton Compression Socks
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Best Compression Socks For Varicose Veins: Newzill Medical Compression Socks
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Best Compression Socks For Travel: Trtl Flight Compression Socks
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Best Anti-Microbial Compression Socks : Copper Compression Powerknit Knee High Socks
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Best Compression Socks For Pregnancy: Hatch Compression Socks
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Best Compression Socks For Running: Pro Compression Marathon Socks
Best Compression Socks Overall
Designed For All-Day Comfort
Bombas Everyday Compression Socks
Sizes: M to XL (men’s), S to L (women’s) | Materials: Cotton, polyester, elastane, nylon | Colors: 10 total, including Galaxy and Vintage Green | Compression level: 15 to 20 mmHg
What you’ll love:
- Seamless toe stitching for added comfort
- Moisture-wicking material
- One pair of socks is donated for every purchased
Keep in mind:
- The lower compression level may not be suitable for everyone
- One length only
The Everyday Compression Socks by Bombas reign as the best overall for a slew of reasons. Firstly, at the lower end of the compression scale, they’re perfect for everyday wear, especially if you’re on your feet day and night. Secondly, the design is thoughtfully incorporated into every aspect of the sock for a truly comfortable fit.
Strategically made from extra-long staple cotton, they’re designed to keep in the warmth during winter and release it come summer for dry feet any time of year.
On the feature front, they’re made with a seamless toe (no irritating bump across your toes!) and are cushioned in just the right places for extra comfort. You’ll also find a honeycomb style arch support for a firm “hug” to your midfoot. Plus, the heel is stitched in a Y-shape to cradle the natural shape of your foot. Choose from a variety of colors to match your style. We also love the brand’s One Purchased = One Donated program, where one pair of socks is donated to a homeless shelter for every pair purchased.
Best Budget Compression Socks
A Graduated Compression Sock At A Bargain Price
Sizes: S/M, L/XL | Materials: Polyester, spandex | Colors: 29 Color Combos | Compression level: 20 to 30 mmHg
What you’ll love:
- Suitable for everyday wear
- Suitable for various scenarios
- Wide range of colors and styles
Keep in mind:
- Only two size options
- Each color pack is priced separately
This bargain buy delivers an 8-pack of compression socks for under $30. But don’t be fooled into thinking the quality doesn’t stand up. These are actually compression gradient socks for a snug fit around the ankle (20 to 30mmHg) that tapers in strength as it works up the leg. This helps to better circulate more oxygen rich blood around the body for less aches and swelling, and more comfort on the go.
They’re suitable for a variety of uses—standing all day at work, for post-workout TLC or to relieve general soreness if spending time on your feet all day is normal.
The brand claims the lightweight fabric (mainly polyester) is breathable and reduces sweat outbreaks—backed up by more than a handful of positive reviews.
Choose from 29 color packs.
Best Compression Socks For Recovery
Moderate Cushioning, Maximum Recovery (And Style)
Sockwell Circulator
Sizes: M/L , L/XL, XXL (men’s); S/M, M/L (women’s) | Materials: Merino wool, bamboo rayon, stretch nylon, spandex | Colors: 7 total | Compression level: 15-20mmHg
What you’ll love:
- Great for everyday wear
- Breathable materials
- Understated design
Keep in mind:
- Limited size options
- Material isn’t tough enough for intense workouts
If you’re looking for a compression sock that can support you on recovery days, Sockwell’s Circulator is the answer. The design is understated enough that you can wear these around town or at home without cringing at the style, and the combo of merino wool and bamboo means these will breathe all day long—no sweaty feet here. These are great for recovery days or bouts of prolonged sitting; you’ll want to wear these on long flights. Because the compression level is moderate and graduated, you won’t have to worry about taking these off after a few hours—and you may even forget you have them on.
Although you can choose from seven different colorways for both men’s and women’s styles, be aware that sizing is limited—particularly for women’s options.
Best Compression Socks For Style
Health Benefits Without Sacrificing Your Personal Style
Sizes: S, M, MW, L, LW, XL | Materials: Cotton and tencel | Colors: 4 total | Compression level: 15-20 mmHg
What you’ll love:
- Eye-catching design
- Forward-thinking materials
- Suitable for all-day wear
Keep in mind:
- On the pricier end of the sock spectrum
- Cooler colorways sell out quickly
Sock trends come and go, but stripes are forever—that’s why we like this pair of brightly-colored Comrad compression socks. The Cloudcotton Compression Socks prove comfort, style and sustainability don’t have to be mutually exclusive. These socks are made with a blend of cotton and tencel, a material created from tree fibers that is silky smooth enough to wear all day.
If you’re looking for a medium compression sock that will augment, not detract from, your next ‘fit, Comrad’s options are a great place to start. There aren’t as many color options as other brands, but sometimes restraint is a good thing.
Best Compression Socks For Varicose Veins
A Supportive Medical-Grade Compression Sock To Improve Circulation
Sizes: S/M, L/XL, XXL | Materials: Nylon, spandex, Lycra | Colors: 11 total | Compression level: 20 to 30 mmHg
What you’ll love:
- Medium to high compression level
- Breathable material
- No stitching in places that can rub
Keep in mind:
- Suited to specific conditions
- Some reviews suggest the sizing is not accurate
These are the best compression socks if you’re managing conditions such as varicose veins which require a medium to high compression level (20 to 30mmHg). According to Lankiewicz, the benefits of such socks for varicose veins include improving blood flow and maintaining healthy blood pressure and oxygen delivery.
Made from a breathable blend of nylon, spandex and lycra, the Newzill compression socks are cleverly constructed without stitches in areas that may rub against your foot. Aside from functioning as a sock for medical concerns, like plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis, they’re great for accelerating sports recovery and reducing delayed onset muscle soreness from intense workouts.
Simply measure the widest part of your calf to find your size.
Best Compression Socks For Travel
A Stylish Travel Companion To Keep Swelling At Bay
Sizes: S to L | Materials: Coolmax, Lycra | Colors: 9 total, including Fiji and Kyoto | Compression level: 15 to 21 mmHg
What you’ll love:
- Breathable, moisture-wicking fabric
- Cushioned heel, toe and sole
- Variety of fun colors
Keep in mind:
- Lower compression level
- Measure prior to purchase to ensure the best fit
If you have a long flight, train journey or car drive ahead of you, do yourself a favor and get a pair of Trtl Travel Flight Compression Socks. Spec wise, they offer gentle compression (15 to 21 mmHg) to help reduce the swelling that comes from plane pressure and sitting for prolonged periods of time, which can reduce the incidence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). They’re also available in playful color palettes to spruce up your travel wear.
Made with Coolmax knit fabric to wick moisture and allow heat to pass through, they also feature Lycra material for a comfy stretch that retains the sock’s shape. For even more relief, the heel, toe and sole are cushioned.
Try out the handy measuring guide to gauge your size based on your ankle and calf circumferences.
Best Anti-Microbial Compression Socks
Keep Feet Clean, Comfortable And Compressed
Sizes: S, M, L | Materials: Copper-infused nylon, spandex | Colors: 2 total | Compression level: 15-20mmHg
What you’ll love:
- Copper-coated nylon has anti-microbial benefits
- Moderate compression is comfortable
Keep in mind:
- Not high on style
For those of us concerned with sweaty, smelly feet as well as foot health, these socks combine anti-microbial prowress with moderate, graduated compression to target both swelling and smelling.
The Powerknit Knee High Socks are made with 85% copper-infused nylon, which naturally protects against a wide variety of microorganisms. Additionally, copper is antibacterial and destroys 99% of odor-producing bacteria that it encounters, which we consider a plus.
Although these aren’t the most stylish socks we’ve seen, they are effective for all-day wear—the targeted compression focuses on
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