Whether you spend long days sitting at a desk, are taking a lengthy flight or, conversely, are on your feet for hours at a time, compression socks may help improve circulation and ease swelling, pain and that heavy feeling in your legs.
We spoke with experts to find out how compression socks work and which brands are worth trying. Sigvaris, Sockwell and Nurse Yard topped their lists for comfort, style and compression strength.
Inactivity, sitting or standing all day can cause blood pooling, which leads to swelling and an uncomfortable, heavy feeling in the legs, explains Dr. Anne Sharkey, a board-certified podiatrist based in Austin, Texas. Compression socks work “by applying external pressure to the lower legs,” which helps move blood back to the heart and reduces blood pooling in the legs, feet and ankles, easing aches and fatigue.
“Normally, the muscles in the legs pump and bring back the blood to the heart,” Dr. Samantha Landau, professor at Touro New York College of Podiatric Medicine, tells us. With age, genetics, too much pressure on the legs or lack of activity, the valves can weaken. According to Dr. Landau, compression socks help relieve pain and can lower the risk of blood clots.
Most experts noted that the level of compression matters over brand popularity. 15–20 mmHg compression socks offer moderate pressure, making them good for daily use. 20–30 mmHg compression socks give stronger, firmer, more restrictive pressure that experts say may be best for pain management.
Compression socks can benefit people who spend long stretches sitting or standing, including passengers on long flights, flight attendants, nurses and office workers, by helping improve circulation and reduce swelling and pain.
They’re also commonly worn during pregnancy and postpartum to help with swelling. Athletes often use compression socks during or after workouts to support recovery and relieve muscle strain.
The experts also say that patients with chronic leg pain, those who are bedridden and wheelchair users may also benefit from compression socks, depending on their health needs.
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Sigvaris’ sheer compression socks are particularly recommended for patients with medical conditions. They’ve “been notably used for those [with] medical complications such as lymphedema, lipedema and ulcers,” says Rizwan Tai, a podiatrist and podiatric surgeon at Vital Podiatry in Houston.
Sockwell’s compression socks give the look of long dress socks, but are casual enough to wear daily. Tai recommends Sockwell for its stylish design, innovation and health benefits, noting that it suits office workers and travelers for daily use.
Original price: $26.99
Dr. Landau recommends the 20-30mmHg compression socks. She advises against seams and “purchasing socks with design stitches, as this will leave marks on the leg and indentations. Opt for seamless,” she says.
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Dr. Tonie Reincke, medical director and owner of Reincke Vein Center, recommends Nurse Yard, a brand she’s worn herself and suggests to her patients. They come highly recommended for nurses because they eliminate toe pressure and are made of a nylon and spandex blend that’s breathable and moisture-wicking.
Original price: $24.99
Dr. Daniel Stewart, DPM, likes this affordable multicolored three-pack, which saw 5,000 purchases on Amazon just in the past month. In Stewart’s opinion, “there is no reason to spend extra for a brand-name compression sock. You can get a big pack from Amazon, which will do the job fine.”
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Original price: $38
Vim & Vigr has a huge variety of compression socks that come in fun, colorful patterns, if you want a little life in your socks. Choose from nautical stripes, open-toed solid colors or calf-high floral socks. The brand stands out for the “material choices, size options and a selection of compression strengths (more is not always better here),” Dr. Sharkey tells us.
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Original price: $144
Dr. Sharkey likes Comrad for its high compression while still looking and feeling like everyday socks. The Comrad four-pack comes with 15-20mmHg compression, making it ideal for everyday use at work, at the gym, while traveling and during pregnancy.
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