We Tested 26 Pairs of Compression Socks—These Are the Most Comfortable and Effective (2024)

Why We Recommend It

Away Travel compression socks are designed for travel, but we found them extra supportive, comfortable, and odor-free during everyday use. They were easy to put on and take off, and even though we wore them all day, they never slipped, curled, or folded.

The socks are made of a lightweight cotton and polyester blend, which we found to be breathable and soft. The fit is snug, making them a great option for people who need a good amount of support, but the socks are also breathable and don’t compromise on comfort.

Keep in Mind

The socks may be too snug for some people.

^{Key Specs:
Material: 45% Organic cotton, 25% Polyester, 20% Lycra, 10% Nylon | Compression Level: Unspecified |Fit: Below the knee | Available Sizes: S, M, L, XL}

Why We Recommend It

Designed for healthcare workers on their feet all day, these medical-grade compression stockings check all the right boxes. Since they provide a higher compression rating, these socks are best for people who spend long hours on their feet or have a medical condition that can slow circulation.

When we tried this pair, we felt immediate relief, especially in the arches and heels. The socks were tight but not too difficult to put on or remove.

Keep in Mind

They come in various bright, vibrant designs that add color to your wardrobe, but they’re not the best pick if you want something more inconspicuous.

^{Key Specs:
Material: 90% Nylon; 10% Spandex | Compression Level: 20-30mmHg |Fit: Below knee | Available Sizes: S, M, L, XL}

Why We Recommend It

Physix Gear Sport Compression socks are our top pick for varicose veins because they feel amazing and provide impressive support without any itchiness or discomfort. In fact, at one point, we forgot we were even wearing them—and when you have varicose veins and need to wear compression socks all day, every day, that’s a huge benefit.

The socks feature graduated compression, which makes them easy to put on and off. They also come in many sizes and colors.

Keep in Mind

Although they don’t have the great designs many other brands boast of, they make up for that in comfort and support.

^{Key Specs:
Material: 85% Nylon ; 10% Polyester ; 5% Copper Fiber | Compression Level: Graduated from 20-30 in the foot to 10-15 at the calf | Fit: Below the knee | Available Sizes: S, M, L, XL}

Long flights, extended time at a desk, or immobility after surgery compromise your circulation and increase your risk of forming blood clots. Bluemaple Copper Compression Socks are our pick for the best clot-preventing stockings because they provide adequate compression while being breathable and offering great value if you need multiple pairs.

The socks are snug but also easy to put on and remove. We loved that they stayed in place all day without bunching or slipping. They’re also extremely breathable and hold their shape well after washing. You get six pairs at an accessible price point, so you can wash and wear them all week.

Keep in Mind

After wearing the socks for eight hours, we felt slight discomfort and mild itchiness, so these may not be the best if you have sensitive skin or need to wear them for long periods. The socks may also shrink in the dryer, so air drying is preferable.

^{Key Specs:
Material: 85% Nylon; 18% Polyester | Compression Level: Graduated from 20-30 in the foot to 10-15 at the calf | Fit: Below the knee | Available Sizes: S, M, L, XL}

Why We Recommend It

If you have diabetes and your doctor wants you to wear compression socks, we like Sockwell Women's Elevation Firm Graduated Compression Socks. They're breathable, with great arch support and graduated compression. During our testing period, the socks greatly improved foot circulation when worn while sitting and during long walks. They're also high quality and don't pill or shrink after multiple washes. The blend of merino wool, bamboo rayon, nylon, and spandex is comfortable and allows for freedom of movement while providing adequate support.

Keep in Mind

The socks fit tighter, so you might want to order the next size up.

^{Key Specs:
Material: 31% Merino Wool; 31% Bamboo Rayon; 30% Stretch Nylon; 8% Spandex | Compression Level: Graduated, 20-30mmHg | Fit: Firm to tight, below the knee | Available Sizes: US 4 - 11}

Why We Recommend It

Charmking Compression Socks come in an 8-pack and are ideal for nurses and anyone who spends long hours on their feet. The socks reduce foot pain and swelling, even after two to three-hour walks. One of our editors, who recently had foot surgery, noted a significant decrease in pain and swelling after wearing the socks for 12 hours per day over three weeks.

The socks are designed for athletic daily wear and are the compression socks you want when you need to perform at your best. They kept our feet dry, and we loved the light padding.

Keep in Mind

They’re a bit stretchier than other socks we reviewed, and the compression isn’t as intense. If you need more support, look for socks that provide at least 20mmHg.

^{Key Specs:
Material: 85% Nylon; 15% Spandex| Compression Level: 15-20mmHg | Fit: Stretchy, below the knee | Available Sizes: S, M}

Why We Recommend It

Whether you want to blaze past like Usain Bolt or do a light maintenance run around the block, compression socks have been shown to improve performance. Lily Trotters Athletic Compression Socks are designed to free your feet from swelling, soreness, and cramps after long runs or workouts.

We found the socks easy to wear and remove, and they were comfortable even after being worn for 12 hours. They also held up great after multiple washes. The socks are thin enough to be worn in layers for extra warmth during cold-weather training but also supportive enough to wear alone.

Keep in Mind

The pattern options are very limited.

^{Key Specs:
Material: 93% Nylon; 7% Spandex| Compression Level: 15-20mmHg | Fit: Below the knee | Available Sizes: S, M, L, XL}

Why We Recommend It

Gradient or graduated compression is necessary for extra support below your ankles. Dr. Scholl’s Women’s Graduated Compression Socks provide the most compression to your feet, gradually easing their grip from your ankles to your calves. We found them to be breathable, comfortable, and supportive of a wide range of motion. We expected the ankle compression to be too tight but surprisingly comfortable.

The stay-up design prevents the socks from slipping or bunching around your ankles, and the ultra-smooth, invisible seam and lightweight construction favor all-day wear. These socks give you the right compression at the right spot with minimal hassles.

Keep in Mind

Some people may need more compression. The grip here loosens over time, so if that's not right for you, you should consider other options.

^{Key Specs:
Material: 96% Nylon; 4% Spandex | Compression Level: Mild, 8-15mmHg | Fit: Below the knee | Available Sizes: M, L, (US 4 - 12)}

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is it OK to wear compression socks every day?

  You can wear compression socks every day, all day, as long as you don’t wear them to bed, Dr. Apple says, since this can cut off blood flow. If you need to give your circulation a boost at night, sleep with your legs slightly elevated. It's also important to not let compression socks bunch up. They should always be stretched out to avoid potentially cutting off circulation or getting ulceration from the pressure of the socks bunching.

• How long can you wear compression socks?

  You can wear compression socks for up to 16 hours each day. Exactly how long depends on why you’re wearing them. For instance, if you need them for occasional travel, you will wear them less than someone who wears them for everyday support. If you wear compression socks to prevent common side effects from conditions like diabetes, edema, or varicose veins, it’s best to wear them for longer stretches of time.

• How do you know if you need compression socks?

  Compression socks can be helpful if you experience swollen legs or feet. You may also consider wearing them if you are pregnant, work long hours at a desk or counter, or train as an athlete. Your doctor might also prescribe them if you have troublesome varicose veins or other circulatory conditions.

  If you have mild pain and swelling, buying a low compression pair could help, says Dr. Ma. Make sure you see a doctor if your symptoms get worse or you find that maximum strength socks don’t provide relief.