Travel Products Style Apparel The 13 Best Compression Socks of 2023 We love the Fengolaoda Compression Socks for Women. By Katherine Alex Beaven Katherine Alex Beaven Instagram Website Katherine Alex Beaven is a Los Angeles-based travel, food and drink, and culture writer. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines Updated on February 1, 2023 Fact checked by Rich Scherr Fact checked by Rich Scherr Rich Scherr is a seasoned journalist and editor who has traveled across the U.S., Canada, and Europe, and spent more than a decade reviewing hotel room. Travel + Leisure Fact Checking Process Share Tweet Pin Email In This Article Expand Jump to a Section Our top picks Reviews Tips for Buying FAQ Why Trust T+L We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Travel + Leisure / Alli Waataja Tired legs, swollen feet, cold toes? These are just a few things that compression socks can help alleviate. We love them for keeping us energized and comfortable while traveling, whether on long flights, city tours, or hikes. Compression socks are also great for keeping your feet and legs feeling great while running, after a hard workout, and during long days spent on your feet. While doctors usually write prescriptions for higher strength (i.e. tighter) compression socks, many over-the-counter versions are the perfect fit for non-medical needs. To get professional insight, we spoke to Dr. Alissa Kuizinas, a podiatry specialist in Massachusetts, who answered all of our questions and shared her tips for buying compression socks. We love the Fengolaoda Compression Socks for Women (which are actually unisex) because of their value, ability to hold compression over time, and the noticeable extra cushioning in the sole. They’re also available in a wide variety of colors and patterns. If you’re looking for another sock style, however, we’ve also got top picks for the best thigh-high, toeless, and crew-length compression socks, as well as the best compression socks for running, hiking, recovery, or just everyday use. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Fengolaoda Compression Socks for Women at Amazon Jump to Review Best Crew Length: Sockwell Ascend II Crew Compression Socks at Amazon Jump to Review Best Five-toe: Injinji Ultra Compression OTC at Amazon Jump to Review Best Zipper: TheraMagic Zipper Compression Socks for Men and Women at Amazon Jump to Review Best Thigh-high: Charmking 3 Pairs Copper Compression Socks at Amazon Jump to Review Best Arch Support: Spanx Active Arch Compression Crew Socks at Spanx Jump to Review Best Knee-High: Comrad Knee-High Compression Socks at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Running: Comrad Athletic Crew Compression Sock at Comradsocks.com Jump to Review Best for Flights: Double Couple 6 Pairs Compression Socks at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Everyday Wear: Bombas Women's Colorblock Compression Knee High Socks at Bombas.com Jump to Review Best Overall Fengolaoda Compression Socks for Women Amazon View On Amazon Why We Love It They come in 44 different colors and patterns. What to Consider These are more unisex than women-specific. Fengolaoda compression socks put the “fun” in functional with over 40 designs and colors, including Christmas-themed six-packs and patriotic Independence Day styles. These socks are also an incredible bang-for-your buck. The polyester and spandex blend delivers a comfortable medium compression rating that we found works well in practically every situation – but especially for thermoregulation and keeping our legs feeling energized during and after activity. The extra cushion in the sole is a welcome bonus and feels more comfortable than thinner compression socks while in the shoe and when walking on hard surfaces. We also like how these socks keep their compression through multiple machine washes and wear. They also stay up comfortably at knee-high length. Despite being labeled for women, these compression socks are unisex. Price at time of publish: $22 The Details: 5-14 (women), 5.5-12.5 (men) | Polyester and spandex | 20-30 mmHg Best Crew Length Sockwell Ascend II Crew Compression Socks Amazon View On Amazon View On Sockwellusa.com Why We Love It Cushioned soles make them feel luxe. What to Consider They’re machine washable, but need to be air-dried. These Sockwell Ascend II Crew socks are available for both men and women in four low-key colorways with fun designs. Medium-cushioned soles give an extra boost of comfort and add a plush feeling you don’t always get in a compression sock. The merino wool fabric blend keeps your feet dry, preventing painful blisters, while four compression zones provide graduated moderate compression up from the foot to the lower calf, supporting the ankle. These are great for wearing around the house, during everyday activities, or on hikes and walks. Price at time of publish: $25 The Details: 4-11 (women), 7-13 (men) | Merino wool, nylon, alpaca, spandex | 15-20 mmHg Best Five-toe Injinji Ultra Compression OTC Amazon View On Amazon View On Injinji.com Why We Love It Reflective stripes help to be seen in the dark. What to Consider They are hand-wash only. The Injinji Ultra Compression OTC socks are designed with a patented five-toe style that individually surrounds each toe, preventing friction between toes that can lead to blisters and allowing for better individual toe grip during activities. Compression with these socks starts at the ankle for extra support and moves up the leg to below the knee. These socks are best used during movement, such as running, walking, or working out. The nylon and lycra blend work together to keep your feet dry, the sock flexible and supportive, and give graduated compression, though the exact compression rating is unknown. Price at time of publish: $49 The Details: S-XL | Nylon and lycra The 11 Best Compression Socks for Women of 2023 Best Zipper TheraMagic Zipper Compression Socks for Men and Women Amazon View On Amazon Why We Love It They are a cinch to get on and off. What to Consider They have a clinical look to them. These medium level compression socks are key for anyone who doesn’t want to fuss with the (occasional) struggle of getting their compression socks on and off, particularly at higher compression levels. You’ll get ankle support, a seamless toe, and copper-infused soles for added arch support and odor control. These socks are ideal for post-surgery recovery, pregnancy swelling, people with limited mobility, and seniors with varicose veins or poor circulation. Note that these socks only come in black or beige and have a bit of a clinical look to them. Price at time of publish: $40 The Details: S-2XL | Elastane, copper nylon, spandex | 20-30 mmHg Best Thigh-high Charmking 3 Pairs Copper Compression Socks Amazon View On Amazon Why We Love It You’ll get a good selection of colors and designs. What to Consider They may not make it over the knee for some people. Charmking’s knee-high compression socks are an affordable option for folks looking for the extra benefit of compression that covers their knees. Graduated compression helps reduce swelling and increase circulation in the lower leg and the knees. Although they have a light compression rating, these socks can feel a bit tighter and more supportive depending on the circumference of the leg. We love that there are several options for colors and designs, as well as a range of sizes. However, depending on your leg length, the socks may not quite make it over your knee. When in doubt, go for a larger size. Price at time of publish: $23 The Details: 5-12 (women) | Nylon and spandex | 15-20 mmHg Best Arch Support Spanx Active Arch Compression Crew Socks Spanx View On Spanx Why We Love It You can feel the arch support band when you put these on. What to Consider These socks are only available in one size. Spanx’s low-rise Active Arch Compression Crew Socks are fitted with arch support you can feel. Rising just over the ankles, they don’t provide as much ankle support or compression as other socks on the list, but they’re designed with built-in support zones that wrap around the arch of the foot. You’ll also get a cushioned heel for all-day comfort, and a flexible fabric that moves when you do. One downside is that they’re only available as one-size-fits-most, so they may not fit everyone (or they may fit differently) depending on your shoe size. Price at time of publish: $12 The Details: One size | Nylon, polyester, rubber, elastane Best Knee-High Comrad Knee-High Compression Socks Comrad View On Amazon Why We Love It They come in sizes for wide calves. What to Consider Over time, they may not stay up as securely. Knee-high length compression socks are often the most successful as they cover the entire lower leg. These Comrad Knee-High Compression Socks are our go-to in this category because they’re cute, comfortable, and available in wide-calf sizes. Slip these on at the start of a long day or to help with muscle recovery after a tough workout. The light compression rating is perfect for someone looking to reduce foot swelling from pregnancy or endure a long flight, but who doesn’t want to feel like they are wearing compression socks. There's a wider under-knee band to help keep the socks up, but note that it can stretch out over time, especially if you wear the socks more than once between washes. Price at time of publish: $28 The Details: S-L, M (wide calf), L (wide calf) | Nylon and spandex | 15-20 mmHg The 11 Most Comfortable Socks for Travel of 2023 Best for Running Comrad Athletic Crew Compression Sock Comrad View On Comradsocks.com Why We Love It These socks have great ankle and arch support. What to Consider The asymmetrical-lipped hem isn’t for everyone. These Comrad Athletic Crew Compression Socks have impact cushioning to make running more feet-friendly. The mostly polyester and nylon blend ensures a flexible, breathable fit that moves with you. There’s also extra microbead arch support and 360-degree compression for added ankle support as you pound the pavement. Silver-infused performance yarn keeps your legs and feet from getting overly tired and provides a bit of reflection. The crew length is ideal for running, but the uneven hems at the top of the socks is a design that might not be to everyone’s tastes. Price at time of publish: $16 The Details: 4-10 (women), 4-15 (man) | Polyester, nylon, spandex, cotton Best for Flights Double Couple 6 Pairs Compression Socks Amazon View On Amazon Why We Love It This six-pack offers excellent value. What to Consider Sock patterns may leave an imprint on your leg. These fun and colorful compression socks are made from a thin material that is durable, moisture wicking, and breathable. Since you’re sitting for the journey, the over-the-calf coverage is ideal at keeping your blood circulating while seated on long flights. A roomy reinforced heel and toe mean no squished toes and less wear and tear from concourse-to-concourse sprints. The medium compression level is great at reducing or preventing airplane-induced foot swelling. Plus, the price is unbeatable and the socks are machine washable. We love the funky patterns, but just know that they will likely leave a temporary imprint on your legs (another reason we save these for flights). Note that sizing is determined by the size of your calf, not your shoe size. Price at time of publish: $18 The Details: S-XL | Copper fiber and undisclosed fabric | 20-30 mmHg Best for Everyday Wear Bombas Women's Colorblock Compression Knee High Socks 4.8 Dick's Sporting Goods View On Bombas.com View On Dick's View On Publiclands.com Why We Love It They are extremely comfortable. What to Consider Consider sizing up if you’re between sizes. Not only do these Bombas Everyday Women’s Compression Socks have a fun ‘80s retro sock look, they also stand out as one of the few compression socks made from cotton. We chose these for everyday wear since they look — and feel — like a regular sock (just one that’s a touch more snug). The light compression rating is more supportive than a regular sock, but relaxed enough to keep you feeling comfy during all-day use. These socks help relieve tired, achy feet and minor swelling that you may experience while pregnant or after spending hours working on your feet. If you’re used to higher compression levels, you may not feel this sock is doing the trick. Price at time of publish: $28 The Details: 4-17 | Cotton, polyester, nylon, spandex | 15-20 mmHg Best for Hiking Sockwell Women’s Rhythm Crew Amazon View On Amazon View On Sockwellusa.com Why We Love It Merino wool keeps your feet warm while wicking away moisture. What to Consider These may not offer enough compression for some. These Sockwell crew-length compression socks have the right amount of stretch, softness, and support to keep you feeling energized during your next hike. In addition to being made of 41 percent merino wool, which is known for its insulating and cooling performance, you’ll also get a woven-in breather panel for air circulation to help keep your feet dry. These socks feature a seamless reinforced toe for more comfort and less toe crowding, and extra arch support. The two available colors are easy on the eyes and the sock designs are fun without being over the top. Just note that the 15-20mmHg rating may not be quite enough compression for anyone prone to foot swelling or very tired feet. Price at time of publish: $25 The Details: 4-11 (women), 7-10 (men) | Merino wool, nylon, alpaca, spandex | 15-20 mmHg Best Recovery Naboso Knee-High Recovery Socks Naboso View On Naboso.com Why We Love It They have interior tread for stimulation and grounding. What to Consider They work a bit differently than other compression socks. The Naboso Knee-High Recovery Socks are unlike any other compression sock on our list (or on the market, really). The interior bottom of the sock is lined with a diamondhead tread that massages the bottoms of your feet. The stimulation helps with grounding, blood flow, and nerve endings. These socks were developed by a podiatrist and are ideal for people recovering from foot and leg surgeries or for after a hard workout. As such, they’re only meant to be worn for 30 to 60 minutes a day, to start. Note that these come in ankle sock length, so you won’t get that graduated compression up through the calf. Price at time of publish: $75 The Details: 4-13 (women), 5.5-13 (men) | Nylon and spandex | 20-30mmHg Best Open-Toe Truform 20-30 mmHg Compression Stocking Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Walgreens Why We Love It They are durable and keep their compression after many uses. What to Consider They only come in basic colors. If you’re looking for an open-toe design, these Truform 20-30mmHg Compression Stockings deliver graduated pressure from the balls of the feet to up over the calf. These socks come in basic solid colors like gray, black, white, and beige — so think function over fashion. The 20-30mmHg rating gives firm, graduated compression and is best for folks with tired, achy legs or minor foot and ankle swelling. These socks stay up below the knee and keep their compression over time, which are big pluses. Price at time of publish: $14 The Details: S-4XL | Nylon and spandex | 20-30mmHg Tips for Buying Compression Socks Understand compression levels Compression levels, also called ratings, are denoted as mmHg. Dr. Kuizinas notes that most people will only require a low level of compression for everyday wear, usually about 15-20mmHg. Medium compression is between 20-30mmHg, and works well for people that plan to stand for several hours. Higher-rated compression levels are between 30-60mmHg, and are best administered through a doctor’s prescription. Consider the style of the socks According to Dr. Kuizinas, the best results are usually achieved with socks that go up to the knee and have a seamless design. Since many compression socks can be very tight around the toes, she says it can be helpful to use toeless compression socks that start at the ball of the foot, or have individual toe compartments. Frequently Asked Questions What are compression socks? Compression socks are socks that fit more snugly than regular socks in order to deliver even pressure around the foot, toes, and calf. This light-to-medium pressure helps promote blood flow in the legs. When should I wear compression socks? The best time to wear compression socks is during the day, says Dr. Kuizinas, particularly during long periods of standing or sitting when circulation in the legs is in need of the most assistance. Can I sleep in compression socks? Dr. Kuizinas explains that sleeping in compression socks is “usually not necessary or advised,” as the legs are in an elevated position and not in need of as much blow flow assistance when laying in bed. Who should not wear compression socks? People with a specific injury or large amount of swelling should consult a doctor before using compression socks. Dr. Kuizinas also warns that compression socks can have the opposite intended effect and restrict blood flow in individuals with arterial disease. Why Trust Travel + Leisure Katherine Alex Beaven is a writer and photographer covering travel, food, and culture. While researching the best compression socks, we spoke to Dr. Alissa Kuizinas, a podiatrist in Boston, Massachusetts, who provided insight into the best products. The 14 Best Compression Leggings for Women of 2023 Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit