Meanwhile, medium or moderate compression, which is popular during pregnancy and for travel, falls between 15 and 20 mmHg. Light compression, which is ideal for sitting and standing for long periods of time, usually falls between 10 and 15 mmHg compression. Compression levels are measured in millimeters of mercury, or mmHg, and the right amount of compression will depend on why you need to wear compression socks in the first place. Then, if you’re not sure what level of compression to start with, no sweat. Some even offer arch support and considerations for issues like plantar fasciitis.įinding the right size is a matter of pairing your shoe size with your approximate calf size. These days the best compression socks for women now come in a variety of styles, like knee-high and thigh-high versions and with stripes or cute color combos, as well as more inclusive sizes and breathable fabrics. (In other words, they help boost your blood circulation and reduce fluid buildup.) The best part? You’re no longer stuck with the uninspired compression stockings of decades past. The way compression socks work is pretty simple: By literally squeezing your veins, they can help increase your body’s usual blood flow, sending nutrient-depleted blood back up to your heart and the good stuff down to your legs and feet. Best for Running: Zensah Tech+ Running Compression Socks, $50.Best for Foot Pain: SB SOX Plantar Fasciitis Relief Socks, $25.Best Firm Compression Socks: Bombas Women's Performance Compression Socks, $36.Best Medium Compression Socks: Sockwell Women's Micro Grade Moderate Graduated Compression Sock, $30.Best Overall Compression Socks: Comrad Knee-High Compression Socks, $28.They’re also used postworkout to help reduce soreness among athletes, although the evidence there is more scarce. (Peep our roundup of the best shoes for pregnancy while you're at it.) The same goes for anyone who spends long periods of time standing, such as nurses, since the lower legs and feet can get tired, sore, and swollen (which is why the best shoes for nurses are such a big deal too). However, she doesn’t recommend compression socks for people with certain heart conditions, like congestive heart failure and arterial disease.While even the best compression socks have a reputation for being uncool-lending a vibe that's more grandma than glamorous-there may come a point in your life when you actually do need to stock up on the famously snug socks.įor some of us, that time is pregnancy, during which time your blood volume doubles (for real) and increases pressure on the veins, which can contribute to an increase in blood pressure as well as swelling, varicose veins, and even a higher risk of blood clots like deep vein thrombosis, especially on long flights. They definitely make my feet and legs feel much less tired,” she says. “I also wore them daily when I was pregnant to prevent varicose and spider veins.
Outside of post-workout recovery, women who are pregnant and people with certain health conditions, like those who have type 2 diabetes or those who have suffered from deep vein thrombosis (DVT), can also benefit from wearing compression socks to help reduce their risk of developing blood clots and swelling in the feet and legs.Īs a podiatric surgeon, Parthasarathy is on her feet all day, so she likes to wear compression socks underneath her scrubs.
Meet the experts: Priya Parthasarathy, D.P.M., a podiatrist in Silver Springs, MD Anne Sharkey, D.P.M., a podiatrist at North Austin Foot & Ankle Institute in Austin “Many of my runner patients swear by them, stating that they reduce muscle fatigue and soreness, which in turn produces a faster recovery.” and spokesperson for the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA). “Compression socks place constant pressure on the legs to prevent the accumulation of fluid the compression is thought to help the blood circulate better which allows more oxygen to get to the tissues,” says Priya Parthasarathy, D.P.M., a podiatrist in Silver Springs, MD. Studies suggest that compression socks can help reduce muscle damage and inflammation, especially after a big physical feat like a marathon. Whether you’re traveling on an international flight that lasts for several hours or you just finished an intense workout that was hard on your legs and feet, the best compression socks provide the relief you need for muscle aches and foot pain.
We updated this article in May 2023 to add more information about each featured product, based on extensive research done by our team.
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