Compression socks are tight-fitting and provide graduated pressure from the ankle to the calf to improve circulation, promote healing after surgery or a workout, and prevent or reduce swelling. They’re also a common remedy for those who stand for long hours, such as nurses. Being on your feet can cause tension and swelling, which compression socks can prevent and relieve. Many variations have an mmHg range (millimeters of mercury), which measures pressure when used for compression socks. Around 15-20 mmHg is considered a good range for those wanting a daily-wear sock that improves circulation. There are reasons to wear other ranges, but you should talk to your doctor first.
Top Compression Socks:
- Duluth – Trading Women’s Stay-Put Lightweight Compression Sock
- Jobst – ActiveWear Knee High Support Athletic Socks
- Extreme Fit – Copper-Infused High-Energy Unisex Compression Socks
- CAMBIVO – Compression Socks
- Go2 – Compression Socks
- BLUEENJOY – Copper Compression Socks
- FITRELL – Compression Socks
- HLTPRO – Compression Socks
- TechWare – Pro Plantar Fasciitis Socks
- Physix – Gear Sport Compression Socks
Things to Know
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Knee-high
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Good for summer
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Polyester
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15-20 mmHG
Ideal for warm weather, these compression socks are made with a lightweight fabric that is 25 times more durable than cotton and is also sweat-wicking. Your feet are more likely to stay dry, while the design also helps prevent blistering. A handful of colors are available, but the pinecone pattern is simplistic yet adorable.
What People Are Saying
“Great for working 12 hour shifts. Do not bind. Are light and not bulky. Feet don’t sweat. I have gifted to many of my coworkers.”
Things to Know
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Knee-high
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15-20 mmHg
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Comes in neutral colors
Designed for athletes, these socks can also keep up with the busy pace of your day. Specific technology helps keep moisture far away from the feet, and the cushioned bottom adds an additional point of comfort. The toe region is also seamless for those of you who have to turn their socks inside out because you just can’t stand the rubbing bulk of the traditional sock sew line (I’m one of those people).
What People Are Saying
“Excellent fit & compression that withstands many washings.”
Things to Know
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Copper-infused
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Unisex
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90% nylon, 10% spandex
These socks make some pretty awesome claims, like the ability to enhance collagen production, thus making your skin look healthier. Copper has antimicrobial properties and can also reduce foot odor when those piggies have been stuffed into Crocs all day long. The neutral colors – black, gold, tan and white – provide some options. Six pairs of socks come in the pack, making these a solid deal.
What People Are Saying
“These compression socks are amazing!! I work 3 12 hour shifts in a row. And I cannot believe how great these socks felt.”
Things to Know
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Breathable
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Wash well, per reviews
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20-30 mmHg
Six pairs of socks come in the set which is great for athletes. In the description, the company says the design can help with muscle recovery and soreness prevention. Customers expressed satisfaction with the value and the overall performance of the compression design. Moisture-wicking fabric keeps sweat from becoming a problem throughout the day, and a broader toe area can help prevent discomfort.
What People Are Saying
“I am a nurse and get swollen legs from standing all day. They arrived after work. I tried them on and they fit perfectly!”
Things to Know
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Good for cold weather
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Run small, per reviews
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One pair of socks rather than a pack
Multiple colors are available, varying from polka dot patterns to fun argyle looks. These check all the boxes for great compression socks, as they prevent moisture from accumulating around feet and legs while offering circulation support and fatigue reduction. The overall fun presentation might add a touch of cheer to a patient’s day.
What People Are Saying
“I love these compression socks! They are so comfortable yet give me great support when I stand all day. I love the different colors! No more plain white compression socks for me. Love these!!!”
Things to Know
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15-20 mmHg per customer investigation on another site
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Wide top cuff
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Good for beginner compression sock wearers
Infused with copper, these compression socks have protective abilities that keep bacteria from breeding around your legs and feet. The socks are also moisture-wicking, and as you can probably tell, this is a common compression sock feature. Six pairs come in the set that features cardiac rhythm patterns and a stethoscope variation. You can also opt for non-medical themed designs. A handy sizing chart is included in the listing’s images.
What People Are Saying
“These socks are tight enough to be compression socks, however, they a great for those who never wore compression socks before, they give great support for hiking, they help better blood circulation when I lift heavy weights at the gym!”
Things to Know
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Knee-high
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20-30mmHg
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Primarily polyamide fabric
Made to look extremely neutral, these are a great compression sock staple for nurses or anyone in general. Mesh fabric allows for breathability, while the cushioned foot bed keeps moisture at bay. This variation also features the seamless toe design. Some reviews mention that the fabric is on the thinner side, which can be a good or a bad thing depending on what you are looking for.
What People Are Saying
“These socks are so comfortable and support my legs without constricting the circulation and causing that red ring around my leg that the other compression hose tend to do. I am on my feet for hours at a time at my job, and these socks keep my legs from swelling and make them feel supported and comforted all day long.”
Things to Know
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Copper, nylon, and spandex blend
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Hand washing is recommended
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20-30 mmHg
Four pairs of knee-high compression socks come within this nurse-themed set, which also includes a “scrub life“ pattern. Made of nylon and spandex, these have enough stretch for comfort while still providing compression benefits. The top cuff is designed to stay in place to prevent annoying slippage. One important thing that we noticed in reviews was that these seem to be easy to take off. Those who have worn compression socks know that can often be the biggest challenge of wearing them.
What People Are Saying
“Great socks. They are not the best but are super good. I work 10 hour shifts in an emergency hospital and I am on my feet ALL day. Before Buying I had painful feet for about 3 days where I would feel so tired and would hurt once I’ll be walking . Ever since I been wearing these no more painful feet !!! They have done miracles and I can’t believe how much they’ve helped. I recommend.”
Things to Know
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Run large, per reviews
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Ankle height
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Unisex
You can work to reduce foot aches and pains that may have developed from sprains, fractures, arthritis, swelling, tendonitis, or plantar fasciitis with these ankle compression socks. We get that not everyone is down with knee high socks, so this is the alternative that still reduces inflammation and promotes circulation. Nylon and spandex come together for a well-ventilated and supportive design. Choose from both neutral and eccentric colors. There’s also a sizing chart to help determine the best fit.
What People Are Saying
“Nice fit and good results. I have used these sock braces at intervals and all day long at work which entails at least 8 hours on my feet. I have had my feet operated for plantar fascia releases and I will be purchasing more.”
Things to Know
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Knee-high
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20 – 30 mmHg
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Good for larger calves, per reviews
According to the description, the double stitched fabric won’t pinch the skin or cause the toes to be too constricted. These are an ideal choice for athletes or nurses, and they’re also washable. It comes as no surprise that these too are quite breathable, thanks to the type of fabric and the product being relatively thin. The majority of the knee-high length sock is black, but pops of color are added to the heel for different variations.
What People Are Saying
“As a hospital midwife I spend countless hours on my feet. I have mild varicose veins and these socks really help reduce the aching during and after shifts.”
