10 Best Compression Socks for Women to Keep Feet Comfy

By Deanna Pai

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.

For 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. (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). They’re also used postworkout to help reduce soreness among athletes, although the evidence there is more scarce.

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. (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. 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. Some even offer arch support and considerations for issues like plantar fasciitis.

Finding the right size is a matter of pairing your shoe size with your approximate calf size. Then, if you’re not sure what level of compression to start with, no sweat. 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. Light compression, which is ideal for sitting and standing for long periods of time, usually falls between 10 and 15 mmHg compression. Meanwhile, medium or moderate compression, which is popular during pregnancy and for travel, falls between 15 and 20 mmHg. Firm compression, which delivers 20 to 30 mmHg, is often used for certain medical conditions, like edema. Most newbies can get away with moderate compression.

Whether you’ve got long days of traveling ahead or are expecting, consider these the best compression socks for women.

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These graduated compression socks offer more compression lower in the leg and ease up on constriction as they get higher, making them ideal if you're dealing with gravity as the source of your sore feet (think sitting or standing). Bonus: They also won't inadvertently cut off circulation at the knee. They offer arch support too, while the fabric is moisture-wicking and helps control odor.

Compression socks can be tough to pull on—understandably, since they’re meant to be tight. However, this pair is made of a nylon-spandex blend that allows for slightly more give without sacrificing the compression. Another perk: If you don't love the look of knee-high socks, the brand also makes compressive ankle socks.

For any kind of foot pain, be it plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, or just general discomfort in your heel or arch, these ankle-height compression sleeves are a safe bet. The elastic openings help keep them snug and prevent bunching, and the lightweight fabric is breathable and wicks moisture, so they're great for running, hiking, and other tough-on-feet activities.

The price of the Charmking compression socks is tough to beat, as they come in a pack of three and contain more spandex than other brands—a respectable 85%—making them easier to pull on and off. Don't miss the light padding around the foot of the sock for extra cushioning and to prevent blisters when you’re on the go.

Pretty much the perfect socks, according to one pregnant Glamour writer who wore them on back-to-back flights, these offer graduated compression to reduce swelling and visible veins whether you're traveling, standing, or expecting. The high-quality design includes a soft toe box and cushioning in the heel, and the fabric feels soft but not flimsy. Plus, they come with dedicated sizes for wide calves, which is tough (if not near impossible) to find.

Shin splints and calf cramps don't stand a chance against these compression socks, which are designed with joggers and runners in mind. They have graduated compression as well as exercise-focused perks like moisture-wicking and temperature-regulating fabric, cushioning on the heel and ball of the foot, a seam-free toe, and separate designs for right and left feet for a better overall fit.

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If you're wearing a skirt or dress, you can still get in on the compression game with this pair of thigh-high compression stockings. The top is reinforced with a silicone band to ensure they don't slip down throughout the day, and the footbed has a roomy toe and cushioned heel for extra TLC. The only drawback is that you have to take your thigh circumference into consideration when determining the right size, which makes it more time-consuming to find the right fit.

These compression socks, which come in bright colors and patterns as well as your usual neutrals, have been designed to help you keep up with an active lifestyle. The proprietary fabric blend helps regulate temperature so your feet never overheat, and they feature cushioning around the foot to keep you comfortable on runs, long walks, and beyond.

Like a mini massage for your lower legs, these graduated compression socks (which were developed in part with vascular surgeons) squeeze tight at the ankle and loosen up from there. That can help both prevent and alleviate spider and varicose veins that pop up during pregnancy or with age.

Bombas is known for its proprietary Stay-Up Technology, which keeps even no-show socks from sliding, so it's no surprise the brand would put it to work in these socks, where it helps them stay put without squeezing. Also great? Bombas's arch support system, which offers firm pressure around the midfoot to keep blood flow on the move. Finally, they have built-in vents, so you don't have to worry about your feet overheating, either.

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