Best Compression Socks 2024 - Forbes Vetted

Compression socks offer a range of benefits in different situations, and today’s compression socks are more stylish, and more available in different lengths and fits than ever before. After wearing the best compression socks while exercising, standing and traveling, we consider the Bombas Everyday Compression Socks the best overall for their gradual compression, comfort and breathability. Meanwhile, our best pick for traveling, the Trtl Flight Compression Socks, feature breathable, moisture-wicking fabric that’s comfortable on long flights. And even the Fenglaoda Compression Socks are a great option at around $20 for a pack of eight if you’d like a few pairs for casual wear.

Toss on a pair of the best compression socks to discover relief from sore, achy muscles.

Compression socks are used for a range of different reasons, from recovery after intense exercise to relief from varicose veins during pregnancy, and they even help prevent deep vein thrombosis.“The main purpose of compression socks is to increase circulation in the legs, which is necessary for life in all aspects of our body systems,” says Dr. Lorri Lankiewicz, PT, DPT and owner of FYZICAL in Butler, Pennsylvania. Our top nine compression socks on the market include options not only for recovery, but pregnancy, varicose veins and travel, too.

Bombas

Sizes: M to XL (men’s), S to L (women’s) | Materials: Cotton, polyester, elastane, nylon | Length: Knee High | Compression level: 15 to 20 mmHg

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The Everyday Compression Socks by Bombas are our favorite style for a slew of reasons. Firstly, at the lower end of the compression scale, they’re perfect for everyday wear, especially if you’re on your feet day and night. And secondly, the design is thoughtfully incorporated into every aspect of the sock for a truly comfortable fit.

Strategically made from extra-long staple cotton, they’re designed to lock in warmth during winter and release it come summer for dry feet any time of year.

On the feature front, they’re made with a seamless toe (no irritating bump across your toes) and are cushioned in just the right places for extra comfort. You’ll also find a honeycomb style arch support for a firm “hug” to your midfoot. Plus, the heel is stitched in a Y-shape to cradle the natural shape of your foot. We also love the brand’s One Purchased = One Donated program—one pair of socks is donated to a homeless shelter for every pair purchased.

Amazon

Sizes: S/M, L/XL | Materials: Polyester, spandex | Length: Knee High | Compression Level: 20 to 30 mmHg

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This bargain buy delivers an 8-pack of compression socks for under $30. But don’t be fooled into thinking the quality doesn’t stand up. These are actually gradient socks for a snug fit around the ankle (20 to 30mmHg) that tapers in compression as it works up the leg. This helps to better circulate more oxygen-rich blood around the body for less aches and swelling, and more comfort on the go.

We love that these socks are suitable for a variety of uses, whether you’re standing all day at work, managing post-workout aches or relieving general soreness. They’re a great option that won’t excel in one specific way, but they will come in handy time and time again.

The brand claims the lightweight fabric (mainly polyester) is breathable and reduces sweat—a claim backed by dozens of positive reviews.

Sockwell

Sizes: M/L , L/XL, XXL (men’s); S/M, M/L (women’s) | Materials: Merino wool, bamboo rayon, stretch nylon, spandex | Length: Knee High | Compression Level: 15—20mmHg

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If you’re looking for a compression sock that can support you on recovery days, Sockwell’s Circulator style is the answer. The design is understated enough that you can wear these around town or at home without cramping your own style, and the combo of merino wool and bamboo means these will breathe all day long—no sweaty feet to speak of. We love that the material blend on these socks are naturally antimicrobial and anti-stink, too. These are great for recovery days or bouts of prolonged sitting; you'll want to wear these on long flights. Because the compression level is moderate and graduated, you won't have to worry about taking these off after a few hours—and you may even forget you have them on.

Although you can choose from seven different colorways for both men’s and women’s styles, be aware that sizing is limited, particularly for women's options.

Comrad

Sizes: S, M, MW, L, LW, XL | Materials: Cotton and tencel | Length: Knee High | Compression Level: 15—20 mmHg

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Sock trends come and go, but stripes are forever—that’s why our editors like this pair of brightly-colored Comrad compression socks. The Cloudcotton Compression Socks prove comfort, style and sustainability don't have to be mutually exclusive. These socks are made with a blend of cotton and tencel, a material created from tree fibers that is silky smooth enough to wear all day.

If you’re looking for a medium compression sock that will augment, not detract from, your next 'fit, Comrad’s options are a great place to start. There aren’t as many color options as other brands, but sometimes it’s worth working with less options when too many prove overwhelming.

Amazon

Sizes: S/M, L/XL, XXL | Materials: Nylon, spandex, Lycra | Length: Knee High | Compression Level: 20—30 mmHg

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Newzill’s Medical Compression Socks are the best option if you’re managing conditions such as varicose veins, which require a medium to high compression level (20 to 30mmHg). According to Lankiewicz, the benefits of such socks for varicose veins include improving blood flow and maintaining healthy blood pressure and oxygen delivery.

Made from a breathable blend of nylon, spandex and lycra, the Newzill socks are cleverly constructed without stitches in areas that may rub against your foot. Aside from functioning as a sock for medical concerns, like plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis, they’re great for accelerating sports recovery and reducing delayed onset muscle soreness from intense workouts. We like that these come in a pack of three for $36, making them a super affordable and quality-driven option.

Simply measure the widest part of your calf to find your size.

Trtl

Sizes: S to L | Materials: Coolmax, Lycra | Length: Knee High | Compression Level: 15—21 mmHg

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If you have a long flight, train journey or car drive ahead of you, do yourself a favor and get a pair of Trtl Travel Flight Compression Socks. Spec wise, they offer gentle compression (15 to 21 mmHg) to help reduce the swelling that comes from plane pressure and sitting for prolonged periods of time, which can reduce the incidence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). They’re also available in playful color palettes to spruce up your travel wear.

Made with Coolmax knit fabric to wick moisture and allow heat to pass through, they also feature lycra material for a comfy stretch that retains the sock’s shape. For even more relief, the heel, toe and sole are cushioned.

Try out the handy measuring guide to gauge your size based on your ankle and calf circumferences.

Copper Compression

Sizes: S, M, L | Materials: Copper-infused nylon, spandex | Length: Knee High | Compression Level: 15—20mmHg

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For those of us concerned with sweaty, smelly feet as well as foot health, these socks combine anti-microbial prowess with moderate, graduated compression to target both swelling and smelling.

The Powerknit Knee High Socks are made with 85% copper-infused nylon, which naturally protects against a wide variety of microorganisms. Additionally, copper is antibacterial and destroys 99% of odor-producing bacteria that it encounters, which we appreciate and consider a plus.

Although these aren't the most stylish socks we've seen, they are effective for all-day wear—the targeted compression focuses on the arches and ankles, helping to promote faster recovery and support. These socks are made to withstand workouts, long travel days or the daily grind — and since they come in a three pack, you'll be covered all week long.

Hatch

Sizes: S/M, M/L | Materials: Nylon, elastane, polyester, spandex | Length: Knee High | Compression level: 15 to 20 mmHg

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Editor's Note: Right now the Hatch Compression Sock Bundle is sold out, but you can still snag the socks by purchasing the Hatch Swell Relief Duo Kit, available here.

If you’re currently expecting, you may be feeling the swell that so many moms-to-be experience. Compression socks used during pregnancy have a host of benefits such as improving blood flow, reducing edema, decreasing the chance of blood clots and helping to maintain healthy blood pressure, according to Lankiewicz. They can also help with fatigue and aches.

This two-pair bundle by Hatch is made from a blend of nylon and elastane with a compression level of 15 to 20 mmHg. They’re designed for everyday wear, whether at work or on the go, as well as for travel. Choose between two size options based on your calf circumference.

We like the sporty design and pared back color options of these socks. Two colorway options are ideal to mix and match with your everyday ensemble or sportswear.

CEP

Sizes: 2, 3, 4, 5 | Materials: Polyamide, spandex | Length: Knee High | Compression Level: 20–30 mmHg

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Ask any seasoned runner to share their go-to compression socks, and CEP is bound to come up. While this European brand offers a wide range of athletic gear, it's the Run Tall Compression Sock 4.0 that truly stands out for its technical, graduated compression. Crafted from a breathable polyamide and spandex blend, these socks feature small channels that direct airflow through the calf and footbed, helping to keep your feet cool. A silver treatment also helps fend off unpleasant odors and bacteria. The sock’s compression is strategically applied around the arch, ankle, and calf to enhance circulation, providing relief from conditions like plantar fasciitis, shin splints, and sore Achilles tendons.

However, with such high performance comes a higher price tag. At $60, the Run Compression Tall Sock 4.0 is the most expensive option in this guide, and one of the pricier compression socks on the market. Despite this, I believe the impressive blend of comfort, durability, breathability, and effective compression makes it worth the investment, especially if you're after a compression sock that ticks all the right boxes for runners.

At Forbes Vetted, we’ve published many expertly researched gear articles that cover a range of fitness topics. These include dozens of running roundups that delve into shoes, brands and broader topics, like how to choose a marathon.

After wearing different socks and poring over specs—including materials, compression levels, sizes and even colors—we compiled this list of the nine best compression socks that serve different needs, but we started with a list of over 30 different socks.

Before adding compression socks to your shopping cart, first consider the fit, compression level and height. Each factor will influence how comfortable (or not) your experience is.

Before adding compression socks to your shopping cart, first consider the fit. According to Lankiewicz, the wrong fit can cause issues such as reduced circulation due to being too tight. Skin irritations such as chafing or blisters can occur, too. They should slide on snuggly without digging in or leaving painful skin indents.

Take note of the graduated compression levels to better understand what socks meet your needs:

Generally speaking, compression socks reach the bottom of the knee, to provide optimal circulation and lymphatic drainage benefits. Compression socks also come in thigh-high and waist-high heights as well, with corresponding levels of pressure (see above).

How Do Compression Socks Work?

Compression socks, or compression stockings, apply a light pressure to your leg, typically from the knee to the end of the foot. Compression socks are designed with graduated compression, with the most pressure (or the tightest fit) being at the ankles, with a gradual reduction in pressure up the leg. The pressure forces the fluids accumulating in your lower legs and feet away from the swollen tissues and back up into the upper body, helping to imporve circulation and lymphatic drainage.

What Brand Of Compression Socks Is Best?

The best compression sock brand is subjective, and is determined by which factors are most important to you. Features to look out for include compression level, sock length, color options and price. Not all compression socks are created equal, and while some options will have excellent compression design, cool colorways and an affordable price, many socks do not—so it’s important to read reviews and product descriptions carefully before purchasing.

How many Hours A Day Should You Wear Compression Socks?

The length of time you can safely wear compression socks will depend on your health history and specific needs, but a good rule of thumb for most people is to wear compression socks for up to three hours. If your socks are prescribed compression socks, they should be fine to wear all day and overnight, if necessary. If you see any skin irritation or experience discomfort, try sizing up or wearing your compression socks for shorter periods of time.