Finding the right pair of compression socks can help improve circulation and reduce the risk of some vein-related conditions. (Vim & Vigr, Feetures)
Compression socks are a type of specialized sock designed to help improve circulation in your lower extremities, encouraging blood and fluid movement back toward your heart. They're tighter than your average pair of Hanes, and for good reason: High-quality compression socks may help reduce symptoms of lymphedema and edema and reduce vein-related clotting emergencies, including deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism. Compression socks can also help ease the discomfort of chronic venous insufficiency, a common blood pooling disorder that increases your risk of pulmonary embolism.
"Chronic venous insufficiency is when the valves in the [legs'] veins have stopped working," says Dr. Kristy Golden, a podiatric surgeon at Kaiser Permanente in Maryland. "Compression socks act like an external fluid circulation management system, almost like an external vein."
That said, companies make lots of claims regarding the potential benefits of compression socks, some of which aren't totally accurate. That's why we decided to test some of the best compression socks to really figure out which pairs are worth purchasing. Considering that even the most expensive compression socks typically cost less than $50 a pair, you may get a lot of benefit from purchasing such a humble piece of clothing.
In our quest to find the best of the best, we tested and researched 16 pairs of self-proclaimed compression socks from brands like Bombas, Copper Compression and Vim & Vigr. We wore them for multiple days and during a variety of activities (walking, running errands, jogging and hiking) to get a true feel for what each one could do. We also spoke to two physical therapists and several doctors to better understand the science of compression socks, how they impact your heart and foot health, along with any health benefits or dangers we should look out for.
Update, July 22, 2025: We checked all product prices and availability. We added an option for "best for pregnancy." Our picks for the best compression socks remain unchanged.
There are several types of compression socks available, so it's important to understand the differences.
Graduated compression socks: This type of compression garment provides the most pressure at the ankle, which gradually decreases between the ankle and the knee or thigh, depending on the height of the sock. Doctors often prescribe graduated compression socks for individuals with venous disease or edema to help support circulation and to prevent the pooling of fluid at the ankles, but any socks with mm Hg pressure ratings from mild to firm fall into this category.
Anti-embolism stockings: Used to reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot that forms in the leg, these stockings typically stretch from the foot to the thighs, although sometimes there are knee-high options. They're typically prescribed for individuals who are confined to bed, especially post-surgery, or as treatment for specific conditions. Similar to graduated compression socks, they offer targeted compression to improve blood flow and prevent clots.
"Compression" socks or nonmedical compression hosiery: Because the word compression isn't regulated, any brand can add "compression" to its marketing language as a way to promote its socks. And to be fair, these products are typically tighter and offer greater support than options that don't use compression-related language. That said, they may not provide any verifiable level of pressure (as measured in mm Hg), so they wouldn't be appropriate to rely on if you're in need of a specific level of pressure for health conditions, pregnancy or athletic performance.
Before adding those socks to your cart, there are a few things to consider. First and foremost: compression. The appropriate level varies according to personal needs, whether for a medical condition or other uses. Nonmedical support hosiery typically has low compression of 8-15 mm Hg (appropriate for all-day, everyday wear), while prescription medical socks can reach much higher levels of 3050 mm Hg.
If you have a medical condition or concern, seek advice from a medical professional to determine what level of compression is best for you. Otherwise, here's a quick guide:
Low compression (8-15 mm Hg): Recommended for mild symptoms like achiness, tired muscles, minor swelling or discomfort from long periods of sitting or standing. Low compression is also appropriate for traveling, particularly if you don't have risk factors for DVT.
Moderate compression (15-20 mm Hg): Suitable for moderate swelling, preventing varicose veins during pregnancy and long flights.
Firm compression (20-30 mm Hg): Used for severe swelling or recovery from some surgeries to prevent blood clots. May also be ideal for sports performance and recovery.
Extra-firm compression (30-40 mm Hg): Entering medical-grade territory, these may be prescribed for conditions like varicose veins, chronic venous insufficiency or DVT.
Medical-grade compression (40-50 mm Hg): Typically prescribed for serious medical conditions like lymphedema (severe swelling caused by lymph fluid buildup) and chronic venous disorders.
Other factors to think about include:
Length: Compression socks come in various lengths, such as ankle, crew, knee- and thigh-high socks. Each provides different support levels, with full-length socks being the most supportive, cradling the foot, ankle and calf.
Material: Some options are made from breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics to reduce moisture and odors, while others feature tighter materials for optimal compression. Consider your primary needs before choosing.
Style and color: Compression socks come in all the colors of the rainbow, from fun and funky to neutral hues like black, white and gray. There are many patterns too. Choose a pair you'll consistently wear; if you don't usually opt for bold prints, stick to something plainer.
Fit: These socks should be snug but not uncomfortably tight. Most options have a decent size range, but always check the sizing guide before purchasing. An ill-fitting pair may not be effective or comfortable.
Intended use: Each pair of compression socks is designed for specific uses, such as all-day wear, sports, pregnancy, travel or foot and ankle pain. Determine what you need them for, even if it's just daily support to reduce swelling and fatigue.
Price and brand reputation: Ensure the socks fit your budget, especially if you plan to buy more later. All featured brands are known for quality and customer satisfaction, but if exploring other options, consider brand reputation as well.
When choosing the best compression socks, we relied on research and at-home testing. We consulted Milica McDowell, a doctor of physical therapy, certified exercise physiologist and VP of operations at Gait Happens, an online platform for foot education. After she explained the technical aspects of compression socks, we tested and researched 16 pairs from brands like Bombas, Copper Compression, Vim & Vigr and Feetures.
Here's the testing process:
Daily wear: Each pair was worn for at least one full day, from morning to night.
Observations: Throughout the day, we noted fit, material, feel and comfort.
Shoe compatibility: We wore comfortable shoes that were neither too tight nor too loose to avoid impacting the feel of the socks.
Product claims: After a full day of wear, we compared our experience with the product descriptions, considering claims about breathability and muscle fatigue.
Other factors: We also evaluated targeted compression, sensory stimulation and impact protection.
While compression socks have plenty of benefits, they are not a cure-all for several health conditions. "If there is pain in the calf muscle and you have varicose veins or leg swelling, it's really important to be evaluated by a doctor to make sure that you don't have a blood clot," says Golden. It's also key to get properly fitted for compression socks if you're dealing with a serious condition like lymphedema or chronic venous insufficiency.
If you're pregnant and dealing with sudden severe foot swelling, Marchand recommends seeing a doctor as soon as possible, as this could be a sign of DVT or another serious condition. "Persistent swelling that doesn't improve with rest, elevation or compression socks, or swelling accompanied by symptoms such as high blood pressure, headache, vision changes or pain in one leg, should be discussed with your ob-gyn," says Marchand.
Generally speaking, unless you have a medical condition and have been prescribed a certain level of compression by a physician, most folks should stay under 20 mm Hg, McDowell says. She also notes that you'll definitely know if your pair is too tight: "You could experience cramping or numbness and tingling, like when your foot falls asleep."
If you have any doubts about your socks being too tight, you should probably ditch them and opt for something a bit less compressive. However, if you're unsure about the compression level you need, you can always seek professional advice from your doctor.
Most websites have a sizing guide you can refer to. Many brands recommend sizing up rather than down if you're between sizes; however, for greater compression, you may prefer to size down. You may also want to measure the circumference of your calves in addition to your shoe size to determine whether you need to find compression socks sized for wider calves.
McDowell explains that the optimal wear time for compression socks varies. Typically, they're beneficial for 30 minutes to a few hours.
The duration also depends on the reason you're wearing them. For instance, people recovering from a high-impact run may want to wear them for the first few hours after getting home, while those wearing them for pregnancy or travel can keep them on for the entire day as long as they fit comfortably.
Golden recommends putting on your compression socks first thing in the morning before any swelling fluid has time to settle in your lower legs, and taking them off before bed for more comfortable fluid control.
According to Cleveland Clinic, you can wear compression socks while sleeping. However, this may be unnecessary. This is especially true for anyone with venous issues and ulcers who may need to air their skin at night.
McDowell notes that compression socks have many benefits: "[They can help] improve circulation, improve recovery from sports or work, [help you] get ready faster for your next sport or work session, improve proprioception and balance and even provide feelings of safety and comfort."
"Regular socks don't have a prescribed amount of squeeze (compression), and they're sewn on a circular loom," McDowell says. "Regular socks also stretch horizontally, while compression socks are designed to stretch vertically."
Road Runner R-Gear CEP Compression Light Cushion No-Show Socks: While our testers liked that each sock had its own designated "L" or "R" for the left and right feet, these felt way too tight despite being the right size. At the end of the day, they felt like they made our testers' feet swell even more, plus they're pricey at $45 for a three-pack.
Bombas Travel Compression Sock: We love that Bombas has a compression sock specifically designed for flying (with a 15-20 mm Hg rating), and this two-pack set comes with a "gripper slipper" too for relaxing after a long day of traveling. Our tester noted that the socks were comfortable and supportive, but she couldn't test them for a flight and, at $78 for the set, wasn't sure their value lived up to the price.
Bombas Performance Compression Ankle Socks: While described as offering compression and "strong support," they don't provide an actual mm Hg rating, so it's unclear exactly how much compression is being provided. Our tester noted the socks felt thick and tight but still breathable and comfortable during walking. While they certainly make a high-quality athletic sock, they didn't quite make the cut when looking at all the other options.
Feetures Elite Light Cushion Mini Crew: Feetures makes some of the best athletic socks around, and its left foot/right foot designs offer a near unbeatable fit. We liked the style of these mini crew compression socks, and our tester loved how comfortable they felt during a run, but as with the Bombas Performance ankle socks, there's no stated mm Hg of compression, which reduced our confidence regarding the compression claims.
Sheec ComFits Compression Aqua-X AeroDri No Show Blister Tab Socks: There's no denying that these are comfortable, foot-hugging socks that perform well during exercise. That said, they're not as compressive as the other options tested, and they don't provide any information regarding the mm Hg rating, so their verifiable compressive benefits are less clear.
Sheec ComFits Compression Aqua-X Quarter Socks: As with the other Sheec model, our tester liked these for their athletic performance — they're comfortable, quick-drying and mold to the foot without restricting movement or rubbing. And yet they don't provide any real information about their compressive properties, so they didn't quite make the cut.
Pro Compression Marathon Recovery: As much as our tester loved the Pro Compression ankle socks, she didn't like the recovery socks. While stronger compression can be beneficial for recovery, she felt the 25-35 mm Hg was just too tight, cutting off her circulation and leaving her feeling uncomfortable.
Dr. Kristy Golden, DPM, podiatric surgeon at Kaiser Permanente in Maryland
Dr. Ernst von Schwarz, MD, PhD, triple board-certified cardiologist
Carneal Owens II, PT, DPT, sports physical therapist
Dr. Lauren Demosthenes, MD, ob-gyn and senior medical director of Babyscripts
Dr. Greg Marchand, MD, dual board-certified in ob-gyn at the Marchand Institute for Minimally Invasive Surgery
Milica McDowell, MS, DPT, certified exercise physiologist and vice president of operations at Gait Happens
The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health.