Compression socks are made of elastic fabric that compresses the legs to facilitate blood circulation. Overall, the evidence is mixed on whether compression socks help. But as long as you've checked with your doctor to see if you have any skin or circulation problems, there's no downside to wearing them.
Your doctor may recommend wearing compression socks for one of several reasons:
- They can help manage post-operative swelling.
- They have been found to reduce the incidence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) during flights.
- reduce the risk of complications after treatment of DVT.
- Compression can help people heal from specific skin conditions, such as rashes or leg ulcers.
- And it is possible (although there is no conclusive scientific evidence) that they help in the treatment of varicose veins.
Non-medical uses include wearing compression socks for comfort during a long flight, during or after a strenuous workout, or during a work shift spent on your feet.
Compression socks have a reputation for improving athletic performance and reducing fatigue, but a small unpublished study suggests otherwise.
Sockwell Lifestyle Firm Compression Socks in Merino Wool
Sockwell socks are at the perfect intersection of functionality and price. They are made from a merino wool blend, which is common on more expensive options. They come in both men's and women's designs, fit comfortably to the foot and are made from a luxurious merino wool blend. These socks fit and feel better than most socks in their price range, and are one of the most inexpensive merino blend compression socks.
Their density is 20-30 mm Hg. Art., made from merino, as well as viscose from bamboo (silky, cozy synthetic). These are overall lightweight socks and offer a little extra thickness to the foot (though not enough to call them cushioning). The brand also sells socks with less compression.
There is not a lot of excess fabric around the toes so they fit comfortably. Available in men's and women's versions, these socks come in two sizes, S/M and M/L.
Offer from Go2Socks
Go2 Socks' affordable compression socks come out of the washer and dryer looking like they came straight out of the package.And you can't beat the price—the socks are nearly a third cheaper than most of the other socks on this list (though the Go2 Socks' style isn't for everyone, and they tend to bunch up on the toes).
These are socks with high compression (20-30 mmHg) made of nylon. They are uncushioned and outperform many other cheap options. The toe shaft fits appropriately without being too high. They come in four unisex sizes: S, M, L and XL. The XL size also fits calves up to 21 inches long, which is a rarity (something usually boasted by expensive sports brands whose socks cost from 3,000 rubles).
There are 19 different patterns and colors to choose from, including nine solid colors and several dotted variations. Some colorways have the brand logo shaded on the upper for a more subdued look.
Comrad knee-high compression socks
The Comrad Knee-High compression socks immediately attract attention with their modern style. These are medium-density compression socks (from 15 to 25 mm Hg), made of nylon and spandex. They are thin and have no cushioning, although the toe and heel have a tighter weave (for durability). The unisex size range is significantly wider than most other options, with a total of six options; Go2 Socks, our other recommended brand with a wide range of sizes, offers the same amount.