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The Best Compression Socks For Running

Last updated on July 16, 2020

We looked at the top 8 Compression Socks For Running and dug through the reviews from 93 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best Compression Socks For Running.

Best Compression Socks For Running

Our Review Process

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Compression socks have become a popular piece of gear due to their many benefits. From stimulating blood flow in your lowermost extremities, which can help reduce injury, swelling or fatigue, to preventing varicose veins, compression socks have been developed to fit the needs of athletes and sedentary people alike. Runners can specifically find a great benefit in using knee-high compression socks when they run, whether it be in an indoor or outdoor setting.

“Compression socks help keep blood from pooling in the lower limbs,” says fitness expert Stephanie Mansour. “They keep your legs from getting achy and tired, and help to reduce swelling in your legs, ankles and feet. For runners in particular, this can actually help improve athletic performance because the socks improve circulation and improve blood flow. This increases the oxygen that gets to the muscles, and can help reduce muscle soreness during a run and also after a run.”

Running outside can range from trodding along on the hot sidewalks and roadways to hitting the trails and getting out in nature. In the case of the hot pavement, especially in the summer months when the temperature is at its highest, the compressive support of a good pair of compression socks can help prevent cramping while you’re out on the run. If the trails are more your speed, the same benefit of compression will be helping your muscles stay warm and loose, but they also help protect your shins and calves from any errant branches or thorns that want to scratch you as you pass by.

Compression socks have a range in compression that is measured in mmHg, which is a pressure reading similar to how you would read an old-school mercury thermometer. The pressure range you will find in most athletic compression socks will likely be in the range of 15-30mmHg, where the higher number is providing more pressure to your feet and legs. Higher compression ratings, like the ones closer to 30mmHg, will have a noticeably tighter feel which comes through as a benefit when your feet hit the ground and the socks help in the shock absorption that your legs normally take on. This lower shock absorption and more compressed muscles are key factors in reducing swelling and fatigue in your lower leg.

A good pair of compression socks should fit your feet and calves well. Many companies have a range of sizes that are based on your shoe size and even your calf circumference. Choosing the right size for your feet is the first step in getting a pair of compression socks that will be the most effective for running and other forms of exercise.

“They should feel snug but not so tight that they hurt,” says Mansour.

Compression socks are worn at times when you might producing sweat as well, so a good set of compression socks should be breathable and moisture-wicking so you can get to the level of intensity you need without worrying about blisters forming.

Compression socks even come in a lot of fun colors that will look good when you’re wearing them, which is a big step from the early days of compression sleeves that would have been prescribed by a doctor or physical trainer and naturally looked like a medical device rather than a piece of athletic gear.

Our Picks For The Top Compression Socks For Running

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Product Overview
Our Take
  Best Overall

Physix Gear Sport Athletic Fit Compression Socks

Don't Waste Your Money Seal of Approval

Physix Gear Sport

Athletic Fit Compression Socks

We like the thoughtful design of using double-stitched seams in this set of compression socks for running, which boosts the durability and reliability of the socks themselves. The nylon/spandex blend is well-suited for a wrinkle-free product that will help keep your feet and calves cool even in the hottest weather.

Overall Take

High-Quality SocksThese compression socks are well-made with a graduated compression that suits high performance use.

  Strong Contender

Laite Hebe Compression Socks for Women and Men

Laite Hebe

Compression Socks for Women and Men

Combining a compression sock that is designed to enhance performance and recovery with myriad color options and stylish patterns, this set is a great product to consider when shopping for compression socks. These socks are built with the moisture-wicking materials and padded heels we see in most high-performance socks, while still offering the bene...

Overall Take

Great Patterns and ColorsThese compression socks for running will have you looking stylish while still offering great compression to the lower legs.

  Best for Versatility

SB SOX Compression Socks (20-30mmHg) for Men & Women

SB SOX

Compression Socks for Men & Women

Find the perfect fitting compression socks for your feet from these compression socks for running and you'll soon be on your way to experiencing the benefits of a pair of compression socks. From the arch support to the reinforced toe and heel, this sock is designed to be a top-performing compression sock.

Overall Take

Sizing OptionsThese compression socks for running have great sizing options to ensure you have the perfect fit for your feet and calves.

  Also Great

FuelMeFoot Copper Compression Socks

FuelMeFoot

Copper Compression Socks

The highly conductive nature of copper is used in these compression socks for running to promote better blood circulation in your feet and calves while you're wearing them. These socks are good for more than just athletes, they are useful to people who stand on their feet all day like teachers or assembly line workers and they even work well as mat...

Overall Take

Copper-Lined These compression socks for running bring the conductive power of copper to a well-built compression sock.

  Best for Light Pressure

CHARMKING Compression Socks

CHARMKING

Compression Socks

These compression socks for running are breathable and offer a good bit of pressure around your calves and feet, but not quite as much as some competing brands. This gentle pressure can be beneficial for those trying to see if compression socks are the right product for them and the great value of this set of socks makes it easy to try for yourself...

Overall Take

Unisex Compression SocksThis set consists of a comfortable pair of compression socks that will suit their purpose well when you put them to work.

Don't just take for granted what one reviewer says. Along with our own experts, Simplemost analyzes the top expert reviews of the leading products and generates a score you can actually trust.
15

Products Considered

We identified the majority of the compression socks for running available to purchase.
8

Products Analyzed

We then selected the leading and most popular products for our team to review.

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93

Expert Reviews Included

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Our Expert Consultant

Stephanie Mansour   
Certified Personal Trainer, Health and Wellness Expert

Stephanie Mansour, host of “Step It Up with Steph” on public broadcasting, has been coaching women for over a decade on how to lose weight and make it last. She has a Bachelor of Arts in communications with an emphasis on women’s studies and psychology from the University of Michigan. She holds certifications in life coaching, personal training, yoga and Pilates.

The Best Bang For Your Buck

SB SOX Compression Socks (20-30mmHg) for Men & Women

Our Total Score

9.6

Our Take

Find the perfect fitting compression socks for your feet from these compression socks for running and you'll soon be on your way to experiencing the benefits of a pair of compression socks. From the arch support to the reinforced toe and heel, this sock is designed to be a top-performing compression sock.

What to Look For

  • Be sure to find the sizing chart on any pair of compression socks you’re viewing to ensure you get the one that is ideal for your body.
  • Check out the designs and colors offered by each product. Patterns can be as fun as an argyle print or as simplistic as a solid black sock.
  • Try wearing the compression socks even when you’re not exercising. They have similarly great benefits for times where you’re sitting for extended periods of time and they’re especially useful for long flights when blood flow is reduced to your legs due to the combination of sitting and being at high altitudes.
  • Always keep an eye on how many pairs come in each pack as there are some great multi-packs that can bring the cost per pair down to a great value.

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