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The Best Compression Socks

Last updated on April 11, 2023

We looked at the top 21 Compression Socks and dug through the reviews from 96 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best Compression Socks.

Best Compression Socks

Our Review Process

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Our Picks For The Top Compression Socks

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Product Overview
Key Takeaway
  Top Pick

FITRELL Moisture-Wicking Athletic Compression Socks, 3-Pair

Don't Waste Your Money Seal of Approval

FITRELL

Moisture-Wicking Athletic Compression Socks, 3-Pair

Created using a mesh design, these compression socks are lightweight and breathable. They offer just the right amount of compression, while still remaining extremely comfortable. In fact, they have extra cushioning in the footbed and the toe is seamless.

Overall Take

Soft and BreathableThese compression socks are available in sizes ranging from small to extra-large.

  Runner Up

Dr. Scholl’s Machine Washable Nylon Compression Socks

Dr. Scholl's

Machine Washable Nylon Compression Socks

Available in a variety of neutral shades, you're sure to find these compression socks in a color that complements your outfit. Since the socks offer a more mild compression, you'll be able to wear them all day. They're made using a nylon/spandex blend and feature a comfort top that keeps them from rolling down when you walk.

Overall Take

Premium ConstructionHelp treat aches and prevent swelling with these high-quality compression socks.

  We Also Like

CHARMKING Multicolor 15-20 mmHg Compression Socks, 8-Pairs

CHARMKING

Multicolor 15-20 mmHg Compression Socks, 8-Pairs

Your compression socks for women don't have to be a boring black or white. This set comes in a variety of fun patterns, like colored hearts, paint splashes and Christmas cacti. The socks themselves offer just the right amount of compression to stimulate circulation and reduce calf pain.

Overall Take

Fun Colors and PatternsThese compression socks for women come with a no-slip cuff to keep them firmly in place, even if you're busy working out.

  Strong Contender

CHARMKING 15-20 mmHg Flexible Stretch Compression Socks, 3-Pair

CHARMKING

Flexible Stretch Compression Socks, 3-Pair

These compression socks are highly breathable, which makes them an excellent choice for athletes on the move. They offer a 360-degree stretch and have an upgraded nylon percentage of 40% to 85%. Of course, the socks are also comfortable to wear and soft against skin.

Overall Take

360-Degree StretchYou'll find these compression socks are available in just about any color or pattern you can imagine.

  Also Great

Rymora Flexible Pain Reducing Compression Socks

Rymora

Flexible Pain Reducing Compression Socks

Increase the blood flow within your lower extremities with these compression socks. They fall just below your knees and have extra padding in the heels and toes to prevent blisters. You can even get them in black, white, pink or fluorescent.

Overall Take

Great PriceThanks to the affordable price tag on these compression socks, you'll be able to order more than one.

Buying Guide

There are many reasons why people choose to wear compression socks. They help treat and prevent a variety of potentially serious ailments. But that’s not all. They also offer comfort for athletes and active people who want to improve their performance and recovery.

Given these benefits, you’re likely to need a pair for yourself at some point. Thankfully, they are easy to find and purchase. You can buy them online, at many drug stores, medical supply companies and athletic stores. They can range in price, depending on what kind you purchase and where you buy them.

Many people can benefit from compression socks or compression stockings. Their primary use is for those with circulation problems. Compression socks help with deep vein thrombosis (DVT), varicose veins and diabetes. They can also help with post-surgical recovery and anyone who is bed-bound or has a hard time moving their legs.

Compression socks can compensate for minimal movement and prevent dangerous circulation issues. Compression socks are also especially useful for people who are active and stand all day for work. Similarly, many athletes use them to prevent injury and encourage circulation during a workout.

Finally, frequent travelers, pilots or travelers with long-haul flights on their itinerary can combat some of the effects of being in the airplane with compression socks. Essentially, they improve your blood flow, and that’s something just about everyone can benefit from. They can lessen pain and swelling in your legs. They can also lower your chances of getting deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a kind of blood clot, and other circulation problems.

“These are a great investment if you travel a lot, feel swollen, have plantar fasciitis, or any other inflammatory or pain issues with your feet or calves,” Stephanie Mansour, a certified personal trainer and the founder of fitness brand Step It Up With Steph, says. “Many of these compression socks are supportive and literally compress the skin and muscles to help with inflammation.”

“If you’re wearing these socks out with an outfit, I would choose the socks based on color and how they look! Fashion first in this case,” Mansour says. “However, if you’re not worried about appearance and looking for the most effective one, I would recommend a thicker compression sock instead of a thinner one so that there’s more material and stronger material to compress against the body.”

Compression socks come in different sizes and strengths, so you or your doctor will need to decide which option will work best for how you plan to wear them. These socks are a simple but effective solution to circulatory issues. They work by putting pressure on your legs to improve blood vessel function. As a result, the arteries that transport oxygen-rich blood from your heart to your muscles can relax and blood flows freely.

Plus, the veins also get extra help pushing blood back to your heart and out of the legs. The enhanced circulation means your legs are less likely to get tired and achy and your feet and ankles won’t swell. The compression also helps prevent and treat spider and varicose veins.

The most significant benefit is keeping blood flowing so it is harder to pool in veins and form a clot. A blood clot that forms in the legs can be very dangerous, even deadly. It can travel in your veins throughout the circulatory system, potentially getting stacking and clogging your lungs or brain.

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.

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28

Products Considered

We identified the majority of the compression socks available to purchase.
21

Products Analyzed

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

View All Product Rankings

96

Expert Reviews Included

In addition to our expert reviews, we also incorporate feedback and analysis of some of the most respected sources.

149,997

User Opinions Analyzed

We also incorporate user reviews from the leading retailers including

The Best Bang For Your Buck

CHARMKING Multicolor 15-20 mmHg Compression Socks, 8-Pairs

Our Total Score

9.6

Key Takeawy

Your compression socks for women don't have to be a boring black or white. This set comes in a variety of fun patterns, like colored hearts, paint splashes and Christmas cacti. The socks themselves offer just the right amount of compression to stimulate circulation and reduce calf pain.

What to Look For

  • Anyone can buy compression socks or compression stockings, no prescription or specific condition is required. However, if your doctor prescribes them for you for a medical condition, your insurance may cover the cost.
  • Some compression socks come in multiple styles made specifically for men and women. However, the only real difference between men’s styles and women’s styles is size. The rest of the design is practically identical.
  • Many compression socks come in bright, vibrant colors similar to athletic attire. Of course, there are also sets that conveniently come in neutral and dark shades, so they are more wearable and less obvious.
  • It’s important to think about exactly what type of activity you’ll plan to wear the compression socks for before you purchase them. Some socks are made with extra durable fabric to withstand tough training. Other styles are made in discrete neutral colors and minimal logos for wear in athletic, office and travel environments.
  • You should also be aware that compression socks overall come with a much higher price tag than your standard socks. There is a significant amount of technology as well as health benefits built-in, so it’s more than worth it.
  • Most socks have graduated compression and fabric to optimize circulation and blood flow. Some set themselves apart with an extra-padded calf for additional support.

This review has been updated by DWYM staff.

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