These Are The Compression Socks The Best Athletes Swear By (2024)

Anyone who's spent lots of time on their feet or going hard at the gym has experienced aches and pains in their legs—especially in the shins and calves. That’s where compression socks come in handy, as they're designed to support you during workouts or just when you're on your feet for long periods of time. They can even prevent leg fatigue during flights, making them travel essentials, too.

"Compression socks are great for recovery because they slow blood flow to your lower legs while you're wearing them and then flood the area with fresh oxygen once you take them off, which helps with muscle recovery," says Becs Gentry, a certified run coach/trainer and instructor at Peloton.

As you'll see with some of the Women's Health testing notes, compression socks are great for travel (particular flying), pregnancy, or trouble with varicose veins. Cara Dobbertin, DPT, physical therapist with Practitionr, also suggests wearing them for post-op recovery, and if you sit for long periods of time at work.

Athletes should also consider investing in a few pairs, Dobbertin suggests, as they make great athletic socks. "Compression socks can improve workout recovery through enhanced circulatory efficiency, thereby minimizing muscle soreness following strenuous activity," she says.

So, if you're looking for some online shopping inspo, keep reading for the 12 best compression socks, according to experts and editors who have actually tested them. Your lower legs will thank ya!

With over 42,000 positive reviews on Amazon, you can easily say that these compression socks are the best of the best. Not only do they look sleek, but they’re easy to slip on and off while still putting enough pressure on your calves. They’ve even got special segments built up the heel and into the arches and toes to support areas susceptible to overuse injuries.

"I've had a hard time finding compression socks that don't completely cut off my circulation, but finally found a pair," says one tester who had their ankles swell up from a hight blood pressure medication. "I flew from Arizona to New Orleans and walked for hours and my feet and ankles didn't swell."

Oh, and they're super comfortable, too, testers say.

Compression: 20-30 mmHg (more on what this means below!)

Material: 70% nylon, 30% spandex

Length: Knee-high

Sizes: S-XL

Maximum Calf Size: 19 inches

If you want socks you can put to work while you're on your feet, Sockwell's got you covered. These socks have everything your feet need to reduce fatigue—full arch support, ventilated flex zones, an ultra-light cushion sole, and more. "I love these socks—they have medium compression, and they're super comfortable. Plus, they're really soft (especially on the bottom)," says Women's Health editorial assistant Addison Aloian. "Walking around without shoes feels 'luxurious' in Sockwell's," she adds.

These Sockwell compression socks are also moisture-absorbing, so they prevent blisters, eliminate odor, and stay comfy while keeping your feet dry. Addison says she also used them to work out and run, and she didn't notice a difference between these and her normal socks.

Compression: Moderate

Material: 41% merino wool, 39% stretch nylon, 14% alpaca, 6% spandex

Length: Crew

Sizes: S-L

Maximum Calf Size: Not explicitly specified, but says sock will "fit over calf"

Gentry enjoys using Comrad socks because they’re not too tight, but great for when you’re still hot from a workout or in a tight space on a plane. WH fitness editor Jennifer Nied says that these socks are easy to slip on and off. She also says that she wasn't sure they'd work, but that they exceed her expectations. "They came through and my feet and ankles stayed comfy through a full travel day of flying and car and boat transfers," Jennifer says. "The light fabric didn't make me overheat in a tropical climate either," she adds.

These particular socks are a little wider at the calves, so you won’t get annoyed adjusting them in tight spaces or tucking them in pants. "I realized how effective they were on the return trip when I forgot to put them on after boarding (big mistake) and arrived home with swollen ankles and achey feet," Jennifer says.

Compression: 15-20 mmHG

Material: Nylon and terry cloth

Length: Knee-high

Sizes: S-L

Maximum Calf Size: 17 inches

Designed with a Y-stitched heel which creates a natural cap around the heel, these socks are super supportive and great at preventing swelling, too. They're even great during pregnancy, says Women's Health senior deputy digital editor Maridel Reyes. They helped with her swollen legs when she was around 25 weeks pregnant.

"I've tried other compression socks before, but some were too long (I'm short), and others were TOO tight and would leave welts," she says. But not these socks from Bombas. She wore them for one long travel day (two and a half hours driving and over a two-hour train ride) without any complaints. "They were so comfortable that I didn't take them off for the rest of the day when I got to my destination! When I finally took the socks off that evening, my feet and legs weren't swollen," she says.

Not only are Bombas' compression socks made of high-quality, soft materials, but they also help those in need. For each pair of Bombas socks purchased, the company gives a pair to someone without the means to buy their own.

Compression: 15-20 mmHg

Material: 64% cotton, 17% polyester, 13% nylon, 6% spandex

Length: Knee-high

Sizes: S-L

Maximum Calf Size: Not specified

Made with medical-grade nylon, these compression socks are built with calf support that reduces leg vibration possibly leading to less fatigue. The socks don't lose compression with each wear, so if you're into open-toe socks, this option is great for everyday wear.

Women's Health managing editor Laura McLaughlin says she struggles with "bad veins," so she's tried a lot of compression socks, but she loves these. "They have the best variety in size, compression, and length (this is more important than you would think!), and they don’t look medical."

Compression: 15-20 mmHg

Material: 64% cotton, 17% polyester, 13% nylon, 6% spandex

Length: Knee-high

Size: S-XL

Maximum Calf Size: 19 inches

Probably the comfiest pair on this list, Pear's cute compression socks look and feel just like another pair of everyday socks. But, they're actually designed to offer 360-degree targeted compression, which improves circulation and lymph flow.

Women's Health associate commerce editor Lily Wohlner loves this pair for everyday wear. "If I'm ever stepping out for the day, these socks are always on my feet," she says. "They're also moisture-wicking and anti-odor, so they don't stick to your skin when you go take them off." These socks from Pear are also okay for those with sensitive skin, since the soft, breathable fabric is also hypoallergenic.

Compression: 10-15 mm Hg

Material: 60% polypropylene silver DryStat, 30% nylon, 10% lycra

Length: Mid-calf

Size: S-XL (Pear sizes in numbers, through 6+ to 9+ average shoe size)

Maximum Calf Size: 17.5 inches

Got sore feet from plantar fasciitis? These socks target all of your sensitive areas: You’ll find they fit extra snug around the achilles tendons and arches. And, yep—because of this pressure, you’ll feel relief from any aches or cramping in those areas.

One tester even notes that these socks helped them run on the treadmill without feeling any of their usual pain. "These are the best find without having to wear my orthotics," the reviewer writes. "I absolutely love these compression socks."

Compression: 20-30 mmHg

Material: nylon and spandex

Length: Ankle-length

Sizes: S-XL

Maximum Calf Size: Don't meet calves length-wise

If you're training for something like a marathon or are getting a more than average number of workouts in a week, odds are that you’re at risk for getting shin splints (i.e. shin pain) from overuse and tightness. These have a simple design that molds to your legs the more that you use them, making them a good preventative care item no matter your fitness level or preferred sport.

Gentry loves these Nike socks because they offer the perfect level of tightness. "They aid my recovery after long runs or hard speed sessions, especially when I have to sit down very soon after finishing my workout," she says.

Compression: Not provided

Material: nylon and spandex

Length: Over-the-calf

Sizes: XS-XL

Maximum Calf Size: 17 inches

“I'm an avid fan of Swiftwick socks, particularly the Flite XT and Aspire line," says Latoya Shauntay Snell, HOKA One One athlete, ultrarunner, and Runner’s Alliance ambassador. "They are the perfect length and I'm always blister-free."

These socks hit just above the ankle and have a stitched Y-shape at the heel to support your feet. Plus, they’re super breathable and, yes—they also have mesh bottoms for water release. The socks are travel-approved, too. Women's Health deputy editor Amanda Lucci wore them on a 15-hour flight and she had no ankle swelling at all.

Compression: Firmest of the brand

Material: 67% nylon, 28% olefin, 5% spandex

Length: Ankle-length

Sizes: S-XL

Maximum Calf Size: Don't meet calves length-wise

These socks are thick and heavyweight, so you’ll really feel the compression on your tendons, but they'll also keep you warm when temps dip. The socks come up knee-high to keep the cold out and are made with merino wool (which is naturally sweat-wicking, yet insulating).

You'll love this pick if you're looking for socks for the winter. They're perfect at keeping your feet not too hot, but not too cold. "I am in Minnesota so my feet get cold in winter, yet I do get hot from moving around the house," one reviewer writes. "This sock breathes and keeps my feet dry and warm."

Compression: 25-30 mmHg at the ankle, 15-20 mmHg in the middle of the calf, and 10-15 mmHg below the knee

Material: Merino wool

Length: Knee-high

Sizes: M-L

Maximum Calf Size: 17.5 inches

Dobbertin recommends this pair of compression socks for their "therapeutic level of graduated compression." With almost 1000 five-star reviews, this pair is perfect for a subtle, but effective compression. One 70-year-old tester said they've tried dozens of compression socks, but feels Jobst offers the best for the price.

"These socks give good support and actually increase your activity tolerance to allow you to do activities that were previously tiring," the tester says. "I eventually moved to the open-toe style because everyone starts to have trouble with their toes and toenails as they age, as did I." The open-toe gives a bit more flexibility to wear, as you can adjust them to sit where you need them, testers say.

Compression: 20-30 mmHg

Material: 80% nylon, 20% Spandex

Length: Knee-high

Sizes: S-XL

Maximum Calf Size: 19.5 inches

To give you support where you need it the most, Threads' compression socks feature light graduated compression that provides support to tired and achy legs. The feet are also boarded, which adds a slight massaging effect on the soles. The socks are designed like tights, so you can pair them with your prettiest dresses and skirts.

Women's Health assistant social media editor Isabel McMahon loved how comfortable they were, on top of being stylish. "I wore them after a tough yoga class and definitely felt a boost in my lymphatic drainage," she says. " I would be curious to try these in different styles because they look like a classic sheer black tight."

Compression: 8-15 mmHg

Material: 88% polyamide, 12% elastane

Length: Knee-high

Sizes: S-XL

Maximum Calf Size: Not specified, but at least 17 inches, according to testers.

At WH Labs, our team tests a wide range of products and services to provide our readers with reliable, honest, and trustworthy information. It's our belief that our readers deserve the best, which is why our recommendations have been thoroughly tested and vetted by our very own editors.

For the past few months, Women’s Health editors, including our commerce editor Jasmine Gomez, tested the bestselling, most popular, and top-rated compression socks. Our team consulted four medical and running experts, and then evaluated thousands of customer reviews and ratings to narrow down the 12 best compression socks for a wide range of needs and preferences.

You've probably felt the relief of a snug-fitting sock before, but you may not know how the magic works. So, here's how. Compression socks are designed to gently squeeze your ankles and calves to help stimulate better blood circulation, says Patrick McEneaney, DPM, owner and CEO of Northern Illinois Foot & Ankle Specialists.

More blood circulation means ailments can heal faster and more efficiently. "These socks increase the pressure in your leg's tissue to minimize and prevent swelling," he explains. The pressure can also help prevent damage to the vein walls and valves, minimize inflammation, and prevent blood clots, he adds.

When it comes to buying compressions socks, you should aim for ones that are slightly snug, but not so tight that they’d cut off your circulation, explains Snell.

Another thing to note is the look of the socks and where they deliver pressure, too. “Great compression socks are segmented into small areas of the foot, as well as looser areas like around the toes and heels,” Gentry explains. “Good socks shouldn’t leave your lower legs or feet freezing cold if you leave them on too long, either.” (You want 'em to slow the blood flow, not cut it off entirely, obvs.)

When shopping for compression socks, McEneaney recommends buying just one pair at first. "Don't buy up six pairs and then find out later that they don't fit right, or they're too big and they slide down." Since that's not helpful, it’s important to get the right size at the beginning, he says. Once you find something comfy, go ahead and stock up.

Another thing to keep in mind is that normal medical grade compression socks are 20 to 30 mmHg, and that much compression can sometimes feel uncomfortable for people at first, says McEneaney. "Unless someone has grossly swollen calves, I usually start people at like 10 to 15 mmHg; those are half-strength." If you start there and find the compression doesn't feel strong enough, you can always bump up to something stronger.

"Generally, compression socks are fine to wear all day when you follow your doctor's advice," says McEneaney. If you're having leg, ankle, or foot issues, you should speak to a doctor to see if compression socks are in fact the solution, since there are different kinds of socks used for different kinds of ailments. It's not a one-size-fits-all kind of thing, McEneaney says.

You should also always make sure that your compression socks are properly fitted. "If they're either too tight or too loose, they won't do their job, or can actually make the ailment worse by cutting off blood flow," McEneaney says. If they are too tight, they can cause bruising, lesions on the skin, and aggravate sensitive skin, especially if you're wearing them for too long.

When shopping for compression socks, you may see a mmHg abbreviation in their description. This is a measure of blood pressure, and is associated with millimeters of mercury. "The mmHg stands for the amount of pressure the socks will apply to your legs," Dobbertin says. The scale will typically range from eight mmHg to 40 mmHg or higher, depending on the brand or type of socks you buy and their intended use. "The lower levels provide light compression," Dobbertin explains. "As you go up the scale, the compression increases and typically requires medical supervision." So, ultimately, you want to make sure you consult with your healthcare provider to find the level of compression that best suits your needs, she says.

Because this differs from person to person, you should speak to your doctor to see what their recommendation is for how long you should wear your compression socks.

Dobbertin says the best time to wear compression socks are during travel, pregnancy, a workout, or as consulted by a medical professional.

• Becs Gentry, a certified run coach/trainer and instructor at Peloton
• Latoya Shauntay Snell, HOKA One One athlete, ultra-runner, and Runner’s Alliance ambassador
• Patrick McEneaney, DPM, owner and CEO of Northern Illinois Foot & Ankle Specialist
• Cara Dobbertin, PT, DPT with Practitionr

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