Women's Health October 14, 2025 0 Comments

This $20 Compression Sock Is Quietly Changing Lives—Are Swollen Legs and Sore Feet About to Become History?

Have you ever wondered if those snug, slightly intimidating compression socks your grandma swears by could actually be a secret weapon for anyone who’s on their feet—or sitting too long—like, all the time? As someone who clocks over seven miles a week on foot and spends countless hours flying across time zones, I’ve tested more pairs than I can count. Sure, they cost more than the classic Hanes tubes you grew up with, but these tight little wonders do more than just hug your calves—they boost circulation, ease soreness, and tackle swelling like a champ. Dr. Mikel Daniels, a sharp podiatrist from Baltimore, puts it simply: Compression socks help push blood back to your heart, combating gravity’s relentless pull. Whether you’re pumping iron, navigating a marathon workday, or surviving a cross-country flight, picking the right compression level, fabric, and fit can make all the difference. Ready to conquer swollen legs and nasty aches? Let’s dive into the best compression socks that’ll have your legs thanking you—no matter your pace or path. LEARN MORE

As a frequent flier and certified trainer who walks more than seven miles a week, I’ve gone through so many pairs of compression socks I’ve lost count. Yeah, they’re pricier than those Hanes tube socks you grew up with, but they’re totally worth the splurge. They’re much tighter around the feet, ankles, and legs to deliver gentle pressure that offers real health benefits, such as blood circulation, soreness, and swelling reduction after sitting or being on your feet for too long.

“The socks essentially assist the body’s natural circulatory system by counteracting the effects of gravity on blood flow,” says Mikel Daniels, DPM, a board-certified podiatrist based in Baltimore, Md. “Superficial veins lie just under the skin, and without the benefit of muscle contraction, they rely heavily on one-way valves and pressure to return blood back toward the heart.” Simply put, compression socks help blood flow back to your heart by lightly squeezing the legs.

The Best Compression Socks

That makes them super handy after a sweat session or a long day at a desk job. Daniel says compression socks can reduce delayed onset muscle soreness in athletes and help prevent blood clots by keeping the blood moving. Before committing to a pair, it’s first important to know what compression level is right for you, which materials are best to help combat sweat, and how to achieve the right fit.

What To Consider

Compression level

Compression levels are measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg)—the same units as measuring blood pressure—ranging from light, moderate, and high (medical grade). Let’s break it down:

Light: This level ranges from eight to 15 mmHg, providing mild support. Daniels says this compression is best for alleviating mild fatigue and general comfort after sitting or standing all day.

Moderate: Compression ranging from 15 to 20 mmHg is great for active individuals who experience mild swelling daily, says Daniels. Think relief from aches and heavy legs post-run or gym session, as well as enhanced circulation, a reduction in spider veins, and even pregnancy support.

High: Anything over 20 mmHg is considered high, while some compression socks go up to 50 mmHg. But the first medical-grade tier of compression socks is 20 to 30 mmHg. Daniels says this grade is the most common level seen in compression socks, and that they are used to treat varicose veins, chronic venous insufficiency (when leg veins have trouble transmitting blood to the heart), and sports recovery.

Material

All compression socks in this guide are made with materials designed to combat sweat, but here’s a breakdown of each fabric mentioned.

Synthetic fabrics: The most popular synthetic fabrics are polyester and nylon. These are almost always found in workout clothes because they wick away sweat and dry fast. The same goes for compression socks. Many options in this guide feature one or both of the materials, including the best overall—the Physix Gear Compression Socks.

Cotton: Compression socks entirely made of cotton will hold onto moisture and take a long time to dry. But when blended with a synthetic fabric such as polyester, they wick away sweat while also being cozy. The Bombas Performance Compression Socks fit that exact profile.

Fit

“Proper fit is absolutely critical for both effectiveness and safety,” says Daniels. Our guide has a broad selection of different sock lengths, depending on your preference.

Calf-length: For high compression socks, Daniels says to measure at the narrowest point of the ankle to the calf at the widest point in the morning for accuracy, when swelling is minimal. They offer more coverage, which in turn provides more pressure for reducing swelling.

Ankle-length: This length is ideal for relieving tired, sore feet and ankles post-run or after a long day of walking. Compression is more localized compared to longer styles. Daniels says measuring ankle circumference is important for determining the right size. The same goes for crew-length socks, which are only about an inch higher than this style.

Low-cut length: Non-medical grade compression is only found in this length. For example, the Copper Compression Powerknit Socks have moderate compression at 15 to 20 mmHg. Like ankle-length and crew socks, these offer localized compression, but only to the feet.

How We Chose

As a WH fitness commerce editor, certified personal trainer, and runner, I accumulated a pile of compression socks—high-cut, ankle, and low-cut—over the years. Although many options in this guide share similar compression strengths, each fit is unique and feels different. It can depend on the material, seam, or durability. Some also loosen with wear over time. But not all compression socks are created equal. That’s why I used my years of experience and the help of WH editors to pick the best ones.

This story was first written in the spring of 2024, and the WH team has been updating the best picks ever since. For this round, I picked six pairs that were worn for up to two years to see how they helped with leg swelling and pain during walking, working out, and traveling. Each was evaluated based on compression level, sweat absorption, and fit. Also note that most are not one-size-fits-all. Many are based on shoe size, so make sure to consult the size chart before purchasing.

Best Overall Compression Socks

Physix Sport Compression Socks

Now 54% Off

Credit: Justin Steele

Compression	20-30 mmHg
Material	Nylon, spandex
Sizes	S/M; L/XL; XXL

After wearing many compression socks over the years, Physix Gear makes the best pair. I wear these high-cut socks after my weekly seven-mile walks to help relieve leg bloating when I’m on my feet for too long. They have a 20 to 30 mmHg compression level that doesn’t feel too tight after all-day wear, but still provides enough compression to aid with blood circulation and post-workout recovery. Even more impressive: they slip on and off easily, unlike most compression socks I’ve tested. It’s also worth mentioning that these have almost 92,000 reviews on Amazon and a 4.4 rating. They’re a pair that can serve anyone, whether you’re an athlete recovering from a long run or someone who struggles with spider veins.

The fabric is a flexible blend of nylon and spandex that wicks away sweat. My feet never feel wet compared to when I wear cotton socks, especially after a workout. While these are great to wear when I’m active, they’re just as useful when sitting for hours. “I wore them during a road trip recently and noticed a pretty significant reduction in swelling in an ankle I injured a few years ago that tends to blow up quite a bit when I sit for too long,” says WH associate style editor Shannen Zitz.

My only gripes are that these need to be washed in cold water or they’ll shrink, and that the material is thinner. I’d prefer more cushioning in a sock, but the pros outweigh the cons.

Read more: Best Muscle Recovery Tools

A high, wide-calf sock option is hard to come by, but the WH team discovered the Comrad Knee High Compression Socks. Calf circumference depends on your shoe size, but it ranges from 10 to 20 inches. Note that small and extra-large sizes don’t come in wide, so it’s best to size up in that case.

These have moderate compression at 15 to 20 mmHg, so they’re not supposed to fit as tightly as other high-cut socks in this guide. But despite their lower compression, WH beauty editor Nicole Saunders finds they fit just as tightly as medical-grade options. “I’ve owned my pair of pink and navy striped Comrad socks for almost two years, and they’ve come in clutch for minimizing leg swelling on the plane and after I had a slip-and-fall accident,” says Saunders. WH contributor Jennifer Neid, NASM-CPT, agrees that they are a game-changer for long travel days, whether that’s flying, car rides, or even boating. “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 achy feet,” Neid says.

The fabric is mostly nylon with a touch of spandex, which Nied says is breathable in hot tropical climates. While these do the job of keeping feet cool, Saunders notes that frequent washing causes them to lose their compression power around the year-and-a-half mark, meaning they don’t fit as snugly.

Ankle socks are my favorite for looking sporty with my lululemon Hotty Hot Shorts and Hoka Clifton 10 kicks, and feeling comfortable. The Swiftwick Aspire Quarter Crew Socks look sleek while still providing firm compression. But note these only provide compression to the feet and ankles, so it’s best to go with a high-cut style for ailments like leg swelling and spider veins.

Although a specific compression level isn’t specified, it feels like 15 to 20 mmHg. My feet feel tightened and squeezed by the fabric, especially at the arch and ankle. I specifically recommend these for intense cardio sessions when you’re on your feet, and love wearing them to run or climb the StairMaster. At four inches high, my lower calves feel supported and less sore without the constriction of a high sock. When I’m working up a major sweat, I want minimal coverage. Aside from working out, these are also travel-approved. WH director of special projects Amanda Lucci wore them on a 15-hour flight and experienced no ankle swelling.

These are made with a blend of polyester and olefin fiber (another synthetic material) for absorbing moisture, while the mesh footbed circulates air for proper ventilation. Even during my most heart-pumping workouts, my feet stayed relatively dry and didn’t feel icky when I removed the socks.

If foot odor is a concern, say hello to the high-cut SockWell Elevation Compression Socks. They’re made of merino wool, which is naturally antimicrobial, meaning it’s designed to combat funky smells. And unlike regular wool, merino wool isn’t itchy.

I wore different SockWell pairs for a week while logging up to 20,000 steps a day in Germany. It was 80 degrees, and I didn’t notice any odor after walking all day. Merino wool is also temperature-regulating, meaning it can trap or circulate heat depending on current conditions, making this the perfect compression sock for any season. I plan on wearing these during winter hikes.

The 20-30 mmHg compression level helped minimize leg swelling and tightness from intense walking and my nine-hour plane ride there and back. The fit isn’t too tight, while the fabric is medium-weight and thin like the Physix Gear Compression Socks. WH associate health and fitness editor Addison Aloian is also a fan of SockWell. She says the brand’s quality is top-tier. “Even though I’ve had them for almost a full year, they look just as good as the first day I got them,” she says.

Best Cotton Compression Socks

Bombas Performance Compression Socks

Credit: Justin Steele

Features at a Glance

Compression	20-30 mmHg
Materials	Cotton, polyester
Sizes	S, M, L

Cotton socks feel plush and cozy, but they often remain wet when sweaty. The Bombas Performance Compression Socks are different. These are made with the brand’s signature Hex Tec Yarn, which is a polyester and cotton fabric blend that helps manage heat. Plus, the socks feel well-cushioned—perfect for anyone who prefers a plush sock while logging miles or sitting on an airplane.

During testing, my feet felt well ventilated. I wore these on a particularly hot day during a one-hour speed walking session and still didn’t experience the looming sweat that I usually get when wearing cotton socks. Moisture evaporated fast, and my feet didn’t feel swampy for more than 15 minutes.

Like the best overall, these have a 20-30 mmHg compression level, but are much tighter. The fit runs smaller and is super snug around the calves, which isn’t my favorite and is tougher to remove. But the trade-off is a plush sock that helps aid recovery. My calves and feet felt less fatigued and sore overall after walking long distances. And you can always size up (sizes are small, medium, and large).

If a low-cut look is your preferred style, the Copper Compression Powerknit Socks are the ideal pick. Compression is targeted specifically to the feet to help relieve fatigue. These only offer moderate compression at 15 to 20 mmHg, but WH executive health and fitness director Jacqueline Andriako still finds that they combat puffiness and swelling when walking. She also loves how the heel pad prevents rubbing and blisters.

Instead of walking, I wore these on runs for a month and can attest that my feet felt well-rested post-workout. The fit is tight but not suffocating, like the Swiftwick Aspire Quarter Crew Socks, so they’re very comfortable for leisure, too. Although these are great, I would only stick to these if you have mild swelling and discomfort. If you need more coverage and support, a high-cut sock is your best bet.

As for fabric, these are made with a sweat-wicking nylon, polyester, and spandex blend that’s infused with copper—hence the name—to help improve fabric durability. It’s held its shape after countless washes. Copper is also a known antimicrobial agent, meaning it helps prevent bacteria from harboring.

Kane is known for the Revive recovery shoes, but the latest edition of its Structured Crew Socks also deserves to be on your radar. I found that the construction of the older style ran way too small and tight, but Kane upgraded these with a perfect fit around the ankle and forefoot. I don’t struggle to remove these, and they’re comfortable for all-day wear. I also appreciate the extra cushioning behind the ankles for blister prevention.

The compression level isn’t disclosed, but it feels like 20-30 mmHg. I’ve been wearing Kane crew socks for almost two years, and my feet are noticeably less achy after long runs of over five miles. They’re also my go-to for hiking. They add a supportive buffer between my ankles and boots, and reduce swelling from walking for hours.

Like the Bombas Performance Compression Socks, these are made with cotton, so they feel plush and cozy. Added nylon and spandex allow sweat to evaporate, so they never stay damp.

Meet The Experts

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Nicolette Accardi is the Fitness Commerce Editor at Women’s Health with a specialty in running content and athleisure. She likes to chase her next best time by testing out shoes and other running gear, and styling her workout clothes as streetwear. She’s also a certified personal trainer through the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM). Nicolette studied journalism and health sociology at Rutgers University. She has written for NJ.com, VICE, Rolling Stone, NBC News Select, and U.S. News & World Report.