The 9 Best Compression Socks for Women to Wear While Flying
Ladies, if you've ever dealt with aching or swollen feet after a long flight, it might be time to invest in a high-quality pair of compression socks. These versatile socks are specifically designed to apply pressure to your feet and calves, thereby increasing blood flow and preventing blood clots and swelling in your lower legs. Plus, there's the added bonus that they will keep your feet nice and toasty on even the chilliest of flights.
Besides working wonders on long flights, compression socks can be worn outside of planes too. If you have to stand on your feet all day at work, exercise a lot, or suffer from circulation problems or varicose veins, these snug socks will help keep your legs and feet unswollen and pain-free.
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Like most travel accessories, there's an overwhelming number of compression socks available in stores and online. To help you find the best option for your needs, we turned to reviews from real customers to see which compression socks they love the most. Not only do these handy socks have near-perfect ratings, but they also have thousands of glowing customer reviews between them.
The best part? All the socks on this list are actually cute, so you won't be embarrassed to sport them on your next flight. From toe socks to pretty printed options and knee-high compression socks, keep reading to shop the nine pairs of compression socks female shoppers can't stop raving about.
These are the best compression socks for women:
Best Overall: Physix Gear Compression Socks
Best for Arch Support: Smartwool Everyday Compression Solid Over the Calf Sock
Best Copper Option: FuelMeFoot Copper Compression Socks
Most Comfortable Option: Crucial Compression Compression Socks
Best Sheer Option: Truform Sheer Compression Stockings
Best Option With Toes: ToeSox Performance Five Toe Compression Socks
Best Option With Fun Prints: Laite Hebe Compression Socks
Best High-compression Option: SB SOX Compression Socks
Best Toeless Option: Doc Miller Compression Sleeve
Best Overall: Physix Gear Compression Socks
Courtesy of Amazon
Not only do these compression socks from Physix Gear boast a firm 20 to 30 mmHg compression level and moisture-wicking properties, but they are also made from a durable double-stitched fabric. So it makes sense that the beloved socks have racked up over 66,000 reviews and an impressive 4.5-star rating. "I wish I'd tried compression socks for flying years ago," wrote one shopper. "These helped the swelling in my feet and muscle aches in my legs so much on a recent transatlantic flight. They make your legs feel almost massaged and so good. Made a coach seat much more bearable. So much cheaper than upgrading to first class! And these are really cute (I have the pink heeled ones); you'd never know they were compression socks."
To buy: amazon.com, from $15
Best for Arch Support: Smartwool Everyday Compression Solid Over the Calf Sock
Courtesy of Smart Wool
If your arches become painful and swollen on long flights, look for a pair of compression socks that offer added arch support, like this pair from Smartwool. The socks feature a gradient compression that helps increase blood flow, a supportive arch brace, and extra cushioning at the heel and ball of the foot. Plus, they're made from a Merino Wool blend that is super soft against your skin. "Do not get on a plane without first buying yourself a pair of these socks," said one customer. "These have been a game changer for me when I travel (road trips, flights, etc.) They are very comfortable, especially for a compression sock, and do not stink after long haul flights (I spent 37 hours in these and they didn't smell!)."
To buy: smartwool.com, $31
Best Copper Option: FuelMeFoot Copper Compression Socks
Courtesy of Amazon
These compression socks by FuelMeFoot feature copper fibers that are designed to increase circulation, eliminate odor, and relieve aches and pains. The sleek socks are also super breathable and moisture-wicking so your feet will stay nice and dry. Because they are conveniently sold in a three-pack, you can have a clean pair for flights to and from your destination, plus a spare to wear during your trip. Over 22,000 Amazon customers have given them a five-star rating, with one shopper writing, "I love these socks. [I'm] in a wheelchair and [my] legs always swell in summer. Not this year! I have tried MANY compression socks and they don't last. These are extremely well made, and I believe the copper makes all the difference. Comfortable and easy to put on."
To buy: amazon.com, from $10
Most Comfortable Option: Crucial Compression Compression Socks
Courtesy of Amazon
While compression socks have a number of health benefits, some people can find them to be too constricting and uncomfortable. Over 6,000 Amazon customers love this pair by Crucial Compression because they offer the same professional-grade compression as other pairs on this list, but they are also super soft, breathable, and don't feel too tight. With 13 stylish colors to choose from, you are sure to find an option that you love. "These compression socks are great," said one reviewer. "I'm on my feet for eight to 10 hours a day for my job and these socks help with fatigue and swelling. I've tried many brands and I must say that these are one of the most comfortable compression socks I have worn. They are not too tight at the band, and there is not too much material at the toes which can cause bunching up when you put your shoes on like some other brands that I have tried. I will have to get more."
To buy: amazon.com, $14
Best Sheer Option: Truform Sheer Compression Stockings
Courtesy of Amazon
In the market for a pair of sheer compression socks that you can wear discreetly? Check out this pair from Truform. The see-through socks boast gradual compression to help improve circulation and alleviate swelling and pain. They range in size from small to 3XL and come in 12 different colors. "Was so surprised at the sheerness of these (love them!) and the fit is excellent," said one customer. "Usually the tops of these kinds of stockings are too tight on me but these fit just perfect. They were remarkably easy to put on and are strong despite the sheerness."
To buy: amazon.com, $17 (Originally $20)
Best Option With Toes: ToeSox Performance Five Toe Compression Socks
Courtesy of Amazon
Toe socks may not be the most attractive-looking socks, but they can help regulate circulation throughout your entire foot. This pair of compression toe socks by ToeSox are specially designed to offer graduated compression from your ankle to your knee and help prevent blisters from forming on your feet. The lightweight socks have a seamless construction for added comfort, and they come in five different colors. "These are perfect for my nursing legs and to keep my toes separated due to painful corns or being on my feet for 12 hours. Pricey but worth it to me and my legs and feet," wrote one customer.
To buy: amazon.com, from $19
Best Option With Fun Prints: Laite Hebe Compression Socks
Courtesy of Amazon
If you prefer your travel accessories to have a little personality, opt for these compression socks from Laite Hebe. The breathable, moisture-wicking socks come in 32 different prints and colors that are actually cute. The socks also boast a top cuff to prevent them from slipping down so you won't have to worry about adjusting them, and more than 17,500 Amazon customers are fans and have given them a 4.5-star rating. One customer called them, "great compression socks," before adding, "I was very excited and love the fun prints they come in! They're perfect for work (I stand 8.5 hours) and they stayed up the entire time and did exactly what they were designed to do: relieve fatigue and promote circulation."
To buy: amazon.com, from $9
Best High-Compression Option: SB SOX Compression Socks
Courtesy of Amazon
These compression socks by SB SOX feature a professional-grade 20 to 30 mmHg compression level and are specially designed to boost both blood flow and oxygen levels throughout your feet and legs. Most compression socks come in either small or large sizes, but this pair has four different sizes to choose from so you can find your perfect fit (if you're wearing them for a long flight, this is doubly important). "I am recovering from foot and ankle surgery and ordered several types of compression socks to see which ones I liked the best. These were my favorite, hands down," raved one shopper. "There is just the right amount of compression, preventing swelling but not causing pain. The variety of colors makes it easy to wear these when walking, exercising, and even to work. I just bought more pairs!"
To buy: amazon.com, from $10
Best Toeless Option: Doc Miller Compression Sleeve
Courtesy of Amazon
Love the benefits of compression socks but hate feeling constricted around your toes? Consider these compression foot sleeves from Doc Miller. They work exactly the same as all the other compression socks on this list, but they leave your toes free to wiggle around. In addition to their anti-odor properties, they feature a band at both the top and bottom to securely keep the sleeve in place. The toeless socks are a top seller on Amazon. "I need compression socks, but full socks squeeze on the toes creating ingrown toenails. These toeless socks give me the compression I need on the calves without the toe pain," wrote one customer.
To buy: amazon.com, $20
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