The Best Compression Socks for Cutting Down Swelling and Discomfort

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Compression socks aren’t sexy, but they’re a discreet wellness booster that provides many fantastic benefits. I would know because I enjoy sporting them during flights and, more recently, began using them weekly for added comfort. Wearing compression socks, plus icing and elevating my leg, has even helped minimize swelling from a recent minor accident. And I’m not the only fan; compelling compression socks research was published in science journals and the garment was name-dropped during season four of Succession on HBO, so you know they're legit having a moment. Keep scrolling for my quick guide to all things compression socks, along with my top recommendations I'm wearing.

Best Compression Socks, Tested and Reviewed

• Best Overall: Blueenjoy Socks for Women & Men

• Best Designs: Comrad Knee-High Compression Socks

• Most Amazon Reviews: Charmking Compression Socks for Women & Men

• Best for Beginners: Pembrook Womens Compression Socks

• Best for Athletes: Copper Compression Powerknit Knee High Socks

What to Consider

Benefits

Functionality

According to the Cleveland Clinic, compression socks boost blood flow in your legs, prevent blood clots, and even help improve lymphatic drainage. They also alleviate swelling in the legs and ankles, which is fantastic for someone who travels often or has a career where they're on their feet most of the day, like medical professionals. Compression socks also help reduce pain and discomfort when taking long walks or wearing nice boots.

Form

Additionally, modern compression socks are surprisingly stylish and aren't reminiscent of something our grandparents might wear. Instead, they look like regular knee-high socks made of thin yet durable stretchy fabric, like lycra and spandex, that accommodate calves of all sizes. Other common materials include elastane, and moisture-wicking components, such as merino, nylon, and polyester. Compression socks also come in many solid colors, prints, and patterns, so you can flex your style when the mood strikes or blend in if you want a monochromatic vibe.

Compression Levels

Some compression socks are so tight they require a prescription. To ensure everyone can access compression socks, my focus is on over-the-counter compression socks that are readily available to shop and do not have to meet medical-grade specifications that might require a prescription. Generally speaking, here are the most common compression sock ranges measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg), along with their ideal use cases:

• 10-15 mmHg is considered low compression and ideal for daily wear.

• 15-20 mmHg provides medium compression and helps aid post-workout recovery.

• 20-30 mmHg offers firm support, making them helpful for those with varicose veins.

Regardless of which compression sock you order, the medical professionals at Mount Sinai Health System in New York note the socks will feel tight, but you'll feel the most pressure around your ankles.

Quantity

Lastly, you'll notice that all featured brands sell compression socks in multi-packs. I initially thought it was an annoying cash grab, but soon changed my mind after wearing compression socks a few times. Why? Well, you don't want to wear the same dirty pair multiple days in a row. Even Mount Sinai's team suggests you wash compression socks daily and have at least one extra pair you can alternate.

Also, like all products, buying multiples is just more cost-effective, meaning you'll have more money to treat yourself to a self-care gift. For example, Comrad makes incredible compression socks, but an individual pair is $28, while a three-pack costs just under-$70, or $23.33 a pair, saving you $4.67 per order.

How We Chose

Editor-Tested

Today is your lucky day because I bought dozens of different compression socks and narrowed my selections down to just five standout picks I've been wearing repeatedly. When it comes down to it, I will continue to rebuy these options for myself and have suggested to family members in the medical field who could benefit from using them.

Testing Period

This story started as a personal project in the spring. I took relatively frequent trips to Florida and California and hated how my feet became slightly swollen during the long-haul flights. I also experienced occasional minor cramps during the tail end of my three-mile walks home after work or extended longer walks on the weekends. Since I love walking around New York, I knew a solution was necessary. After a quick call with my mom, who is an orthopedic registered nurse, she convinced me compression socks were my best solution. I ordered my first pair off Amazon and have become a fan of these five picks ever since. Given my positive experience, I knew our readers deserved to know about the magic of compression socks.

Use Cases

In addition to both short and long flights and long walking, I wore them to the office, at home, and with different types of footwear. From sneakers for wide feet, like Hoka and Allbirds, to Chelsea boots and heeled knee-highs, these socks prevent swelling and minimize discomfort. The best part? No one around me knew they were compression socks — well, until now. So keep scrolling for my must-have picks, all under $30!

Compression Socks for Women & Men (6 Pairs)

My best overall pair of compression socks are from Blueenjoy, an Amazon best-selling brand with a casual 4.5-star average from more than 41,210 reviews.

So what makes them so fantastic? Well beyond the enticing price point — six socks for just under-$21, aka $3.50 a pair — they're super comfortable to wear for extended periods.

These socks are relatively thinner compared to others I've tried, but to be fair, I don't care because they still offer wonderful compression for lounging around the house watching Ziwe, walking to the office, and working 8-hour days.

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Knee-High Compression Socks

I love Comrad socks so much that I'm currently wearing a pair right now! I think they're incredibly comfortable, effective, and stylish.

Sure other brands have a funky array of prints and patterns, but Comrad's look more elevated. For example, the pink and navy pair (pictured) was my first set from the brand, but I've since ordered more pairs because I'm obsessed.

Next up on my wishlist is the gorgeous ombré print that would look super cute peeking out above boots. It comes in an array of ombrés, including grey to black, cream to pink, pink to purple, purple to cream to red, and blue to white to pink. Even supermodel Karlie Kloss loves Comrad so much, she is an investor in the brand.

Additionally, the startup sells various levels of compression socks. Still, I have only used the mild version — and love them, just like the hundreds of reviewers across Amazon and their DTC website.

Compression Socks for Women & Men (8 Pairs)

Charmking compression socks are ridiculously popular on Amazon — 4.5-star average from nearly 75,400 reviews — and trust me: I get the hype. These durable compression socks provide wonderful stretch and immediate relief.

I love that these never slide down my legs, making them handy for anyone who likes to work from a standing desk or sports their socks for long periods of time. They're also made from a breathable fabric that offers ventilation — so if you know someone with sweaty feet these socks are super handy.

They can also be washed in the machine, but don't use fabric softener or machine dry these socks to prevent them from stretching out.

Women’s Compression Socks (6-Pack)

These Pembrook socks are ideal for beginners because they offer the lowest compression — 8-15 mmHg — among my tested and reviewed picks. It sounds minor, but I do appreciate how easy they are to put on, and I credit the lower compression level to this ease.

They're incredibly comfortable to wear and were the first set of compression socks I purchased. I've subsequently bought backups because I love how they fit and feel throughout the day. Like a great set of bamboo sheets, these compression socks somehow get comfier over time yet remain durable for several months.

Powerknit Knee-High Socks

These are the longest compression socks on my list — they sit at the bottom of my kneecap — which I appreciate for maximum compression. And given their cushiony padded feet, they're the most comfortable ones to wear while exercising.

NFL superstar Drew Brees is the face of Copper Compression, so you already know the brand is elite enough for your favorite athlete and those who like to train like them. Created with physical activity in mind, these compression socks promise to help speed up recovery time.

"Throughout my time as a pro football player, I've taken some hits and tried everything to help with muscle pain and recovery, and then I found Copper Compression. When I wear the products, I don't feel injured, I feel enhanced," Brees said.

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