Podiatrists Say These Compression Socks Can Help Reduce Leg Swelling and Pain

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Whether you spend a lot of time on your feet for your job or you regularly engage in intense workouts, it’s likely that you’ve experienced sore, aching legs and swollen feet at some point or another. If you’re looking for relief, there’s good news: The best compression socks for women help reduce swelling and pain, allowing your legs and feet to stay more comfortable.

Studies suggest that compression socks can help reduce muscle damage and inflammation, especially after a big physical feat, like a marathon. But how exactly do they work?

“Compression socks place constant pressure on the legs to prevent the accumulation of fluid; the compression is thought to help the blood circulate better which allows more oxygen to get to the tissues,” says Priya Parthasarathy, D.P.M., a podiatrist in Silver Springs, MD and spokesperson for the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA). “Many of my runner patients swear by them, stating that they reduce muscle fatigue and soreness, which in turn produces a faster recovery.”

Meet the Experts: Priya Parthasarathy, D.P.M., a podiatrist in Silver Springs, MD; Anne Sharkey, D.P.M., a podiatrist at North Austin Foot & Ankle Institute in Austin.

But compression socks aren’t just great for post-workout recovery—they can also provide relief when you’re traveling on a long flight or just anytime when you’re on your feet for long periods of time. Moreover, women who are pregnant and people with certain health conditions, like those who have type 2 diabetes or those who have suffered from deep vein thrombosis (DVT), can also benefit from wearing compression socks to help reduce their risk of developing blood clots and swelling in the feet and legs. (You can also check out the best compression leggings!)

As a podiatric surgeon who’s on her feet all day, Parthasarathy herself likes to wear compression socks underneath her scrubs. “I also wore them daily when I was pregnant to prevent varicose and spider veins. They definitely make my feet and legs feel much less tired,” she adds. However, she doesn’t recommend compression socks for people with certain heart conditions, like congestive heart failure and arterial disease.

Ahead, we rounded up the best compression socks for women that can help relieve swelling and pain. Shop our picks, and see why customers love them, below.

Compression Socks

These top-rated knee-high compression socks are made with durable and flexible lycra—the same material used to make popular shapewear, like Spanx—and have a pressure rating of 20 to 30 mmHg. They’re available in two different sizes to accommodate wider calves. The small and medium sizes are best for people with nine- to 15-inch calves, while the large and extra-large sizes are good for 14- to- 9-inch calves.

What reviewers say: “These socks have been a huge relief for being on my feet all day. They provide great compression, not too tight, not flimsy, comfortable material inside and out,” wrote one Amazon reviewer. “These compression socks are great. Just the right amount of pressure in just the right spots. I don’t end the day with weird pock marks from the stitching like other compression socks...Nor do they cut off my circulation above my calves,” said another.

MicroPillow Compression Knee-High Running Socks

Designed specifically for running, Lululemon’s compression socks are made from breathable nylon mesh that not only helps keep your feet cool and dry but also are treated to prevent the growth of odor-causing bacteria (meaning no more stinky runners’ feet!). They also offer ultra-light cushioning and are constructed with 3D-knitting technology that creates a perfectly shaped fit in all the right places.

The Good Housekeeping Institute tested the socks while researching the best compression socks for women, finding that the fabric did a good job of wicking away sweat. Testers noted that they’re a bit hard to get on, but they appreciated that the socks stayed in place well throughout the day. Some testers with varicose veins also found they alleviated swelling well.

What an editor says: Prevention’s digital director, Allie Early, tested these compression socks after a run and loved that they offer “light compression” and are “easy to pull on and off, breathable, very thin, and stylish.” Because of the light cushioning of the stocks, she also notes that they are ideal for shorter runs, as opposed to more long-distance running.

Women’s Compression Socks

Pregnant women, nurses, teachers, athletes, and frequent flyers alike will love these compression socks for their comfort and support. They have a pressure rating of 10 to 15 mmHg, while their lightweight nylon and spandex material makes them breathable. These socks also have a cushioned heel to help reduce pressure. With the choice of a number of colors and patterns such as nude, black, white, and heather gray, you can also subtly wear them with any outfit.

What reviewers say: “I am a nurse and on my feet all day. My legs and feet don’t feel tired when I wear them,” wrote one reviewer. “They fit well, and I like that there is plenty of room around the toe area even though the rest of the stocking is snug.”

Graduated Compression Socks

Made of a super-soft and naturally breathable cotton blend, these top-rated socks from VIM&VGR offer a graduated compression of 15 to 20 mmHG from ankle to calf. They provide a comfortable and supportive fit, thanks to the contoured leg and heel and flexible toe pocket in the construction. Plus, they come in a wide range of colors and patterns!

The socks performed well in Good Housekeeping Lab tests, particularly when it came to performance and durability. The fabric wicked away sweat, offered excellent abrasion resistance, and didn’t shrink after multiple rounds of washing.

What an editor says: “These socks were soft and easy to pull on yet offered the moderate compression they advertised,” says Early. “I didn’t struggle to roll these up. Their cotton composition makes them extra breathable and cool.” However, she notes that these socks don’t offer cushioning at the bottom like some of their competitors.

Elevation Firm Graduated Compression Socks

These top-rated compression socks from Sockwell are made from a merino wool blend, which is not only breathable and moisture-wicking but also provides natural odor control and thermoregulation. With a firm graduated compression of 20 to 30 mmHg, these socks offer comfortable support and are great for everything, including exercise, recovery, travel, varicose veins, and plantar fasciitis.

What an editor says: Early loves that the merino wool blend is thick and warm, making it “good for fall and winter comfort.” However, she notes that they were a bit difficult to pull on due to their tightness and that she could only wear them for a short period of time before they started to cause some discomfort.

Lite Compression Socks

Talk about a soft fit! With a pressure rating of 15 to 20 mmHg, these compression socks have a cushioned heel and toe box to provide support and comfort without impinging on your mobility. They also offer a cuff at the top that keeps them from slipping down, moisture-wicking material that quickly sops up sweat, and breathable fabric that feels smooth against the skin.

What reviewers say: “I wore these for the first time this week, and there was a huge difference!” said a reviewer who is constantly on her feet at work. “They really did increase my circulation, and my leg felt great at the end of the day! I’m excited to wear them to work, on planes, for runs, etc.”

Compression Socks

Varicose veins can happen to anyone, but compression socks can help reduce the chances of developing them on your legs. These compression socks by Charmking help bring healthy blood flow to your lower limbs so that new varicose veins do not form. They’re made with breathable nylon and deliver 360-degree stretch for flexibility and durability. Did we also mention they have over 55,000 five-star ratings on Amazon?

What reviewers say: “These are amazing. They’re lightweight enough to wear in the summer as you would normal socks but have helped greatly with compression as needed! I wear these for eight to 10 hours a day and never once are they uncomfortable,” one shopper said.

Low-Cut Compression Socks

Perfect for runners, these socks work well for intense activity thanks to their low-cut profile. They also quickly wick away sweat and have a seam-free toe to help prevent blisters. And because they offer extra support in the ankles and arches, they can help relieve pain from foot injuries, like plantar fasciitis, too.

What reviewers say: One wearer says they worked well for their plantar fascitiis pain: “I did a lot of walking and got stuck waiting, standing on already tired feet, for an hour, waiting for the bus. With my heel issues, I would be limping after such a day out. But to my surprise, I had almost no pain in my heels, and the hour or two that it usually takes to get rid of the heel pain was lessened to under five minutes.”

Compression Socks

Nurses (and anyone else who has to be on their feet for hours each day) will appreciate these tall, comfortable socks, which are made of a durable yet lightweight fabric that helps prevent moisture buildup in your feet. Each pair offers a solid 20 to 30 mmHg, but is still easy to pull on and comfortable to wear. Plus, these come in a wide array of fun colors and patterns!

What reviewers say: “There was such a huge difference when I wore these to work,” explained one customer, who pulls 16-hour shifts as a nurse. “My feet and legs did not ache and swell after working two doubles over the weekend. I did not feel nearly as tired in general either.”

transparent Closed Toe Calf Compression Socks

If you’re looking for something different than your typical socks, then this transparent style is a great option. They are more on the hosiery side as they act similarly to pantyhose. “This is my favorite medical grade brand for patients,” says Sharkey, who loves their quality material. Plus, you can choose from six colors including black and various tones of brown.

What reviewers say: “These are kind of amazing for a compression sock. They really do work, though they don’t look like they would. They are quite transparent in any of the colors. They are silky to the touch. And they are not impossible to get on,” one Amazon shopper wrote.

Women's Everyday Compression Socks

For everyday use or travel, Sharkey recommends this pair. Wear these comfortably with tennis shoes and avoid sweaty feet, thanks to the Supima cotton material. With its honeycomb support system, the arches of your feet will feel snug and supportive. Bonus: When you make a purchase, the brand donates a pair to different Giving Partners organizations.

What reviewers say: “These are the best compression socks I have ever owned, bar none,” wrote one reviewer. “They are very well made and extremely comfortable. I wear the from the time I wake up early in the morning until when I go to bed at night.”

How to choose the best compression socks for women

Pick the right pressure level. The pressure in compression socks is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg). Some compression socks have a mild pressure rating between 10 to 20 mmHg or 15 to 20 mmHg, while those on the firmer side have a pressure rating of 20 to 30 mmHg. Generally speaking, compression socks should fit snugly, but they shouldn’t be too tight that they’ll cut off circulation either.

“I usually recommend a lighter compression, like 10 to 15 or 15 to 20, to begin with, and for more moderate to severe swelling, we start to go up in numbers, such as 20 to 30 or 30 to 40, which should be a custom fit and prescribed by a doctor,” Parthasarathy says.

You should always talk to your doctor about what the best pressure rating is for you, especially if you have an underlying condition. Once you know which rating you’re looking for, you can find a top-quality pair (or two) online.

Choose the best material. Compression socks are typically made from materials such are nylon, Spandex, cotton, and wool. You’ll want to find the best material that fits your needs. If you’re planning to wear your socks in hot weather or your feet generally run hot, for example, you’ll want to opt for a breathable, moisture-wicking fabric. On the other hand, warmer and thicker options like merino wool may be more ideal for cooler seasons.

Find the right coverage and fit. Most compression socks are typically knee-length, but they can also come in other lengths and sizes; you’ll want to choose based on your preferred amount of coverage. Compression sleeves, for instance, offer coverage of the calves but not the feet, while low-rise compression socks only come to the ankle.

How many hours a day should I wear compression socks?

Typically, you should wear compression socks for two to eight hours, depending on how long it takes to complete the activity where you’ll be wearing them, says Sharkey. Compression socks can be worn throughout your work day if your job requires you to stand, throughout the duration of a flight or road trip when traveling, or if you must be active while using socks to assist with the reduction of swelling or pain. And if you’re pregnant, Sharkey advises to use them throughout the day and to remove them at night.

Is there a downside to wearing compression socks?

Wearing compression socks comes with a list of benefits that includes lessening swelling, decreasing aching and tiredness of the legs, preventing varicose veins as well as blood clots, and enhancing athletic recovery. The main drawback is they may be uncomfortable and too hot to wear in warmer climates. Although this is not a disadvantage, for some, compression socks may not be the most fashionable accessory. These types of socks are generally really well tolerated—just be sure to pick a pair that is the appropriate size and strength, says Sharkey.

How do I know what strength compression socks to get?

Standard strength levels are 8 to 15 mmHg and 15-to 20 mmHg. Both strengths can work well for everyday use, athletic recovery, travel, and mild swelling and aches. However, anything above 20 mmHg is prescribed by doctors for specific conditions.

“Those under treatment for deep venous thrombosis (DVT), post-surgery, moderate swelling, or varicose veins are going to be recommended 20-30 mmHg,” says Sharkey. If you have medical conditions, ask your medical provider prior to using compression socks to ensure they are safe to use, she adds.

How we chose the best compression socks for women

We spoke with Priya Parthasarathy, D.P.M., a podiatrist in Silver Springs, MD and spokesperson for the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) and Anne Sharkey, D.P.M., a podiatrist at North Austin Foot & Ankle Institute in Austin. We referenced the Good Housekeeping Institute’s coverage of the best compression socks for women, including testing notes for the Lululemon MicroPillow Compression Knee-High Running Socks and VIM&VIGR Graduated Compression Socks. Additionally, we tested a few picks for ourselves and combed through countless ratings, reviews, and product specs to find the best compression socks for women.

Why trust us

For more than 70 years, Prevention has been a leading provider of trustworthy health information, empowering readers with practical strategies to improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Our editors interview medical experts to help guide our health-focused product selections. Additionally, Prevention also examines hundreds of reviews—and often conducts personal testing done by our staff—to help you make informed decisions.

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