The Best Compression Socks for Men, According to Podiatrists
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Obvious fact: Proper blood circulation is essential for good health. But sometimes bodies need a little extra help to keep blood flowing smoothly. Marathoners, cyclists, as well as men of an esteemed age could benefit from the best compression socks for men.
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Compression socks are tight, long socks that hug and stretch the leg while exerting a calibrated pressure. That compression has the effect of constricting the veins in the leg, decreasing their diameter and allowing more blood to flow farther with less push from the heart.
“Compression socks are specifically designed to decrease discomfort and swelling and improve circulation in the feet and legs,” says Dr. Miguel Cunha, a podiatrist and founder of Gotham Footcare. “They consistently apply gentle pressure to the feet and legs to promote blood flow up from the ankles, through the veins in the legs, and back toward the heart.”
That increased circulation can help athletes work longer, recover faster, and also help treat conditions like varicose veins, phlebitis (aka vein inflammation), edema (swelling), and thrombosis (blood clots), adds Dr. Robert Conenello, a podiatrist and founder of Orangetown Podiatry.
Depending on the purpose of the sock and factors like length, design, and materials, compression socks can be found on the cheap for around $5 a pair or up to $40 for high-performance and popular doctor-recommended options.
What the Experts Say
SPY spoke with three experts to get the facts on the best compression socks for men, including Cunha, Conenello, and Dr. Julie Schottenstein, a podiatrist, foot surgeon and founder of The Schottenstein Center.
They all agree on the general facts — primarily, that compression socks help improve blood circulation in the lower legs, which can result in improved health, like the reduction of aches, pains, swelling, and general leg fatigue. “The consistent pressure along the feet and legs along with movement promotes blood flow up from your ankles. This will reduce aches and pains usually caused by blood flow problems,” Cunha says.
Compression socks come in varying lengths and degrees of compression. The experts say size and fit are important for best results. Conenello, for one, emphasizes that the best compression sock is the one the patient will actually wear. “I always tell patients to first choose light compression,” he says. “If [the socks are] too tight and uncomfortable, patients won’t wear them.”
However, there are some risks associated with using — and misusing — compression socks. Cunha and Schottenstein both point to peripheral arterial disease. People with PAD, deep-vein thrombosis, or congestive heart failure should avoid compression socks; they may restrict too much blood flow from the legs to the feet and even contribute to ischemia, a condition in which part of the body, like the heart or brain, doesn’t receive enough blood. Serious conditions aside, ill-fitting compression socks won’t work as intended and may be uncomfortable and contribute to skin irritation.
Beyond that, general sock-buying rules apply: Cunha and Schottenstein advise buyers to look for moisture-wicking, antibacterial and durable materials, seamless stitching, and additional padding and arch support.
The doctor’s general caveat applies with compression socks, too: People who think they might need the socks for a condition should always consider speaking with a doctor.
BEST OVERALL
Jobst Compression Socks
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Any man getting up in years or starting to experience decreased leg circulation will be well-served by Jobst Activewear Compression Socks. Recommended by Cunha, these compression socks offer a moderate 15-20 mmHg of graduated compression to support circulation.
“They are soft, cushioned, and have superior moisture management — they’re made with moisture-wicking materials that help keep the feet dry and comfortable,” he says. “They also come with a cushioned foot pad, a seamless toe design, and wide comfort knee bands that secure the socks in place.”
The only complaint about Jobst is the cost, as these socks definitely run pricier than average — they’re priced at nearly $40 for one pair. But as some of the all-around best compression socks for men, they’re worth it.
BEST FOR ATHLETES
Pro Compression Marathon Compression Socks
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Why It Stands Out: The Pro Compression Marathon Compression Socks were designed with active people in mind, featuring graduated compressions of 15-20 mmHg around the upper calf and 20-30 mmHg around the ankle, as well as a proprietary blend of nylon and spandex for durability and fit. For most people, that’s more than enough pressure to assist performance and recovery. Plus, sports fans will appreciate being able to buy officially licensed socks with logos from the major sports leagues, including the NFL, MLB, and NHL.
Hot Take: These are the workhorses of compression socks — and they’re priced accordingly at $30 a pair. “These compression socks are comfortable to wear during multiple activities and they’re great for reducing lower extremity swelling, pain, and muscle fatigue,” Cunha says.
BEST FOR EVERYDAY
Comrad's Knee High Compression Socks
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Why It Stands Out: The Comrad Knee-High Compression Socks are the most user-friendly of the best compression socks for men, offering massively comfortable and colorful compression socks intended for everyday casual wear. “For diabetics or people who are trying to get light levels of compression, this is a great choice,” Schottenstein says. “They wash well and come in a lot of great colors. They’re also really soft.” (These compression socks come with 15-20 mmHg of compression, which is considered light to medium.)
Hot Take: These are compression socks for people who care about form as well as function; compression socks don’t need to be itchy, ugly things. Also, anyone who loves the comfort but wants more compression can pick from Comrad’s stronger socks. Buying a multi-pack also cuts down the $28 sticker price.
BEST VALUE
Dickies Men's Light Comfort Compression Over-the-Calf Socks
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Why It Stands Out: The Dickie’s Men’s Light Compression Socks are a great value, at just under $6 per pair, and are made from a comfy-strong blend of polyester, nylon, and spandex. Their light compression is exactly what a guy needs to just get through the last few hours of work with his feet intact. “These compression socks offer mild graduated compression 8-15 mmHG of pressure,” Cunha says. “They’re comfortable and provide uniform compression from the foot all the way up past the calf.”
Hot Take: It’s Dickie’s, dude. Dickie’s makes workwear for the working man and these compression socks, with their moisture-wicking material, cushioned footbed, and reinforced toes, are as reliable as Dickie’s jeans or overalls. Wear them at the worksite or on a busy chore day for more comfortable legs afterward.
MOST POPULAR
Physix Gear Compression Socks
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Why It Stands Out: The Physix Gear Compression Socks are some of the most popular and best-reviewed compression socks for men on Amazon, with nearly three-quarters of the 80,000+ ratings being five stars. Amazon cues aside, these nylon-spandex socks offer heavier compression than average, making them suitable for varicose veins, swelling, and anyone who’s constantly on their feet all day.
Hot Take: Schottenstein swears by these socks, which she not only recommends for others but chooses for herself as a working surgeon. “They come in 20-30 mmHg strength, which is perfect for patients who need help with edema or people who are standing for long periods of time” she says. “They wash well, they stay cool, and they really hold compression well. I’m never without them on my long surgery days.”
Frequently Asked Questions About Compression Socks
What are compression socks and why are they useful?
Conenello says compression socks are specifically designed to “decrease venous disorders,” adding that they’re useful for decreasing leg edema, treating varicose veins, and supporting recovery for athletes.
Schottenstein echoes those claims, saying the pressure applied by compression socks to the lower legs and feet results in better blood flow and circulation, reduced swelling (aka edema) and faster recovery from exhaustion. She also adds that compression socks can be useful to people managing diabetes, which often creates swelling and poor circulation in the extremities.
Do size and fit matter in the best compression socks for men?
Yes. Doctors stress the importance of fit and comfort as they pertain to size and compression levels. “Proper sizing is crucial for effectiveness,” Schottenstein says. “Compression socks that are too tight or too loose may not provide the desired benefits and could potentially cause discomfort and skin irritation, which can even lead to wounds.”
For people just dipping their toes into compression socks, Cunha advises buyers to measure the circumference of their ankles and calves for the best fit. Once they have their sizing, they then have to evaluate how much compression they need. For example, Cunha says that pregnant women or people who sit or stand for long periods of time will likely find compressions of 15 mmHg or under sufficient. More active people (or those with more advanced leg swelling) will probably be better helped by stronger compression levels.
Cunha also notes the benefits of graduated, or progressive, compression, meaning that the compression socks start tighter at the foot and ankle and loosen further up the sock. “The design helps prevent the socks from cutting off circulation,” he says.
Why do some compression socks use copper or other metals?
Generally, metals like copper or silver may be at home in any sock for their well-known antibacterial properties, Schottenstein says.
In particular, copper also promotes wound healing, and research suggests copper may further improve blood circulation and decrease edema (through said improved blood circulation), Cunha says. Copper may also be chosen because people are generally less sensitive to it than other metals like silver.
Can the best compression socks for men help treat any conditions?
Yes, compression socks are known to help improve conditions including varicose veins, phlebitis, edema, and thrombosis. However, people who believe they may be suffering from such conditions and who are considering buying compression socks should consult with their doctors.
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