TOFLY Medical Compression Stockings, 20-30 mmHg Knee High Compression Socks

Product Information

Prior to starting at Good Housekeeping in 2022, she earned a master of engineering in materials science and engineering and a bachelor of science in fiber science from Cornell University. They are only for working out—these aren’t cozy compression socks to slip on while you sit at your desk. The picks ahead are from top-performers in our recent socks tests and popular brands online with options for every type of user. In the Lab, our experts accessed the ease of use and noted any additional features, including targeted cushioning on the sole or a contoured foot-specific fit. Clove is known for its ultra-comfy shoes for nurses, so it should come as no surprise that the brand has an incredible sock game, too.

Compression levels are measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and the larger the number, the higher the compression.Lightweight and breathable, with a subtle design, Away’s Compression Socks are our top pick for long flights or car rides. Scholl’s Women’s Graduated Compression Socks provide the most compression to your feet, gradually easing their grip from your ankles to your calves. During our testing period, the socks made a big improvement to foot circulation when worn while sitting and during long walks. And the brand claims the fabric (mainly nylon) is both breathable and moisture-wicking to keep your feet cool in hotter weather, and warm when the temperature drops (plus, they should eliminate bad odor thanks to the infusion of copper).

They did require some effort to get on, but they stayed in place well and never felt overly restrictive.In the past year, we've tested over 90 different socks, including compression socks, to determine the best available online. For instance, socks with 15–25 mmHg would offer at least 15 and no more than 25 millimeters of mercury of pressure, with the lower number in the range indicating the amount of pressure applied to the calf and the higher end of the range reflecting the pressure on the foot and ankle. Be especially aware of the time you should wear medical-grade compression socks, which your doctor will delineate upon recommending or prescribing them. If you’re unsure whether compression socks are right for you, consult with your healthcare provider before purchasing a pair. The blend of merino wool, bamboo rayon, nylon, and spandex is comfortable and allows for freedom of movement while also providing adequate support.

While they didn’t stand out in Lab tests compared to other pairs we evaluated, our analysts appreciated that they didn't shrink as much as some competitors. Emma Seymour (she/her) is a senior product analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab, where she has led testing for luggage, pillows, towels, tampons and more since 2018. While we’ve seen more and more compression sleeves or ankle socks, he cautions that sleeves, which do not cover the foot, could potentially impede blood flow and cause swelling in the feet for users intending to treat symptoms such as swelling and cramping in the lower legs. To find the best compression socks, we conducted in-Lab and consumer tests with hundreds of users to gauge overall comfort, performance, ease of use, breathability, moisture-wicking claims and durability. Just take note that some testers with thicker calves found this pair a bit hard to get on their legs, especially when their feet were swollen prior to use.Medical-grade compression socks feature gradient compression, or compression that starts off strong around the ankles and then slowly decreases further up the leg. In general, circulation socks can be worn all day to help with healing, recovery, edema reduction and overall blood flow and oxygen increase, says Dr. The only area where the CHARM KING socks underperformed slightly was how they felt, simply because they weren’t quite as breathable as other pairs and sometimes left our feet a little sweaty. The people who most benefit from wearing compression socks range from athletes and pregnant women to people who stand all day and people with vascular diseases. After meticulous hours poring over reviews (only those rated four stars and above), value for money, specs and even color options, we were able to drill down and compile this list of the eight best compression socks.

Different levels of compression are needed for different conditions or uses; someone who spends a lot of their day standing may only need light, supportive compression, while someone with spider veins or edema may need to look for socks with heavy compression. If your feet tend to sweat, you’ll appreciate the material, which includes Merino wool, for a soft feel and better breathability. She has written about podiatry products many times, so she knows how to look for products that offer true symptom relief. One tester commented, “I was particularly impressed with the upper band on the knee-highs I tried because the socks stayed in place the entire time I wore them, and the elastic band held snugly without cutting into my skin. The plus side to the minimal compression is that we never once felt the need to take them off at the end of the day.The socks are made of a lightweight cotton and polyester blend, which we found to be breathable and soft. But, overall, we think these are great for anyone who works a 9 to 5 and doesn’t plan on wearing them for extended periods. A great option for everyday life, long flights, or pregnancy, is the Bombas Women's Everyday Compression Sock 3-Pack. With the Away Travel Compression Socks, that definitely won’t be a problem—in fact, you might even forget you’re wearing them, just like we did when we left them on for our work day andto happy hour later.