Top 10 Compression Socks Reviews
Richard Haberkost
A great selection of calf socks and lower cut socks. As mentioned in this compression socks review, they provide relief to your joints, including the lower back if you are sitting or standing for a long period of time. The increased circulation and compression will help with running and workout performance. However, the major benefit you can find with the best compression socks is with the recovery from training, because the graduated compression boosts circulation return.
This is the best product on our list that is currently in stock:
Graduated compression
12% infused copper nylon
100% money back guarantee
Top 10 Picks
1. Rockay Accelerate
Organic Merino Wool
Anti-Odor
Anti-Blister
Impressive compression
Very good support
Designed in toe/heel protection/padding
Great wickability
Very good breathability
None noted
Rockay, the ultimate for support, protection and very good strategically designed in compression. As stated in this compression socks review, these are comfortable because only the highest quality Merino wool is used for making them. Excellent anti-blister protection, the wool has a natural ability to counter odor problems. These socks sit at number one in our selection because they are simply the best.
Read moreThe in this compression socks review are toes that are nicely padded for protection and so are the heels, the sock shines through for having top-level anti-blister protection, this means problem-free running, hiking, distance walking.
The FIT is tight enough for superb compression while also giving a comfortable snug hold on the feet. An important part of this compression socks review is the compression areas which are focused on the foot-arch, and this means you get a good supply of blood to the active arch muscles. The tops of the socks are stylishly elasticated so that dirt and debris cannot enter and start causing discomfort and irritation.
Through the use of Merino wool and this wool is sourced as organic, the natural breathability and wick performance are outstanding, which is a great plus in this compression socks review. Add to this, strategically designed in weave patterns for enhanced ventilation at the areas of the feet where it is most needed. Wickability is very important because dry feet are much less prone to blistering, wet socks cause blisters, these socks stay dry and prevent any problems.
The sock holds quality mentioned in the compression socks and forms after repeated washes because of the high-quality wool and the structural weave patterning.
This compression socks review has proven itself and is very popular for challenging conditions such as obstacle racing, marathons, trail running or just comfortable regular running.
2. U Compression Socks
Lightweight and breathable
Anatomically designed footbeds
Extreme moisture management
Hard to put on
2XU Compression socks are uniquely designed for left and right positioning. This compression socks review includes newly designed footpads and arch positioning that has been designed to provide the best support while the foot is in a sedentary position. 2XU compression socks are very lightweight and breathable which allows for maximum air circulation.
Read moreThe 2XU Compression Socks are also very hardy and durable. The circular knit construction has been medically engineered to help reduce muscle fatigue and prevent cramping.
The graduated compression of the 2XU compression socks allows for blood circulation to speed up as the blood travels up the leg. Anatomically designed footbeds provide extra padding, as does a padded zone on the arch and heel. These compression socks are fitted with extreme moisture management to prevent wicking, as well as antibacterial SPF 50 sun protection.
3. Danish Endurance Compression Socks
Extra arch and heel padding
Sweat-wicking technology
Mesh ventilation
Hard to get on and off
Danish Endurance Compression socks are made from 65% polyamide, 20% elastane and 15% lycra; this blend of materials provides a high level of durability.
Read moreThe compression socks review level is graduated between 16 and 21 mmHg to enhance blood circulation. The sock is enhanced with extra padding around the arch and heels to prevent blistering and add comfort. Sweat-wicking technology makes sure that sweat buildup is not a problem so you can maintain a cool and dry workout.
Danish Endurance Compression socks were designed in Denmark and produced within the European Union. The targeted mesh ventilation provides adequate ventilation throughout the entire sock. These compression socks have been tested and proven to provide optimal graduated pressure and can even help to prevent blood clots. The pair mentioned in this compression socks review is great for basketball players.
4. Copper Joint Compression Socks
Graduated compression
12% infused copper nylon
100% money back guarantee
Size runs a little small
Copper joint compression socks feature an anti-fatigue design and a graduated compression design. The compression moves from 15 to 20 mm Hg, providing a boost to venous return; this allows for a slight squeezing effect to improve circulation and blood flow. The copper embedded fibers of these compression socks do a great job of eliminating odors.
Read moreThe Copper Joint compression socks feature a 12% infusion of high-quality copper nylon and anti-itch UPF50+ fabric provides thermal stabilization.
Copper fit compression socks have a moisture-wicking ability to avoid sweat build up. There are also cushioned toe and sole beds that provide extra shock absorption.
These copper infused compression socks review are great for providing relief to swollen ankles and calves. They also come with a 100% money back guarantee.
5. Physix Gear Sport Compression Socks
Double stitched
Extra long
Odor resistant
Do not have grippers
The Physix Gear Sport Compression Sock is a durable and stylish compression sock that is made to last. It is double stitched to provide extra strength and made with seamless technology so as not to provide irritation to the skin. These extra-long compressions socks will provide adequate compression all the way up to your knees. However, the focus on the compression is on the heel, foot, and calf.
Read moreThe Physix Gear compression socks have moisture-wicking properties which ensure that they won’t over perspire and you can have a dry workout.
These compression socks are also able to dry very quickly and are odor resistant. These socks are very easy to slip on and are surprisingly breathable. The high-end lycra fabric is very easy to wash and feels great against your skin.
6. Copper Fit Compression Socks
Arch compression
Reinforced toe and heel
Copper-infused
Doesn’t cover the calf
The Copper Fit compression sock is a short sports sock that features an arch compression. They incorporate a breathable mesh venting system that allows the fabric to breathe, keeping your feet aerated and cool.
Read moreAn anti-odor system prevents odor buildup. The heel of Copper Fit compression sock features a handy tab which also prevents the heel from sliding down inside the shoe. Both the toe and heel are reinforced for extra strength and durability.
The Copper Fit sock is copper infused to provide relief to aching feet and ankles. The compression around the heel and ankle also enhances circulation to bring relief from the lower body and spinal pain. These compression socks review are well cushioned and very comfortable and provide support all day long.
7. VitalSox VT1211 Compression Socks
Drystat fabric
Midfoot compression
Anti-bacteria
Hard to put on
Vitalox VT1211 compression socks are made from 70% Silver Drystat, 10% Spandex, 10% Lycra and 10% Nylon. Featuring patented lightweight performance graduated compression, they provide superior performance and recovery ability.
Read moreThe silver drystat fabric provides high-levels of wicking moisture resistance while preventing the growth of bacteria and fungus.
A heightened degree of midfoot compression supports plantar ligaments, arch, and heel. Vitalox VT1211 compression socks review give a lot of support to your foot while eliminating blood pooling in the foot.
The greatest compression is between the mid-foot and the top of the ankle; this reduces swelling while increasing circulation. This compression socks review are made in Italy and have been put to the test by some of the world’s top athletes. The finish is prewashed in a chemical-free softener.
8. Go2 Compression Socks
Infused with silver
High compression
Money back guarantee
A little too short
Go2 compression socks are constructed from blended nylon fabric that has been infused with silver in order to prevent the build-up of odor, bacteria, fungus, and moisture. These compression socks are also extremely comfortable.
Read moreThese Go2 compression socks are designed for both men and women. The fabric provides a smooth contact with the skin, reducing the abrasions and stress that come with many competitors
These compression socks also offer a graduated compression of between 20 and 30 mm Hg; this provides a very good method of speeding up workout recovery and bringing relief from shin splints and calf injury.
Go2 compression socks come in a full range of retro colors and patterns, providing you with lots of variety and choice. They come with a 100% money back guarantee.
9. Fittest Pro Compression Socks
Soft fabric
Graduated pressure
Value 4 pack
Very thin
Fitness Pro Compression socks are designed to provide extra comfort and durability. Their soft fabric provides a very gentle touch to the skin. These are both men's compression socks and women's compression socks.
Read moreBy applying a graduated pressure of between 10 and 15 mm Hg, these compression socks do a very good job of relieving muscle and joint pain in the ankle, shins, and calves. This reduces the build-up of lactic acid while improving muscular endurance.
The Fitness Pro compression sock comes in a great value 4 pack. These socks also come with a no questions asked money-back guarantee. Fitness Pro Compression Socks are available in four sizes and are very effective compression socks for calf pain and sore muscles.
10. Recovery and Performance
Special zone construction
Flat seams
20-30 mm Hg compression
Doesn’t come up high enough
Recovery and Performance feature special zone construction, designed to cushion and compress select areas of the foot. Compressions bands provide support to the Achilles tendon. These compression socks have been ergonomically designed to follow the contours of the foot, to give the most comfortable fit possible.
Read moreAll of the seams in these compression socks are completely flat, so there is no irritation or risk of blisters.
Compression socks provide a graduated compression of between 20 and 30 mm Hg. This amount of compression enhances circulation and helps to deliver more oxygen to your muscle cells. When worn after exercise, these compression socks also help to eliminate lactic acid and generally speeds up workout recovery.
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Compression
Compression aids circulation while giving support
We looked at the level of compressive performance in many popular and some less known brand compression socks review. Compression socks come in calf length, and as short socks, the compression performance comes through the type of materials and the weave patterns within the sock structure.
The design of these socks is very specific in that they are designed to target areas where they can give a consistent compression action which then stimulates blood flow while also giving support to hard-working muscles.
Remember, true gradient compression in compression stockings, sleeves, or compression socks can help to drastically improve the blood flow and can deliver an adequate amount of pressure. Compression socks are suitable for patients and medical reasons, as well as athletes who want to help alleviate the pain due to sore and strained muscles.
Comfort
Comfort will aid performance.
Wearing the best compression socks review will give a nice level of comfort but it is also a very good way to stave-off injuries and complications.
For those who have had an injury, or are near to muscle damage/strain, compressions socks are not only supportive they are also therapeutic while preventing further injury.
If you are receiving physiotherapy or post-operative care, compression socks can be a very good aid towards full recovery.
Runners may wear compression socks to help prevent leg swelling and a patient may wear compression socks or stockings after surgery if they are experiencing limited mobility and want to prevent blood clots by keeping the blood flowing through your legs.
If you are a patient, then it is advised that you wear them as much as possible while you are recovering, and if you are an athlete they can be worn during your workouts to improve your endurance throughout the training.
Fit
FIT, so many size variations, this makes the correct FIT a priority.
We researched FIT very closely while in our compression socks review to ensure FIT meets the expectations of users. For FIT you must consider the compression levels offered by these specialist socks.
There are four main compression levels, and these four levels are measured in millimeters of mercury, or mmHg. The higher these numbers, the higher the compression of the socks.
8-15mmHG
These will provide you with mild compression and can provide relief for tired and aching legs. They can also help relieve minor swelling of your feet, ankles, and legs. If you are pregnant, these socks can help prevent the formation of varicose veins and spider veins.
15-20 mmHg
These will provide you with very moderate compression and can help relieve tired and aching legs. They can also help prevent deep vein thrombosis and are often used in post-sclerotherapy to prevent the reappearance of varicose and spider veins. They are ideal if you have to travel for long distances and will be unable to move around to keep the blood circulating through your legs.
20-30 mmHg
These compression socks are best for moderate to severe cases of varicose veins and are also useful for post-surgical compression to help prevent spider veins. These compression socks can also help to treat severe edema or lymphatic edema.
30-40 mmHg
These provide you with the highest and most firm compression levels possible. They are most often used to prevent and relieve severe varicose veins and are also used in post-surgical therapy. It is always best to consult with your doctor prior to purchasing any compression socks. They will be able to recommend the proper compression you will need.
Materials
Materials for compression socks have a range of specific purposes.
Compression socks are very beneficial for athletes because they can help to improve their performance and training. When you are training or running, there are vibrations sent through the muscles.
The compression socks work to compress these muscles and can also help to reduce the vibrations. Limiting these vibrations and supporting the muscles can help prevent muscle soreness and fatigue and can reduce your overall risk of injury.
Compression socks can also improve an athlete’s endurance because the oxygen is flowing freely throughout the body and the blood is not pooling at the feet. You will be able to train and work out harder and for a longer amount of time.
Compression socks can even help after a workout because they help speed up the recovery time by eliminating any lactic acid that can cause stiff and sore muscles after the workout.
Support
Support is very important, injury prevention is equally important
If you are a marathon runner, then you have probably been wearing compression socks for as long as you can remember. If you are thinking about the following suit, then do you really know why or when you should wear compression socks?
Compression clothing is typically made from highly engineered and elastic gradient compression fabric that can easily and effectively mold around certain parts of the body. The compression can help in increasing blood and lymphatic flow and can help improve an athlete’s performance or can substantially help and speed up recovery due to an injury.
There has been very little evidence. However, that proves the validity of compression socks and other compression clothing. But runners still swear by their effectiveness and continue to use them. Compression socks have been used for years to help combat the effects of deep vein thrombosis and help prevent blood clots from forming.
Compression socks increase the blood circulation which can even be useful for people on bed rest or other inactive patients. Compression socks can increase oxygen delivery, decrease lactic acid, and minimize muscle fatigue while helping to prevent cramps.
Expert Interviews & Opinions
Compression Comfort Fit Materials Support 
Runners and all athletes often push their bodies right up to a limit and then build up endurance gradually to get past that limit. This can result in warning signs that hard-working muscles might get over fatigued, there is a temptation for athletes to ignore the warning sign and keep pushing on.
For athletes such as runners, there are moves you can make towards preventing injury, this can be done through increasing the blood circulation for lower/ upper and foot muscles while also ensure good support is provided. This is achievable through wearing compression socks for the feet and lower leg and compression sleeves for the knew area or higher on the thigh.
This will mean that you can continue your exercise while knowing that you have taken preventative measure through providing support for working muscles and increasing the blood supply/circulation. This is not a 100% preventative strategy, injuries can still happen but if you do notice early warning signs, take a break and/or introduce using compressive clothing.
You must get FIT correct or you could cause complications if your compression socks are too tight, and if too loose there is no point in using them.
Different brands can offer variations on FIT though generally, they do provide extensive information on the FIT factor for the socks which they offer on the market. Carry out some guiding research so that you fully understand the importance of FIT and how to be sure you have chosen the right FIT for yourself. You can consider talking to a sports physiotherapist and getting advice on brands and FIT. When you feel you know enough, it's time to go out and choose those socks.
Frequently Asked Questions
q: What is a K-tape sock?
This sock design works to prevent injuries or give relief and support for an existing injury.
The use of the word tape can cause some confusion, the sock is not attached to your skin in the way tape would do. The compression socks review has a design which means that supportive panels are weaved into the sock to give a better compression on target areas where an injury can occur if you already have an injury this design will give extra support.
q: Does compression make the feet sweat?
If you choose a good sock brand, for example," Rockay socks made from organic Merino Wool, the compression faction factor designed into the sock will not cause your feet to sweat.
Brand sock makers are very aware that compression socks should be made from materials with very good breathability, however excessive exercise though healthy can still make feet sweat.
Good quality compression socks will give a very good level of wickability, to take sweat away from the skin surface. Used in the correct context and with standard activity, compression socks are comfortable and designed to keep your feet reasonably dry.
q: Compression sounds good, but what about cushion and protection.
A good pair of the best compression socks review will have features such as designed in the weave which will be thicker at the heel and toe area, this acts as a fair level of protection. Many brands design in a very clever style of cushioning which is achieved through the weave patterns through strategic areas of the sock. Though not cushioning in the sense of thick cushion which you will find in a running shoe, there is a level of cushion factor in some higher priced brand socks
q: Which length of compression sock should I choose?
Target the areas where you feel you will benefit from support.
The choice is direct if, for example, your foot arches feel fatigued, then a short pair of well-designed socks will be fine, they will increase the blood supply around the foot, good quality socks will also have designed in weave features which will further promote support and blood flow to the foot arch.
If you are looking to gain support for a lower leg muscle then the calf length compression sock is a very good choice. There is a good choice of sock lengths available, some brands even produce a sock which can go right up to the knees.
q: My compression socks feel uncomfortable, why is that?
Compression socks should not feel uncomfortable at all, in fact, they are designed to give support and even promote healthy blood supply to busy muscles.
It is all about FIT and if your socks feel uncomfortable it is a sure bet that your FIt is much too small. As mentioned in this compression socks review, you need to put those socks aside, they will not benefit you, go online, read reviews about compression socks, there is a lot of free advice online for how to ascertain your best FIT
Sources
- , Best Compression Socks Reviewed & Rated , Buying Guide-Reviews
- , 5 Best Compression Socks, Buying Guide.
- , The best compression socks you can buy - Business Insider, Article, reviews and guide
