Sockwell Compression Socks Review

This means the Ascend is not appropriate for diabetes or edema pain. The Ascend is for fitness buffs to wear during indoor or outdoor workouts, and for soreness relief on recovery days. Flying, sitting, and standing all day are also good applications for the Ascend.

The Ascend is made of 41% Merino wool, the standard material for most Sockwell products. It also includes nylon, spandex, and alpaca. We have talked about spandex and nylon before. Nylon shows up in lots of different fitness gear, because it is flexible without losing shape, and is ultra-durable. Spandex is famous for its ability to stretch, compress, and retain shape over the life of the garment.

Alpacas are a mammal native to South America. They look like miniaturized llamas and are related to the camel. Alpaca wool is prized for its hollow interior, which makes it warmer than most other wools. The result is a sock that perfectly balances between heat retention and air circulation.

This does not mean the Countryman gives no compression. This is a sock you can wear to the office, at a desk job, and you will look professional while fighting off many of the painful conditions that come with a sitting job. We reviewed the crew sock, but the Countryman and other Essential Comfort products also come as no show socks, crew socks, and quarter socks.

We are especially excited about the Sockwell no shows, as it can be hard to find them in larger sizes. Many of those we do find will simply slide down larger feet and get eaten by the shoe. You can depend on this, and Sockwell's other products, to stay in place all day even if you have to move around a lot.

In addition to the Merino wool base, you have the option of purchasing Countrymen with either alpaca or bamboo as the composite. We'll talk more about bamboo fabric in our FAQ section, but our research shows it is great for added comfort, bacteria-fighting, and air circulation so your feet never get stinky.

The Spandex and knitting pattern both contribute to graduated compression. This means that the compression is tightest in common problem areas, like the ankles. The New Leaf is an over the calf sock, with materials that won't make you sweat or feel constricted. Pair them with a plain black knee skirt, and you've got a functional sporty look that will last all day.

Besides Spandex, the New Leaf features Merino wool, bamboo rayon, and stretchy nylon. The Spandex is less than ten percent of the composition; as much as we love Spandex, a little goes a long way and too much of it means the garment will lose shape faster. New Leaf socks are built for the long haul and will not tear or rip easily under normal wear conditions.

This is a 20-30mmHg compression device, , rated as firm, so tightness, heat retention, and blood flow encouragement are at higher levels than in a sock-like the Ascend. There is no cushioning, but you do get a supported arch. Sockwell, always a leader in giving you options, says you can machine wash/dry or air dry with no damage to the sock either way.

The sole offers medium cushioning, the first of our reviews to offer any extras in the sole. These can be worn under just about any shoe, though you'll want to go with at least a crew length if you are wearing work boots. Even those boots, for outdoor work, won't prevent you from getting circulating air with the Summit.

There are no extra options for fabric or composition like you see with some other Sockwell offerings. Instead, this one is heavy on the Merino wool, with a bit of alpaca for even more comfort. While it looks and acts like a dress sock, you can also feel confident running, hiking, walking and even cycling in this sock. The composition and lightweight will give some protection against mild cold weather, especially if you go with the over the calf model.

One thing we should point out--you can machine wash pretty much all Sockwell socks, but never use bleach or a washing agent containing bleach. The corrosive bleach will break down fibers and reduce the effectiveness of the sock, even shortening its lifespan. Sockwell makes durable socks, but they do need more care than your average crew sock.

The sock comes in five different colors and features a cute abstract pattern running the length of the sock. The firm compression, 20-30mmHg, means you can wear the sock in high altitudes for mountain hikes or trail riding. While the sock doesn't claim to relieve plantar fasciitis--there are other socks just for that--the Alpine will definitely guard against the friction that can cause plantar fasciitis and bunions.

The sole is not cushioned, but the shin is. This makes for an improved fit. Also, since shin splints plague serious runners, the cushioning will both alleviate and help prevent pain. The sock does only come in calf-length, so you may want a quarter or no show sock for your fast-paced training runs.

The fabric is an alpaca blend. The heel and toe are reinforced for added comfort. Graduated compression offers four zones, so you get superior gentle tightness and just the right amount of heat retention.

The Lift offers graduated compression. The top has Sockwell's characteristic turn welt top to keep it from sliding down your ankle. Sockwell added arch support and the toe closure with invisible seams, making the toes uber strong. Unlike some other socks, the Lift will not let your toenails poke through and create holes in the fabric.

The cushioned sole is very light. You could pair these with minimalist running shoes, to replicate a barefoot run experience while being protected from rocks and uneven terrain. If you do stumble or step off a curb too hard, the firm compression gives you a measure of ankle roll protection.

Merino, bamboo, nylon and a bit of Spandex make the Lift a tight, stretchy sock that will support you throughout the day and aid in soreness relief the day after a long run or extended airline flight.

Nylon, bamboo Rayon, and Merino wool, in equal measures, make up most of the fabric. A decent Spandex content aids in both tightness and your ability to stretch the sock out when putting it on. The vertical striping pattern gives the sock a fun look, and it comes in five color choices.

The ankle brace is not a hard insert or stabilizing rod as you would see on an ankle brace. It is a reinforced, thicker fabric piece that will hold your plantar and Achilles tendons in place without immobilizing them. The brace is gentle but effective protection, working in tandem with the compression and heat retention that will snug your feet and encourage blood circulation.

Other features include an extended heel pad, a microfiber sole and toe area for blister abatement, and breather panels made of mesh to ventilate your feet during hard, sweaty runs. The sock will help your feet from getting too fatigued, so you can log your miles or push yourself to run a faster 5K or other outdoor race.

The firm compression has its tightest zone in the bottom of the foot area, where plantar fasciitis likes to dig in and hang out. Rather than the welded top, this one has a non-binding cuff to keep you comfortable and relieve excess pressure. The toe box has what Sockwell calls Freedom Fit. As far as we can tell, this means the toe is seamless, tight, and protective against blisters. But the Spandex content lets you wiggle your toes and keep you from feeling stiff or restricted.

The Merino wool means your feet can breathe, with the added support and comfort of bamboo fibers. The sock both keeps the plantar fasciitis inflammation down and increases blood flow throughout your feet and ankles.

The total package of moisture reduction, enhanced blood flow, fatigue reduction, and heat management suit the Plantar Ease to a few different customer groups. Sockwell recommends it for distance runners as well as pregnant people, abnormally high or low arches, and working people who stand a lot, like nurses or waitstaff. Although these are men's socks, they come in a large enough size range for anyone to wear.

The Nouveau provides moderate compression, so it isn't suited to treating plantar fasciitis or other conditions. They have a metatarsal pad, similar to a Dr. Scholl's or other orthopedic shoe inserts. The pad helps your toes return to a nice neutral position for balance and pain relief. Wearing less supportive shoes, like flats, heels, wedges, and some dress shoes will cause your toes to grip the shoe surface unnaturally in order to stay on the footbed. Doing this every day keeps your toes under stress and can cause leg fatigue.

Aside from the thin, unobtrusive pad, the Nouveau features Spandex fabric, graduated compression, the no-slip welt top, and extra support in the arch. The four compression zones begin at your ankle and get provide less squeezing as the socks move up to your calves.

These socks will increase your blood flow, relieve swelling, and prevent leg and body fatigue for those of us who are on our feet all day, as well as office workers who spend a lot of time sitting. The socks can actually increase your endurance for running, because of how they keep your ankles and calves from tiring quickly while also absorbing some of the shocks from foot impact on the ground.

The leg is ribbed, which adds to the relaxed but secure feel. The foot is fitted and snug, with stitching, made to keep from binding or closing in on your toes. The socks have a light cushion in the sole for added comfort and support.

The sock only comes in solid colors, with some primary color trim on the cuff, toe, and back heel. Although they don't provide therapeutic compression for chronic medical conditions, the socks are easy on those with sensitive foot skin. This is a problem people with diabetes often face. The Easy Does It is made for ease in putting on and taking off, with wear so comfortable you won't notice the sock is there.

The socks offer moisture-wicking, odor control, and light cushioning. The similarly designed Relaxed Big Easy is the only sock in the relaxed line that has an ultra-light sole cushion.