What's the Best Compression Socks for Swollen Ankles, Feet and Calves?

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What are compression socks for? Well, that depends on who you talk to, as athletes, medical workers, and those who are pregnant or suffering from foot conditions can benefit from wearing them. "Some may use them for leg ulcers, others to improve circulation, while others still can even use them to prevent thrombosis during and after a long-haul flight," says Dr. Marion Yau, a podiatrist based in the UK. Compression stockings put gentle pressure on your lower legs and feet, which can help encourage blood flow to the area. The result? Reduced swelling and relief from various other discomforts of the lower extremities.

This type of hosiery comes in varying materials, styles, and lengths (including knee-high, crew, and ankle). Compression socks are sometimes prescribed by healthcare providers, but there are tons of stellar over-the-counter options. And just because they might be serving a medical purpose doesn't mean they can't be cute.

With that said, these are today's best compression socks for stylish support.

Our Top Picks

Designed with medium compression, these socks boast added arch support and cushioning, making them comfortable for everyday wear.

These affordable nylon stockings offer light pressure with 360-degree stretch.

These toasty mid-rise socks are stretchy and supportive thanks to a blend of merino wool and nylon.

Boasting anti-fatigue technology, graduated compression, arch support, and cushioned soles, these were designed for performance.

These circulation-boosting compression socks were designed with athletes in mind.

These supportive socks feature graduated compression and Smart Temp technology to keep your feet comfortably cool.

These knee-high compression socks are designed to maximize circulation and reduce swelling, ideal for those who are expecting.

These cute (and practical) compression socks are designed to alleviate aches and pains from being on your feet all day.

Designed with medium compression, these stylish knee-high socks increase circulation, reduce swelling, and aid in muscle recovery.

These comfy socks provide graduated support from the toes to the mid-calf and boast memory-cushioned soles.

What We Like

• Made with extra-long staple cotton

• Strategic zone cushioning

• One pair donated for every purchase

What We Don't Like

• Too thick for some shoes

Ever since its 2013 launch, Bombas has amassed a well-deserved cult following. The sock maker's expanded offerings include the Everyday Compression Socks, which boast medium (15–20 mmHg) compression for a not-too-tight yet pleasantly snug feel.

Woven from a blend of extra-long-staple cotton and synthetic fibers with a Y-stitched heel and a seamless toe, they're as durable as they are comfortable. These compression socks have the brand's signature honeycomb arch supports and strategic zone cushioning. What's more, for every pair purchased, another is donated to someone in need.

Material: Cotton, polyester, nylon, spandex | Size Range: S–L | Colors: Pink, purple, blue, navy, green, multi

What We Like

• Budget-friendly

• Pack of three

What We Don't Like

• Minimal compression

Compression socks can be expensive, but they don't have to be. Case in point: Charmking. With light pressure and 360-degree stretch, these nylon stockings come in packs of three and are available in a range of colors and prints.

Material: Nylon | Size Range: S/M–L/XL | Colors: Various

What We Like

• Lightweight

• Budget-friendly

• Ergonomic design

What We Don't Like

• Not machine-washable

You don't have to be hitting the slopes to reap the benefits of Burton Performance Socks. Woven from a brilliant blend of merino wool and nylon, these mid-rise compression stockings are stretchy, supportive, and toasty-warm.

Material: Nylon, merino wool, polyamide nanoglide, acrylic, polypropylene, elastane | Size Range: S/M–M/L | Colors: Various multi

What We Like

• Moisture-wicking

• Arch support

• Anti-fatigue technology

What We Don't Like

• May be too warm for year-round use

Designed for performance, Sockwell's Pulse Firm line flaunts anti-fatigue technology and full arch support, plus graduated compression (20–30 mmHg) up the calf. Fitness aficionados will also appreciate the lightly cushioned soles and seamless toe closures.

Material: Merino wool, nylon, rayon, spandex | Size Range: S/M–M/L | Colors: Black, green, purple

What We Like

• Reasonably priced

• Won't slip down

What We Don't Like

• Not machine-washable

Whether you're a distance runner, cyclist, obstacle course racer, or downhill skier, you can count on Physix for below-the-knee support. Made with serious athletes in mind, these double-stitched compression socks help increase circulation for improved performance. And thanks to a stretchy band around the tops, they won't slip down.

Material: Nylon, spandex | Size Range: SM, L/XL, XXL | Colors: Black, white, beige

What We Like

• Graduated compression

• Cooling technology

What We Don't Like

• Expensive

When your overworked muscles crave TLC, slip into a pair of CEP 3.0 socks. The knit structure provides ample support and graduated compression (20–30 mmHg) from toe to knee, while HeiQ Smart Temp technology ensures you stay comfortably cool.

Material: Polyamide, spandex | Size Range: 2, 3, 4 (based on shoe sizes) | Colors: Various

What We Like

• Good for pregnancy

• Odor control

What We Don't Like

• Not machine-washable

With prenatal bodies in mind, these knee-highs from Belly Bandit are designed to maximize circulation and minimize swelling in your feet, ankles, and calves. Not only that, but the silver-infused heathered knit helps keep foot odors under control.

Material: Polyester, nylon, spandex, cotton | Size Range: 1–2 (based on shoe size) | Colors: Black, white, brown, gray

What We Like

• Moisture-wicking

• Breathable

• Notably soft

What We Don't Like

• Not machine-washable

Known for stylish scrubs that flatter all figures, medical workers can count on Figs for head-to-toe work attire. The brand's exceedingly soft and breathable compression socks are designed to alleviate the aches and pains associated with being on your feet all day.

Material: Nylon, lycra | Size Range: S–L | Colors: Burgundy

What We Like

• Ombre design

• Wide sizes available

• Odor control

What We Don't Like

• May shrink in the wash

Comrad's effortlessly cool Ombre Compression Socks offer medium (15–25 mmHg) support to increase circulation, reduce swelling, and aid in muscle recovery. The knee-high design is also infused with silver ions to keep foot odors at bay.

Material: Nylon, spandex | Size Range: S–L | Colors: Pink, black, yellow, blue, coral

What We Like

• Memory-cushioned bottoms

• Moisture-wicking

• Reasonably priced

What We Don't Like

• Limited support

Champion Sport Crew Socks deliver graduated support from the toes up to the mid-calf. The compressive design is enhanced even further with ultra-comfy memory-cushioned soles.

Material: Polyester, cotton, nylon, spandex | Size Range: One size | Colors: White

What We Like

• Stabilizing ankle wrap

• Moisture-wicking

• Ventilated toe boxes

What We Don't Like

• Runs small

Sometimes all you need is a little support for your feet, which is why we love the low-cut Thorlo Experia Socks. Loomed from copper-infused polyester with stabilizing ankle wraps, midfoot compression, and ventilated toe boxes, they pull out all the stops to keep your puppies comfy and cool.

Material: Copper-infused polyester, nylon, elastic | Size Range: S–L | Colors: Various

What We Like

• Budget-friendly

• Pack of six

• Won't slip down

What We Don't Like

• Wear down quickly

Copper-infused fabrics are thought to help increase circulation while minimizing bacteria-causing odors. In addition to progressive support up the calf, these copper compression socks have wide toe boxes and a non-slip cuff.

Material: Copper-infused polyester | Size Range: S/M–L/XL | Colors: Various

Final Verdict

The best option overall is undoubtedly Bombas Everyday Compression Socks, which offer medium compression for a pleasantly snug but not-too-tight feel. They also have arch supports and strategic zone cushioning, plus one pair is donated for every pair purchased. If you're on a budget, go with Charmking Compression Socks, which come in packs of three and boast uber-comfortable, 360-degree stretch.

What to Look For in Compression Socks

Material

In order to deliver the supportive stretch you're after, compression socks are typically made with synthetic materials, such as nylon, polyester, lycra, or spandex. For added breathability and durability, some are woven with cotton, merino wool, and other natural fibers.

mmHg

When shopping around for compression socks, you'll often see an mmHg rating. This unit of measurement is short for "millimeters of mercury" and indicates the compression level range. For instance, socks with 15–25 mmHg would offer at least 15 and no more than 25 millimeters of mercury of pressure.

Length

Compression socks are typically knee-high, offering increased circulation and supportive benefits from the knees down to the toes. However, you can also get shorter styles, such as crew socks or ankle socks.

Care Instructions

Compression socks vary in terms of their care instructions. Many recommend hand-washing or at least air-drying, so be sure to check the tag or product description before cleaning them. If you prefer low-maintenance socks, look for a machine-washable pair.

FAQ

• What do compression socks do?

  Compression socks are a relatively thick and tightly woven type of hosiery designed to increase circulation by putting light pressure on the lower legs, ankles, and feet. This can help reduce swelling, alleviate tension, and potentially aid in recovery from a strenuous workout or injury.

  "Generally, compression stockings are not useful for painful conditions, but elastic stockings and tubigrips have been reported to help with sprained ankles," Dr. Yau says. "Compression socks can also be of benefit for plantar fasciopathy (aka plantar fasciitis)."

• How long should you wear compression socks?

  You can wear compression socks all day or for shorter periods. Medical workers and others who spend most of the day on their feet may opt for extended wear, while athletes might wear them only during or after physical activity.

  Bear in mind, though, that it's generally not recommended to wear compression socks while sleeping, as you don't want to inhibit blood flow to other parts of the body.

• How tight should compression socks be?

  Compression socks don't have to be exceedingly tight to offer therapeutic benefits. "Make sure they do not feel too tight, as this can lead to more harm than help by restricting circulation, impairing healing, and causing more foot pain," says Dr. Yau.

  The stockings should be snug but not uncomfortably tight, ideally with graduated compression that's tighter on the toes and slightly more forgiving up the calf. If your socks leave a deep indent or red marks on your legs, they're probably too tight.

Why Trust Byrdie

Theresa Holland is a freelance commerce writer specializing in fitness, pregnancy, and lifestyle. For this story, she interviewed a podiatrist, pored over user reviews, and researched the general purpose, benefits, and various uses for compression socks. She looked at styles from a wide range of brands and carefully considered the material, length, price, and mmHg ratings before making her final selections. From the brands on this list, she has tried and loved Bombas, Thorlo, Belly Bandit, and Champion. Theresa is a regular contributor at Byrdie, where she covers workout apparel, at-home therapeutic devices, and cosmetics.

Meet the Expert

Dr. Marion Yau (aka Miss Foot Fixer) is an award-winning celebrity podiatrist and YouTuber based in the United Kingdom.

According to our Diversity Pledge, 15% of products in our newly-published market roundups will feature Black-owned and/or Black-founded brands. At the time of publishing, we were not able to find any compression socks from a Black-owned and/or Black-founded business. If you know of one we should consider, please email us at contact@byrdie.com and we will evaluate the product ASAP.

What's the Best Compression Socks for Swollen Ankles, Feet and Calves?

Source: https://www.byrdie.com/best-compression-socks-5205807

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