The Best Compression Socks, According to Podiatrists

By providing gentle pressure to your legs, ankles, and feet, compression socks are designed to relieve swelling, improve circulation and reduce built-up fluid. “Compression socks are frequently used for the prevention and treatment of conditions involving venous and lymphatic insufficiency in the lower limbs, such as varicose veins, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), lymphedema, and chronic venous insufficiency,” explains Matthew E. Sikina, MD, sports medicine physician at Hospital for Special Surgery. 

However, compression socks aren’t solely beneficial for people with chronic medical conditions: Those who sit or stand for long periods of time, frequent travelers, athletes, and pregnant people might find relief by wearing them as well. And while compression socks are great at relieving swelling, they also reduce foot fatigue, mitigate pain, and promote recovery after surgery or strenuous running. To find the best compression socks for every need, we spoke to podiatrists, vein experts, and sports medicine specialists and tested 37 pairs ourselves. A doctor from our Medical Expert Board also reviewed this article for medical and scientific accuracy. 

• Finding the Right Compression Level

  Compression socks are categorized by their level of compression—basically, how much pressure they provide—which is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg). (Look for this information on the package or listing.) Higher numbers equal more support but also slightly higher risk: “Moderate to firm compression socks are at a higher risk of causing increased skin irritation, numbness, or impaired circulation,” says Sikina. Mild to moderate compression is safe for most people, but shop based on your needs and how you intend to use them—to start, check with your healthcare provider to see which level of compression they recommend. 

  • 8–15mmHg (Mild): This level is ideal for everyday wear, for those who want to prevent swelling when sitting or standing for long periods (like nurses and desk workers), as well as preventing varicose veins during pregnancy. “Mild compression socks generally have minimal safety concerns such as mild discomfort or skin irritation,” says Sikina.
  • 15–20mmHg (Moderate): These are appropriate for those who experience more than just mild swelling while sitting at a desk. They’re great for alleviating discomfort from standing jobs, pregnancy, travel, mild varicose veins, venous leg ulcers, small spider veins, and acute DVT. Moderate and mild compression levels serve similar needs, so if you’re not sure which is best for you, check with your healthcare provider.
  • 20–30mmHg (Firm): This is the lowest medical-use compression level, meaning they may be recommended for anyone who wants to prevent DVT, recover post-surgery, and reduce varicose veins. Experts also recommend this level of compression for athletes who need help recovering from intense exercise. 
  • 30–40mmHg (Extra firm) and 40–50mmHg (Medical grade): These levels of compression should only be used with a prescription from a doctor. They’ll recommend them if you suffer from issues such as chronic venous insufficiency, severe varicose veins, or severe swelling. (We didn’t test these because they require a prescription, but Dua highly recommends the brands Sigvaris or Jobst to her patients when prescribing extra firm and medical grade compression socks, as they’re comfortable and offer graduated pressure.) “Extra firm and medical grade compression socks carry an even greater level of risk, including skin breakdown or impaired circulation, and should only be used under medical supervision. This is especially true in individuals with diabetes or circulatory disorders,” explains Sikina. 

• How We Selected the Best Compression Socks

  Our team spoke with podiatrists, vein specialists, and sports medicine experts to learn what makes a pair of compression socks useful for individual situations. All healthcare professionals suggest that different compression levels will dictate the benefits and use cases for compression socks. Then, we had 15 people test 37 pairs of compression socks, testing each pair for a week at a time and wearing them for a four-hour minimum per day. 

  We narrowed down our top picks based on the following criteria: 

  • Compression level: Because different compression levels offer different benefits and should be chosen based on specific needs, we tested a variety of compression socks across mild, moderate, and firm compression levels. 
  • Effectiveness: We made sure each pair of compression socks accomplished what they’re meant to do: provide relief. Our editors took note of whether or not their feet felt less fatigued, if they noticed less swelling, and if they experienced less pain or discomfort as a whole. 
  • Material: While compression level is the most important factor when choosing compression socks, material is a close second. Material can alter how snug or loose the socks feel and how well they’ll hold up under certain conditions. During the testing process, our editors reported on the socks’ breathability, if they dug into their skin, and how well the socks held up after washing. 
  • Use case: Compression socks can be used for many situations, such as sitting or standing for long periods and exercising. We put each pair of socks to the test by working at our desks for long durations, going on strenuous hikes, and traveling. 

  For this list, we opted for pairs that offered graduated compression (tighter at the ankle, gradually loosening up the calf) for better circulation and weighed factors like durability (retention of compression over time), odor control properties, and overall value.

  It’s important to note we did not test extra firm (30–40 mmHg) or medical grade (40–50 mmHg) compression socks, as these must be prescribed by a healthcare professional.

• Our Expertise

  Loren Brutsch is an editor for Health, where she has covered health topics, medical devices, and fitness products since 2022. She is an ISSA-certified personal trainer who understands the need to keep feet healthy and safe during physical activity. As someone who experiences severe foot and ankle swelling during flights, she highly recommends wearing compression socks when traveling. She spoke to multiple foot and ankle specialists to write this article, including:

  • Amish Dudeja, DPM, ankle surgeon at Ankle & Foot Centers of America
  • Diana Levin Valencia, DPM, a podiatrist in private practice in New York
  • Matthew E. Sikina, MD, sports medicine physician at Hospital for Special Surgery
  • Anahita Dua, MD, MS, MBA, FACS, Director, Vascular Lab at Massachusetts General Hospital and member of the Society for Vascular Surgery
  • Elizabeth Bonarigo, DPM, a board-certified podiatrist specializing in adult and pediatric foot conditions, diabetic foot care, foot and ankle injuries at the Lower Limb Institute.