Compression socks are a simple yet effective way to boost circulation, reduce swelling and fight fatigue, whether you’re recovering from a tough workout or managing poor circulation. The best compression socks gently squeeze your legs to help blood flow back up to your heart and prevent it from pooling in your lower body. We looked over dozens of styles and spoke with vascular health experts to find the most supportive and comfortable options. Based on our findings, the Bombas Everyday Compression Socks are the best for most people because they’re comfortable and versatile, offering moderate compression in multiple sizes and colors.
“Compression socks are used to gently apply external pressure to the legs to reduce swelling, reduce inflammation and thereby improve circulation,” says Tonie Reincke, MD and owner of Reincke Vein Center. “They are used for sports recovery, medical treatments and even daily use.” To assess compression socks and compare styles against one another, we broke them down into their key components, including compression level, length, materials, fit and intended use. Below, our recommendations for the best compression socks, and what you need to know to buy an effective pair.
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
The Forbes Vetted gear team spends countless hours testing, evaluating and recommending a variety of health and wellness products. In addition to compression socks, we’ve also covered massage guns, compression boots and shoes for standing all day, all of which can help manage sore, tired legs.
- Forbes Vetted gear editor and author of this guide, Cam Vigliotta, has over six years of experience reviewing apparel and equipment that promotes a healthy lifestyle. With a degree in kinesiology, he understands the critical role compression socks can play in your daily life, whether you’re running or managing poor circulation. As a runner, he wears compression socks to reduce swelling and help his legs feel energized.
- While compression socks have been proven to promote blood flow and offer relief, it’s not uncommon for brands to make bold, unproven claims. To learn more about compression socks and determine which pairs are worth wearing, we spoke with multiple experts, including Tonie Reincke, MD and owner of Reincke Vein Center; and William Shutze, MD and secretary for the Society for Vascular Surgery.
- By combining our own research with insights from the experts, we created this comprehensive guide to compression socks. Our goal is to recommend styles that aren’t just effective but also safe, comfortable and suited to different activities or health conditions.
- We routinely review our content to make sure it’s still relevant and accurate. This article was published in May 2025.
How We Chose The Best Compression Socks
Compression socks help people in different ways, but no matter why you wear them, we can compare styles based on a set of key variables. Here’s how we made our picks:
- We started by reviewing compression levels, as this is the defining feature of all compression socks. Measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg), compression socks typically range from 10 to 40mmHg. We reviewed mild, moderate, firm and extra-firm styles to find different pressures for different needs.
- Next, we looked at the length of socks, from classic ankle socks that target the foot to knee-high socks for added calf support. By looking at how different lengths perform during walking, running and travel, we were able to identify specific use cases for each pair.
- From there, we prioritized socks made with breathable, stretchy, moisture-wicking materials like polyester, nylon and elastane. Different fabrics and fabric blends help fight odor, regulate temperature and prevent a sock from slipping or bunching.
- Finally, we looked at styles based on intended use, comparing socks for running, recovery, pregnancy, travel and everyday wear to match our recommendations to specific lifestyles and needs.
- We also considered the expert insights of both Reincke and Shutze to focus our selections.
How To Shop For Compression Socks
Compression Level
Compression socks come in different compression levels, measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg), which is the same unit we use to measure blood pressure. The levels indicate how tightly the socks squeeze your legs and ankles, which helps improve circulation and reduce swelling. Here are the common compression levels, and who they’re best for:
- Mild (8 to 15mmHg): Mild compression socks offer light support to combat subtle swelling or fatigue. This level of support feels like a gentle hug. Consider these if you stand for hours at a time or need a comfy compression sock for travel.
- Moderate (15 to 20mmHg): Moderate compression socks are commonly used to prevent varicose veins, but they’re also great for mild swelling or travel. This level of support feels noticeably firmer than a traditional pair of socks, but it’s still comfortable.
- Firm (20 to 30mmHg): Firm compression socks are used for varicose veins, moderate swelling and post-surgery recovery. This level of support feels really strong, so it may take more effort to put the socks on and get them off. It’s more common for doctors to recommend this level of compression.
- Extra-firm (30 to 40mmHg): Extra-firm compression socks are used for severe varicose veins, lymphedema and deep vein thrombosis (DVT). This level of compression feels extremely tight, and it’s usually prescribed by a doctor, so you probably won’t wear these unless doing so under medical supervision.
Length
Like traditional socks, compression socks come in different lengths, from short styles that sit below the ankle to full-leg styles that rise above the knee. The right length depends on the condition being treated, or how you want the compression to help based on your needs. Here are the most common sock lengths, and who they’re best for:
- Ankle: Ankle compression socks cover the foot and ankle, though you can also find styles that sit below the ankle or don’t show at all. This length is best for mild foot swelling or tired feet, and it’s perfect for everyday wear with low-top shoes.
- Crew: Crew compression socks stop at the mid-calf like a traditional crew sock, and they’re designed to provide support to the foot, ankle and lower calf. Because this length doesn’t offer compression to the entire calf, it’s better for athletes or active individuals as opposed to those treating circulation issues.
- Knee-high: Knee-high compression socks sit just below the knee, and this is the most common length for activity, travel or medical needs. Because this length covers the entire calf, it can help manage poor circulation, varicose veins and swelling.
- Thigh-high: Thigh-high compression socks extend above the knee to cover the entire lower leg as well as part of the thigh. While some athletes might prefer this length, it’s more commonly used to manage varicose veins, DVT and swelling.
Materials
Compression socks are usually made with a blend of fabrics to ensure they’re stretchy, durable and breathable. The most common fabrics include: nylon, which makes the sock strong and soft; elastane, which helps with stretch and compression; polyester, for breathability; and natural materials like bamboo or merino wool that boost comfort and fight odors due to their anti-microbial properties.
Fit
Compression socks are designed to be tighter than traditional socks, but the compression should feel firm as opposed to painful. Normally, it’s tightest at the ankle and gradually loosens as it travels up the leg to promote blood flow back to the heart.
Struggling to put on compression socks is normal, especially if you’re wearing socks with higher compression levels, but they should feel supportive once they’re on. “Turning the socks inside out, applying baby powder to the feet and pulling the sock on by gripping the heel of the sock are useful tools to apply the socks,” says Reincke.
With that said, compression socks can in fact be too tight. If you feel numbness, tingling, pinching or pain, consider a different pair or move down to a lighter compression. Your socks shouldn’t leave deep red marks or painful indentations.
Intended Use
How you intend to use your compression socks dictates which pair is right for you. While styles are versatile enough for different needs or activities, here are the most common reasons to wear them:
- Pregnancy: Maternity compression socks are typically knee-high and offer mild to moderate compression. They help reduce swelling in the legs and feet, and support circulation as blood volume increases during pregnancy.
- Travel: Travel compression sock are typically used to prevent DVT and leg swelling during long periods of sitting. Compression is usually moderate to firm, though the right compression depends on your unique risk factors.
- Running: Running compression socks are made for performance and recovery, offering mild to moderate compression that’s snug yet flexible. Some running-specific socks come with additional features like extra arch support to help reduce fatigue and soreness.
- Medical: Medical compression socks are designed to manage circulatory issues and reduce swelling, which is why the level of compression is usually firm or extra-firm. These socks are often prescribed by a doctor, so it’s worth consulting with a medical professional before using them.
- Occupational: “People with a lifestyle or occupation requiring prolonged standing can use compression stockings to keep their legs healthy, reduce discomfort and potentially reduce the development of varicose veins or venous insufficiency,” says William Shutze, MD and secretary for the Society for Vascular Surgery. Look for socks that offer mild to moderate compression, and pair them with the best shoes for standing all day to stand in comfort for hours on end.