The Best Compression Socks, According to Doctors, Physical Therapists and Travel Pros

When you think of compression socks, you may picture those medical-looking garments you’ve seen at the pharmacy. But these socks, designed to stimulate blood flow and increase circulation, have a wide range of uses—and some of them actually look nice. Whether you’re a traveler on a long-haul flight, a runner going the distance for a medal, a patient recovering from surgery or someone on your feet all day for work, the tight hug of compression may provide the relief you’re looking for from aches and swelling in your feet and legs.

We consulted healthcare professionals, travel experts and marathon runners about the socks they wear themselves and recommend to clients and patients.

Helen Bradley, P.T., a board-certified clinical specialist in sports physical therapy at Vail Health’s Howard Head Sports Medicine in Vail, Colo., recommends 2XU’s compression socks to her patients because of their quality, as well as their range of offerings with different compression levels. The 24/7 pair (20 to 25 mmHg) is best for those whose feet tend to swell after long periods of sitting or standing, but the brand also makes no-show socks with lighter compression (15 to 20 mmHg) and full-length recovery socks (25 to 28 mmHg). The right pick “depends on the purpose of use,” she says, saying those with lymphedema (swelling from an excess of lymphatic fluid) need a higher compression level than, say, a runner.

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