Many compression socks look basic and utilitarian, but some companies make business-casual or whimsical styles, too. Consider what material and length would be most comfortable for you. Mild to moderate compression is enough for most daily needs, but you may need firmer compression for recovery, varicose veins or other uses. One of the most common ways to avoid leg pain from cramps and reduce fluid buildup for athletes and people with circulation issues is to wear compression stockings. These socks use gentle pressure on the calves and ankles to promote blood circulation. Additionally, compression socks can prevent vessels from expanding and blood from pooling, which can help ward off varicose veins and weakened veins. These benefits are utilized by runners to aid recovery and help during long-distance running, but they've also grown popular for those who work on their feet all day or those who travel frequently. After testing compression socks from over 15 brands, we’ve identified the best options for reducing swelling and maximizing comfort. What are the best compression socks overall? It depends on your specific needs, such as whether you're using compression socks for work, exercise or something else. For all-day wear, try the Pro Compression Marathoner compression socks, which are easy to put on and provide the perfect amount of compression. In regards to compression levels, you'll mostly want to stick to low or medium compression, especially when starting out. Best compression socks of 2025 Hide our expert take Photo Gallery 1/1 $30 at Amazon $35 at Pro Compression Pros Easy to put on Comfortable yet supportive Tons of styles to choose from Cons Somewhat expensive Best compression socks for all-day wear Pro Compression Marathon Compression Socks Photo Gallery 1/1 $30 at Amazon $35 at Pro Compression Out of all the pairs of compression socks I tested, the Pro Compression Marathon socks became my go-to. I knew these would become a favorite the instant I put them on partly because they're easier to put on than the others I tried, but they still provide just as much support. The Marathon socks reach just below the knee for full-calf compression. I wore these socks while sitting for hours at a time, doing household chores and yard work, running errands, taking my dog for walks and during workouts. They provided the perfect amount of compression for all activities and I felt comfortable enough to wear them out and about. This is great for pain relief and reduces muscle soreness. These socks come in countless (seriously, there are so many) styles, and in three sizes. You can buy men's or women's socks, but they're a unisex item. At $30, the Marathon compression socks are hardly a budget buy, but I'd happily pay for a few pairs to get me through a week of work. Hide our expert take Show our expert take Photo Gallery 1/1 $28 at Bombas Pros Comfortable and breathable Honeycomb arch support adds extra stability and comfort Stylish and available in multiple colors and patterns Cons May not be strong enough for those with significant circulation issues Limited calf sizing options Best compression socks for women Bombas Everyday Compression Socks Photo Gallery 1/1 $28 at Bombas The Bombas Everyday Compression Socks are a well-designed option for those seeking mild to moderate compression in a comfortable and stylish package. These socks offer 15-20 mmHG compression, which provides gentle yet effective support, making them ideal for long days on your feet, travel or circulation support. Bombas balances firm compression and all-day wearability, unlike many compression socks that can feel overly tight or restrictive. A major bonus of these socks is the Bombas donation model -- for every pair purchased, the company donates a pair to someone in need. This philanthropic aspect makes these socks a meaningful choice for socially conscious shoppers. Show our expert take Show our expert take Photo Gallery 1/1 $42 at Amazon $42 at Lily Trotters Pros Styles to match any outfit Gentle compression Cons Run small at the top Best stylish compression socks Lily Trotters Signature Collection Photo Gallery 1/1 $42 at Amazon $42 at Lily Trotters For compression socks fashionable enough to wear while running errands, going out to eat or doing basically anything, go with a pair from the Lily Trotters Signature Collection. Lily Trotters makes its signature socks with a blend of 93% nylon and 7% spandex, so they have just enough compression to feel noticeably snug. Designed specifically to make compression socks more attractive, you'll find no shortage of creative designs at Lily Trotters. I love the Four Kisses style, which looks classy and elegant, as well as the Over The Moon -- Orange for something more colorful. I will say that Lily Trotters socks -- or at least the pair I tried -- tend to run tight at the top. If you have larger calves, consider sizing up. I ordered a medium or small-medium in all of the compression socks I tried, and the small-medium from Lily Trotters was the only pair that made significant indentations just below the knee. Show our expert take Show our expert take Photo Gallery 1/1 $50 at Amazon $50 at Walmart Pros Breathable Supportive Maintain their shape Cons Pricey Best compression socks for runners Zensah Tech Plus Compression Socks Photo Gallery 1/1 $50 at Amazon $50 at Walmart I learned about Zensah when I tested face masks for running. I liked the Zensah performance face mask, so I decided to give its compression socks a go, and they didn't disappoint. These full-length compression socks are made in Italy and feature an 18% elastane content. The high elastane percentage means these socks compress well and don't stretch out, so they're perfect for long runs. The mesh insert is what makes these compression socks great for runners. Placed on the calf part of the sock, the mesh component provides ultimate breathability so your socks don't end up totally sweat-soaked by the end of your run. The cushioned sole of the sock is a nice touch, too. I noticed these socks felt more supportive in the arch of my foot than the others I tested. Show our expert take Show our expert take Photo Gallery 1/1 $30 at Amazon Pros Soft and comfortable Moisture-wicking Cons Compression "zones" may not feel as helpful for some people Best compression socks for circulation support Sockwell Elevation Graduated Compression Socks Photo Gallery 1/1 $30 at Amazon If you specifically deal with poor circulation, try a pair of Sockwell Elevation Compression Socks. These socks provide graduated compression from 20 to 30 mmHg, whereas the majority of over-the-counter compression socks range from 15 to 20 mmHg (mmHg is a medical measurement for pressure). The compression begins at the ankle and decreases throughout four "zones" up to the top of your calf. They also feature arch support, a bonus for people whose feet swell in addition to their ankles. Made of bamboo rayon, merino wool, stretch nylon and spandex, the Elevation Compression Socks feel soft yet durable, and they wick moisture well. (If you want less compression, Sockwell has a lifestyle collection that includes tons of cute styles with 15 to 20 mmHg compression. Show our expert take Show our expert take Photo Gallery 1/1 $20 at Amazon $20 at Pro Compression Pros Supportive Moisture-wicking More affordable than full-length Cons Not ideal for long work days Best short compression socks Pro Compression Midlength Sock Photo Gallery 1/1 $20 at Amazon $20 at Pro Compression A second pair of Pro Compression socks made the list because they're just that good. I'd wear these midcalf compression socks around all day, just like I'd wear the full-length pair, but for different activities. I loved wearing the Pro midcalf socks while running errands and doing home improvement projects. These babies took me through a full day of home renovations including sanding, painting and assembling furniture, and they looked stylish enough to wear on several "Oh shoot, I forgot this" runs to Home Depot. I also tried out the midcalf socks for a long day of work, but I didn't like them as much for that. My calves still swelled, leading to an indent where the hem of the sock was. I like these a lot, but I'll stick to wearing them on more active days and during workouts. All in all, the crew sock style is a great choice for people who want compression localized just to the heel and ankle. Show our expert take Show our expert take Photo Gallery 1/1 $14 at Amazon $20 at Physix Gear Pros Effective graduated compression Affordable Stylish Cons Hand wash only Best post-workout compression socks Physix Gear Compression Socks Photo Gallery 1/1 $14 at Amazon $20 at Physix Gear If you're the type who likes to wear compression socks after your workout rather than during, try these Physix Gear knee-high compression socks. I chose these as the best post-workout socks because they reminded me of NormaTec compression when I wore them. The graduated compression is so effective that you can feel the different pressure levels throughout your calves, especially when you're walking or moving around. If you really pay attention while wearing these compression socks, you'll feel a gentle pulsating sensation; you can actually feel the increased blood flow in real time. I wore the Physix Gear compression socks after a few weightlifting sessions, several long walks and a couple of runs, and even if I can't say they actually helped my muscles recover faster (it's hard to tell), I can say they felt soothing after an intense workout. These compression socks are also more affordable than most at less than $20 a pair, and the collection includes very laid-back styles you can wear anywhere. Show our expert take Show our expert take Photo Gallery 1/1 $30 at Swiftwick $30 at Amazon Pros Supportive Lightweight Moisture-wicking Cons Only come in black Best cold-weather compression socks Swiftwick Aspire Twelve Photo Gallery 1/1 $30 at Swiftwick $30 at Amazon Editor's note, September 2023: When we tested the Swiftwick Aspire Twelve socks, they were made with merino wool. They're now made with Swiftwick's signature Olefin fabric, which is also moisture-wicking and lightweight. These Swiftwick compression socks are designed for all-season activities. They're part of Swiftwick's running and snow sports collections, designed to adapt to the weather thanks to the natural crimps in the merino wool fibers. When it's warm outside (or any time you sweat), merino wool absorbs moisture into its porous fibers and then wicks it away from your body as a vapor. When it's cold, the crimped fiber works as an insulator, keeping heat close to your skin. With 11% spandex, the Aspire 12 compression socks offer plenty of compression for long workouts or full days of outdoor adventure. Although I don't live near many hiking trails anymore, I know I'll pack these socks for any road trips to the mountains. Show our expert take Factors to consider when buying compression socks Level of compression: Compression socks can offer mild compression, moderate compression, firm compression, extra firm or "severe" compression. This is measured in mmHg, a unit of pressure. Mild to firm compression socks are commonly sold over the counter, and are usually between 10 and 30 mmHg. They're ideal for work, travel, sports or mild varicose veins. Extra firm compression socks may go up to 50 mmHg or more, and these are recommended for more serious conditions like blood clots, medical recovery or severe varicose veins. Compression socks are also available by prescription. Some compression socks come with graduated compression, with the tightest fit around the ankle and a looser fit higher up. These are popular because they can be more comfortable and easier to find the right fit. Comfort: Ideally, your compression socks should feel like a gentle squeeze; if you feel any pain, numbness or tingling, they're too tight. Consider whether the socks are made with a breathable fabric, if they have a seamless toe and any other comfort factor that you specifically require from your socks. Compression socks also come in various lengths, from ankle to waist-high. Style: Like regular socks, compression socks come in different lengths, colors and styles. If you'll be wearing them at work, for example, you might want a business-friendly look. Some compression socks are sheer and lightweight, while others are more opaque and sturdy. Special uses: If you're using compression socks for a medical issue, like to prevent blood clots after surgery, look for anti-embolism stockings rather than regular compression socks. Ask your doctor to help you choose the right kind. A professional can also prescribe prescription-grade compression socks, which will be specifically fitted to your measurements. Price: Compression socks may come with sticker shock if you're used to buying cheap socks, but you can still find more budget-friendly options if you need to. Show more