Compression Socks For Women

If your feet have ever swelled up post flight or after a long day on your feet, there’s actually an affordable and super comfy solution: compression socks. Compression socks work by applying pressure to your feet and calves to improve blood flow thus preventing swelling. Dr. Soo Rhee M.D., a vascular surgeon at Weill Cornell Medicine, praises compression socks for "relieving leg discomfort related to varicose veins, leg swelling, and even improve the venous circulation decreasing your risk of blood clots." Available in a wide range of styles, compression socks are just as useful on land as they are midair: perfect if you’re always on your feet, an avid exerciser, suffer from varicose veins, or have common swollen feet from pregnancy.

The Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles lab is comprised of footwear experts who have tested and researched everything from walking sneakers to no show socks to sandals. We found the best compression socks from brands with top lab performance, rave online reviews, or awesome new features.

How to find the right level compression socks?

Most compression socks offer graduated compression, which means that the pressure is greatest near the ankle and gradually decreases up the leg; therefore, the pressure of the socks is listed as a range. Compression levels are measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and the larger the number, the higher the compression.

Physicians can prescribe specific levels of compression to treat certain conditions such as varicose veins, spider veins, or poor circulation. If you have any medical conditions you are attempting to treat with compression socks, Dr. Tivka Jacobs M.D., a vascular surgeon at Weill Cornell Medicine, notes that "it is always best to first speak with your health care provider whether compression socks are appropriate for you," but here are general guidelines:

8-15 mmHg or 15-20 mmHg are low compression, great for flying, pregnancy, or just general improved circulation.

20-30mmHg are most commonly prescribed by physicians’ and can help soothe a variety of mild conditions.

30-50mmHg should only be used when prescribed by a doctor.

For compression socks to work properly, you need to make sure the sock lies flat and smooth across your foot and calf. Avoid socks that bunch up: they won't be able to provide proper, even pressure. Dr. Jacobs also notes that "you should take off compression socks when you go to bed and if you find the compression socks to be uncomfortable, stop wearing them."