Compression socks are probably not the first thing you think of when you write a packing list, but they are important.
When you’re moving and walking around, your calves are better able to pump blood back to your heart. However, when you’re sitting down for long periods, that process gets tricky.
Compression socks work by applying graduated pressure along the legs, with the highest pressure at the ankles. This helps improve blood flow back to the heart, reducing swelling, fatigue, and helping to prevent blood clots (DVTs).
People with varicose veins, a history of DVTs, diabetes and poor circulation should definitely wear compression socks whilst travelling.
However, they’re not just reserved for people with medical conditions! Whilst they might not be the most attractive thing to wear, every traveller should consider buying a pair. Travelling can be tough on the body, and compression socks are that helping hand your legs need to keep everything in working order.
In this article, we’re going to talk through some of the best compression, helping you pick the perfect pair.
NOTE: As an Amazon Associate, Tools For Travel earns commission from qualifying purchases.
CHARMKING Compression Socks
Price
The prices range from $9.99 to $17.99 for 3 pairs of socks. It seems the difference in price is solely attributed to the color/design style of the CHARMKING Compression Socks. Additionally, the socks are frequently discounted by as much as 25%, so you’re sure to find a great deal on Amazon.
Quality
The CHARMKING Compression Socks are made of 85% nylon and 15% spandex. The material is lightweight and breathable, so you won’t get super hot feet whilst you’re flying or travelling.
They measure 15-20 mmHg, which is considered moderate compression (mmHg is a way of measuring compression level, with higher numbers indicating stronger compression). This is a suitable level for DVT prevention, which is what you want for flying and long journeys!
Comfort and Fit
Now before we get into comfort levels for these socks, it’s important to know that compression socks are not designed to be the most comfortable things in the world. They are supposed to be tight, and this can sometimes feel restrictive, so bear that in mind.
However, as far as comfort goes, the CHARMKING Compression Socks are getting great marks from us. They offer good support without compromising your mobility or feeling too tight. They’ve also got a no-slip cuff to help keep them in place (what’s worse than having to pull your socks up every 10 minutes?!).
Bluemaple Thigh High Compression Socks
Price
From $16.99 for 3 pairs of black, working out at a little over $5 per pair. There are several other color/pattern options too, with various prices. There are a bunch of color combinations to suit your tastes. The Bluemaple Thigh High Compression Socks are occasionally on discount, so if you’re not in a rush to purchase, you might be able to find a deal.
Quality
The Bluemaple Thigh High Socks have a slightly different material make-up than the others on our list. They are 47% polyester, 41% nylon and 12% spandex. In general, nylon is stronger and more stretchy, and polyester is a little less durable, but it does dry faster, which makes it great for activewear (or socks that you’ll be wearing for hours on end!).
They have graduated pressure, ranging from 15-20mmHg near the ankle to 8-10mmHg around the thigh. Whilst the graduated pressure is great, they don’t offer as high levels of pressure as some other options on our list, so they might not be quite as effective.
Comfort and Fit
Due to being slightly less restrictive, the Bluemaple Socks are a little more comfortable. They offer moderate support to encourage blood flow without being super tight.
They also have an anti-slip cuff, and they’re made from a moisture-wicking material with 4-way stretch, which offers great breathability and temperature control, whether you wear them somewhere warm or cold.
Comparison With CHARMKING Compression Socks
The Bluemaple and CHARMKING socks are very similar in fabric and compression. The number one difference between them is the Bluemaple Thigh High Compression Socks do just what their name says, which is rise to the thighs; while the CHARMKING Compression Socks stop at the mid/upper calf. Comparison can be further illustrated below.
Mojo Compression Full Leg Sleeve
Price
Coming in at just around $28.98 for one pair, the Mojo Compression Leg Sleeves are definitely the most expensive on our list. These compression socks, however, are more specialized than the rest, which justify their pricing. They come in a range of color and size options to suit your style and needs appropriately.
Quality
The Mojo Compression Leg Sleeves are extremely high-quality, made from 72% nylon, 24% lycra and 4% silicone. The material is cool and dry, offering good breathability even with long-term wear.
They offer 20-30mmHg of compression, so they’re one of the highest options on our list. These sleeves are specifically designed to help reduce varicose veins and swelling, so if you struggle with this, these sleeves are probably the best option for you!
Comfort and Fit
The Mojo Leg Sleeves also come in a wide range of sizes, from small to 7XL. A useful chart online with thigh, calf, and ankle circumference ranges helps you pick the right size. The sleeves also have a non-slip cuff to help them stay in place, so you can be sure that they’ll offer consistent compression.
This pair probably isn’t the most comfortable option on our list because they are specially designed for people with diabetes or varicose veins, and practicality takes precedence over comfort!
Doc Miller Open-Toe Compression Socks
Price
The Doc Miller Open-Toe Socks come in a ton of color and size combinations, and the pricing ranges between $18.99 and $29.99 for one pair. The price doesn’t consistently increase with size, as the numbers seem to be all over the place. So no matter what size you require, there should be an option that’s more on the cheaper side.
Quality
The Doc Miller Open-Toe Socks are also made from a nylon blend, but these socks offer a greater variation of compression. They range from 30-40mmHg at the bottom of the sock to 8-15 at the top, offering graduated pressure, which is perfect for encouraging blood flow.
They’re made from a breathable fabric which is lightweight and moisture wicking to keep your legs cool and dry. The open-toe feature is also great if you’re someone who prefers the feeling of bare feet!
Comfort and Fit
One of the things we love most about the Doc Miller Socks is that they come in so many sizes. This is so important for compression socks, as you need them to be tight enough that they work, but not so tight that you stop feeling your toes!
These socks range from a size small to a size 5XL, with tall and wide variations, too. There are 15 size options in total, with a handy guide online that will help you find the right fit.
Other Compression Socks
Before we jump into our summary of the best compression socks, we wanted to give another couple of options for anyone who might want ankle-length compression socks.
However, it’s important to note that for travelling, compression socks are most effective when they come up to the knee. This is because the compression needs to be around your calf. The calf is the ‘pump’ that helps prevent blood from pooling in the bottom of your legs and feet whilst you are sitting for long periods.
That being said, ankle-length compression socks can be useful for other purposes besides travel, such as relieving foot and heel pain from plantar fasciitis and helping to reduce swelling and speed up recovery after exercise.
PAPLUS Ankle Compression Socks
Price
The PAPLUS Ankle Compression Socks start at $12.99 for 2 pairs of black socks. There is also a 4 pair option and 6 pair option if you require more. Each option also has a number of color options as well.
Quality
The PAPLUS Ankle Socks are made of nylon and spandex with 15-20 mmHg of compression, making them a great, moderate pair of compression socks. They’re lightweight with a breathable fabric that will keep your feet cool by wicking away any sweat.
These socks are engineered with the latest compression technology from the arch to below the ankle, offering targeted foot support which helps boost circulation and deliver better blood flow.
Comfort and Fit
The PAPLUS Socks are a little different from the others on our list as they are ankle-length. This fit is perfect if you want ‘no show’ compression socks that are a little more discreet. The length is comfier than knee-length options, too, so they’re great if you want something less restrictive as well.
PAPLUS Compression Foot Sleeve
Price
The PAPLUS Compression Foot Sleeves cost from $18.99 for 6 black pairs, working at around $3 per pair of socks.
Quality
The PAPLUS Compression Foot Sleeves are 80% nylon and 20% spandex, so they’re comfortable enough to be worn all day. We don’t have a measure of compression for this pair, but they do offer 3D, circular pressure around the whole foot.
Again, they’re made from a special, knitted technology that offers moisture-wicking to keep your feet cool, no matter how long you travel.
Comfort and Fit
The PAPLUS Foot Sleeves are, again, more comfortable than regular socks as they are only ankle-length. Unlike our previous pair of ankle-length socks, though, this pair also has an open-toe design, offering a little more breathability. This pair also sits slightly higher above the ankle, which is great for ankle support if you plan on wearing them hiking or running, too.
Again, though, it’s important to know that compression socks are most effective when they go up to the knee, and this pair is only ankle-length.
Our Overall Pick…
So, the Doc Miller Open-Toe Compression Socks came out on top. We love this pair as they offer good compression, right up to the knee, which is essential to help support your body’s circulation. We also love the open-toe design, as this prevents the socks from feeling too restrictive.
However, looking at the other pairs on the list…
If price is a big decider for you, the PALPUS Ankle Compression Socks are a clear winner, working out at under $3 a pair for the 6 pair option, though these socks are not the best choice for long-haul travel.
If quality is a big decider for you, we’d go for the Mojo Compression Leg Sleeve as the material make-up of this pair is great, with the silicone support band helping prevent slippage.
And if comfort is a big decider for you, we’d go for the Bluemaple Thigh-High Compression Socks. This pair has a slightly lower compression level, so they shouldn’t feel as tight when you’re wearing them for hours!