You can use compression socks to enhance comfort, perform better in sports, and fend off major medical issues. The best medical compression socks increase blood flow and reduce leg discomfort and edema. Additionally, they can decrease your risk of developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a kind of blood clot, and other circulation issues.
While these benefits might seem easy to achieve, choosing the best medical compression isn’t as easy. There are many factors to consider, such as size, brand, price, compression, strength, etc. Thankfully, I have enough experience using them (for the past year), so you don’t have to suffer looking for information; I got it all right here.
In this article, I will let you know the top 10 best medical compression socks as suggested by experts, their strengths and weakness, and how to choose the best one to rid you of all your medical problems.
The 10 Best Medical Compression Socks
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Bombas Women’s Compression Socks – Overall Best for Travel
These knee-high cotton socks have extra-durable yarn used suitable for repeated use. According to Bombas, the socks’ y-stitched heel forms a cup around your foot’s heel for increased support. With a compression of 15-20mmHg, they are neither too tight nor loose.
You may buy them in white, black, or grey, which comes in small, medium, and big sizes. They, however ridiculously expensive.
Specifications
- 15-20mmHg
- 64% Cotton, 17% Polyester, 13% Nylon, 6% Spandex
- Mesh panel with vents
- Additional padding on the forefoot
- 15-20 mmHg Compression Level
- Extra Durable Yarn
- Y-Stitched Heel
- Seamless Toe
- Honeycomb Arch Support System
- Strategic Zone Cushioning
- Extra-Long Staple Cotton
Pros
- Very comfortable
- Great for travel
- Variety of colors
- Great for long time shifts
Cons
- Falls below the knee sometimes
- Very expensive
Buy $150 on Amazon
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Comrad Athletic Knee-High Compression Sock – Best for Medium Pressure Compression
Credit: Comrad.com
Comrad provides compression socks with low, medium, and firm pressure levels. The brand claims that the thin nylon material used to create these medium-pressure knee-high compression socks is breathable and moisture-wicking and ‘Protects and supports key muscles from micro-tears and strains.’
Comrad says the socks also have silver antibacterial ions to eliminate smells.
Specifications
- 20-30 mmHg
- 65% Poly 22% Nylon 8% Spandex and 5% Cotton
- 30 days refund policy
- Free shipping above $60
Pros
- Comfortable for all-day wear
- The band at the top isn’t too tight
- Great for pregnancy and travel
Cons
- It can get hard sometimes
- Too short for me ( I’m 5’9)
Buy for $28-32
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Apolla The Infinite Mid-Calf Recovery Compression Socks – Best Medical Compression Socks for Recovery
Apolla offers compression socks in mid-calf, crew, no-show, and open-toed designs if you prefer shorter socks. The socks claim to be antibacterial and moisture-wicking, which is true. Their compression socks have cushioning at the heel and ball of the foot for enhanced Comfort. It also helps stabilize the 26 bones in your foot, ankle tendons, and ligaments.
The socks are only available in two colors—black or grey, which is a bummer for someone like me who likes variety.
Specifications
- No compression in the toes
- Beloved by ballerinas coming out of pointe shoes or those with bunions
- Knit-in energy absorption pads in the ball of the foot AND the heel
- Graduated compression up the calf
- Helps with recovery from shin splints and aching calves
Pros
- Perfect for long days on your feet, extra support needs, travel, and recovery
- Does not slip down
- Durable and high quality
- Great for sports
Cons
- Too tight for a size 11
- Subpar customer service
Buy for $38 on the Apolla website
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Physix Gear Sport Compression Socks for Men & Women 20-30 mmHg – Best for Firm Compression
Chiropractors generally recommend these tight compression socks as they make your legs feel lighter, according to the manufacturer, the nylon and spandex materials used to make the compression socks assist in wicking away sweat.
The socks come in three sizes: small/medium, large/extra-large, and extra-extra-large. They come in a variety of colors too.
Specifications
- 70% Nylon, 30% Spandex
- Excellent compression hose
- Multiple colors
- Money back guarantee
- Sweat absorption
Pros
- Comfortable and adaptable
- Perfect for long travels
- Highly durable (used mine for three years)
- Sweat absorbing
Cons
- Poor arch material
- Not good enough for pregnant women
- Poor construction and design
- Not suitable for short people
Buy for $18
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JOBST Relief Knee High 15-20 mmHg Open Toe Unisex For Men & Women Compression Socks – Best for Women
These casual support stockings are meant to provide preventive circulation maintenance. They have a simple appearance and can reduce swelling and pain brought by standing all day, moderate varicose veins with mild to moderate swelling (also during pregnancy), and prevention, management, and treatment of DVT or Post-Thrombotic Syndrome. It is also suitable for pregnant women.
These socks are made from a combination of nylon and spandex, yet only support two colors; beige and black.
Specifications
- Spandex and nylon combination
- Used by both men and women
- Open Toe Design
- 3-D knit structure using air-covered spandex yarn that is soft to the touch and comfortable for all-day wear
- Relief of tired aching legs, Helps Prevent DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis), varicose veins, lymphedema & edema
- Relief from minor leg & ankle swelling
- Advanced Comfort wicks moisture and helps provide cooler, comfortable wear.
- Reinforced heel, designed for long-lasting durability
- Extra firm compression of 30-40 mmHg
Pros
- Extra firm compression
- Wick moisture control
- Durable and comfortable
Cons
- Two color options only
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Comfort Shape to fit Cotton Casual Trouser Socks – Best Casual Compression Stocking
The mix of cotton and lycra used in these stockings helps offer a moderate pressure of 10-15 mmHg to support your everyday activities. The socks have ultra-soft and comforting support that enhances circulation yet lessens pain.
Specifications
- All-natural cotton/elastic blend for an ultrasoft feel
- Light support to help lessen leg fatigue
- Wide, nonbinding support band
- Fashionable color choices
- Soft seam construction is gentle on the skin
- Multiple size options for a perfect fit
- Fresh Weave Odor Control
- Gentle compression
- It comes in white, wheat, and black
Pros
- Soft Seam
- Comfortable Support
- Ultra-Soft Against Skin
- Not too much pressure on the legs
- Multiple colors
Cons
- Not available on Amazon
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Truform Compression Socks 8-15 mmHg – Best Compression Socks for Men
Dress socks from TruForm come in various styles and provide treatment to lessen edema and tiredness. They shield the legs from soreness, aching, and varicose veins. The socks are made with a nylon and spandex mixture and have an 8–15 mmHg pressure range. There are more pressure ranges available. For various outfits, color possibilities include black, brown, navy, and tan.
Specifications
- A mild, graduated compression sock designed with Comfort in mind
- Doctor-recommended to help relieve leg fatigue and swelling of the legs and feet; helps foot circulation.
- Ideal when sitting or standing for long periods and those with diabetic needs
- The stylish microfiber rib-knit pattern holds the look and feels of contemporary dress socks.
- Medical grade quality for therapeutic recovery and treatment
- Roomy reinforced toe
- Defined heal pocket and the soft non-constricting top band for Comfort, durability, and fit
Pros
- Simple design
- Comforting feel
- Soft non-constricting top band
Cons
- Not as popular and good as Jobst
Buy for $25
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Mediven Active for Men & Women 15-20 mmHg Closed Toe – Best Calf High Compression Stockings for Men
German-engineered Mediven or Medi USA therapeutic clothes are medical-grade items with a high-end look and soft, sensual feel. These cozy socks offer support and comfort all day long. The material is quite sturdy, and the unnoticeable seam at the toes relieves strain.
These stockings provide 15 to 20 mmHg to alleviate swollen feet and ankles and avoid thrombosis when traveling.
Specifications
- Ideal for active lifestyles for both men and women
- Made of spandex
- Designed to be worn all-day
- Perfect amount of padding in the footbed
- Reinforced footbed padding to provide extra cushioning
- Clima-Fresh technology
Pros
- Comfortable for a 24-hour wear
- Highly durable
- It doesn’t feel too tight
- Eliminate odors
Cons
- Expensive
- Too long
Buy for $40-80
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Ames Walker Coolmax 8-15mmHg AW Style 121- Best Breathable Medical Compression Socks
The Coolmax is a sock made in the USA that absorbs moisture from the skin. It ranges from 8 to 15mmHg, creating one of the most comfortable and breathable medical stockings. It is suitable for pregnant women, long flights, and long shifts.
The socks prevent DVT, edema, and varicose veins.
Specifications
- Seamless design
- Maximum Comfort
- Reciprocated toe and heel pockets
- 8 to 15mmHg compression
- Reciprocated toe and heel pockets
Pros
- Low Cost
- Seamless design
- Strengthened heels and toes
- Maximum breathability and Comfort
Cons
- It comes only in black and white
- It gets heated during summer
Buy for $20
10. Charmking Compression Socks – Overall Best Medical Compression Socks
These compression socks have strengthened toe and heel sections to provide more cushioning. The socks have specific compression zones that offer tighter support in particular regions, including the ankle. The socks, which are 85% nylon, drain moisture away to keep you dry and comfortable.
These socks are specially made to lessen tiredness, promote leg circulation, and boost overall performance.
Pros
- Excellent at wicking away moisture
- Breathable
- Moisture-wicking and breathable
- Odor-free
- Multiple colors
- Control Temperature
Cons
- Not comfortable for sleeping in
Buy now for $16.19 – $26.99
What are Medical Compression Socks?
Compression socks are designed to fit comfortably around your leg.
Unlike regular compression socks, medical compression socks help improve blood flow and prevent conditions like varicose veins, blood clots, or deep vein thrombosis. They exert enough pressure (usually above 30 mmHg) on your lower legs.
While most medical products require a prescription, I love the most about medical compression socks because they do not require one. You can purchase them over the counter without any challenge, or in this case, order them online. However, you might still need to have your measurements taken by an expert first.
Wearing them is also straightforward, though most require more care and can only be worn at specific hours of the day. For example, some are only meant to be worn for sleeping or during exercises. The manufacturer usually provides this information, but you can always contact your medical provider for more details.
With medical compression socks, your legs won’t feel tired and sore. On the contrary, it helps you reduce swelling in the feet, the feeling of dizziness when you get up, and blood clots. It’s more difficult for a blood clot to happen if blood continuously flows in your veins. These clots hinder blood flow, which can lead to edema, skin discoloration, and other issues, which, fortunately, you can prevent with these socks.
Medical Compression Socks Guide
Modern compression stockings are more complex and made to apply steady pressure to the legs, which encourages blood to return to the heart. More significant force is applied by graduated compression stockings at the ankles and feet, creating an additional squeeze that helps the blood flow.
You should see your doctor about the best type of compression stockings for you because only medical-grade compression socks are available without a prescription. These socks differ in compression level and length (knee-high, thigh-high, or pantyhose).
Nevertheless, knowing the different types of medical compression socks doesn’t hurt.
What is the compression level right for you?
- 8-15 mmHg Mild pressure, used for proactive leg health – Compression strength for preventative care.
- 15-20 mmHg Moderate pressure, the typical starting point for first-time wear – Compression strength for minor conditions.
- 20-30 mmHg Firm pressure, typically used when recommended by a certified fitter or healthcare provider – Compression strength for pronounced medical symptoms.
- 30-40 mmHg Extra-Firm pressure, used only when prescribed by a doctor – Compression strength for severe medical conditions.
- Higher levels of compression are harder to apply and remove. Users with limited strength should choose a lower level of compression.
Conclusion
You can use medical compression socks to treat and prevent thrombosis, varicose veins, leg weariness, venous leg ulcers, and edema. Their use does not, however, come without issues. Some therapy stockings are hard to wear and remove, especially by seniors; hence require a medical prescription.
When choosing the best medical compression stockings, always consider what compression level you need. If you are in doubt, it is best to consult medical personnel.
