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Compression socks (sometimes called compression stockings) have a variety of big benefits for everyone, from hardcore athletes to stay-at-home moms. No matter what your day looks like, compression socks can help you feel your best and take on your biggest tasks.
Here’s what you need to know about when and how to wear compression socks, how compression socks work, and how to find a high-quality pair.
Compression socks gently compress your feet and legs, providing extra support and relief from everyday aches and pains. These socks can support blood flow, helping you feel better after crushing a major workout at the gym or going on a long run.
Not all compression socks are the same! Some provide lower degrees of compression, while others are more intensely compressing. The levels of compression are measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHG).
These levels can range from lighter (15-20 mmHg) to heavier (30-40 mmHG), often seen in medical-grade compression wear.
Compression socks also come in a variety of styles, from thigh-high stockings to ankle socks. No matter what your personal style or preference is, you can find a type of compression socks that fits you.
Some of the best types of compression socks to keep in your drawer include:
If you want to express yourself while working out, go for a multicolor variety. Copper Fit’s Multicolor Compression Socks come in vibrant colors ranging from magenta to teal.
Graduated compression is a key element in a compression sock’s unique design. Graduated compression refers to varying levels of compression at different points in the sock. These points are carefully chosen to accommodate the parts of the foot and leg that need the most support.
When wearing compression socks, you don’t have to worry about feeling squeezed or constricted. The power of compression therapy is how subtle it is, gently supporting your legs, ankles, and feet with just the right amount of pressure.
As a result, you can expect to feel energized when wearing compression socks.
Just about anyone can get a boost of support and comfort from compression socks. However, compression garments can be especially helpful if:
You can wear your compression socks daily without running into any problems, even if you make them your all-day socks. However, it’s best not to wear compression socks or other compression sleeves 24/7.
There are several reasons for this:
Compression socks are designed with athletes in mind and are flexible and durable enough to hold up during intense workouts. Whether you’re running, weightlifting, or breaking a sweat in another way, compression gear can provide support and help you fight fatigue.
In addition, when you choose moisture-wicking and anti-odor compression gear, you can expect to deal with fewer odors and less sweat while working out. This is another bonus reason to wear compression socks when at the gym, playing sports, or doing outdoor cardio.
After working out, you might want to slip out of your compression socks into a fresh, clean pair after a shower. This is one of our favorite ways to practice some post-workout self-care.
Some compression socks are designed to be worn after a workout to soothe sore muscles. If you want to get back in the gym and feel your best, consider compression socks on your rest days and during the hours after your workouts.
If post-workout recovery is your number-one priority, try wearing compression socks infused with menthol. These specialized socks provide an intense cooling sensation that feels relaxing for your muscles and can soothe minor leg swelling.
In addition, if you’re planning on wearing compression socks for medical reasons, it’s best to consult your healthcare provider before doing so.
Doctors sometimes recommend graduated compression stockings as a supplemental form of soothing for the symptoms of medical conditions like:
However, it’s important to note that compression socks can’t treat these conditions — they’re only recommended as a source of support and comfort. If you deal with any of these conditions, make sure to talk to your doctor about compression socks and whether they’re right for you.
If you plan on wearing compression socks, you want to find the best of the best. Below are some of the features that any high-quality pair of compression socks should have.
Socks get stinky fast, especially when you wear them during tough workouts. Our compression socks are infused with copper, making them resistant to odors and easy to wear at the gym, while playing sports, or while getting in your morning cardio.
When you can avoid stinky feet by choosing the right pair of socks, it’s a no-brainer. Opt for a pair of copper-infused compression socks for any workout.
When you choose the right materials for your compression socks, sweat becomes a minimal issue.
Sweaty feet are just as much of a problem for athletes as stinky feet, but moisture-wicking compression socks make it easy to avoid getting stuck in a pair of sweat-soaked socks. Materials like nylon, polyester, and spandex are ideal.
Any piece of athletic apparel — no matter how big or small — should be built to last. Top-grade compression socks are no exception. This high-tech hosiery should be supremely flexible and durable, able to withstand the force of squats, deadlifts, and 10-mile runs.
Just like ill-fitting shoes, socks that don’t fit well can be extremely uncomfortable and frustrating to wear. You don’t want your compression socks to feel like an ultra-tight pair of rubber gloves, hugging your skin in all the wrong places.
Use a size guide to find the ideal fit for you, whether small, medium, large, or extra large.
Sometimes, you just want a bit of extra comfort. Specialized compression socks can give you a truly soothing sock-wearing experience thanks to the addition of features like cooling menthol, moisturizing shea and aloe, and more.
If you’re wearing compression socks for post-workout recovery, try our Energy Plus Hydrating Compression Socks. These unique socks release motion-activated moisture as you move, thanks to micro-encapsulation technology.
As a result, you get a revitalizing combo of shea, vitamin E, coconut, and aloe delivered from your socks to your feet without feeling greasy.
You can wear a variety of different types of compression socks for an equally wide range of reasons — and at a variety of times!
In general, there are only a few hard and fast rules about when to wear compression socks:
If you stick to these rules, you can’t go wrong with compression socks. Take a look at our collection to find a pair that perfectly fits your style and your lifestyle.
Sources:
Blood Clots: What They Are and What They Do | Cleveland Clinic
Lymphedema | Side Effects of Cancer Treatment | CDC
