The 13 Best Compression Socks We Tested for Achy, Swollen Feet

The socks produced a pleasant, tingly feeling, indicating they were as strong as the packaging claimed. And when I wore them for trail running, I had significantly less soreness and swelling afterward. The lightweight, silky material was breathable and soft, and kept my feet dry.

That said, the socks had a slightly strange fit for me, with extra fabric at the toe that was distracting. I also found that the high compression level was too tight for daily wear, but that’s not a deal-breaker if you know that ahead of time.

Dr. Scholl's Women's Graduated Compression Knee-High Socks were subtly effective at keeping my circulation strong as I sat working at my desk. With their low, 8- to 15-mmHg level of compression and lightweight fabric, I often forgot I was wearing them. The fabric was stretchy, comfy, and soft.

I prefer wearing compression socks that don’t look like compression socks, so I appreciated the muted color and design. They also come in colorful tie-dye and other fun patterns.

Just know that they might not be sufficiently compressive if you’re standing on concrete all day, going on a flight, or you otherwise need strong compression. They don’t seem very durable or long-lasting, but they’re right for the price.

The graduated, 15- to 20-mmHg compression level of Comrad Knee-High Compression Socks gently supports circulation without being too distracting. The lightweight, slim pair is ideal for daily wear, since they fit perfectly in a variety of shoes, even those with a tighter fit. The fabric was comfortable and durable enough to feel like a good investment.

Plus, they had great moisture-wicking abilities, so I didn’t end the day with sweaty feet. I appreciated that they came in a range of subtle patterns and colors, all of which had an everyday look.

They were a bit hard to get on and off, which frustrated me. But that might not be a problem for everyone. While the thin fabric has its upsides, it also means that these socks lack cushioning. So pick them if you really want a lightweight pair.

I found myself reaching for these soft and cute compression socks whenever I wanted to lounge around the house or run errands and still get that nice, tingly feeling from a super-snug sock. Sockwell’s Elevated Firm Graduated Compression Socks are the strongest compression level available over the counter.

Still, the merino wool fabric is soft and forgiving, making them feel less constrictive than other highly compressive pairs. The wool is nice and cozy, with temperature-regulating and moisture-wicking properties, so I never felt overheated or sweaty.

I did note that these socks come in just two sizes, which means not everyone may get the perfect fit. They’re a little on the pricey side, too, but they're worth the investment if you really like merino wool.

Sitoisbe No-Show Sports Compression Socks have been my absolute favorite pair for a couple of years. I’ve yet to find another no-show option that produces the same pleasant level of compression as these. The plush cushioning and snug fit around the arches make my flat feet feel supported and comfy.

After wearing these for days on end while dancing at music festivals, I can attest that they keep my feet happy. Plus, the material is super-breathable and moisture-wicking, making these socks great for running.

My only gripe is that they’re not fully no-show and peek out from my shoes. On the other hand, the low-profile design means that my ankles get chilly when I wear these during the colder months. Neither of these is a deal-breaker as long as you know ahead of time what you’re getting.

With six compression rings around the ankle, Neenca Medical Compression Socks help keep the area feeling stable while encouraging circulation. As someone with narrow ankles that can feel a little wobbly when I’m exercising, I appreciated the extra support in that area. My ankles felt gently held and supported with these on.

I also like that they feature the strongest level of compression available, lots of cushioning for shock absorption, and a reinforced arch that was perfect for my flat feet. The material is breathable and comfortable, making them excellent workout socks.

I did find these socks to be a bit too tight for daily wear, though. The design isn’t very flattering either, but I’ll take that trade-off for the comfort they give my ankles.

Sonoran’s Merino-Wool Compression Socks kept me warm without overheating in the mountains, where temps were around 40 degrees F. Wool is hard to beat in chilly weather, and these socks were soft enough that I didn’t want to take them off. As is typical with wool, they have temperature-regulating, moisture-wicking, and odor-absorbing properties, making them ideal for long or intense workouts.

I also really liked the moderate-compression level. It gave me a nice, tingly sensation, but it wasn’t so tight that I didn’t feel comfortable walking around in the socks.

All of that said, I suspect they wouldn’t have kept me warm enough if the temps had been truly freezing. Also, they don't have a seamless toe, so that may be bothersome depending on your shoes.

For under $20 for a pack of six on the brand’s website, Charmking’s graduated medium-level compression socks definitely give you the most bang for your buck. Aside from the great price, these consistently kept my feet from swelling and aching on plane rides, while running errands, and while working from home.

I loved how easy they were to get on and off: The material was stretchy and accommodating. They also look well-made and seem like they’ll hold up despite the low price tag.

The only issue is the breathability and, as a result, their moisture-wicking properties. I found my feet were a bit hot and sweaty after a long day. But if you’re most concerned with cost, they’re still worth buying. 

Bombas Women's Everyday Compression Knee-High Socks are soft, comfy, and great for anyone who could use a little more support. “The arch compression feels really nice on my arch,” says editor Lili Ladaga. “That's the first place that starts to hurt, since I have flat feet.”

We appreciate the thick, soft material and cushioning. The seamless toe was a nice touch that set the socks apart from other pairs. After wearing them on a hike and around the house, Ladaga's feet felt less achy and tired.

We love these socks, but the thick material and arch support mean they might not be the right match for everyone — say, if your feet run hot or you want to wear them with tight shoes. They’re also on the pricey side. 

If you tend to run hot and are looking for a super-lightweight sock, Cadense Energy Boost Performance Socks are the perfect pick. While the brand doesn’t list a compression level, writer and editor Katrina Cossey rated them as having gentle compression, which is great for everyday activities.

Because of the ultra-lightweight, thick material, “I would give these to someone who runs hot in the feet,” Cossey says. She also appreciated that they didn’t slide down.

The cotton-synthetic-blend socks are woven with a thermoregulating material that captures body heat and converts it into infrared energy. According to the brand, this feature boosts circulation and enhances recovery. But Cossey didn’t notice anything noteworthy in that regard. Cossey also says the socks didn’t fit her wide-footed husband. But if you have normal to narrow feet, they’ll work well.

You’re probably not in the habit of paying over $30 for a pair of socks, but Sockwell’s Women’s Circulator Socks are a worthy investment. The American-made garments are crafted from soft merino-wool fabric that regulates temperature, absorbs odor, and wicks away moisture, so you feel comfortable and dry all day.

With a 20- to 30-mmHg level of firm compression and a stylish design, they’re versatile, so you can get plenty of wear out of them.

“I love how cute they are,” says writer Jacquelyn Smith. “They're also great for when I want only a little bit of compression on my feet and legs throughout the day.”

The socks also feature seamless toes for added comfort. However, that the toe area was a smidge loose, Smith says. Also, these socks are not the right pick if you need strong compression, say for athletic recovery. So keep that in mind before you splurge.

If your biggest concern with wearing compression socks is end-of-day foot funk, you’ll want to put these Dr. Motion compression socks in your shopping cart, stat. They’re made with moisture-wicking fibers like Sorbtek polyester and acrylic, which pull sweat away from your skin so things don’t get swampy inside your shoes.

They also have antimicrobial and anti-odor treatments, and breathable mesh panels help maintain airflow. All of these features worked to keep Smith’s feet odor-free at the end of the day. They’re also stylish and comfy to boot: “I love how cute they are. My arches felt very well supported,” Smith says.

But if we had to complain, we prefer more-natural fabrics. The brand also doesn’t list a compression level. If that doesn’t bother you, these socks are a worthy pick.

Hollow’s Alpaca Compression Socks are a solid choice if you’re looking for a stretchy, supportive, and soft sock made from natural fibers that feel great on your skin. “I liked how soft they were and how they landed just right below my knee cap,” Smith says. “These offered great support and compression all the way up my legs.”

Much like wool, Alpaca fibers are naturally moisture-wicking and temperature-regulating. So you can wear them in a variety of conditions comfortably. We also love that the company offers a 99-day money-back guarantee and that the socks are made in the United States. We also liked that they don’t roll down.

Just note that these socks are a big investment. Also, they don’t have as much support around the arch as Smith would like. But overall, she found them to be a fantastic and comfy pick.