We Tested the Best Compression Socks for Long-haul Flights and More (2024)

Best Overall: Away Travel The Compression Socks

Away has achieved cult status for their thoughtful, affordable luggage, so it makes sense that their travel accessories are just as well designed. Compression socks are highly recommended for travelers — whether on long flights or while sightseeing for hours on end — in order to reduce swelling in the feet and legs. These are crafted from a quick-drying, odor-resistant blend of organic cotton and Coolmax polyester, which will help wick away sweat and keep you feeling fresh and comfortable all day long. Plus, their two-tone design is actually stylish enough to pass as a normal sock, making them easier to blend with your daily wardrobe.

These are a perfect pick for those who are looking for a lightweight, compressive fit — their actual compression rating isn’t listed, so anyone in need of a tighter fit will find plenty of other options on this list. We love that they never bunch or slide, but rather stay in place even throughout a full day of activity. They’re secure without digging into skin, and aren’t too difficult to peel off at the end of the day. It’s easy to forget you’re wearing them, which speaks volumes about their comfort level, which is in part thanks to their minimal-seam design. Travelers, in particular, will love these socks, as they make perfect plane and personal item companions.

The Details: S to XL | Below the knee | Organic cotton, polyester, lycra, nylon

Best Patterns: Levsox Compression Socks

You’d be hard pressed to find a brand with quite as many adorable pattern options as Levsox, which boasts 15 different variety packs (each including three to six pairs of socks) — think skull-themed options, nurse-specific designs, and tiny animal prints. But these back up their eye-catching looks with genuine comfort, thanks to a breathable fabric that offers snug 20-30 mmHg compression. They boast a little extra support around the arches and heels, which makes walking in them feel like a mini-massage for your feet. These feel closer to high-quality leggings or tights, offering full-range of flexibility and never digging into your skin. The best part is there’s no irritation where they sit at the back of the knee — the material is soft and silky, and holds up well in the wash.

The Details: S to XL | Knee length | Nylon and spandex | 20-30 mmHg

Best Breathable: SockWell Women's Elevation Firm Graduated Compression Socks

Merino wool is a luxuriously soft fabric that boasts exceptional breathability, as well as odor-resistant and moisture-wicking properties that will keep your feet cool and dry throughout the day. Whether you’re working a double shift at a restaurant or taking a red-eye flight, these never get sweaty or sticky and allow for maximal air flow. The medium compression rating is excellent for daily use — particularly for thermoregulation and helping to reduce tiredness in your legs. We found that these are slightly difficult to pull on due to their tightness, but the stretchy nylon helps ensure a comfortable fit and keeps them in place once you’ve worked them on. They also hold up well to multiple washes, with no signs of pilling or shrinking after several runs through the wash.

The Details: S to L | Knee high | Wool, rayon, nylon, spandex | 20-30 mmHg

Best Support: SB Sox Compression Socks

With a cushioned sole and toe and dedicated arch support, these are more supportive than thinner compression socks and are easier to walk in on harder surfaces. The toe band is also designed to reduce blisters, and offers plenty of room to avoid crowding your toes together. We appreciate how the nylon and spandex blend is sturdier than some similar styles, so they won’t slide around in your shoes. The fabric feels soft and substantial, which is particularly great for colder weather — and while these are breathable and won’t get sticky or sweaty, they are a bit thick. To ensure they stay in place all day long, there’s an upper-calf band to secure them.

The Details: S to XL | Below the knee | Nylon, spandex | 20-30 mmHg

Best Budget: Charmking Compression Socks

These best-selling compression socks offer a light 15-20 mmHg of gradual compression, making them ideal for improving blood flow and reducing achiness in the legs when worn for activities like workout classes, long walks, or red-eye flights. Their light compression rating may not offer enough support for some people — depending on your leg circumference, you may want to size down to ensure a snug fit — but that also makes them a great starter sock for those who aren’t sure how much compression they need. 360-degree stretch offers plenty of flexibility without cutting into skin. We love that they’re available in such a wide range of colors and patterns, with the basic black ones looking indistinguishable from non-compression socks. With an eight-pack costing less than $30, these are a great affordable option for daily wear.

The Details: S to XL | Below the knee | Nylon, spandex | 15-20 mmHg

Best for Cold Weather: Bombas Women's Compression Knee High Socks

Bombas is well known for their top-quality, long-lasting socks — and their Everyday Compression Socks are yet another case in point. Made from a super-soft and cozy long staple cotton blend, these run thicker than most of the options on this list. Thanks to their substantial material and the way their gradual compression increases blood flow, your feet will feel warm and toasty without overheating in these winter-ready socks. While they’ve got a lighter, daily-use compression rating, they offer a snug fit that can dig slightly into the upper calf, so those with wider calves in particular may feel constricted — but it’s easy enough to minimize if you roll them down slightly. We love the retro stripe patterns, which come in six colorways.

The Details: S to L | Below the knee | Cotton, polyester, elastane, nylon | 15-20 mmHg

Most Comfortable: Physix Gear Sport Compression Socks

Whether you’re headed on a long-haul flight or your morning run, these soft and breathable socks will keep you comfortable while reducing swelling and leg fatigue. With a firm compression rating of 20-30 mmHg, these offer excellent support for pregnant women, athletes, and anyone who needs a tighter fit — they’re secure without feeling constrictive. Despite the tight fit, we love that they’re fairly easy to pull on thanks to the graduated compression, and that they won’t slide down throughout the day. Their ability to stay put is particularly helpful for those with shorter calves, on whom they may bunch slightly around the knee. Note that these are hand wash only, which will help them to retain their compression over time.

The Details: S to 2XL | Below the knee | Nylon, spandex | 20-30 mmHg

Best Cozy: Comrad Cozy Compression Socks

You know those super cozy socks you seem to buy a new pair of every winter? The cloud-soft fuzzy kind? These are exactly like them, only with the addition of the lowest grade of gradual compression, which is designed to help with mild aching or swelling in the legs and feet. While there’s barely any compression in the leg, it does help to ensure they stay in place at all times. The compression is more noticeable along the sole of the foot, where it provides gentle cushioning and soft, supportive pressure which helps to boost circulation. Despite the fuzzy material, they’re still thin enough to wear with sneakers or boots without feeling constricting.

The Details: S to L | Knee high | Nylon | 10-15 mmHg

Best Everyday: Comrad Knee-High Compression Socks

Comrad’s everyday knee-high compression socks are like a gentle hug for your legs. With a light compression rating, they’re designed to help alleviate discomfort and muscle stiffness during long days on your feet, overnight flights, or workout recovery. They offer support without feeling constricting, which makes them easy to wear throughout the work day and beyond. We love that they’re available in three stylish and sophisticated ombre designs, which stand out from the other playfully-patterned socks on the market. They’re crafted from a breathable nylon blend that increases airflow, with antimicrobial properties that keep your feet feeling (and smelling) fresh. The material is somewhat thin, which makes these less comfortable to wear without shoes than more padded options, but there is still a slight cushion in the toe and heel.

The Details: S to L, and wide sizes | Knee high | Nylon, spandex | 15-20 mmHg

Best for All-day Wear: Bluemaple Copper Compression Socks

Whether you’re sightseeing in a new city or working from home at your laptop for eight hours a day, compression socks provide lasting relief from tired, achy legs. Finding a pair that’s comfortable enough to wear all day long can be tricky, but thanks to the graduated compression in these copper-infused socks, they feel snug in all the right places without constricting your movement. These feature just 10-15 mmHg around the top band, while there’s a lightweight 15-20 mmHg of compression through the calf and a firm 20-30 mmHg of compression for secure ankle support. We appreciate that there’s an enormous variety of colors and patterns to choose from, with 42 different combinations including pastels, neons, Christmas-themed designs, and more.

The Details: S to XL | Knee high | Nylon, polyester | Graduated, 10-15 mmHg to 20-30 mmHg

Frequently Asked Questions

• How do I know what level of compression I need?

  Dr. Valencia suggests starting with the lowest over-the-counter compression grade (10-15 mmHg) and working your way up from there. “If you still find that there’s swelling at the end of the day and there’s leg pain, you should see a vascular specialist and you’ll get stronger socks,” she says.

• How long can you safely wear compression socks?

  For general wear, most compression socks are designed to be comfortably worn all day long. You can wear them for a full 24 hours, but even the comfiest socks may start to feel itchy and uncomfortable after the 12-hour mark, so you may want to give your feet time to breathe in between wears (and be sure to wash or change your socks!). If you wear prescription-grade compression socks, wear them according to your doctor’s instructions.

• Can I sleep in compression socks?

  Yes, although there’s no real need while you’re lying flat in bed, as they won’t affect your circulation. Still, you can feel free to wear them – just be sure to switch them out daily.

• Are there reasons I shouldn’t wear compression socks?

  Generally speaking, compression socks are a safe and simple way to reduce swelling and tired legs. Talk to your doctor if you are concerned about any potential medical conditions that would impact your ability to wear compression socks, such as circulation disorders or easily irritated skin.

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