Top 11 Best Compression Socks for Travel
UpdatedOctober 23, 2024
Compression socks should be a part of every traveler’s wardrobe since they can help reduce the discomfort associated with long plane or car trips. These socks help to enhance blood flow in the lower extremities and prevent swelling, which is why they are ideal for people who spend most of their working day sitting.
From our research and experimenting with different kinds of compression socks, here are the best choices for traveling
Top 3 Best Compression Socks for Travel
- FITRELL Compression Socks
- Dr. Scholl's Graduated Compression Knee High Socks
- Physix Gear Sport Compression Socks
These socks help promote blood circulation and assist in preventing edema making your travels more comfortable. Here, we gathered the best of the best that we’ve tried and researched for your convenience. Take a look at the options we have provided below and select the ideal compression socks for your next journey.
FITRELL Compression Socks
FITRELL Compression Socks
This is your pass to maximum comfort and support especially during travel and in other activities. These socks with moisture-wicking, breathable fabric are perfect protection and circulation and should be on your list for your wellbeing. Here is your ideal travel partner!
If you are in search of comfortable and suitable travel compression socks, FITRELL Compression Socks are amazing.
Pros
- These socks are made of high-quality materials that are moisture-wicking and breathable, which means your feet won't feel sweaty or uncomfortable during long flights or other activities.
- They provide great friction and shock protection, thanks to the seamless toe and thick, soft cushions that are embedded in the sole. This means you'll be able to wear them comfortably for extended periods of time.
- They offer excellent circulation and muscle support, with five zones of graduated compression that boost venous flow, protect the plantar fascia, support the Achilles, and reduce swelling. This makes them a great choice for anyone who suffers from shin splints, joint and muscle stiffness, or varicose veins.
Cons
- Some users may find that these socks run a bit small, so it's important to choose the right size based on your calf circumference. If you're between sizes, you may want to go up a size for a more comfortable fit.
- While these socks are machine washable, you may want to air dry them to prevent shrinkage or damage to the fabric.
- The price point for these socks may be a bit higher than some other compression socks on the market, but the quality and effectiveness make them a worthwhile investment.
We strongly suggest FITRELL Compression Socks for those who seek comfortable but reliable compression socks for traveling or other activities. These socks have moisture-wicking and breathability so they help reduce friction and protect your shins from shocks, they also assist in circulation and muscles making them good for the health of your feet.
Dr. Scholl's Graduated Compression Knee High Socks
Dr. Scholl's Graduated Compression Knee High Socks
If you need comfortable and effective compression knee high socks for travel, you should consider using the Dr. Scholl’s Graduated Compression Knee High Socks. They work well, feel good to wear, and are made from superior material.
Pros
- The mild compression level (10-15 MMHG) gradually lessens up the leg, providing relief for tired and achy legs or swelling.
- The socks are cotton-free, reducing moisture absorption and irritation, and are constructed with premium materials for the ultimate fit and comfort.
- Every pair of Dr. Scholl's socks is guaranteed for one year.
Cons
- Some users may not feel like the compression level is high enough.
- The socks may not fit comfortably for those with larger calves.
- The socks are only available in one size, fitting women's shoe size 4-10.
It gives a moderate compression which is sufficient, and the quality of fabric used is top notch giving a comfortable feel on the skin. They are also long-lasting socks with a one-year warranty from Dr. Scholl’s.
The Physix Gear Sport Compression Socks are the best, especially for those who work long hours and their feet swell and feel tired. These socks give an immediate relief and enhanced performance, especially for athletes, nurses, and anyone requiring extra energy and strength in the lower region of the leg.
Pros
- Instant relief and increased performance
- Moisture-wicking material for sore muscles relief and workout recovery
- Quality stitched and easy to get on even though they are compression socks
Cons
- Toe box is small and may not be comfortable for those with wider feet
- May be a little long for shorter individuals
- Challenging to put on
Physix Gear Sport Compression Socks are composed of 70% nylon and 30% spandex to ensure that they are durable and comfortable. They are meant to endure but not at the expense of quality or comfort and the double stitched fabric speaks to your legs’ welfare. The compression and support are perfectly located on the heel, foot, and calves but the toe area will not squeeze your toe joints.
They can be used during the day as well as during the night and are ideal for those who spend most of their time on their feet. They offer instant comfort support, are effective in wicking moisture away and dry out in few hours. The cuffs are engineered to remain in place and give comfort at the bottom and sides of the foot without pinching as observed with other socks that lack ankle support.
These Physix Gear Sport Compression Socks come in different colors and are washable and made of high quality Lycra fabric used for the socks. These are ideal for extreme races and long runs and really assist in eliminating fatigue and swelling in your lower leg.
Wanderlust Everyday Use Compression Socks
Wanderlust Everyday Use Compression Socks
If you are in the market for comfortable and long-wear compression socks for traveling, then the Wanderlust Everyday Use Compression Socks are ideal for you. They are cheap and offer great support and the ability to relieve pain when needed.
Pros
- The graduated compression helps promote blood flow and circulation, providing instant pain relief.
- The seamless toe box and extra soft foot padding prevent blisters and corns, while the arch and Achilles heel support relieves Plantar Fasciitis.
- Made from breathable, premium cotton, these socks are super easy to get on and off.
Cons
- The compression level may not be strong enough for some users.
- Some customers reported that the socks don't stay up well and tend to slide down.
- The sizing may not be accurate for everyone.
It is not too tight, but it provides a degree of compression to reduce pain and swelling in the legs. The socks are also very light in weight, breathable, and feature moisture management which is always good when travelling. As for us, we appreciate the smooth shape of the toe area as well as the enhanced cushioning, which makes the socks highly comfortable to wear all day long. The arch and Achilles heel support are also very effective in preventing foot pain.
However, we found that they roll down slightly when wearing the socks, more so if one has slim calves. The sizing may not be accurate for everyone, so find your correct leg measurement and order accordingly. Again, some users may be displeased by the fact that the compression level is not very high.
The CHARMKING Compression Socks are another product that gives great support and comfort at an inexpensive price. They are ideal for athletes, runners, office workers, pregnant women, and everyone else who has to stay on his or her feet most of the time.
Pros
- The material is upgraded with nylon percentage from 40% to 85% which delivers 360-degree stretch for greater flexibility and durability.
- The socks are form-fitting, lightweight, and breathable, which means you can wear them all day without feeling uncomfortable.
- They are designed to promote blood circulation and oxygen flow, which helps in muscle recovery and prevents fatigue.
Cons
- The foot is too big for some people, and the socks may not fit as snugly as they should.
- The socks may not be as durable as some other compression socks on the market.
- Some people may find the socks difficult to put on.
The socks are made of a quality fabric that regulates foot temperature, making them long-lasting, comfortable, and very supportive while not limiting your freedom of movement.
The socks are also highly functional for increasing blood circulation and oxygen supply to the muscles hence reducing fatigue. What we were able to discover was that when we used the socks for a long time, our legs were less tired and less sore than before.
Another important thing to note is that the socks may not have the right fit they should have particularly at the foot area. We also discovered that the socks are not as long lasting as some of the other compression socks you may find around meaning that you have to replace them often.
If you are in need of quality and comfortable travel compression socks, the Votprof Compression Socks would be a perfect fit for you. They are also ideal for office employees, athletes such as runners, hikers, and anybody who spends most of their time on their feet.
Pros
- These socks are made of lightweight, breathable, and durable fabric material that provides you with perfect fit, cushioning, ventilation, and sustained support in your travels.
- These compression socks help prevent leg swelling, blood clots, tired aching legs, edema, blisters, cramps, and ease pressure on your legs, ankles, and calves during lengthy flights and travels.
- These airplane socks are ergonomically designed to smoothly and perfectly fit your feet with just the right compression without compromising on mobility. What’s more, these compression travel socks are made of breathable and moisture-wicking fabric to keep your feet cool and dry even with longer use.
Cons
- Some users may find the compression too tight.
- The socks may be too long for shorter individuals.
- The design may not be appealing to everyone.
They were comfortable to wear and offered sufficient support to my legs so that I did not have to worry about swelling and soreness during the flight. We also liked the reinforced toe and heel which made it more durable. The socks were very comfortable throughout the flight and did not constrict or move down the leg.
If you are searching for comfortable compression socks for use during travel then FuelMeFoot Compression Socks should fit the bill. As long as you get the correct size of the feet and maintain them properly, then they will last you quite some time.
Pros
- These socks offer just the right balance between warmth, compression, and comfort.
- They are versatile and multi-purpose, suitable for a variety of occupations and age groups.
- They are machine washable and quick drying.
Cons
- The socks might be too tight for some people.
- The sizing might be inaccurate for some people.
- The socks might not be durable enough for long-term use.
It was neither too tight nor too loose as they provided the necessary compression to avoid swelling and fatigue. We also liked the fact that they were washable with a machine and dried quickly which enabled us to wash them and reuse them several times during our trip.
However, we did find that there might be some issues with the sizing not fitting properly. Others may complain of the socks being too tight or too loose depending on the size and shape of their feet. We also found that the socks might not be long-lasting since they might begin to lose their compression after several washes.
If you want to purchase compression socks for your travels, you should take the OrthoSleeve Compression Socks. They offer just enough compression to promote circulation and combat leg cramps, which makes them ideal for long flights or hours of car travel.
Pros
- The graduated compression is just right to reduce leg stress, fatigue, and symptoms of varicose veins.
- They help relieve pain and discomfort related to swollen, painful legs.
- The high-quality micro-nylon/Lycra spandex combination makes them breathable and odor-controlled.
Cons
- They may be difficult to put on due to the high level of compression.
- They may shrink after washing, so it's important to follow the care instructions carefully.
- Some customers have reported that they run small.
The compression is definitely there, but not to the extent that it feels overly constricting, and they offer support without hugging too closely. We also like the smell elimination and the possibility of wearing them for a long time without sweating feet.
One thing that may be a downside is that they can be somewhat tricky to get on, especially if you’ve never worn compression socks before. However, once the lights are switched on, they remain in place without bunching or rolling down. We also encourage consumers to adhere strictly to the care instructions to reduce the chances of the socks shrinking or getting damaged.
Dr. Scholl's Women's Travel Knee High Socks with Graduated Compression
Dr. Scholl's Women's Travel Knee High Socks with Graduated Compression
Dr. Scholl’s Women’s Travel Knee High Socks with Graduated Compression are another good option when it comes to travel compression socks.
Pros
- The soft premium microfiber yarn provides ultimate comfort and style.
- The invisible ultra-smooth toe seam minimizes irritation and prevents bunching.
- The easy-on mild compression level of 8-15 mmhg alleviates tired and achy feet and legs.
Cons
- Some customers reported that the socks get holes easily in the washer and dryer.
- The color may differ from the picture.
- Some customers reported that the socks are not long-lasting.
It made them feel like regular socks because it is made of soft premium microfiber yarn and the mild compression that helped our legs to relief from swelling and fatigue.
This shoe had the invisible ultra-smooth toe seam – it was a plus since it did not cause any chafing or creasing. The easy-on design was also helpful; it was simple to put the socks on and remove them.
But what we did find was that some customers have complained that the socks develop holes in the washer and dryer. Furthermore, the color may not be as depicted in the picture, and others complained that the products are not durable.
For comfortable and effective compression travel socks, Vitalsox Compression Socks should do the job.
Pros
- Graduated compression starting at the mid-foot for maximum circulation increase
- Ultra-thin toe seam construction for superior comfort
- Four-way stretch for consistent compression throughout the entire sock
Cons
- May be too tight for some users
- Sizing can be tricky
- May not be suitable for those with very large calves
The graduated compression from the mid-foot helped to support and increase blood flow, and the ultra-thin toe seam construction contributed to the comfortable feel of the shoes. The four-way stretch also helped maintain the same level of compression all over the sock.
For some users, these socks might be tight, but for us these were perfect. However, this is where sizing can get a bit complicated and may require some experimentation to arrive at the right size. Furthermore, those people with very big calves might also feel some sort of restriction with these socks.
So if you are looking for comfortable compression socks for travel, then Sooverki Compression Socks are for you. They are suitable for anyone looking for compression socks for traveling or as their daily wear.
Pros
- With 15-20 mmHg compression, these socks promote blood circulation, prevent cramping, fatigue, and swelling, and help in muscle recovery.
- Made from 85% Nylon, 10% Polyester, and 5% Elastane, these socks provide a perfect composition between comfort and grip.
- You get a multicolor combination for your choice.
Cons
- The socks hit a little high in the back of the knee.
- They are a little thick for truly hot weather.
- They are too bunchy around the toes for a person with size 7 women’s shoes.
It fits perfectly and is neither too narrow nor too broad. The socks are easy to put on and remove, and they do not slide down when worn. We also like the various colors as they make it easy to coordinate with the rest of the clothes.
With that said, the socks are a little high cut in the back of the knee and can be slightly irritable for some. They are also a little thick for truly hot weather. Furthermore, they may appear too bulky especially around the toes for those who have small feet.
Buying Guide
When choosing the best travel compression socks, the following factors need to be taken into account to optimize for the best socks. Here are some features to look for:
Compression Level
Compression socks range in levels, typically expressed in millimeters of mercury (mmHg). More specifically, the higher the compression level, the tighter the fit of the sock will be. What is important here is to make the right choice of the desired compression level. For instance, mild swelling and fatigue call for a 15-20 mmHg while moderate swelling, varicose veins call for a 20-30 mmHg.
Material
Compression socks can be made from many types of materials such as cotton, nylon, spandex, and polyester among others. The material that you will use will of course depend on your taste and requirements. For instance, cotton is soft and allows air to pass through while nylon is hard wearing but light.
Size and Fit
The size and fit of the compression socks are important aspects that need to be considered when purchasing them. A sock that is tight will be uncomfortable to wear while one that is loose will not give the required compression. Make sure you measure the circumference of your ankle, calf and thigh so that you do not get a wrong size.
Style
There are various types of compression socks and they include; knee-high, thigh-high, and ankle-high. Calf-high socks are the most common and offer pressure on the calf and just below the knee. Thigh-high socks offer support for the entire length of the leg while ankle-high socks are useful for moderate leg swelling and fatigue.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of wearing compression socks for travel?
During travel, it is advisable to wear compression socks in order to enhance circulation, minimize soreness, and deter blood coagulation. They can also be helpful in reducing pain and tiredness in the legs.
What factors should be considered when choosing compression socks for travel?
When selecting compression socks for travel, it is crucial to consider compression level, fabric type, and size. For travel, it is advisable to select the sock with a compression rating of 15-20 mmHg.
What are the top recommended compression socks for long flights?
Physix Gear, SB Sox, and Wanderlust are some of the top recommended compression socks for long flights. These brands come with various compression degrees, fabrics, and models to select from.
Are there any specific mmHg compression socks recommended for flying?
It is recommended to wear compression socks with up to 15-20 mmHg during the flight. However, anyone experiencing a medical condition or anyone being advised by a healthcare professional to use a higher level of compression should do so.
Can wearing compression socks help prevent DVT during travel?
Compression stockings should be worn to increase blood circulation and avoid blood clots that may cause DVT. However, one must remember that compression socks should be utilized in addition to other precautionary methods like drinking water, walking on the flight, or not crossing your legs.
What is the difference between compression socks and travel socks?
Compression socks are intended to enhance circulation and prevent fluid retention in the legs while travel socks are intended to be worn for lengthy periods of sitting or standing. Travel socks are generally looser and provide less compression in comparison to compression socks.
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