Yes, You Really Should Be Wearing Compression Socks (2024)

Compression socks help decrease muscle damage and inflammation as you age, agrees Mohammad Rimawi, a New York City-based podiatrist, but that’s not all they’re good for. Venous insufficiency and other related foot injuries can result from arduous hours on the road or intense, long-distance runs. (To say nothing of the havoc a half-day flight will wreak on your lower body.) So if you’re in the habit of clocking an ungodly amount of hours in economy class—or routinely shattering PRs on the track—the right pair of compression socks might help stave off the inevitable march of time when it matters most.

Just be sure to keep an eye out for the specific level of compression of each pair you're clocking. Unless you’re dealing with significant swelling, both doctors generally recommend finding compression socks in the 15-20 mmHg range; too tight, and you run the risk of cutting off circulation entirely.

What are graduated compression socks?

You'll notice that we picked a lot of graduated compression socks. So what does that mean? It's pretty simple: Graduated compression socks offer varying levels of compression. They’re designed to create upward pressure, moving blood up and away from your feet more easily. These socks will have the highest level of compression at the foot and heel, medium compression along the ankle and lower calf, and low compression along the shin, upper calf, and lower knee. According to experts at compression sock brand Vim & Vigr, “by squeezing the leg in this specific way, our legwear can help increase the circulation of freshly oxygenated blood back to your legs."

As an example, graduated compression socks might have a maximum compression of 20-30 mmHg at the bottom, 10-20 mmHg in the middle, and 5-10 mmHg at the top. With lower-quality socks, the lower compression at the top might cause the socks to ride down as you move, but this shouldn’t be a problem with higher-quality products.

Now, the best compression socks for men so you can see what the hype is all about.

The Best Compression Socks, Overall: Jobst Activewear

In the sweet spot 15 to 20 mmHg compression range that our experts recommended, Jones prefers socks from Jobst, whose sleek, mid-priced options hold up particularly well after consistent wear. They keep your feet dry and stay put throughout the day while being easy to take off to let your dogs breathe. Also, instead of having a one-size-fits-all situation, Jobst offers its socks in multiple sizes to help you get the perfect fit.

The Moisture-Wicking Option: Copper Fit

Jones also digs Copper Fit’s more affordable, knee-high versions, which utilize the brand's infamous “copper technology” to help fight odor and wick away moisture. These socks also include added arch support, which the brand says helps to reduce foot and leg fatigue. As one Amazon reviewer writes: “The relief they offer for my leg pain and fatigue is truly remarkable, leaving me with legs that feel revitalized and energized.”

What's the benefit of copper fabric? Some brands use copper-infused materials because of the metal's natural antimicrobial properties, which supposedly help reduce the spread of foot odor. Copper Fit doesn't provide a precise pressure rating for these socks, but they do boast a comfortable cushioned arch as a bonus.

The Best Multi-Pack Compression Socks: SB Sox

Dr. Rimawi’s go-tos are from SB Sox, which he favors for their breathability and moisture-wicking properties, which are pretty huge for preventing excess sweat build-up that can lead to a gnarly case of athlete’s foot. These offer a no-slip cuff for all-day, comfortable wear, and the socks even come in a variety of colors and patterns.

The Best Compression Socks for Serial Travelers: 2XU Vectr Full-Length Socks

If you spend most weeks shuttling between airport terminals, you’re going to need a pair of compression socks specifically designed for your high-flying lifestyle. Don’t believe us? Take it from Isaac Shapiro, a first officer pilot who met his wife—GQ's own Nicole Shapiro!—on…a plane. (Hallmark, feel free to reach out any time.) Shapiro wears compression socks three to four days a week and cycled through myriad less expensive options before, ahem, landing on 2XU's $50 version. He promises you’ll feel the difference.

The Best Splurge Compression Socks for International Travelers: Sigvaris

While working as a private flight attendant, Carolyn Paddock, the founder of In-Flight Insider, always made sure to keep a grip of Sigvaris’ compression socks handy for clients and crew members, especially on longer trips. At around 40 bucks a pop they’re not cheap, but a quality cosign from the pros is tough to beat. Sigvaris also uses a very excellent blend of cotton for supreme comfort, perfect for those long-haul flights or brutally long road trips.

The Best Budget Compression Socks: FuelMeFeet Knee-High Socks (3-Pack)

If you’re panic-shopping a week before takeoff and price is top of mind, there are plenty of options in the budget category, too. David Adler, founder and CEO of The Travel Secret, favors three-packs you can score on the low from Amazon, which come in all sorts of zany patterns and promise to help keep your blood circulating when you’re stuck in a middle seat and opportunities to stretch your legs are few and far between.

Best for Outdoorsmen: MudGear Compression Socks

Martin Soto—an intrepid blogger at the Travel Explorator—also shouts out a pricier option from MudGear. The aptly named brand specializes in compression socks designed to withstand the worst of the elements, all while keeping your feet dry—and perfectly pressurized—in high style. These socks are truly built for the outdoorsiest amongst us. According to the brand, these are the only compression socks that offer padding on the lower leg and calf, which is meant to prevent from injury during a mud run (hence the brand name).

Plus, 7 More Options We Like

Beyond our explicit expert recommendations above, there are also some newer compression socks out there that adhere to our professionals' recommendations and don't look overly geriatric, from trusted sock purveyors like Bombas to the good folks over at Dickie's (so you can discreetly wear yours under a pair of their cargo pants). Here, all of our favorites.