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Traveling can take a toll on your body, especially during a long flight, where sitting for extended periods can lead to discomfort and even health risks. Enter one of our favorite travel tips: compression socks. From mild to graduated to moderate, travel compression socks keep your blood moving to improve circulation and reduce swelling.
Ideal for everyday wear once you’ve arrived at your destination, we’ve put together our list of the best compression socks for travel and included each company’s sustainability story when available.
The short of it:
- Overall Pick: Sockwell Graduated Compression Socks
- Pro Compression: Physix Gear Compression Socks
- Moderate Compression Socks: Sockwell Moderate Compression Socks
- Wide Calf: Wellow Compression Socks
- Merino Wool Compression Socks: Smartwool Women’s Run Targeted Cushion Socks
- Medical Grade Compression: Nurse Mates
If you know what you’re looking for, jump ahead to our list of product recommendations.
Here’s Why People Wear Compression Socks For Travel
While compression socks may be used for everyday comfort, in exercise, during pregnancy, in the workplace, and for medical conditions, travelers use them for some of the following reasons:
- Enhanced Circulation: They help improve blood flow and circulation, reducing the risk of blood clots, especially during long periods of inactivity like flights or car rides.
- Reduced Swelling: Wearing compression socks can minimize swelling in the feet and ankles, a common issue during travel.
- Lower Risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): Anti-embolism stockings, often referred to as TED (thrombo-embolic deterrent), reduce the risk of DVT and other forms of venous thromboembolism (VTE), a serious condition where blood clots form in deep veins.
- Support Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI): Venous insufficiency is a condition characterized by poor blood return from the leg veins up to the heart, typically caused by damaged or weak vein valves that allow blood to pool in the legs.
- Comfort: Compression socks can increase comfort during travel by reducing leg pain and fatigue.
- Faster Recovery: For travelers who are active during their trips, these socks can help muscles recover more quickly from walking, hiking, or extended periods of physical activity.
- Temperature Regulation: Some compression socks also offer moisture-wicking and temperature-regulating properties, keeping feet dry and comfortable in various climates.
If you require medical compression socks for travel, be certain to confirm with your doctor which socks meet your health needs.
Choosing the Right Compression Socks
- Graduated vs. Non-Graduated: Graduated compression socks are tighter at the ankle, lessening upwards, which makes them ideal for circulation and reducing swelling, whereas non-graduated compression socks apply pressure uniformly and are suitable for localized issues.
- Fit: The socks should have a snug, comfortable fit without pinching or being too tight, which could impede circulation rather than improve it.
- Material: Opt for breathable, moisture-wicking combination fabrics, like a wool or viscose blend, for comfort and durability with socks. Compression stockings are typically made entirely from synthetic material.
- Compression Level: Compression socks are measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg), indicating the amount of compression a garment applies to a body. The higher the mmHg, the more pressure the garment exerts:
- Light (15-20 mmHg): Mild swelling and fatigue.
- Moderate (20-30 mmHg): For travel, varicose veins, and extended sitting or standing.
- Firm (30-40 mmHg) and Extra Firm (40+ mmHg): Severe varicose veins and post-surgical recovery.
- Height: Most compression socks are knee-high. However, your doctor may recommend a thigh-high compression garment to support the lower leg.
Best Compression Socks for Travel
Choosing the right compression socks can make a big difference when preparing for long-haul flights. Where air travel often leads to swollen ankles and leg fatigue, compression socks help to keep your legs comfortable and supported.
Sockwell | Graduated Compression Socks
Sockwell’s Graduated Compression Socks redefine comfort for travelers with four zones of moderate (15-20 mmHg) graduated compression. While these are great as everyday compression socks, they shine on long-haul flights, helping to minimize swelling, reduce fatigue, regulate temperature, and energize legs. Featuring a sophisticated design, Accu-fit Technology and Ultra Light Cushion Sole for enhanced comfort, and high-performance yarns for moisture management and odor control. Added bonus: they relieve mild to moderate varicose veins and are accepted by the American Podriatic Medical Association.
Read Sockwell’s Sustainability Story
Shop: $30 on Amazon | $30 at Sockwell
Smartwool | Women’s Run Compression Over The Calf Sock
Crafted from a blend of 49% Merino wool, 12% Nylon, 31% Recycled Nylon, and 8% Elastane, the Smartwool Women’s Run Targeted Cushion Merino Wool Compression Sock are not only environmentally conscious but also designed for peak durability and comfort. Intended for running, they also work well on planes for mild to medium compression. We love the targeted foot cushioning in high-impact areas such as the toe and heel, flat-knit seam toe, and thin wool design. The over-the-calf fit ensures no chafing, making them functional on walking tours beyond a long-haul flight. The natural properties of Merino wool — superior moisture-wicking, odor resistance, and temperature regulation — are always a win, especially with Smartwool’s advanced Indestructawool technology for lasting wear.
Read Smartwool’s 2030 Sustainability Goals
Shop: $40 on Amazon | $41 at Smartwool
Physix Gear | Compression Socks
Physix Compression Socks blend style with effective support, embodying confidence with each step. These socks utilize gradient compression technology to optimize performance, especially in activities that heavily engage the legs or prolonged sitting. A good choice for athletic compression socks and a great choice for travel. The targeted arch-to-calf compression enhances circulation, boosts oxygen flow, and speeds recovery, making them versatile for everything from daily wear to combating varicose veins and leg swelling. Designed for comfort, they fit well for both day and night use, unlike traditional stiff medical varieties.
Shop: $20 on Amazon | $20 at Physix Gear
Wellow | Compression Socks
A sock that is stylish and functional? Wellow socks are solely dedicated to making the cutest pair of compression socks on the planet, available in elegant Dot and playful Twist collections and a variety of sizing (including wide calf compression socks). With an 18-25 mmHg compression level, the WellowFit design enhances circulation without feeling constrictive. These socks are made from high-quality, moisture-wicking materials (hello bamboo) and feature antimicrobial properties to reduce odor, making them ideal for prolonged wear during travel. Shipped to you in recycled packaging and a biodegradable bag.
Shop: $30 at Wellow
Sockwell | Circulator Moderate Graduated Compression Socks
Our pick for a moderate graduated compression sock: The Sockwell Circulator Performance Compression Socks. With compression at 15-20 mmHg across four zones and an ultra-light cushion sole and smooth toe seam to ensure enhanced comfort, they are ideal for prolonged travel. Crafted from American-grown Merino wool, these socks regulate temperature, control odors, and keep feet dry, supporting health by reducing swelling, slowing varicose vein development, and alleviating plantar fasciitis pain.
Read Sockwell’s Sustainability Story
Shop: $30 on Amazon | $30 at Sockwell
FIGS | Compression Socks
FIGS compression socks are called 100% Awesome Compression Socks for a reason. Known for fashionable scrubs, FIGS engineered their compression socks with Technical Comfort™ to transform 12-hour shifts into feeling like zero. These socks feature light 360° seamless compression to relieve tired and achy legs, with additional toe and heel padding to provide extra cushioning where you need it most. We especially love the sustainably sourced yarn.
Read The FIGS 2023 Impact Report
Shop: $28 at FIGS
Nurse Mates | Medical Grade Compression Socks
Superior comfort and style are at the top of Nurse Mates medical compression socks, designed in classic colors and timeless patterns. Featuring their highest level of compression at 20-30 mmHg, these socks promote circulatory wellness, reduce leg pain and swelling, and help prevent varicose veins and Economy Class Syndrome (DVT). Crafted from a lightweight Nylon-Lycra blend, they include a non-constricting toe pocket, a snug heel, and a non-slide welt top band.
Shop: $36 at Nurse Mates
Nurse Mates also offers knee high medical compression stocking, and if you prefer lighter-weight, more subtle support stockings, go with the Sooverki graduated compression stockings.
