Compression socks, fad or rad?
Posted by lovelyb1ch66@reddit | GenX | View on Reddit | 129 comments
I’m on my feet all day for work and I also hike long distances when I can get out in the backcountry and a friend of mine recommended compression socks. I have a couple of smaller varicose veins but mainly my legs are just tired at the end of the day. And also I’m being fed ads for them all over the place, they seem to be pretty popular. How effective are they? Are they comfortable even in hot weather? Any particular brand/kind that are better?
BeebsMuhQueen@reddit
I prefer compression leggings for my whole lower body. I have positional orthostatic hypertension (no matter my weight or whatever) so I need support and movement (they are expensive, though)
Komaisnotsalty@reddit
I work from home and am at my desk for hours a day. I get up to walk and I walk after work a fair bit too, just to stay active, but in summer when the head cranks up, and because I have a mild heart condition, my calves & feet will swell.
So yep, I wear compression socks. I wear runner's socks though: the medical grade ones are too tight (imo) and too fucking ugly. I'm not ready to be 90 year old Aunt Ethel. Mine are black with blue gradient stripes and a blue heel & toes so they at least look cool.
They really do help though. They don't eliminate the swelling entirely. I still have to put the work in: drinking water, lowering salt (and I'm a salty gal more than sugary sweets), and exercising, but the socks really do help. I don't find them too hot or anything at all and you can find them for normal calves, big calves, fat calves - all sizes.
Scott43206@reddit
Personally I do best with the medical grade (look for 20-30mmHg from a good brand like Sockwell, Bombas, etc) to reduce swelling. My swelling happens when I'm less active so I tend to wear mine in the evening and/or sleep in them. My legs look amazing all day long afterwards, like I just finished an intense leg day workout at the gym, LOL.
Ilsluggo@reddit
Currently in last day of a six day hike. I’ve been alternating between hiking socks and compression socks daily. I can really feel the difference between the two. Legs are much fresher at the end of along day in compression socks.
big65@reddit
Just get dome full length football socks, compression socks are for old people and those who have certain medical issues where they get fluid build up in their legs. Since you hike you're not old nor have big medical issues so the full calf length socks will work fine for compression purposes, I use them at work and it's helpful.
SillyNluv@reddit
Dude. This is just wrong.
big65@reddit
Hit a nerve? I've been dealing with some swelling in my feet and ankles from long periods of being on my feet and high blood pressure, I switched from non visible socks to full length calf ( foot ball socks ) and they provide enough compression to stop the swelling and ease the pain from ankle and leg fatigue.
Addressing the foot pain is easy enough once you have a stride evalution done to get a recommendation for the right type of shoe for daily wear.
SillyNluv@reddit
It does bother me when people give bad advice.
I'm glad this worked for you but seriously doubt that it would work for a large enough portion of the population in order to make it good advice.
✌️
big65@reddit
Considering how horrible most Americans diets and health is you're probably right, we are the kings of gluttony and lethargy but we have a Healthcare industry that is designed to push us into sustained medical care instead of solving our issues it's keeping us on pills and devices so maybe my advice isn't so wrong.
JustWatchingthefun01@reddit
Wore a good pair on a 6 hour flight and was pleasantly surprised at how good my ankles felt and no lower leg swelling. Other than that I don’t have issues with swelling so don’t wear them, but my wife does and she swears good ones help a lot in preventing or limiting lower leg swelling specially since she sits most of the day like mw
tattoobliss@reddit
I bought a bunch from Dr. Motion and they're nice, hold up well over time, feel comfy/not too tight but are obviously adding support and they even make "compression" mini socks that I use as slippers, they're thick and squeezey and cute. I probably stop wearing the knee socks as much in the hotter weather but they're not as heavy as the mini socks, not overly hot for me.
PahzTakesPhotos@reddit
You don't have to get the plain medical looking ones. There are a few websites like ViaSox and PlusSock that have patterns and designs. ("Plus" sock has non-plus sizes as well). The non-medical, non-ugly socks also tend to feel better (at least to me).
I've had "unexplained edema" since late 2004. It was misdiagnosed a few times before they finally just shrugged.
-BigDaddyTex@reddit
They have them all over Amazon.
PahzTakesPhotos@reddit
Yes, that too! I actually forgot that they have everything.
My 36 year old daughter had to get some recently. She's a scientist and there was an accident in the lab and she was splashed with some kind of acid. She sort of jumped back, but it splashed onto her legs and easily burned through her jeans. One of her legs had a much larger burn than the other and she had to get compression socks while it healed.
We're still waiting for her supervillain powers to come out. Surely "burned by acid" will make something happen.
-BigDaddyTex@reddit
I like the compression socks for work. And the ones with no feet and leave my feet to breathe at home.
formercotsachick@reddit
Weird edema came for me in menopause. I always wear them when I exercise or am on my feet for a long time. I have a bunch of cute floral ones.
PahzTakesPhotos@reddit
They first said it was because I have fibro and some arthritis. Then perimenopause. Then it was hormonal, but not menopause related. I think they got tired of trying to figure it out and just labeled it as "unexplained".
I have stripes, skulls, leg/foot bones, and some weird wavy lines that aren't stripes but are kind of stripes.
caederus@reddit
Just saying "compression socks" is like saying "a car". There are good ones and bad ones. There is also various levels of compression.
Carlentini1919@reddit
I use them when flying and also at concerts where I’m standing in the pit. My legs feel great and don’t hurt.
caederus@reddit
Another recommendation from the pit.
SillyNluv@reddit
I’ve had good luck with these:
https://a.co/d/0dbfPOFa
My uncle and husband both like them, too.
I was having pain in my legs along the veins on the insides of my legs. These socks made a huge difference. My husband has problems with his feet from standing on concrete all day and these have substantially decreased his discomfort. My uncle has issues with his ankles and feel like these help make him more comfortable.
Charming_Butterfly90@reddit
My partner has arthritis and has had multiple foot surgeries due to construction injuries and he swears by them. Cheap Temu ones are no good. Invest in decent ones, like in $20 range. He says those work best.
Quirky_Operation2885@reddit
I'm actually under doctor's orders to wear them after 30+ years of being on my feet combined with life choices caused vascular issues. As far as summer heat, you get used to it.
Green-Minimum-2401@reddit
Also in my feet all day, and in concrete to boot. Compression socks are the difference between pain and no pain at the end of the day.
PhoenicianInsomniac@reddit
According to my cardiologist, they're necessary. So, rad. I guess. The only real issue is that they're uncomfortably hot to wear here in the desert.
Wacko_Banana_Pants@reddit
Try Point6. They are thin wool and not hot at all
PhoenicianInsomniac@reddit
Good to know, thanks!
RedditSkippy@reddit
I wear them on long flights. I sometimes get restless legs from sitting like that and I think they help.
Forward_Raspberry338@reddit
I’m on my feet all day for work. Compression socks make a huge difference in how my legs and feet feel at the end of the day. The brand I like best is Bombas.
Mjhjane77@reddit
Yes, Bombas as the bomb.
whatisthesoulofaman@reddit
I swear by them. I also have May-Thurner syndrome. So you will never see me without a calfsleeve on the left.
Mjhjane77@reddit
Compression socks are rad. I’ve been wearing them for 15 years. They make such a difference for circulation and can prevent worsening of varicose veins. I won’t go to work without wearing them. Currently, I wear bombas.
little_boots_@reddit
compression socks are popular in ultrarunning. it’s not just an age thing, they can be for everyone. try them and see if they help you.
Terrible_Housing_433@reddit
I hate them. I have fat legs and they cut off my circulation even though they’re advertised to do the opposite.
wraithsonic@reddit
You may want to check on size and level of compression you should use for your leg size. They are not one size fits all.
Terrible_Housing_433@reddit
I’m aware. I bought the ones for fatties.
designsbyintegra@reddit
I feel you on this.
I have huge calfs that are just solid muscle and thin ankles that just just love to swell. I have tried so many different compression stockings. From prescription grade to otc. They have never worked out for me. They cut my circulation off, it’s never enough pressure on my ankles so the fabric just kinda cuts into the swelling.
I gave up on them.
Terrible_Housing_433@reddit
I’m glad to know it’s not just me. My legs are mostly muscle (there’s some fat) but some recent water retention has made them much larger. I hate it. And the doctors are, like, “socks!” But wearing them does the opposite of what I need.
PresidentSuperDog@reddit
Compression socks are amazing if you’re on your feet all day. I’m a pharmacist and I’m not allowed to sit during my shift because some vocal members of the public think it’s looks “unprofessional” and they call and complain and of course corporate always gives in to the complainers.
My favorite company is Sockwell which is made in Chattanooga,TN and they make the most comfortable compression socks I’ve worn.
Vim And Vigr make the prettiest compression socks but I don’t like the toe box stitching.
Amazon has all kinds of cheap crap, some of which might be diamonds in the rough but most of which are synthetic trash.
Wacko_Banana_Pants@reddit
x2 on Sockwell. I also like Point6 because they're wool and lightweight. They're only available in black though
Gerbygup@reddit
X3 for Sockwell. I have large calves and they fit great. I also have some of their shorter versions. I use them for hiking and they make all the difference in my old fluffy lady legs.
kittyshakedown@reddit
People that get paid a ridiculous amount of money to sit around and make choices on what other people do…can’t tolerate the idea of people under them sitting around doing “nothing”. They take like sitting decreases the value of what they are doing.
Retail pharmacy is ridiculous and I can’t imagine worth it. The education, the debt, the time, the pressure, the pay.
Ridiculous.
ShimmerKoi@reddit
It is baffling to me. Four years of undergrad. 4 years of pharmD. And can’t sit down whenever you want because some bimbo that barely graduated high school thinks it looks unprofessional. @@
aMoose_Bit_My_Sister@reddit
this is one reason i shop at Aldi.
PresidentSuperDog@reddit
Honestly, I just don’t understand why anyone listens to these people. If corporate just listened and said thank you for your concerns and did nothing they’d eventually move on to someone else that would pay attention to them. Pharmacy is the most spineless profession, which is terrible because it’s hard to stand all day with no spine.
Briaaanz@reddit
Those charges of "unprofessional", my personal theory is that it does not stem from the public, but rather from corporate or administration wanting to get rid of old pharmacists and nurses who tend to be at the top of the pay scales
No-Reward8036@reddit
I found they cause extraordinary pain in my bad ankle when I take them off. I only wear them now for flying.
KungPaoKidden@reddit
I had the sapphenous vein in my left leg stripped out due to it no longer working properly and causing me issues. Vein specialist recommended and swore by compression socks especially if you are on your feet all day, which I was - 7+ miles of walking in an 8 hour shift. Made a world of difference. I bought some $20 pairs from them and then when they eventually lost elasticity, I grabbed some on Amazon. This eventually lose it as well but the price tag was not as high to replace. Makes a huge difference in comfort and fatigue.
Solid_Variation_6803@reddit
I love compression socks. My faves are Bombas.
97_gEEk@reddit
I’ll just add, consider buying compression calf sleeves instead of compression socks. Unless you really need the compression in your feet (doesn’t sound like you do) you’ll be paying a lot of money for something you’ll throw out once you get holes in the soles. Sleeves give the same benefit as socks but allow you to wear your own socks instead. I used them extensively while training for, and running, half marathons from 2012-2017. I used CEP brand.
lovelyb1ch66@reddit (OP)
Thanks, I didn’t know you could get just sleeves. I do have 3 favourite pairs that I wear hiking, all merino wool. Keeps my feet warm in winter and cool in summer. People don’t get how I can use the same boots all year (Canada) and not get frostbite in winter and swamp foot in the summer.
Right_Sentence8488@reddit
Yup, this is what I've been using for many years. They make all the difference!
Inner-Confidence99@reddit
Copper fit black compression socks are great. They are the only ones I can wear that stay tight. Don’t lose the elasticity in them.
Solo_is_dead@reddit
As long as you're using them for the compression, not the "healing powers of copper" BS then yes they're good.
Sandman4130@reddit
When my achilles ache or flare up they can keep me on the court, track, road etc longer than without.
Wacko_Banana_Pants@reddit
They're like a warm hug...for your feet
lilred7879@reddit
Any flight over 6 hours they make a huge difference.
abstractraj@reddit
Amazing for long flights. You just reminded me for my flight to Japan next Thursday
DanaMarie75038@reddit
It can be a necessity for some and helpful for some if they have the right size. As a physical therapist, I definitely use it.
jaxbravesfan@reddit
I wore them for years as I was on my feet all day at work and they helped a ton. I’ve recently transition to a new role that is a desk job, and I still wear them, just lighter compression.
Briaaanz@reddit
I'm a nurse. I'm had to either sit or stand for 12 hour shifts.
You better believe i wear compression socks.
NotAtAllExciting@reddit
For flying, a godsend.
Signal_Cake5735@reddit
Rad! Love them for travel. Sigavaris for the win!
sfdsquid@reddit
Aren't those for old people?
I'm a toys r us kid.
Professional_Use8237@reddit
Rad! I wear them anytime I know I’m going to be on my feet all day. Makes a huge difference in preventing leg fatigue and aiding recovery.
2zdj03@reddit
I’ve been a kindergarten teacher for 20 years and have worn compression socks the entire time. I found a few companies that make true 20- 30 mmHg graduated compression socks that sell online. Those are the keywords you want to look for to make sure you get actual compression socks. All of mine come in fun designs. I’ve looked at all the ones that have the ads on Instagram, but none say that they are true graduated compression socks with an mmHg rating.
Obahmah@reddit
Thank you for posting this ive slowly been transitioning to taller socks mostly just got crew socks and Carhartt compression right now but im about ready to get some legitimate compression socks. Any brands you can reccomend just as a base to look at. I think the hardest part for me is going to be finding a true size 13 or 12-15 that doesn't pinch the calf too much
2zdj03@reddit
Sure, Go2 socks are my favorite since they have different calf sizes and aren’t too long for my stubby legs. They have a better selection on their own website. I’ve had good results with Newzill, but their socks are longer than Go2 socks.
If you’re new to patterned socks, striped socks don’t leave marks on your skin as the ones with fun designs do. It’s always weird to peel them off after school and have little dents in the shape of sharks or cats on my legs. :)
Obahmah@reddit
They had only 1 option available in the xl size the "nude" color... it was heavily discounted though so I ordered it I can at least see if their sizing works for me.
joelav@reddit
Good ones are rad. CEP
GoinMinoan@reddit
rad. great for swelling.
If your feet sweat, avoid the bamboo and go for wool-based or cotton-based--the natural materials breathe better and you'll have less issues with athlete's foot, etc.
IranticBehaviour@reddit
Rad or fad, they're pricey. I know someone that has to wear them for legitimate medical reasons (they're prescribed for chronic edema), and they start at about $40 a pair for the ones that are strong enough (30mmg/Hg).
I've started to notice a little bit of lower leg swelling later in the day if it's been a longer on-my-feet kinda day, maybe I should give them a try. They're apparently a very good idea for travel, if you're going to be sitting in a car or on a bus/train/plane for hours.
--vgriff--@reddit
Just try the cheaper non medical grade ones first. I personally find the medical ones too tight but I am OBSESSED with my 20-30mmg socks. They make my legs feel so good. They're about $20 for 4 pairs. I cannot recommend them enough.
--vgriff--@reddit
These are my favorite: [LEVSOX Compression Socks] (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CG97KS2L)
Molly_Deconstructing@reddit
RAD all day long and through the night - After 36 years of nursing and a calcium channel blocker- definitely RAD!
They’re TUBULAR too 😉
Abzstrak@reddit
I cannot stand them, the longest I've been able to tolerate them is like 2 hours.
My wife loves and swears by them though
ilikecats415@reddit
Same. In general, I dislike socks and don't wear them unless I have to. But I really dislike the sensation of tight compression socks.
RaulDuke_76@reddit
I was a meter reader for over a decade, walking an average of 20kms per day and did some fairly long trail runs (25-35kms) and compression socks were a big help. I still wear them on flights. There are different levels of compression depending on your preferences and activities.
wellbloom@reddit
I walk about 8 miles a day and I’m very a very average weight/height 56f. What compression level do you recommend?
Simple_Finding9309@reddit
Just start with the 15-20 that you can buy without a prescription
RaulDuke_76@reddit
I don’t know enough to make a recommendation on anything specific. I’d recommend you go to a good running or outdoor store and speak to the staff and try some on.
exgokin@reddit
I wear them after my bike rides. I swear my legs feel better post ride while wearing them. I have the 2XU and CEP brands. If you don’t want to pay for the sporting brands…Futuro will do the same thing without the high prices.
CypressRootsMe@reddit
Rad!!
MoonageDayscream@reddit
I love them but pro tip, with some brands, the fun patterns will still be on your flesh when you take them off, so if you want sexy argyle calves, here's your chance!
Affectionate_Bid5042@reddit
Former vascular sonographer - they're rad! Take care of those vessels. I wear them every day these days, I have quite the collection.
TelevisionKnown8463@reddit
Do they prevent the progression of disease, like chronic venous insufficiency? Or just help with symptoms?
Affectionate_Bid5042@reddit
Worn consistently, they do help prevent progression. That's what I'm doing- I know I have insufficiency but want to keep the varicosities and spider veins to a minimum, as well as the problems downstream from that. Barring that, you can get them treated but I'd rather wear the socks.
Mental-Artist-6157@reddit
RAD AS FUCK bc I adore the sensation of compression. I'm on my feet a fair bit so that's something too.
Street_Roof_7915@reddit
RADDDDDDDDDD
Acceptable_Mark7716@reddit
The title of this post is the most GenX sentence ever written. Bravo! Could’ve been crafted by Cobain himself if he’d made it here with us.
tg1024@reddit
I am that person who wears them with shorts at work. I don't care if it looks silly, they help a lot. I do have some with fun patterns though.
-BigDaddyTex@reddit
I just tell people I’m an athlete. My trainer told me I needed them! 😆
Krazy_Kat_Lady_2025@reddit
Yeah they're not pretty. But they sure do work. Your legs will thank you. Mine was more because I hadn't worked on my feet in years so once I got up and moving again I was able to ditch them. But I won't say they didn't help cuz they absolutely do.
DirtyLikeASewer@reddit
Amazon has some pretty choices available💕
Krazy_Kat_Lady_2025@reddit
I got the ones that went allllll the way up to my knees b/c I was wearing them under jeans or stretch leggings. They were black.
Paperwife2@reddit
The ones I got there were cute but so dang hot. My feet couldn’t breathe in them. I then bought some directly from the manufacturers that are a Marino wool blend and I can even stand wearing them in the heat of summer.
mhiaa173@reddit
I love mine. I'm a teacher, and I always have to wear them the first few weeks of school because my body gets accustomed to not being on my feel as much during break. I don't get as tired, and my feet don't ache when I do.
I also wear them to the gym--they're great for post-workout recovery.
042AF@reddit
Got them for work- long days standing. 15+ years later still want them on and find them comfy. I just got a multi-pack from Amazon and replace as needed. Also like them on flights- makes me less sore overall. Recommend.
GalianoGirl@reddit
Bought my first pair in 2017 when flying to Europe. Have a dozen or so pairs now. They are incredibly comfortable
jbcatl@reddit
I have kidney disease and get mild swelling in my legs throughout the day. They help a ton, just kind of a bummer when it's hot out. I definitely wear them for air travel and for standing at a concert for hours at a time, hiking, etc.
agent211@reddit
I use them for long haul air travel. Rad.
Simple_Finding9309@reddit
I am not overweight and quite healthy but my calves swell by the end of the day. When I wear my Bombas compression knee highs there is no swelling. And yes, I think my legs just feel better when I wear them.
IM_The_Liquor@reddit
My dad actually needed some before he died. His ankles and calf’s would swell to double their normal size… So, I wear his dead guy socks. But I don’t really need them or see any real benefits to doing so.
IMTrick@reddit
Well, that's comforting . I use them occasionally when my feet and ankles swell up.
Just let me know where to send the socks when the time comes.
IM_The_Liquor@reddit
I mean… It’s a shame to waste perfectly good socks, isn’t it?
Paperwife2@reddit
RAD! They are life changing for me. I always wear them when traveling or going for long drives, but even just wearing them on normal days invigorates me. I can see why athletes wear them.
yardkat1971@reddit
I got some very light compression ones in funky patterns and I love them. I have the dorkiest lounge clothes. Purple compression socks, shorts, tshirt and a flannel. I'm really not trying to impress anyone.
HumbleYarnDog@reddit
I've been thinking of getting some for work. Before my factory moved me to another plant I had the option of standing or sitting to do my job, my boss didn't care as long as I did the job. But now.... It's new rules for this plant. I can't use the floor pads they have as the constant slight shifting of my weight while on one irritates my bad knees and in particular makes the one without much cartilage swell and get really mad at me. So I can stand without a cushion but.... Now it's getting hot and I know I'll get edema if I'm hot for 8+ hours.
I can't win.
Maleficent_Bit2033@reddit
They are not a fad. I wear compression socks everyday because I am on my feet 8 plus hours a day and my job requires a lot of walking. The days I don't wear them, I can hardly move by the end of the day. It does matter how much compression the socks do have as there are different ratings much like weighted blankets or similar things. There are also different lengths and styles. Some days I also just wear my compression calf sleeves. It's kind of a try and see what works type of thing. I do suggest you start with lighter compression until you get used to compression of any sort, sometimes this just means ordering a size up or looking at the thickness of the socks or even the material. It takes some experimentation to find what feels good.
Altrebelle@reddit
I wear them when my plantar fasciitis flares up. Might be a placebo thing...but helps me
lovelyb1ch66@reddit (OP)
I had no idea that they helped with that too, I’m prone to it so that’s good to know
heathn@reddit
One of my must have for conferences when I am doing a ton of walking.
arawnsd@reddit
I got them for long flights. Can’t stand them. My wife loves them.
equanimity72@reddit
Pretty!
FictionForest@reddit
I’d wear a whole compression suit if they made those!
Murky_Possibility_68@reddit
I've been wearing these for years.
oboingadoing@reddit
I wear them at work because I wear pants. Otherwise I'm in shorts 99% of the time. I'm not gonna be that guy.
kyriann@reddit
Duluth Trading makes them with padded bottoms. Soooo comfortable for the long shifts!
AgileCount2184@reddit
I got some ankle high ones from Bombas. Love them
Suitable-Time-466@reddit
RAD! Game changing, truly. Started wearing them a few years ago for a long haul flight and trip. Then started wearing them anytime I’ll be standing a while, like a concert or a long day at IKEA. Wearing them to concerts when I’ll be standing for hours is amazing - my feet and calves don’t get sore nor does my lower back. Used to take me a couple of days to recover after a concert and now my body barely notices when I stand for hours.
SocialSyphilis@reddit
I am a long-time user of them and am pretty happy with them. In 2015 or so I went for a scenic drive in the mtns during winter. Came back next day, legs red and itchy and just got worse from there. Exploded into a full-on open wound where my lower legs were basically fragging apart. I thought it was frostbite. Spent a solid 6 weeks in bandages and best doc could figure was some sort of circulation issue, whether frostbite or something else.
Anyway, I wear them religiously now and havent' had a problem since. DOES eat into my cargo shorts time though. Shorts and those socks are definitely a mood killer LOL
Jas62021@reddit
I wear them when flying. Biggest thing is making sure they fit properly
Braincloud@reddit
I love them. Got a few pairs of compression knee highs with cute patterns on them, and I wear them all year round, under skirts in the spring and summer and under cuffed jeans/pants in the fall/winter. I do notice a difference when I’m spending a lot of time on my feet!
blueblocker2000@reddit
They do help.
pixelneer@reddit
Swear by them.
I am in NO way affiliated with this place. CompressionStockings.com
I got some prescribed by my doctor, but I couldn't get the damn things over my calf. Turns out there are varying levels of compression. Who knew? I actually called that websites number asking for advice. They directed me to precisely what I needed.
Anyhow, I wear compression socks now daily. They have made a significant impact on me to reduce swelling, redness, and overall soreness.
Sucks getting old and swapping compression socks tips.. but here we are.
lovelyb1ch66@reddit (OP)
Honestly, yesterday I was asking about which clubs were hot (although I had to use my rotary phone for that) and here I am inquiring about compression socks… Ah time is a cruel mistress…
Thanks for the tips though, I think I’ll look into getting some.
le4t@reddit
I got them so i didn't die, but i find them effective.
The thing about compression socks is that it's mostly synthetics that make them "compress," which means they tend to be warmer, at least in my experience.
That said, I got some that are mostly bamboo from gowith, and I like them and think they're not too warm. They can be kind of a pain to get on and off, though.
-Granby-@reddit
Don't know if they are a fad or rad but I wear them. They can't hurt. Between my beta blocker, my baby aspirin, my walking and my compression socks I figure I am doing myself a solid by reducing my risk of a blood clot.
Jezikhana@reddit
Absolutely rad. I love mine, they make my legs feel better. Is it a cure all? No, of course not. They deffo help.