This is officially one of the busiest times of the year to travel. We consider not only long flights and road trips—but also long wait times and transits. Basically, if you plan to travel soon, be prepared to sit. Much. If you’ve just settled into life on the road (or in the air), we strongly recommend equipping yourself with flight essentials to make life more comfortable, such as a neck pillow, books and comfortable shoes. But perhaps the most important (yet forgotten) travel must-have: compression socks.
Summary of the best compression socks:
- Best Overall: Comrad Knee Compression Socks, $28
- Best Budget: Charming Brass Compression Socks (Pack of 3), $14
- Best Style: Bombas Performance Compression Socks, $36
- Best Medical: Jobst Relief Knee High Compression Socks 20-30 mmHg, $36
- Best wicking: Sockwell, Compression Sock, $30
- Best Cushion: FitrelI Compression Socks for Men and Women (Pack of 3), $15
- Best for big calves: Jobst Relief Knee High compression socks 15-20 mmHg, $31
- Best Unisex: Physix Gear Sport, Compression Socks, $19
- Best sport: Comrad Athletic knee high compression socks, $40
- Best arch support: Thorlos, Max cushion for 12-hour shift work (Pack of 3), $25
The importance of compression socks when traveling
Compression socks are a must-have on flights—even if your journey only lasts a few hours. They can help avoid inflammation of the feet and ankles, as well as more serious blood clots that can occur in the long run when you can’t move much.
But related story
According to Eileen Catherine de Grandis, MD, a vascular surgeon at Baptist Health’s Miami Heart and Vascular Institute, compression socks work by compressing your veins to prevent blood from pooling in your legs and feet and carrying them on hand “helps prevent the development of dangerous blood clots and leg swelling during long trips and flights.”
Who should wear compression stockings when traveling?
Basically, compression socks are great for people to wear while on the road (or in the air). All travelers — with the exception of patients with severe peripheral artery disease — will benefit from wearing compression stockings, says Michael Ombrellino, MD, FACS, a board-certified physician. , especially those with a family or personal history of deep vein thrombosis or varicose veins. in vascular surgery at the Cardiovascular Care Team.
What to look for in compression socks for travel
There are countless good compression stockings on the market, but Dr. de Grandis and Dr. Ombrellino recommend looking for ones with a snug fit like 15-20 mmHg or 20-30 mmHg (this level of compression may require a prescription. doctor or chat). with a health care provider).
Whether you’re getting ready to hit the road for a scenic hike or taking a long flight abroad, take these vascular doctor-approved compression socks with you on your next trip. follow your.
Best compression socks for travel
Best overall
Comrades, Knee-high compression stockings — $28.00
Available sizes: SL, with wide width
Crafted with a 15-20 mm Hg compression nylon and spandex blend, Comrad’s knee-high compression socks enhance blood circulation, reduce swelling, and provide relief to your feet on long days. making them the best overall choice and this pair will be the right choice for you during your long upcoming flight or car ride.
Color: 3
Material: nylon and spandex
- Compression 15-20 mmHg
- hygroscopic
- Offered in a variety of sizes
best budget
Brass Compression Socks (Pack of 3) — $14.00
Available sizes: S-XL
For just $14, you can buy three pairs of Charmking compression socks. Made from 15-20 mmHg compression, these socks promote circulation and blood circulation, regardless of distance. Plus, they come in 33 fun colors and patterns, from cute foxes to polka dots.
Color: 33
Material: nylon and spandex
- Good price
- Compression 15-20 mmHg
- Comes in a variety of colors
- The toe area may be too loose for some people
best style
Bombas, Performance Compression Socks — $36.00
Available sizes: SL
For those who need a little more compression, the Bombas Performance Compression Socks are like a hug to your feet. They’re made from a 20-30 mmHg polyester, nylon, spandex and cotton blend for a snug fit and offer arch support thanks to the honeycomb system (a special Bombas design that hugs the arch). Bonus: They come in multicolored fabrics: pink and purple, gray and purple, yellow and gray.
Color: 3
Material: nylon, spandex, polyester, cotton
- Compression 20-30 mmHg
- Architectural support
- Durable
best medical
Jobst, Knee-high compression socks 20-30 mmHg — $36.00
Available sizes: SL
Recommended by Dr. Ombrellino, Jobst socks are manufactured to meet strict medical criteria and this pair provides 20-30 mmHg compression. “This pair is recommended for patients who have severe edema, lymphedema, or are at high risk of developing deep vein thrombosis due to a previous medical condition and are on a long flight or by car”. Stockings are not one-size-fits-all, so you should talk to your doctor.
Color: 2
Material: nylon and spandex
- 20-30 mmHg
- For medical use
- Comes in a variety of sizes
Best dehumidifier
Sockwell, Moderate compression stockings — $30.00
Available sizes: SL
Take it to the next level with Sockwell’s mid-resolution compression socks. Made with merino wool and a blend of rayon, nylon, and spandex, this pair is stretchy and moisture-wicking to keep your feet dry and cool all day in the airport or plane.
Color: 15
Material: nylon, spandex, merino wool, bamboo rayon
- hygroscopic
- Compression 15-20 mmHg
- anti-odor
Nhat Dan
FitrelI, Compression Socks for Men and Women (Pack of 3) — $15.00
Available sizes: S-XL
For extra cushioning, Fitrell compression socks are padded, so you can get through airport security comfortably and easily. They are made of 20-30 mmHg compression fabric (think: polyamide, polyester, and spandex) for those who need extra support.
Color: 5
Material: polyamide, polyester, spandex
- Compression 20-30 mmHg
- fresh air
- cushion
Best for big calves
Jobst, Knee-high compression socks 15-20 mmHg — $31.00
Available sizes: S-XL
Jobst is the one-stop shop for all things medical socks and these socks have 15-20 mmHg compression, ideal for long plane or train trips. Available in different sizes, from small to extra-large, petite (ideal for those with larger calves).
Color: 2
Material: elastic
- Compression 15-20 mmHg
- Comes in a variety of sizes
- medical grade
The best unisex
Physix Gear Sport, compression socks for men and women — $19.00
Available sizes: S-2XL
With medical-grade compression of 20-30 mmHg, the Physix Gear Sport compression socks are ideal for everyone. They’re made from a blend of nylon and spandex, making them stretchy, and come in black with 13 heel colors.
Color: 13
Material: nylon and spandex
- Compression 20-30 mmHg
- Elasticity
- Ideal for sports
Best for running
Comrades, Sports Knee High Compression Socks — $40.00
Available sizes: S-XL
Comrad knee-high compression socks take your game to the next level. Made from a blend of nylon, spandex and cotton, these socks have a compression ratio of 20-30 mmHg, wick away moisture and keep odors at bay, making them ideal for running or sports.
Color: 2
Material: nylon, spandex, cotton, polyester
- anti-odor
- hygroscopic
- Compression 20-30 mmHg
Best arch support
Thorlos, Max cushion for 12-hour shift work (Package 3) — $25.00
Available sizes: M-XL
If you spend a lot of time on your feet, look no further than Thorlos 12-Hour Shift cushioned socks. As the name suggests, these socks are meant to protect your feet and heels with cushioning in the heel, forefoot, sidewall, and toe. This minimizes friction and keeps your heels pain-free (goodbye, blisters).
Color: 3
Material: acrylic, nylon, elastic, polyester
- cushion
- Provide arch compression
- reduce friction
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