We’ve spent years testing 20+ compression socks — these are our favorite pairs

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You’re not imagining it — your legs start to feel heavy, swollen and tired after sitting or standing for a while. If you don’t move around every 60 to 90 minutes, fluid starts to build up in your lower body, which creates that uncomfortable feeling, says Dr. Khurram Khan , a professor and chairman at Temple University’s School of Podiatric Medicine. Getting up and walking may help, but to really alleviate aches and pains (or prevent them in the first place), try wearing compression socks.

“The main action of compression socks is to help your veins work better,” says Dr. Tamara Horwich , a professor at The University of California, Los Angeles and the medical director for the university’s cardiac rehabilitation program. They push blood in your legs back to your heart, improving circulation so more oxygen gets to the tissues.

Compression socks are ideal for those whose job requires them to sit or stand all day, and the experts I talked to also recommend using them after a long run or tough workout , during pregnancy and on long flights. Read on to learn everything that doctors want you to know about buying and wearing compression socks. The NBC Select staff also spent two years testing over 20 pairs to recommend the best options.

Selected. Our top picks

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The best compression socks of 2026

The compression socks below are our testers’ top picks. Each pair has a knee-high length, is machine-washable and is available in various colors and patterns. Most compression socks are sold in unisex sizes — use the chart on brands’ websites to find the right fit for you.

Best overall

Ostrichpillow Bamboo Compression Socks

Ostrichpillow’s knee-high compression socks, an NBC Select Wellness Award winner, is the most beloved pair among our testers. “They’re so comfortable, and the compression isn’t constricting at all, but it definitely works,” says former NBC Select editorial projects manager Rebecca Rodriguez . “I wore them for over five hours of a 13 hour flight and I was shocked by how great my legs and feet felt after sitting for so long. They weren’t tired at all.”

NBC Select senior editor Nikki Brown says these compression socks’ pressure level are “so close to perfect.” Unlike other options she’s tried, they don’t slip down her legs thanks to their elastic cuff. The socks maintain their integrity over time, too. “The material is a really great quality, and it still looks and feels like new after multiple washes,” says Brown.

Ostrichpillow’s compression socks are made in part from breathable natural bamboo fibers, which have antibacterial and odor control properties, according to the brand. They have an extra cushioned sole area, as well as reinforced heel and toe areas.

Best firm pressure

Physix Gear Compression Socks

Because they’re the most compressive option I own, I don’t wear these socks daily — they can be challenging to put on and take off, and since they squeeze my legs more than other options, I can only comfortably wear them for a few hours a time. That said, I rely on them when my legs, feet and ankles feel extra tired, like after I run over 10 miles or spent a day standing on set. I also tend to get shin splints when I run on the treadmill in the winter, and they’re a lifesaver for recovery.

These compression socks are made from a thinner material, so I usually wear them under loose pants like joggers. Their higher compression level helps them stay in place on my body. The socks are also durable — I’ve owned mine for at least three years and they’re still in great condition.

Expert pick

Wellow Knee High Compression Socks

While the NBC Select staff didn’t test Wellow’s compression socks, they come highly recommended by Dr. Priya Parthasarathy , a podiatrist at the Foot & Ankle Specialists of the Mid-Atlantic, so they’re worth considering. “I really love these for daily wear because they’re comfortable, breathable and easy to put on,” she says. “I wear them on my surgery days as I’m mostly standing throughout the day. I also wore them when I was pregnant to prevent varicose veins, spider veins and fatigue. They definitely make my feet and legs feel much less tired.”

Wellow’s compression socks have a seamless heel and toe, as well as a blister tab by the ankle to prevent chafing and a double-lined cuff, according to the brand. They’re made with a breathable, sweat-wicking, antimicrobial, odor-resistant fabric. Wellow says you can stretch the socks’ calf area to be 19 inches wide, giving you lots of room to put your leg through.

Best for exercise

Feetures Compression Knee-High Socks

I’m a big fan of Feetures’ basic athletic socks , so it’s no surprise that I gravitate toward its compression socks for exercising. I typically wear them on shorter recovery runs in the days after my long-distance runs, which is when my legs tend to feel the most fatigued and need extra support. These compression socks are the most moisture-wicking pair I tested, so I don’t worry about them getting sweaty during workouts. They’re also very breathable because there’s mesh on the top of the sock to provide ventilation.

Feetures’ compression socks have built-in arch support , as well as seamless toe and heel areas to eliminate friction and reduce the chance of blisters , according to the brand. They’re lightly cushioned, sufficiently padding my feet without making my sneakers feel tighter. I never adjust them while I’m running. Once I pull them up my legs, they stay in place for hours.

Best for recovery

Bombas Everyday Compression Socks

I typically walk over 15,000 steps a day in New York City, and around dinnertime, my legs start to feel like they weigh a million pounds. I’ve made it a habit to wear these compression socks almost daily for a few hours to relieve some tension. They have gentle, non-restricting yet noticeable compression, and they’re slightly stretchy, so they’re easy to put on and take off. Their fabric is also soft, cushioned and quite cozy. It’s a bit thicker compared to other compression socks I’ve tried, but it doesn’t make me overheat. Plus, the socks never bunch up, move around or slip down when I wear them.

Additionally, I find the look of these socks to be much more stylish than many other options in my closet. Sometimes compression socks look too much like they came from a doctor’s office for my taste, but you wouldn’t know these are compression socks by looking at them. Bombas’ compression socks have a seamless toe to prevent chafing and arch support in the midfoot area.

Best for daily wear

Comrad CloudCotton Compression Socks

“These are the most comfortable compression socks I’ve ever used,” says NBC Select updates editor Mili Godio . “They’re super soft, which makes them easy to wear for hours at a time.” Comrad’s compression socks have extra cushioning in the toe and heel, areas that typically see the most wear and tear. That cushioning makes the sock more durable and helps it absorb shock every time your foot makes contact with the ground while walking, according to the brand. The sock’s dual-layer cuff also prevents it from slipping down your leg.

Comrad’s compression sock is designed to mirror the shape of the foot and leg, so getting them on your body is a breeze. “Unlike so many other compression socks out there, they’re easy to put on and take off, so I reach for them over most others,” says Godio.

How to shop for compression socks

Type, pressure level and material are three of the most important aspects of a compression sock to consider while shopping. Here’s what experts suggest thinking about to help you narrow down your choices.

Type

There are two types of compression socks:

Pressure level

The amount of pressure that compression socks apply is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg), says Horwich. Here’s what to know about different pressure levels, according to Khan.

It’s important to keep in mind that the more compressive a sock is, the harder it is to get on and off your body, says Parthasarathy. People often don’t wear compression socks as much as they should if putting them on and taking them off is challenging, so a mild to moderate amount of pressure is the sweet spot for most people — you get the benefits of compression socks and won’t dread getting your legs in them, says Parthasarathy.

Style

Most compression socks are closed-toe knee-highs, says Horwich. They also come as ankle-length socks, which support the feet and ankles, but neglect the calf, which is often where there’s swelling and fluid-buildup, says Khan. Brands also make open-toed compression socks, as well as those that don’t cover your foot at all, so they resemble leg warmers.

Choosing a style ultimately depends on where you want to feel pressure, but Parthasarathy says the higher, the better. “Higher styles distribute the compression more evenly and help the blood circulate more efficiently than just ankle socks,” she says. However, if you notice the most discomfort in your ankles and calves and your feet are generally fine, open-toed compression socks may be a good option. There’s also thigh-high and waist-high compression socks, but Khan says you shouldn’t wear them unless you have certain medical conditions and are under a doctor’s supervision.

How we tested compression socks

In the past two years, we’ve tested about 20 pairs of compression socks, and considered the following factors along the way:

Frequently asked questions

When you sit or stand for a prolonged period of time, fluid gradually builds up in your lower body, leading to tired, achy and swollen legs, feet and ankles. Compression socks gently squeeze these areas of your body to help push blood back toward your heart, thus improving circulation, reducing swelling and preventing blood from pooling in the lower legs, says Khan. These specialized socks can also help your body absorb excess fluid that might otherwise collect in the tissues, which is especially beneficial for those who have conditions like chronic swelling or vein issues.