Yes, You Really Should Be Wearing Compression Socks
What are the best compression socks for men? Great question. If you’re here, you already trust the GQ imprimatur on all matters style, wellness, and grooming. But dispensing medical advice, as our friends and family are wont to remind us, isn’t exactly our primary MO. So, what makes us qualified to weigh in? We don’t have a DPT in an obscure branch of electrophysiology—or, for that matter, a color-coded Excel spreadsheet that keeps track of our weekly flight itineraries. What we do have, though, is access to a deep network of high-profile MDs, gym rats, and travel gurus, each with their own intense feelings about the compression socks you should invest in today.
So in lieu of blowing our entire annual budget on a frighteningly realistic cockpit simulator—or, like, an advanced degree in podiatry—we rang up every relevant contact in our Rolodex to corral tricks of the trade from the specialists who know best. The results of our exhaustive canvassing? A comprehensive guide to all the compression socks for men worth noting right now, whether you’re gearing up for your next transatlantic flight or looking to milk maximum mileage out of your early-morning runs. Here’s where to start.
The Best Compression Socks, According to GQ
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In This Guide
Best Compression Socks Overall: Bombas Everyday Compression Socks
Bombas
Everyday Compression Socks
Bombas has been a go-to for sock shopping for years at this point, making such a good pair of toe warmers that we’ve already awarded the brand the best socks overall. In the compression sock category, Bombas takes the gold again. “[Bombas] provide a great level of support and cushion without sacrificing anything,” Brad Schaeffer, DPM, a foot and ankle surgeon, says. “They just fit perfectly, honestly.”
These compression socks have the same honeycomb support system around the arch of the foot like the OG pair, except the brand’s added graduated compression so that they’re tightest around the ankle with just a gentle snugness around the calf. The brand claims they’re good for running, but we’d recommend a sports-forward pair of compression socks, just so there’s reinforced padding around the areas of the foot that are most prone to abrasion and discomfort.
Best Compression Socks for Travel: Sockwell Elevation Firm Compression Socks
Sockwell
Elevation Firm Compression Socks
Feet swelling is common for long-haul travelers, especially those who are flying because of the combination of sitting, gravity, and cabin pressure. To combat the slow circulation in the legs, slap on a pair of compression socks and (theoretically) you should be good. These Sockwells offer four zones of graduated compression between 20-30 mmHg, allowing blood to freely flow and improve circulation so that you stay comfortable and avoid potential blood clots. Plus, they’re just damn good socks in general. They have arch support, a lightly cushioned sole, and stay put no matter what shoes you wear. Make sure to wear these on your next flight for first-class comfort for the dogs even if you’re way back in economy.
Best Athletic Compression Socks: Nike Spark Over-The-Calf Compression Running Socks
Nike
Spark Over-The-Calf Compression Running Socks
Sweaty feet? Whether it’s because you need new gym socks or your feet just perspire no matter what, Nike’s Spark socks should be your go-to pick. “I bought [three] pairs and I found them to be very effective,” one Nike reviewer writes. “I have an old wound to left leg and pins and needles [have] become more apparent as I get older. These socks have almost relieved me from pins and needles during normal walking and sitting activities.” The Swoosh’s socks offer padding and support where you need ‘em, giving you even, equal squeezing so that you can finally achieve that PR you’ve been striving for after all these years.
Best Merino Wool Compression Socks: Smartwool Run Compression Over The Calf Socks
Smartwool
Run Compression Over The Calf Socks
Smartwool’s whole schtick is that it uses Merino wool, a material prized for its ability to regulate temperature, wick away moisture, and fight odors, in pretty much all of its products. As a material for socks, Merino wool might rein supreme, letting your feet breathe and stay fresh no matter how long you have them on. The socks offer 20-30mmHG of gradual compression from the foot to the calf, with added durability at high friction points so that these can last longer—no matter how often you wear them.
Best Budget Compression Socks: Charmking Compression Socks (3-Pack)
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Charmking
Compression Socks (3-Pack)
With a near perfect rating on Amazon with over 80,000 reviews, Charmking’s three-pack of compression socks let you take compression for a whirl without having to drop an arm and a leg. “These fit me perfectly and I have large calves,” one reviewer writes. “I think they’re good quality, I washed them and wore them twice and had no issues. They were easy to get on. I wore them for about 12 hours both times and they weren’t uncomfortable.” They’re great for any use, though some have complained that they don’t feel snug enough despite being listed as 15-20mmHg.
Best Compression Socks for Runners: Bandit Lite Run Socks
Bandit
Lite Run Socks w/ Coolmax
Bandit’s at the top of the running apparel game, so it makes sense that its socks would be worth running in. Lightweight as its name implies, these socks feature a breathable mesh on the sole, while sweat-wicking and odor-fighting yarn help you stay fresh on your toes. They’re slightly shorter than the other calf-high socks listed here, but we like these for clocking your miles in comfort. Plus, the Bandit logo is very likely to get you nods of approval from other runners because of the brand’s IYKYK status.
Best Lightweight Compression Socks: Dickies Light Compression Comfort Over-The-Calf Socks
Dickies
Men’s Light Compression Comfort Over-The-Calf Socks
Dickies is in the workwear business, and its socks are the real deal for those who are always on their feet. They feature graduated compression so there’s just the right amount of squeeze for each part of the foot and leg, and reinforcement along the toes offer durability and protection. They’re also moisture wicking in case you do any sweaty work, and when you’re wearing Dickies (and you aren’t a performative male), then you probably are. The fully cushioned bottom is nice to walk on, even if you’re just sitting on a flight, and arch support gives you the support you need to stave off plantar fasciitis.
More Compression Socks We Love
Compression Socks FAQ
Whu should I wear compression socks?
In layman’s terms, compression socks improve blood flow by applying a graduated pressure at the ankles that slowly lessens as it rises up the leg. That pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (or mmHg), typically in a range of 10 to 30. Generally, you’ll need a prescription for socks 30mmHg and above. The higher the pressure, the tighter the socks, and—spoiler alert—if you’re not an old fogey, or plagued with varicose veins, they still deserve a spot in your regular rotation.
Even superficial veins outside your muscles benefit from added support, Ryan Jones, a board-certified surgeon and the founder of Arizona’s Vein Envy, tells us. “Circulation doesn’t care how in-shape you are.”
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.
