This guide will review the best compression socks for men in 2020. In addition, we will also look at the main features to consider when choosing a sock, how to care for it and answer some common questions.
Charmking Compression Socks
If you’re looking for a compression sock, look no further than the Charmking Compression Socks.
They help increase circulation during a hike and reduce lactic acid build-up after a hike, but they are also made of a fabric that wicks moisture away and helps keep feet dry.
Hikers and backpackers will love these socks and find them extremely comfortable.
The price is worth it, whether you plan to use them strictly for hiking or during your daily activities.
You won’t be disappointed even if you pay a little more than other socks.
Comrad Companions Knee-High Compression Socks
This is one of the best compression socks for men. In terms of features, comfort, and performance, these compression socks have it all.
These Socks sit at the ideal point of graduated compression between 15 and 25 mmHg. These socks will be super comfortable while providing you with energizing .s. Sitting at the perfect point of graduated compression between 15 and 25 mmHg. With graduated pressure, these socks will work to move blood from the lower parts of your body to your heart, increasing your overall energy.
Whether walking around the house or at the office, these socks also have extra toe cushioning and heels for added comfort.
They can also withstand intense athletic performance, which is excellent for those seeking versatility in a compression sock. Capable of reducing fatigue by pushing lactic acid away from your muscles, these socks are perfect for increasing performance and will help prevent injuries during intense workouts.
Available in a wide range of colors and sizes, most men should have no problem finding the sock that fits their style.
TSO Compression Sock for Travel
As is common for many, when heading towards a cruising altitude of 30,000 feet, swollen feet will quickly occur – which can cause significant discomfort. These socks will ease that discomfort.
Dr. Comfort Compression Socks
Finding the right pair of compression socks can be challenging when managing swelling in the bottoms of your legs and feet.
Quality compression socks designed for swelling will work progressively to help fight gravity and cause blood to rise in your legs. With this constant pressure applied for extended periods, blood has no chance to swell or accumulate at all.
Dr. Comfort compression socks are a perfect choice for men looking to control swelling, which offer moderate compression of 15 to 20 mmHg
Dr. Comfort manufactures a range of socks that are perfect for general use, i.e., they don’t look like compression socks.
Graduated compression helps to minimize swelling and provides arch support and better blood circulation.
These Dr. Comfort compression socks are available in two neutral colors.
They are ideal for various leg conditions, including swelling, leg fatigue, varicose veins, etc.
They are made of nylon and spandex, providing moisture management and odor control.
Bombas Compression Socks for Men
When you’re on your feet all day, a pair of quality compression socks can impact your overall leg fatigue and how you feel at the end of the day.
These socks fight gravity and push blood upwards from the toes to the rest of the body. This increase in blood circulation not only brings relief when you’re standing for long hours but in some cases, it can also improve overall energy through increased circulation.
Although these socks’ performance is exceptional, the details of the sock themselves are remarkable. Made of extra long fiber cotton, it will be soft and comfortable for the skin. A common concern with the inclusion of cotton on compression socks is that it can stretch over time. To counteract this, Bombas also includes other materials, such as polyester, nylon, and spandex, which help the sock stay in place and do not require readjustment throughout the day.
With strategic padding throughout the sock, these socks support where you need them most.
As great as these socks are, Bombas is also a company you’ll be happy to do business with because of its mission. For every pair of socks, they donate one pair to the homeless community – which is pretty cool.
Vitalsox Graduated Compression Socks
Men with mild inflammation of plantar fasciitis love this sock because it offers moderate pressure compression to reduce pain. Still, it’s also closed at the toe and heel, unlike many plantar fasciitis sleeves, which allows it to stay close to the skin without ever moving or needing readjustment.
The construction details of this sock are also remarkable. First, the sock’s sole has a soft padding that provides extra protection and comfort for your feet when you walk or exercise daily. Plus, the ultra-flat toe seam prevents accidental chafing or blisters.
The non-binding cuff doesn’t need to be constantly pulled up or readjusted.
Since these socks were designed for travel, we would be remiss if we didn’t draw attention to a few other details that make travel easier. Whether you are planning a trip through Europe, a safari, or just a weekend hike, travelers have loved the reliability of these socks. This is probably related to the quality of the details Travelsox uses during the construction process. Each sock is inspected in their Italian factory to verify the quality, which allows you to have tremendous confidence in the sock wherever your travels take you.
Sockwell Circulator Compression Socks
Finding the proper compression, warmth, and support level is crucial when hiking in the backcountry.
Made from a blend of 32% merino wool, 32% stretch nylon, 31% bamboo rayon, and 5% spandex, these hiking socks are designed for long-distance travel. Plus, this unique blend of fabrics will be both durable and antimicrobial. When you wear them with your hiking boots, the socks help wick moisture away from your feet for extra comfort.
Plus, this sock has a Y-shaped heel, so you don’t have to worry about the sock slipping into your shoe and requiring constant readjustments when you’re on the trail.
They can be worn all day comfortably long with moderate compression (15-20 mmHg).
Sockwell manufactures a range of socks that are perfect for general use, i.e., they don’t look like compression socks.
Graduated compression helps to minimize swelling and provides arch support and better blood circulation.
Sockwell products are available in six colors, meaning you can wear compression socks anywhere, anytime.
The low price range means you won’t have to break the bank.
Actinput Compression Socks with Zipper
Putting on compression socks can be tricky for some people – mainly if you have limited mobility or are a little older. Compression socks with zippers are designed to combat this difficulty because they are easy to put on and take off.
When we looked at various socks, we found that Actinput socks were the best compression zipper socks available today for several reasons.
First, the zipper is strong. Unlike other inexpensive compression socks, they don’t break after a few uses.
Second, these socks offer 20 to 30 mmHg of firm compression along the entire sock length. Therefore, if you’re looking to reduce swelling, and varicose veins, relieve sore feet, or want to increase blood circulation, you should be pretty satisfied with the results.
Another pleasant aspect of these socks is the opening of the toe hole. Since they were designed to be easy to put on and take off, the opening at the end makes things a little easier to manage.
Available in black and bare colors, these socks can easily be worn discreetly underneath city pants, shorts, or under your favorite pair of socks.
Buyer’s Considerations
Intended Use
Compression socks improve blood circulation and can therefore reduce pain and swelling and reduce the risk of blood clots, making them ideal for the following uses:
Comfort
Some people find them comfortable. They can help you with many things, and if you find yourself stuck at a desk most of the day, sitting in a suit, or standing, compression socks are a great option to help your legs and feet feel better.
Travel
Flying affects your circulatory system; the longer you’re in the air, the worse it gets.
The best compression socks for travel can reduce painful leg swelling from the knee down and help you avoid blood clots if you are generally at risk.
Sports
There are several competing theories as to why compression socks help athletes. The main theory is that compression socks can help provide oxygen to the muscles, improve circulation, and speed up the removal of lactic acid. Another theory says that they decrease muscle vibration on impact, which would reduce pain. None of these theories are definitively proven, but studies show that compression socks help reduce recovery time and improve overall performance.
Medical Purposes
Compression socks, perhaps one of the essential uses, can help reduce the risk of blood clots and profound vein thrombosis. DVT is a specific type of painful blood clot that affects the leg or pelvis and can be life-threatening if it spreads to the lungs or heart. Compression socks can also be used after complications of DVT to help relieve some of the lingering discomforts of the disease.
Type of compression socks
Graduated compression socks are characterized by the pressure from the ankles to the leg. They are designed for mobility and to meet certain health requirements. Due to their specific nature, they may require professional fitting.
On the other hand, uniform compression socks have a constant level of pressure. They are most often used by athletes and fitness enthusiasts for support, although graduated compression socks also seem to offer more pros to these groups.
Compression Level / Compression Rating
The compression level sometimes referred to as the compression ratio, is an essential consideration for people considering wearing compression socks. The pressure exerted on the legs is measured in mmHg (millimeters of mercury).
- Mild, 8-15mmHg – pain relief and reduction of swelling
- Medium, 15-30 mmHg – helps to stop varicose veins
- Firm, 20-30 mmHg – post-surgical coagulation
- Extra-firm, 30-40 mmHg – severe edema and lymphedema
- Prescription, more than 40 mmHg – prescribed to people with severe vein problems to support them
Size
Shape and size are of paramount importance in compression socks.
Depending on the product and manufacturer, the size will depend on size/weight, ankle and calf circumference, or your shoe size.
Material
Compression socks are mostly made from cotton, merino wool, polyester, nylon, bamboo rayon, spandex, and rubber.
Cotton is highly breathable and keeps you cool, but it can be expensive and may not provide the necessary elasticity and stretch on its own. Manufacturers often weave a type of microfiber. It is generally transparent and breathable, a combination of nylon and polyester, easy to clean and stain-resistant, and inexpensive microfiber.
Compression socks used for sports often have spandex and nylon for elasticity, combined, and different weave patterns to allow varying compression levels. This is called tension variance and is essential for hiking socks.
Height and coverage of socks
The height of the socks is an important consideration. Most socks are available in several sizes, from about 5 cm below the knee – the most common length – to the entire leg in some cases. Long hiking socks often extend beyond the knee and are folded. If wearing the socks is not medically necessary, you probably have a choice of where you want the socks to break.