- Why Do You Need to Wear Compression Socks When Traveling?
- What Are the Different Types of Compression Socks?
- How Much Pressure Is Enough for Compression Socks for Travel?
- How Long Should You Wear Compression Socks When Traveling?
- Our Top Picks for the Best Compression Socks for Travel
- And the Best Compression Socks for Travel Is . . .
Aside from the destination, the long ride is one of the things that make traveling enjoyable. However, it also brings a major inconvenience—leg and feet swelling. Have you experienced this? Then maybe it’s time to find the best compression socks for travel for you.
Why Do You Need to Wear Compression Socks When Traveling?
You’ve probably experienced traveling by plane or by car and just sitting there for hours on end. Then, your legs would occasionally feel either numb, painful, or swollen. Many of us experience this when traveling.
Why is that? It’s because sitting for a long time can reduce the flow of blood in your lower extremities. Compression socks address this by providing a tight enough fit for improved blood circulation. It prevents the blood from pooling into only one place. As a result, it lessens the swelling you feel while traveling.
The best compression socks for travel can give you the following benefits:
- Improved blood flow and circulation
- Decreased discomfort and pain
- Reduced foot odor and sweating
What Are the Different Types of Compression Socks?
You have many choices for the best compression socks for travel. Mainly, it would depend on the severity of the pain and swelling you usually experience.
Here are the different types of compression socks and what they address:
- Ankle-length. This is the best compression socks for travel if there is swelling only in your toes and ankle.
- Knee-length. If you usually experience swelling in your entire calf when traveling, knee-length compression socks would suit you best. They are breathable and can reduce the discomfort in your lower legs.
- Thigh-high. Finally, thigh-high compression socks are the top choice if you have varicose veins that hurt after a long trip.
How Much Pressure Is Enough for Compression Socks for Travel?
Aside from the different lengths of compression socks, the pressure level would determine the best pair for you. You can measure this in mmHg or millimeter of mercury. In a nutshell, the higher the mmHg, the tighter the compression.
Generally, you wouldn’t want anything less than 15 mmHg because that’d be too light. For most people without underlying health conditions, 15 to 20 mmHg would be suitable. Meanwhile, the 20 to 30 mmHg range is considered medical-grade compression socks. Wear them if you suffer from conditions such as edema (leg swelling), varicose veins, and diabetes.
How Long Should You Wear Compression Socks When Traveling?
Generally, it would be best if you put on your compression socks at least two hours before traveling. You must keep them on until you reach your destination. This way, you can prevent the risk of developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or the formation of clots in the deep veins of the legs.
You can wear compression socks for travel as long as you feel comfortable with them. However, note that you must take them off when you go to sleep unless you’re on an overnight ride. Otherwise, you may develop skin irritation and experience itching.
Our Top Picks for the Best Compression Socks for Travel
If you’re not quite sure which pair would suit you, fret not! In this section, we’ll take a look at our top picks for the best compression socks for travel.
1. Physix Gear Compression Socks for Men and Women
If you’re looking for compression socks for travel with firm pressure, look no further. The Physix Gear Compression Socks for Men and Women could be a good fit for you.
With a 20 to 30 mmHg pressure, it’s effective in boosting circulation during long travels. You will appreciate these socks even more, especially if you frequently develop leg cramps. Not only is it durable, but it also provides excellent comfort and breathability. It offers calf and foot support with its top-grade compression technology.
What we love about these socks is it keeps your legs warm when you’re traveling to cold places. Its Lycra fabric retains its softness while offering support and preventing moisture.
You can also say goodbye to dull and boring sock designs. The Physix Compression Socks come with top-notch aesthetics. You can mix and match its stylish ombre designs with your OOTD.
The only downside to these socks is it’s a bit of a pain to wear. However, once you get it on, you’ll get comfortable with its robust shape and foot support.
| Pros |
| It has a 20 to 30 mmHg pressure that suits people with medical conditions like varicose veins or edema. |
| The Lycra fabric is antibacterial and retains the compression and shape even after washing. |
| It comes with different sizes for both men and women. |
| The Physix Gear Compression Socks have a low-rub feel that is ideal for long rides and flights. |
| You can choose from among a variety of colors and designs. |
| Cons |
| Machine-drying of the socks may cause it to shrink. |
| Some people may find difficulties getting the socks on at the first wear. |
2. Wanderlust Travel Compression Socks
The Wanderlust Travel Compression Socks has an advanced compression technology that works to ease fatigue and swelling. We also love that it features a soft foot padding for extra impact support.
Also, if you’re like me who doesn’t like getting sockprints, you’ll like its cuff adjustment. Its build keeps you from pulling the socks again and again and keeps it secured on your calf. You also won’t need to worry about getting blisters from repeated friction with its seamless toe enclosure. Its graduated support is suitable if you have preexisting foot or leg conditions.
The socks are built to last even after several washes because they do not lose their compression and fit. Although it has a plain design, you can easily incorporate it with your outfit without seeming over the top.
Overall, this one of our choices for the best compression socks for travel for its endurance, support, comfort, and breathability. It reduces the risk of cramps and DVT while increasing your stamina during long travels.
| Pros |
| It works best for long flights or car rides. |
| These compression socks are machine-washable. |
| It has a true-graded compression that doctors recommend for blood circulation. |
| The socks’ technology provides the right amount of support for swelling and vascular toning. |
| It has a soft foot padding that elevates your arch’s support. |
| Unlike other compression socks, it has a secure fit to minimize adjustments once worn. |
| Its toe enclosure prevents toe blisters. |
| Cons |
| There is a limited choice of colors and designs. |
| It may take some effort to put them on. |
| Some users say the socks barely reach knee length. |
3. JOBST Relief Thigh High 15–20 mmHg Compression Stockings
If you’re looking for the best compression socks for travel that are full-length, these compression socks could be a good fit for you. The JOBST Relief Thigh High 15–20 mmHg Compression Stockings offers excellent support to prevent DVT development. You can wear them for an extended period during long flights and land rides.
It features a 3D knitting structure that utilizes spandex yarn, providing breathability and comfort. Its material can also prevent the buildup of odor even after a whole day of wearing it.
We also love that it’s latex-free, and we didn’t experience itching or irritation when trying them on. So this might be a good fit for you if you have sensitive skin.
What makes these compression socks stand out from other contenders for the best compression socks for travel is its silicone dot band feature. It allows the socks to fit around your thigh without slipping or rolling. You will appreciate this, especially if you frequently move your legs when sitting. You won’t need to worry about pulling them up repeatedly, which usually happens with other thigh-high socks.
| Pros |
| It provides a 15 to 20 mmHg compression for mobility and comfort. |
| It has a nonslip feature with its silicone dot band. |
| You can wear the socks all day with its soft spandex yarn. |
| It provides clear instructions and guides for its wear and care. |
| The socks are machine-washable and are made to last. |
| Cons |
| The heels wear out easily. |
| It leaves marks on the skin after some time of wearing it. |
| You may find difficulty putting the socks on and getting them off. |
| Some users found that the sizes are not precise, as indicated. |
4. Swiftwick ASPIRE Twelve Lightweight Knee-High Socks
The Swiftwick ASPIRE Twelve Lightweight Knee-High Socks are high-performance compression socks for travel. It offers firm compression that relieves pain and swelling during long air travels. It’s also versatile, so you can wear it as your regular socks when going around your destination. You can also use it when you’re participating in endurance activities.
What makes these socks unique is the Olefin fiber, Swiftwick’s signature material. It has a lightweight property for comfortable and blister-free wear. Its minimum cushion promotes breathability as it allows your legs to stay cool and well-ventilated. It also has a moisture-free material that will keep sweat away during a long day.
Furthermore, you’ll appreciate the ventilation provided by the knitted mesh foot bed if you often feel “suffocated” from wearing compression socks. Sometimes, the seam lines make wearing compression socks slightly uncomfortable. But thanks to ASPIRE Twelve’s seamless toe, you can say goodbye to this discomfort.
It also features a Y-shaped heel structure for a snug fit. Therefore, it doesn’t only provide muscle relief, but it also stays secure on your calf. Since it’s knee-high, it gives the maximum support you can get with its contoured fit.
| Pros |
| ASPIRE Twelve has a firm compression that suits long travel periods. |
| The materials of the socks make it possible to use them for high-level activities. |
| The Olefin fiber keeps you sweat- and moisture-free all day. |
| The socks offer breathability and ventilation. |
| It fits the feet perfectly with its Y-shaped heel design. |
| Cons |
| It has a thinner material compared to the others on the list of the best compression socks for travel. |
| It rolls down quite easily, so you may have to pull it up from time to time. |
| Some users say the socks are not long enough, as indicated. |
5. CHARMKING Compression Socks Women & Men
The final item on our list of the best compression socks for travel is CHARMKING’S ankle compression socks. It is the best choice for you if swollen ankles are your top issue when traveling. It addresses the pain and discomfort you feel in your feet and ankles with its medium compression. It’s also an excellent value for its affordable price.
If you want to add some personality to your style, these socks come in different popping colors. Also, since their length is relatively shorter, you can pair them well with skirts or shorts.
What’s good about compression socks of this length is that they fit more snuggly. You won’t be pulling them often as long as you get the right size. CHARMKING Compression Socks’ primary benefit is relieving foot conditions, including heel pain.
Moreover, these compression socks have reinforced heel and toe parts for extra comfort. Aside from that, it is breathable and prevents moisture. Overall, you can also wear these best compression socks for travel and other activities in your itinerary.
| Pros |
| The socks offer a medium 15 to 20 mmHg compression. |
| It comes in a set, offering excellent value for your money. |
| The colors come in either monochromatic or colorful varieties. |
| Its breathable material suits warm weather and locations. |
| The socks are suitable for most activities. |
| It is machine-washable but is not recommended for higher cycles. |
| Cons |
| It only addresses foot and ankle conditions. |
| You have a limited size option since it only comes in S/M or L/XL. |
| Machine-drying can lessen the compression and loosen the material. |
And the Best Compression Socks for Travel Is . . .
While each of our picks for the best compression socks for travel addresses various issues, one of them stood out with its quality—Wanderlust Travel Compression Socks. Its medical-grade compression works to reduce pain in the leg, calf, knee, foot, and ankle. Its top-quality cuffs and soft foot padding work together to provide a snug and comfortable fit.
The pair’s seamless toe construction offers an added comfort as it prevents friction. Its antimicrobial property also decreases odor and moisture for long-lasting wear. Thus, it also reduces the risk of irritation.
