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Free socks with any purchase
Socks are more than just an extra layer of fabric that keep your feet dry. With cutting-edge technology, specialty socks can maintain healthy, supported feet for all your needs.
Whether you’re an athlete, on your feet for long periods of time, or just looking for ways to support blood flow, compression socks can help.
Compression socks (also known as compression stockings) fit snuggly with a durable stretch. They apply pressure to the feet and lower legs to support healthy blood flow, oxygen movement, and comfort in your legs.
Compression socks are especially helpful when it comes to managing discomfort or swelling in the legs and feet. The snug feel of compression socks offers an array of wellness benefits.
There are a few different types of compression socks, each with its own uses and recommendations:
The graduated compression sock is the most recommended type for day-to-day use, which offers maximum support. These can be worn anytime, such as on runs, while resting, or at work.
Compression socks are designed to maintain a healthy blood flow. The graduated pressure provided by the socks gives your blood vessels extra support as they push blood and oxygen up from your feet to your heart.
When you wear compression socks, this blood flow can assist in many necessary functions. While running, this gradual support soothes poor circulation and soreness. While standing and sitting, compression garments soothe aches and pains associated with imbalanced blood pressure or muscle recovery.
Compression socks have many benefits, as they can support performance and comfort in a wide range of activities.
The pressure provided by compression socks supports healthy blood flow. When this blood flow is strong, oxygen moves more readily into your muscle tissue, which is vital for healing and supported recovery. Many athletes seek oxygen flow while working out to support muscle growth.
The gradual compression of your feet, ankles, and lower legs provided by compression socks also combats natural fluid buildup, supporting comfort and soothing swelling. The support of the socks provides a comfortable feel that can fight against the fatigue and aches often associated with running or being on your feet for long periods of time.
Just a few of the many benefits of compression socks include:
Compression socks can be beneficial to just about anyone. The supportive technology and level of compression provide a wide range of benefits that can soothe many common aches, pains, and blood flow issues.
You may want to invest in some compression socks if you are:
The benefits of compression socks are vast, and choosing the right sock for you can bring wellness benefits into your life. Let’s go over some of the specific types of graduated compression socks so you can make an informed decision on which fit your needs.
The compression level is the first thing to consider when looking at compression socks. The level of compression refers to the tightness of the compression sock.
The tighter the sock, the more pressure you will feel on your feet, ankles, and legs. Compression level is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg), which is a unit of pressure also used to measure blood pressure.
Compression levels can be broken down into the following categories:
Compression socks come in an array of styles and lengths, from ankle to thigh-high. Choosing the right sock for you can simply be a matter of style preferences, but can also be an important consideration when managing discomfort and optimizing performance.
If you are up and moving a lot and mostly looking for that extra support and comfort for your feet, an ankle sock with built-in arch support may be all you need. Great for shock absorption, these socks are comfortable, all-day wear.
If you want a bit of extra support for your ankles but aren’t interested in the knee-high or thigh-high look, a good crew compression sock will give you all the performance benefits without the extra length.
For maximum support and comfort, wear a knee- or thigh-high sock. Giving that extra support to your calves and shins will go a long way in supporting your overall wellness, whether recovery or performance.
If you want to go that extra mile, try a specialty sock, like an ice compression sock, which simultaneously provides the comfort of compression and the relief of cooling.
Wearing compression socks should never be painful or uncomfortable; they should provide you with additional comfort throughout the day. If you find that your compression socks are cutting tightly into your skin, opt for a bigger size or a higher length.
For example, if you wear crew-length socks and find that they are too tight around your calf, opt for knee-high socks instead.
Compression socks should be put on first thing in the morning, when your legs and feet are least likely to be swollen from use, and taken off before you go to bed unless otherwise instructed by your doctor.
Compression socks can be comfortable, all-day wear, or worn for your specific needs, like while resting, working, or working out. Just like any other pair of socks, take them off and wash them between uses.
Just like your normal socks, compression socks should be put over the foot first and rolled up the rest of the leg. Make sure your compression socks are pulled up all the way and are smooth.
Avoid bunching or folding your compression socks. Compression socks should fit snugly and closely to your leg for maximum effectiveness and comfort. Folding over the tops of your compression socks may provide unnecessary tightness at the top of the sock, taking away from your comfort.
If you can, buy more than one pair of compression socks so you can wash and dry them between uses and have another pair ready for your next day’s use.
With all the wellness, performance, and recovery benefits of compression socks, it’s no surprise they are widely recommended and encouraged for people of all walks of life. Experience the comfort and support of a good quality compression sock, and you won’t ever look back!
Sources:
Compression Socks: What Are They and Who Needs Them? | Riverside
How to Choose and Use Copression Stockings | WebMD
What You Should Know About Compression Socks | Health Essentials
Benefits of Compression Socks for Runners | The Manual
Compression Running Socks | All About Marathon Training
Understanding Levels of Compression for Stockings | Leg Smart
Oxygen: Implications for Wound Healing | National Library of Medicine
Compression Socks for Arthritis: Do They Help? | Living with Arthritis
