by Daniel | Last Updated September 23rd, 2021
Are you about to go on a long plane ride? If so, you should consider buying compression socks.
Compression socks help to increase blood flow in the legs and help reduce the types of blood clots that are often brought on by long-distance flights. In addition to protecting your health, they can also improve your level of comfort, helping you to feel fresh after landing.
Interested in buying compression socks? Looking for the best compression socks for travel on the market today? Read on to find them.
What to Look for in Compression Socks
When choosing compression socks, there are several things that you need to look for. The most prominent of these things include the following.
Fit and Size
Compression socks come in a variety of different sizes, some of which are designed for the small-statured among us, some of which are designed for the mountainous individuals among us, and many of which accommodate the average human being. As such, when choosing your pair, you need to make sure that you’re buying the proper size.
Each individual manufacturer should have a size chart for you to consult. Not only will it give you your size based on shoe size but on calf size as well.
Remember: you want your compression socks to be snug, but not tight. The point is for them to improve blood flow, not cut it off entirely.
Fabric
Compression socks are made out of a number of different materials. While there is no right or wrong material, there might be a specific material that you’re more comfortable with. For this reason, when making your choice, you need to be cognizant of which material you’re buying.
Some of the most commonly used materials include spandex, nylon, and lycra. These materials have a few key things in common: 1. They’re breathable, 2. They wick away moisture, 3. They stretch, and 4. They hold their shape over time. For these reasons, we advise you to buy compression socks that are made out of one of these materials.
Application
You might think that all compression socks provide the same level of compression, thus serving identical applications. However, the truth is that they vary. As such, when buying a pair, you need to make sure that you’re selecting the correct level of compression.
Low levels of compression sit between 8 and 15 mmHg. High levels of compression sit between 30 and 40 mmHg. Medium levels sit between these two ranges.
For travel purposes, low levels of compression are most appropriate. Note, however, that if you have varicose veins or circulation issues, a higher level of compression might better accommodate you.
These are the Best Compression Socks for Traveling
There is no shortage of compression socks on the market, some of which possess exceptional quality, some of which fall short entirely, and many of which sit somewhere in the middle of the spectrum. Looking for the absolute best? They are as follows.
1. Physix Gear Sport Compression Socks
We’ll begin our list with the Physix Gear Sport Compression Socks. Available for a mid-range price, these socks provide a great deal in the ways of durability, breathability, and, of course, compression.
These socks have a compression level of 20-30 mmHg, meaning that they possess moderate compression capabilities. This makes them appropriate for the vast majority of individuals but makes them most appropriate for those with mild circulation issues.
They’re made out of lycra, a stretchy, tough, and breathable material that can be washed in a machine. Available in sizes 5.5 to 15 for women and sizes 5 to 17 for men, they’ll fit just about anyone.
In short, these are terrific compression socks. Not only do they serve their purpose exceedingly well, but they’re also as comfortable as compression socks come.
2. SB SOX Compression Socks
If you’re looking for something with a little less compression than the Physix socks reviewed above, you should consider the SB SOX Compression Socks. Available at a very reasonable price, they come with a compression level of 15-20 mmHg. This makes them appropriate for just about anyone.
These socks are made out of an anti-odor fabric, ensuring that they stave off bad smells during use. Stretchy, breathable, and tough, they’re equal parts comfortable and durable.
Note, however, that their sizes are limited. They accommodate men’s shoe sizes between 6 and 14, and women’s shoe sizes between 9 and 14. If you have particularly small or large feet, you’re out of luck.
That said, if you meet the size requirements, these compression socks are a great deal. They’ll keep you comfortable for the duration of your flight, and at a downright reasonable price to boot.
3. BLITZU Compression Socks
Up next are the BLITZU Compression Socks, a quality pair of socks that are available for a mid-level price. Offering a compression level of 20-30 mmHg, they cater toward those with mild to moderate circulation issues. That said, they would also make do for those who are flying to Monaco or some other far-off location.
These compression socks are as comfortable as they come, offering top-notch breathability and sweat-wicking capabilities. Possessing a circular knit, they fit perfectly against the feet.
If your feet are particularly big or particularly small, these socks will accommodate you. They fit men’s shoe sizes between 6 and 15, and women’s shoe sizes between 4 and 16.
All told, these are superb. They’re right on par with the Physix socks reviewed above. In short, there’s no reason not to buy them.
4. Iseasoo Compression Socks Women & Men
Looking for a little style in your compression socks? If so, you should consider these from Iseasoo. Available with a variety of fun and unique designs, they can add a great deal to your overall aesthetic.
But style isn’t the only department in which these socks shine. They’re highly functional as well, offering a compression level of 20-30 mmHg. This makes them terrific for those with mild to moderate circulation issues.
Consisting primarily of nylon, they offer top-notch stretch and breathability. As such, they’re exceedingly comfortable, making them perfect for use during long-haul flights.
Available at a mid-range price, these compression socks serve their purpose well. The only minor complaint about them would be their manner of construction. They’re not quite as smooth as the socks reviewed above, and might be a little less comfortable to wear.
5.Copper Compression Socks
Maybe you’re looking to buy as many compression socks as you can for as little money as possible? If so, these Copper Compression Socks might be a good selection. Coming in packs of 8, they offer tons of bang for the buck.
They’re highly functional too, supplying a compression level of 20-30 mmHg. Snug-fitting but comfortable, they offer above-average breathability and flex. In addition, they do a good job of maintaining their shape over time.
That said, they’re not quite as durable as the compression socks reviewed above. They’re much thinner. As such, they’re much more susceptible to tears.
Nonetheless, if you take long flights regularly, they’re worth the purchase. They will do what they’re intended to do and at a price that’s easy to afford.
6. Adiora Compression Socks
This next pair of compression socks offer functionality and durability at an affordable price. Possessing a compression of 20-30 mmHg, they accommodate those with low to moderate circulation issues. As such, they’re terrific for long-haul flights.
These socks are made out of a copper-enmeshed material, lending them top-notch breathability and moisture resistance. This material stays fresh over long periods of use, preventing the buildup of poor odors.
A unique feature of these compression socks is their elastic heels. Offering ample stretch, they fit snug against the back of the foot and help reduce the risk of slippage.
Coming at a mid-level price, these socks excel on every front. Available in a range of sizes, they can be used by just about anyone.
7. Zensah Tech+ Compression Socks
Want a pair of the best compression socks that will thrive during athletic activity just as much as they’ll thrive during long flights? If so, you should consider this pair from Zensah. Breathable and sweat-resistant, they’re designed to maintain comfort over long periods of use.
These socks are designed out of synthetic material, polyamide. This material offers ample stretch and durability, maintaining its shape regardless of the severity of its use. Machine washable, it’s easy to clean.
In addition to promoting blood flow and reducing blood clots, these compression socks also offer arch support. So, if you have bad feet, they would be a solid choice.
They’re available in a wide range of sizes for men and women, accommodating men’s shoe sizes of between 4 and 15, and women’s shoe sizes of between 5 and 14. Whether your feet are big or small, there will likely be a pair of Zensah Tech+ socks that fit you.
8. Smartwool Ph.D. Run Graduated Compression
Next up on our list is the Smartwool Ph.D. Run Graduated Compression Sock. One of the most expensive compression socks on the market, it offers a great deal in the ways of comfort, construction quality, and, of course, compression. Its compression rating is 20-30 mmHg.
Made out of stretchy wool material, it’s equal parts breathable, cushioned, and supportive. Suited more toward sedentary activity than athletic activity, it’s perfect for use on long plane rides.
Available in medium and large sizes, it accommodates male shoe sizes between 5 and 15 and female shoe sizes between 7 and 14. Almost entirely seamless, it fits comfortably against every contour of the foot.
Overall, these are superb compression socks. That being said, they’re very expensive. Weigh your other options before buying them.
9.Vitalsox Italy
Another pair of expensive but high-quality compression socks is this pair from Vitalsox Italy. Offering a compression rating of 10-20 mmHg, they’re ideally suited to those without mild blood flow problems.
These are made out of a combination of lycra, spandex, and nylon, offering top-notch stretch and breathability. As such, they remain comfortable for the duration of their use. Anti-bacterial in nature, they do a great job of staving off foul odors.
Because these socks are so stretchy, they fit all sizes for both men and women. All you have to do is pull them up, and they’ll sit snugly against your legs.
Simply put, these are some of the best compression socks. Not only are they comfortable and functional, but they’re durable as well. So, while they might be a little more money than some of the others, they’re ultimately worth the cost.
10. Travelsox TSS6000
The last pair of compression socks we’re going to review is the Travelsox TSS6000s. Available at a mid-level price, this sock offers a compression rating of 12-20 mmHg. This makes it most appropriate for those with mild blood flow issues.
Consisting of lycra, nylon, polypropylene, and silver, it’s equal parts breathable, stretchy, and odor-resistant. Wicking away sweat as it’s produced, it’s comfortable to wear during long flights.
Compared to other compression socks on this list, this one’s a little smaller. It accommodates women’s shoe sizes from 3 to 13. On the other hand, it accommodates men’s shoe sizes from 5 to 13.
While it can be useful on long plane rides, it can help to enhance other activities as well, including but not limited to yoga, running, weightlifting, and long-term standing.
All in all, these are solid compression socks at a reasonable price. If you have smaller-than-average feet, they might be the best option for you.
Looking for Other Travel Products?
Now that you’ve found a solid set of compression socks, you might be looking for other travel-related products. If so, you needn’t look any further than LuggageGuru.com.
Our website is chockful of travel product buyer’s guides, helping you to find the absolute best products on the market today. Whether you’re looking for suitcases, backpacks, toiletry bags, or otherwise, we have you covered.