Mens Compression Socks That Are Easy to Get on
Best compression socks overall
Whether you are a runner or just someone who wants to relieve lower leg ailments, the CEP Progressive+ Compression Run Socks 2.0 provides all-day comfort.
Pros: Incredibly comfortable, thinner, won't sag over the course of the day
Cons: Expensive, sizing can be tricky so be sure to measure before ordering
The CEP Progressive+ Compression Run Socks 2.0 (available in men's and women's sizes) stand out from the other socks on our list due in large part to the fact they offer unparalleled comfort — and should be considered by anyone, despite a steep price tag.
The brand's parent company, Medi, has been producing medical compression products for over 70 years. The founder of CEP, who is an Ironman competitor, leveraged Medi's technical knowledge and designs for athletes.
Made of polyamide and nylon (60%), elastane (25%), and polypropylene (15%), CEP's socks offer precise 20-30mmHg graduated and consistent compression so they won't sag as the day goes on.
The Progressive+ 2.0 Socks also feature a halo top band that lands right below the knee. This keeps your socks in place and the front ribbing allows air to flow through to cool your skin's surface. Per CEP's website, the company offers a six-month guarantee that covers wearing the socks up to 150 times before the compression lessens.
These socks are recommended for anyone who suffers from shin splints, Achilles issues, or plantar fasciitis. They're also great for runners looking to rehab their leg after a long run or workout.
Best budget compression socks
The SB Sox Lite Compression Socks are the least expensive pair in our guide, yet they stay up and provide reliable comfort.
Pros: Inexpensive, relatively durable, snug fit
Cons: Available in just two sizes
Though the SB Sox Lite Compression Socks are about one-fifth the price of our top pick, they rival it in performance. These socks have a graduated compression rating of 15-20mmHg, which is slightly less than the CEP socks but still supplies sufficient compression for blood circulation.
The socks are made of breathable and lightweight spandex and nylon, which helps to wick away sweat and moisture from your feet. SB Sox comes in 11 different colors and two sizes: S/M and L/XL.
Though they seem thinner and lighter than other picks on this list, SB Sox socks hold up well through numerous wears and washes. Plus, they provide a snug fit that doesn't feel too constricting. More sizing options would be welcome, though.
Best compression socks for circulation
If you experience circulation problems due to chronic health issues, the Sockwell Elevation Graduated Compression Socks may be your best bet for achieving leg comfort.
Pros: Lightweight, maintain their snugness all day long
Cons: The top of the sock might warp over time, only comes in two sizes
For people with venous or lymphatic issues in their legs, compression therapy can help move blood through the veins and tissue better, which in turn promotes healing and prevents ulcers and other issues. Compression stockings are one of the easier options to put on and less cumbersome than medical bandages, says a 2014 study in CMAJ.
The Sockwell Elevation Graduated Compression Socks (available in men's and women's sizes) are made in the United States using bamboo rayon (31%), merino wool (31%), stretch nylon (30%), and spandex (8%). This combination helps with moisture management, thermoregulation, and odor control.
What's more, these are one of the firmer pairs from Sockwell offering compression of 20-30mmHg. A 2019 study analysis in BMC Geriatrics found elderly folks with chronic blood flow issues (venous insufficiency) and swollen legs who wore class 2 compression stockings (pressure between 20 and 30 mmHg) regularly were less likely to have leg ulcers come back compared to wearing lower compression class 1 stockings (pressure below 20 mmHg).
These Sockwell socks have four zones of graduated compression beginning at the ankles and moving up. Since the compression starts at the ankles, the toes remain comfortable. There are four colors for men to choose from and eight in the women's style.
Best compression socks for post-workout
After running countless miles, slipping on a pair of Zensah Tech+ Compression Socks can decrease soreness and help your muscles recover.
Pros: Great for easing muscle soreness, cushioned bottom, durable, 4 sizes, 14 colors
Cons: Might not be tight enough for everyone's needs, long drying time
The Zensah Tech+ Compression Socks come in four sizes, which is helpful for ensuring you get the right fit — the appropriate sock size gives you the appropriate level of pressure. Constructed of 82% polyamide and 18% elastane, these socks feature ultra-zone ribbing which targets ankle and arch stabilization, which is ideal for runners with weaknesses in these areas.
The 200 needle count construction is designed to make the socks denser, durable, and reduce stretching over time. They're sweat-wicking, too, but don't tend to dry out very quicky, so are best worn in cooler weather. Zensah offers the socks in 14 colors, including Black, Heather Grey, and Neon Pink.
Best compression socks for runners
Swiftwick's Aspire Twelve help relieve muscle soreness and prevent or relieve shin splints — something any runner can appreciate.
Pros:Offers comfortable compression for runners, promotes blood flow, helps relieve shin splints, and wicks away moisture
Cons: Can be difficult to put on
Swiftwick's compression socks run the gamut of everything from knee-high versions for those looking for full leg relief to no-show options for golfers. For runners, its Aspire Twelve socks are an excellent option to help relieve muscle soreness, prevent or care for shin splints, and provide stability and comfort.
Comprised of a blend of 43% nylon, 11% spandex, and 46% olefin, the Aspire Twelves don't just offer the benefits of compression but also help wick away moisture to keep your feet dry. They work well to keep on even after your run as you'll continue to reap the benefits of compression as you recover.
Best compression socks for standing all-day
If your job requires you to be on your feet for most of the day, give your lower legs a break with Sockwell's Circulator Graduated Compression Socks.
Pros: Good for reducing foot and ankle swelling, incredibly comfortable, inexpensive
Cons: Concerns about durability, socks may only come up to mid-calf in taller people
The Sockwell Circulator Graduated Compression Socks have a lot of the same features as our pick for best circulation, the Sockwell Elevation socks. They both have four zones of graduated compression from the ankle on up, which keeps the toes feeling comfortable, and each is made of a combination of spandex, bamboo rayon, stretch nylon, and merino wool.
But the main differences are that the Circulator socks have moderate compression (15-20mmHg) and cost a bit less ($30 per pair).
The Circulator socks only come in two sizes. but there are nine colors to choose from, including Black Stripe, Charcoal, Black Solid, and Port. Regardless of the size, the socks aren't very long, so they're best used for people with shorter builds.
Best patterned compression socks
Vim & Vigr combines form and function with its fashion-forward compression socks that you'll just love to be seen in.
Pros: Stylish, comfortable, available for both men and women
Cons: Can get expensive
First and foremost, Vim & Vigr compression sockswork. After all, no amount of aesthetic creativity would be able to make up for compression socks that don't do much by way of compressing. Luckily, that's not the case with these.
I'm particularly fond of Vim & Vigr's medical-grade compression level, which are designed with a Gradient Knitting Technology to help promote circulation in your calves. The socks feature a structured leg but a flexible toe and heel so that you're supported where you need it but still able to move. These socks offer moderate to firm compression, with somewhere between 20 and 30 mmHg depending on the style.
Regardless of your selection, however, you'll find that Vim & Vigr helps to prevent swelling in your legs, and alleviates pain and achiness. I found that these socks were just as helpful during runs as they were during HIIT workouts — especially as the weather gets colder and circulation becomes increasingly important.
What sets Vim & Vigr apart are its fun, unique designs. Not only is there a wide range of colors to choose from but the brand also offers several interesting patterns. I'm a fan of the color block options, as well as a Rugby Stripe pattern for men.
Vim & Vigr offers wide calf versions of all their socks for both men and women, so you don't have to be uncomfortable even when donning a tight pair of socks. If you don't need medical-grade compression, you can always opt for the brand's moisture-wicking nylon material, or the remarkably warm merino wool composition. You could also check out Vim & Vigr sleeves, which compress your calves without encasing your feet.
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