Article Last Updated: September 1, 2024
Looking for the best compression socks for running?
These socks are designed to improve your blood circulation, driving more blood to your muscles. As a result, you’re likely to run faster while experiencing less fatigue.
Moreover, these socks minimize muscle aches and prevent injuries due to overstraining as they stabilize the muscles. [1]
Whether you’re a professional runner or go on a weekly run with your neighbors, these compression socks should be a part of your gear.
In this article, you’ll learn everything about compression socks, and how to pick the right ones for you.
Our most popular sports ankle brace recommended by over 2200+ people. Crucial Compression Socks provide you with comfortable support, where you need it most. Experience unmatched quality and comfort.
Compression keeps leg muscles and veins properly compressed to boost circulation to lower legs.
Double Couple Compression Socks are engineered with the latest arch to calf compression technology, offering a targeted foot to calf muscle support.
Top 5 Best Compression Socks for Running
Having sore and swollen feet will deprive you of running the way you want.
With the help of compression socks, you can get rid of these annoying symptoms and practice your favorite sport comfortably.
Read our best runners compression socks review and you’ll find the right pair.
1. Crucial Compression Socks(20-30mmHg)
PROS
- Flexible fabric with moisture-wicking properties.
- Stabilize the legs to help recovery after shin splints.
- Durable construction with double stitching.
- Heel and toe cushioning.
CONS
- They feel loose around the ankles.
- They run large.
Most runners experience shin splints due to overstraining their muscles or going on a run without a proper warm-up.
These socks are the compression socks for running shin splints as they will help you recover faster so you get back on track.
There are 3 sizes and multiple colors available of these compression socks, so you can definitely find the most adequate pair.
These are graduated compression socks that offer the right amount of compression exactly where it’s needed.
As a result, the blood will travel faster away from your feet, promoting healthier muscles and helping you recover after a long run.
They’re not as tight or hot as other models, so you can easily put them on every day.
This running socks features the Comfort Flex design with double stitching for more durability.
At the same time, the moisture-wicking and breathable Lycra will keep your legs cool and prevent sweating so you can wear them comfortably all day long.
You can put them on easily and they won’t slide down while you’re running or working out.
The cuff isn’t too tight so it won’t irritate your skin or cause any discomfort.
Runners will appreciate the heel and toe cushioning that absorbs shocks and protects your joints during long runs.
They feel a little loose around the ankles, so they’re not suitable for people who need overall compression.
They tend to run a bit large, so you might need to order a size down if you’re towards the lower end of the size range.
2. CompressionZ 30-40 mm Hg Compression Socks
PROS
- Firm compression for avid runners.
- Breathable nylon spandex for more comfort.
- Flexible construction allows for more movement.
- Targeted support in the shin and calf area.
- Secure cuffs to keep them in place.
CONS
- These socks run small.
- The argyle pattern leaves impressions on the skin.
Serious runners might need more compression to relieve swelling and help their muscles recover after long runs.
We recommend these socks as the best runners compression socks for trail running as they deliver a firm level of graduated compression that measures 30 to 40 mm Hg.
With several sizes and colors available, you can find the right pair that will help you eliminate the risk of varicose veins and other circulatory problems.
These medical-grade socks improve blood flow and prevent the accumulation of lactic acid in your muscles to reduce fatigue and discomfort.
These running socks are made of nylon spandex so they don’t pinch the skin or cause your feet to sweat.
They’re quite breathable with moisture-wicking properties, keeping your feet cool and allowing you to go on long runs without any issues.
Moreover, they will allow you to move your legs in all directions as they don’t affect your range of motion which is a big plus for avid runners.
The knee-high length covers your shin and calf muscles for targeted support.
These running socks are designed to reduce the risk of injury of over strained muscles so you can run faster and longer. The secure cuff keeps them in place so they won’t fall while you’re moving.
At the same time, they don’t feel too restricting or dig into your skin throughout the day.
They run a bit small, so you should pay attention while ordering your pair.
The argyle pattern looks cool but it might leave impressions on your skin, so you’d better stick to one of the solid colors.
3. Double Couple Graduated Compression Socks
PROS
- Quick-drying Lycra fabric.
- Reduce cramping, fatigue, and discomfort.
- Help you get in shape after a long run.
- Heel and toe cushioning for more support.
CONS
- The prints leave impressions on your legs.
- They come in 2 sizes.
Those who are fond of bright colors should stick to these fashionable graduated compression socks.
They come in various patterns that will definitely attract attention while you’re running.
At the same time, they provide you with the needed compression of 20 to 30 mm Hg, so they’re suitable for athletes and runners who want to minimize muscle ache after working out.
Thanks to their innovative construction, the fabric is designed to deliver the best compression without jeopardizing the airflow.
This means that your feet will stay dry and cool, protecting you from painful skin conditions and bad odor.
The quick-drying Lycra fabric is the best choice for people who suffer from sweaty feet.
These socks feature an ergonomic design that applies pressure to all the right places to help restore muscles after a long run.
We consider them to be the best compression socks for ultra-running as they apply pressure from the foot area till under the knee.
They reduce cramping and accelerate the removal of cellular waste so you can get back in shape. And also help reduce shin splints after running.
With a thicker ankle fabric and compressed weave, you’re likely to experience fewer muscle vibrations which cause overstraining.
Muscle injuries can be avoided if you wear these socks every time you go for a run.
These running socks promote the mechanism of calf muscle pump that pushes the blood back into your heart and away from your feet so you won’t experience any painful or restricting swelling.
Moreover, the heel cushioning reduces the pressure on your joints or in lower legs so you can run comfortably.
The toe area is cushioned to allow your toes to move without affecting your mobility.
There are only 2 sizes available of these socks, so you need to make sure that you’re buying a pair of compression socks that fits well.
Some of the prints can leave impressions on your legs.
If you hate this, then you should stick to the solid colors.
4. Physix Gear Sport Graduated Compression Socks
PROS
- Durable and flexible fabric with moderate compression.
- Easy to put on.
- No stitching that would rub against the skin.
- Don’t lose compression after being in the washing machine.
- Suitable for tall people.
CONS
- Not suitable for short people.
- The stitching on the cuff is too tight if you have a wide calf.
Runners and other athletes are likely to experience a performance boost after wearing these compression socks.
These running socks are designed to deliver a moderate level of graduated compression between 20 and 30 mm Hg to help relieve pressure, decrease swelling, and reduce fatigue.
The double-stitched Lycra fabric is durable enough to withstand everyday use.
It’s also quite flexible so these socks won’t cause any pain or pinching that might put you off.
Once you put them on, you’ll experience a different level of comfort due to their streamlined design.
They’re very easy to clean and won’t lose their compression properties after being washed in the washing machine.
These running socks combine the benefits of compression with comfort so they won’t restrict your movement.
The graduated compression and support are concentrated in the foot, ankle, and calf areas.
The toes are left without compression so you won’t feel any pain after wearing them for long periods.
Stay comfortable all day long because there are no stitches that rub against your skin to cause blisters or ulcers.
They’re easy to put on and will stay in place as you move actively.
Physix Gear Sport running socks come in various sizes and colors so you can definitely find the right pair of compression socks.
If you have short legs, these might not be suitable for you because they’re quite long.
Moreover, the stitching on the cuff doesn’t stretch enough, so they might hurt you a little, especially if you have a wide calf.
5. L-Lweik 8-15 mmHg Graduated Compression Socks
PROS
- Affordable compression socks.
- Mild compression.
- Flexible cool fabric for more comfort.
- Wash well and don’t lose their elasticity.
CONS
- Only 2 sizes are available.
- Seam near the toes that causes some discomfort.
If you’re looking for affordable graduated compression socks then you should check these ones out.
These running socks offer mild compression that can help relieve some swelling symptoms and boost circulation of blood without being too overpowering.
They help you overcome achy legs and they’re not as tight as other models so you can wear them every day.
They’re made of soft and stretchy fibers so you can wear them all day long without worrying about them sliding down.
They feel slightly silky, so they won’t produce any static charge if you’re wearing them under your clothes.
The cool dry fabric is the perfect choice for athletes so we recommend these socks to people who have warm feet.
These running socks also feature the durable rib-weaving design so they will last for long.
With roomy toes and heel pockets, these are the most comfortable compression socks that you can wear without restricting the movement of your feet.
The calf compression protects your legs from swelling and boosts the blood flow to help you run faster without experiencing any discomfort.
These running socks come in packs of three or seven so you’ll never run out of graduated compression socks.
However, there are only 2 sizes available so finding the right fit might be tricky.
Nevertheless, they’re stretchier than other models that provide a higher compression pressure.
They wash well and will take a long time before they start to lose some of their elasticity.
There’s a seam near the toes that might cause some discomfort.
What are Compression Socks for Running?
Compression socks are longer than your regular socks as they’re designed to go up to the knee. They’re usually thicker because they should apply pressure to your legs.
Some socks will cover the foot and some will be worn right above the ankle and extend towards the knees. The latter are called compression sleeves.
When you wear these socks, they will apply pressure to your muscles, veins, and arteries.
This will help the blood work against gravity and travel back to your heart whether you’ve been running, walking or standing for a long time.
Compression therapy isn’t new as people used to apply pressure on swollen areas to help ease the symptoms.
Today, athletes wear compression socks to alleviate discomfort and fight off fatigue after working out or running for long distances as they help the muscles recover.
Why Do You Need to Buy the Best Runners Compression Socks?
There’s no doubt that compression socks have recently become the hype in the world of running.
This makes you wonder if they’re actually beneficial or it’s simply a trend that will fade away.
As a matter of fact, compression socks deliver a lot of benefits, and not just to runners.
You’ll probably see a lot of runners wearing them the next time you hit the trail and they all swear by their amazing advantages.
Compression socks utilize compression therapy which has been used for thousands of years.
They’re used to help people who suffer from several health issues.
- Diabetes.
- Circulatory problems.
- Deep vein thrombosis.
- Leg swelling.
- Leg ulcers.
- Varicose veins.
However, in the world of running, runners wear these socks for other purposes.
They can enhance your performance as a runner and help you get back in shape faster after a long exhausting run.
Oxygen Enhancement
This is one of the reasons why most runners swear by compression socks.
Since these running socks are tighter at the bottom and get loose as you go up, they’re designed to defy the effects of gravity, thus preventing blood from pooling in your feet.
Wearing compression socks will help the blood to travel back to your heart, passing all the oxygen and nutrients to your muscles.
If you tend to stand for long periods, you could definitely use compression socks to improve the blood circulation in your legs.
Prevent Fatigue
After working out or running for a long time, lactic acid starts to accumulate in your muscles, causing pain and fatigue that might deprive you of continuing a long marathon.
In this case, the best compression socks for marathon running might be the answer.
As these running socks press on your legs, the veins become narrower which increases the speed of blood traveling through them.
The lactic acid travels with the blood back to your heart, and away from your muscles, preventing next-morning aches that might deprive you of your morning run.
Reduce the Risk of Injury
Compression socks press your calf muscles thus reducing the movement.
As a result, they will help reduce the risk of painful cramps that can change the course of the race for you.
Moreover, they will protect your muscles from being strained.
Control the Pain and Swelling
Whether you’re suffering from an old injury or struggle with swelling, compression socks can help you drastically.
Lymphoma is a painful condition and is usually very difficult to diagnose.
However, it affects the quality of life as it might deprive you of moving properly or wearing whatever you want to wear due to the swelling in your legs.
When there’s a problem with the immune system or lymph nodes, the fluid will start to build up in your legs causing them to swell and ache.
Wearing compression socks can relieve some of the symptoms by helping the fluid travel up.
As a result, you can practice your daily activities and favorite sport without enduring much pain.
Pregnant women also experience swelling which can be restricting and painful.
Wearing mild compression socks is recommended to help them overcome the discomfort and practice their lives normally.
Travelers use compression socks to prevent the pooling of blood and fluid after sitting for long periods.
These running socks will help you stand up and eliminate all symptoms of fatigue that you’re likely to experience after long journeys.
How to Choose the Best Runners Compression Socks?
Today, you can find a wide collection of good products when you browse the top compression socks for running Amazon.
This is amazing news; however, choosing the right pair can be a little bit tricky.
Here are some factors to think about.
Size
Make sure that you pick the right size. Picking the size doesn’t necessarily depend on your shoe size, as you should make sure that the socks fit your calf.
If your sock is too wide, it will be useless. As a matter of fact, it might only irritate your skin due to friction.
If the sock is too narrow, it will prevent the blood flow and probably result in circulatory issues.
We recommend that you don’t go for one-size-fits-all products as this will probably be a waste of money.
Moreover, each brand has its own size chart, so you need to check it properly before buying the right pair of compression socks.
Get a measuring tape and measure your calf at the widest point. The socks should be slightly tighter to apply the needed pressure.
Getting the right size will help you enjoy the benefits of wearing compression socks without any pain or discomfort.
Materials
The price shouldn’t be the first factor to consider when you’re buying compression socks as you’ll probably wear them for a long time.
Cheap materials might irritate your skin and won’t last for long.
You need to make sure that the running socks are durable and designed to provide you with comfort.
Cotton can make your legs very hot.
Unless this is what you need, you should look for polyester or Lycra socks instead.
These are more breathable and won’t cause your legs to sweat, especially if you run for long periods.
Compression Ratio
The compression ratio or pressure is anything between 8 and 30 mmHg.
The higher the ratio, the more benefits you can gain from wearing your compression socks.
Moreover, these socks will provide more support so they will stabilize your legs.
Mild compression is between 8 and 15 mmHg which is the best choice for beginners and people who are still experimenting with compression socks.
These socks can relieve swelling during pregnancy, increase the blood flow to boost energy and alleviate fatigue after standing or running for long periods.
Some people would go for moderate compression between 15 and 20 mmHg.
This is an ideal level that can help people who travel for long distances or suffer from varicose veins.
Runners can also use this level of compression to help eliminate the buildup of lactic acid and improve circulation of your blood.
Firm compression between 20 and 30 mmHg is the most widely used among athletes, pregnant women, travelers, and people who suffer from varicose veins, edema, and other circulatory problems.
It should be tight but not restricting as it improves and not obstruct the blood flow.
Higher levels of compression aren’t common and should only be worn under the supervision of a doctor.
These socks work if you have deep vein thrombosis, severe edema, Compression socks can up to 50 mm Hg but these are only worn after surgeries and in severe cases of chronic venous insufficiency.
Wrap Up
Compression socks deliver several benefits that can help you stay in shape and overcome fatigue, especially after long runs.
We chose the Crucial Compression Socks as our top pick because they’re well-made and don’t lose their compression over time.
They can be worn all day long because there’s no painful stitching that might rub against your skin. At the same time, they will stabilize your muscles to prevent injuries and promote faster recovery.
There are several good models on the market so you should think about your preferred level of compression and you’ll definitely find the right pair of compression socks for you.
All the products on our list won’t disappoint you if you’re looking for the best compression socks for running.
