9 compression socks to pack for your next long-haul flight
Squeeze into socks solid and striped to keep your legs feeling (relatively) fresh after a long flight.
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We know “compression socks” sound dorky, but hear us out: A pair are as essential for a long flight as snacks and something to read.
If you’ve ever tried to put your shoes back on after a long flight, you’ll have noticed your feet and ankles are swollen. This is because, as you sit in your cramped plane seat, gravity is pulling blood down to your feet and ankles; the seated position also increases pressure on your veins. Even if you're in the aisle seat, planes have such limited space to walk around that it’s tough to stretch your legs.
Help mitigate swelling by staying hydrated (which also encourages you to walk to the bathroom), avoiding salty snacks, and, the most impactful of all, wearing compression socks. These are moderately tight, stretchy socks that lightly squeeze your feet, ankles, and legs to promote blood flow which in turn prevents swelling and the more harmful deep-vein thrombosis.
Compression socks come in different sizes based on foot and calf measurements and have ratings—measured in mmHg—for how much pressure they apply to your legs. Medium-firm (15-20 mmHg) works for most people for long flights. Because compression socks are meant to be fairly tight (especially in the calf), they’re not easy to put on while in your seat. Do so before you board or in the plane bathroom so you have plenty of space to pull them on and up to your knees; you’ll be rewarded when you touch down with noticeably unswollen legs and ankles.
$28
Shark Tank-funded Bombas is popular for a reason: The brand’s socks are extremely comfortable. The same goes for their knee-high compression socks, which have medium compression and a seamless toe. They don’t come in as many colors as others on this list but it’s a purchase you can feel good about as Bombas donates one pair of socks to homeless shelters for every pair purchased.
From $20
These moisture-wicking, merino-wool-blend (bamboo rayon, nylon, and spandex) socks made in the U.S. help keep your feet warm and draw, making them as useful for travel as they are hiking. They range in height from a no-show ankle sock to a full-length compression sock that stops just below the knee. Most of Sockwell’s options are very lightly cushioned; only four are not. Find stripes and half moons, swirls, herringbones, and solids in 15-20 mmHg or 20-30 mmHg.
$10
These 8-15 mmHg socks are for the traveler who wants to wade into the world of compression socks. They come in a dizzying array of materials, patterns, and heights, from no-show to knee-high. Crew or knee-high are best for travel—no-show and ankle won’t have an impact. The six crew models are a poly-cotton-nylon-spandex mix while knee-high options like sky blue or light pink tie-dye come in cotton/nylon/spandex.
From $28
Zhuzh up your travel outfit with a pair of ombre, nylon/spandex knee-high socks (15-20mmHg) or keep it simpler with merino-blend or recycled cotton knee-highs in smart shades like color-flecked eggplant. Sizes small, medium, and large are available, with wide-calf options for medium (14-16") and large (17-19") sizes.
From $28
These healthcare worker favorites come in a delightful variety of fun patterns in 20-30 mmHg. Socks are listed as men’s or women’s but go by the calf and ankle measurement to ensure the best fit (the calf measurements top out at 20”). Style is where female-founded Figs really stands out—stripes aplenty, ombre, prescription bottles, even a cute “stethosaurus” print (get it?). If they’re good enough for hospital staffers on their feet 12 hours at a stretch, they’re plenty comfortable for travel.
$10
These thin, uncushioned, nylon and spandex socks are calf-height and come in medium (16-22mmHg) and firm (20-33mmHg). Go2 is the most affordable brand on this list, with plenty of fun styles: black/green neon, polka dots, rainbow stripes, and argyle in blue or black.
From $27
The variety of materials, sizes, and compression levels alone are impressive, and the cute prints—bold and pastel stripes, plaid, polka dots, and pretty solids like sky blue—are legitimately stylish. Vim & Vigr’s socks come in nylon, cotton, or a merino blend and three levels of pressure—15-20 mmHg, 20-30 mmHg, and 30-40 mmHg (considered medical grade). The fabric is thin and there’s no cushioning, so they feel light when worn and will fit with practically any shoe.
From $35
The toughest part about ordering a pair of these calf-height 15-20mmHg socks is choosing from 15 patterns. Will it be the vaguely psychedelic purple and blue space dye, the black with rainbow confetti, or stripes in pretty shades of blue? Socks also come in 20-30mmHg but at a cool $75 a pop—instead, go for the 15-20mmHg, which will suit most people. Socks are thin, uncushioned, and unisex in sizes small to extra-large.
From $40 for knee-highs
Compression socks can be tough to pull on if you have wider calves. This brand, which is women-owned and makes its socks in the U.S., sells knee-high socks for calves up to 22" in circumference in fun patterns like Pride stripes, sky blue with magenta and hunter green birds, and solids in shades from navy to hot pink. Socks, all 15-20 mmHg, are crew or knee-height and thin; some are more cushioned than others.