If you suffer from Edema, Diabetes or have feet that swell, you may need to invest in a pair of compression socks.
Diabetes and other health conditions can cause circulatory issues that can be improved using compression socks.
If you have a foot condition or ongoing foot pain, talk to a doctor or podiatrist. Shoes can add comfort and support, but they are not a medical treatment.

Poor Circulation
Your body has a circulation system responsible for sending oxygen, nutrients, and blood throughout your entire body to keep the body functioning properly.
When blood flow to a particular body part is reduced, you will experience poor circulation, most common in extremities such as your legs and arms.
Several health conditions cause poor blood circulation, the most common being Diabetes, Obesity, heart conditions, and Arterial issues.
The Symptoms and Effects of Poor Circulation
If you suffer from poor blood circulation, you will feel tingling and numbness in your extremities or throbbing or stinging pain in your limbs. Pain and muscle cramps are also associated with poor circulation.
Every condition leading to poor circulation can also have unusual symptoms, numbness, tingling, and pain.
Over time, poor untreated circulation can cause severe and permanent numbness, tingling or pain, nerve damage, and tissue damage.
Compression Socks and Their Function
Compression socks have a few main benefits for which they can be used;
- Improve Blood Circulation -Compression socks or stockings help to improve the blood flow in your legs by gently squeezing your legs so that the blood circulates up your legs.
- Reduce Swelling – This also helps reduce swelling and decrease your risk of getting blood clots.
- Edema and Varicose Veins – Compression socks may be prescribed if you suffer from swelling, Edema, circulation problems, spiders or varicose veins, or have just had surgery.[1]
- Foot and Leg Fatigue – Wearing compression socks or stockings can help reduce the aching and heavy feeling in your legs and decrease swelling, and doctors often use them to lower the risk of blood clots after surgery or an injury, or when you are less active.[2]
Characteristics of a Good Compression Sock
- Seamless Design -A seamless or flat seam in the toe area to prevent chafing.
- Padded – Padding on the sole for extra support.
- Moisture Management -Moisture-wicking materials to keep your feet dry and free from infections.
- Compression levels – 18-25mmHg graduated compression. A comfortable top band that is tight enough.
Key Specs Compared
Numbers match the reviews below (tap to jump).
| No. | Shoe | Type |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Go2 Sports | Not stated |
| 2 | Sockwell Circulator Graduated | Not stated |
| 3 | Nurse Mates Compression | Work Shoe |
| 4 | Dr. Scholl’s Two Pack | Flat |
| 5 | Heat Jammer Thermal Brushed | Boot |
| 6 | Physix Gear Athletic | Running Shoe |
| 7 | FuelMeFoot Copper | Running Shoe |
| 8 | Laite Hebe Healing | Running Shoe |
| 9 | Sockslane Circulation | Not stated |
| 10 | Crucial Comppression Best Graduated Stockings | Running Shoe |
– = not stated on the Amazon listing. Specs as stated by the listing, not tested by us; check the listing before you buy.
Reviews: Top Rated Women’s Compression Socks
We have researched and reviewed some of the top choices in compression socks for poor circulation and swelling;
We hope you love the products we recommend!
We may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page.
1
The Go2 Sports sock is an insulated compression sock that the maker says can help with circulation and swelling, including during recovery.
- Manufactured from lightweight and breathable materials that wick away moisture and keep your feet dry.
- Designed to cut down abrasion and stress on your legs, giving much-needed comfort.
- Improves your blood circulation and aids in faster recovery from surgery or injuries.
- It reduces swelling and offers great insulation to keep your feet warm.
- Available in a large variety of colors with decorative designs
2
Sockwell Circulator Moderate are compression sock that provides moderate compression for all-day and everyday wear with exceptional comfort and support features.
- Manufactured from 32% Merino Wool, 32% Stretch Nylon, 31% Bamboo Rayon and 5% Spandex for flexibility.
- It provides moderate compression recommended for all-day wear for prolonged sitting or standing, swollen feet and exercise, and recovery.
- Promotes circulation and reduces swelling while helping to fight fatigue.
- The Accu-Fit technology uses spandex throughout the sock, ensuring the same fit at the end of the day as what it was when first put on.
- The Ultra-Lite cushioned sole provides superb comfort and support.
- The turn welt top has a seamless toe closure with a reinforced toe and heel box that helps to keep your socks in place the entire day.
3
Nurse Mates are compression socks in fun and funky colors, perfect for everyday wear.
- Compression trouser socks are designed to support circulation and help reduce swelling of the feet and legs.
- 12-14mmHg graduated compression with a comfortable and supportive fit.
- The comfort welt top band keeps your socks in place without straining your legs.
- Soft and seamless toes to help reduce blisters and skin irritation.
4
Dr. Comfort provides socks and footwear that offer you superior comfort and support. The Comfort diabetic circulatory socks will improve circulation, reduce swelling, and ensure all-day comfort and support.
- A soft, non-binding top that gently conforms to your legs without restricting circulation.
- Moisture-managing technology keeps your feet dry and fresh and helps reduce odor.
- The sock’s smooth seam and soft feel will not irritate or chafe your skin.
- These socks are cotton-free to reduce moisture absorption and skin irritation and latex-free to prevent allergic reactions.
- The maker says these socks carry the American Podiatric Medical Association Seal of Acceptance and come with a one-year guarantee.
5
Nothing is better for those cold winters than the heat jammer compression sock to keep your feet and legs cozy, warm, and comfortable.
- Non-binding top to ease the symptoms of poor circulation.
- Warmer than cotton or thermal socks for those icy cold winters.
- Thick cushioning with brushed yarn technology for superior comfort and heat retention.
- Fantastic shape retention for long-wearing and a soft-to-the-touch acrylic blend.
6
The Physix Gear compression socks are athletic-style and designed to support blood circulation and help keep swelling down.
- Excellent Athletic Compression socks for all uses, including pregnant women, travel, injuries, and nurses.
- No uncomfortable stitches.
- Double stitched and anti-bacterial odor prevention.
- High-quality flexible, and super soft material.
7
- Copper rejuvenates blood circulation and has many health benefits.
- These copper-infused compression socks are uniquely designed and breathable with moisture-wicking capabilities.
- Temperature regulation to keep your feet at the perfect temperature.
- Soft and flexible against the skin.
8
The Laite Hebe Compression socks are designed to support blood circulation, which many people find helpful during recovery.
- Features 360 degrees of stretch and flexibility as well as enhanced durability.
- Designed to improve blood circulation and provide complete comfort.
- Unmatched quality and softness.
- Moisture managing and odor prevention.
9
A soft and comfortable, and highly breathable compression sock for ladies with larger calf sizes from Sockslane.
- Cotton, Nylon, Elastic, and Spandex materials make the sick for stretchability and breathability.
- The perfect fit for a wider calf and leg.
- Progressive stretch technology ensures that the socks stay up.
- Reinforced seams, heels, and toes.
- Naturally lightweight and breathable.
- Anti–Odor and anti-allergic materials were used in the sock.
10
The ideal Compression socks for running, athletics, travel, sports injuries, nurses, and circulatory issues.
- A durable and professional-grade full-length compression sock with a reinforced toe and heel.
- The power support technology aids in improving circulation and provides more oxygen to your toes, feet, and heels, up to your legs.
- Quality double stitching and easy slip-on design with a lightweight and breathable fit that will not slip down.
- Moisture-wicking materials to keep your feet dry and odor-free.
Index Table: Women’s Compression Socks
Young or old, active or not, compression socks may be the answer to improving your legs and feet’ health and making them feel comfortable.
Light compression socks can be worn by anyone and have a great benefit to people who stand or sit for long periods of time or who have any risk factors.
Higher compression ranges offer comfort to people who suffer from circulatory issues or swelling of the feet and legs due to other health conditions.
Compression socks will help improve circulation in your legs and help reduce swelling and swelling from Edema or other conditions.[3]
Compression socks are also used to lower the risk of blood clots after a leg or foot injury or surgery; follow your doctor’s advice.
Sources
General background on foot health and footwear. This is not medical advice; see a doctor or podiatrist about foot pain or a foot condition.
- MedlinePlus (NIH): Varicose Veins
- NHS: Varicose veins
- MedlinePlus (NIH): Foot, leg, and ankle swelling
Update History
- Apr 2019: Added Dr. Scholl’s Two Pack, Physix Gear Athletic, FuelMeFoot Copper, Laite Hebe Healing, Sockslane Circulation and Crucial Comppression Best Graduated Stockings
- Apr 2018: Added Go2 Sports, Sockwell Circulator Graduated and Heat Jammer Thermal Brushed
- Oct 2016: First published
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