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No more swollen feet! The best compression socks for long-haul flights and standing all day
Helping to boost circulation and ease swelling
When you travel to far-flung destinations or spend long stretches of time walking or standing, you probably experience swollen ankles and legs at the end of the day. Thankfully, there's an easy and comfortable solution for this bothersome condition: the best compression socks.
These knee-high wonders work by applying gradual pressure, which in turn, helps improve circulation and reduces swelling.
There's a wide range of designs available for different needs, from running to travel, so we've rounded up our top buys, based on detailed research, expert advice and first-hand reviews, along with everything you need to know before you shop.
The best compression socks for travel
Good thigh-high compression stockings
Beister Medical Closed Toe Thigh High Compression Stockings
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How do compression socks work?
“Compression socks are tightest at the ankle and gradually decrease in pressure up the leg,” explains Dr Sam Bhide, clinical director at PhysioZen. “By compressing the superficial veins, arteries and muscles, they help improve blood circulation, enhancing overall vascular health,” she adds.
According to Dr Bhide, they can help to improve blood circulation, reduce swelling, reduce the risk of blood clots and deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and alleviate symptoms for those with varicose veins.
Who should use compression socks?
Dr Bhide says compression socks are particularly helpful for:
- Individuals with varicose veins, oedema (a build-up of fluid in the body) or chronic venous insufficiency (which occurs when your leg veins have been damaged)
- People recovering from surgery or injury
- Pregnant women, due to the increase in water weight
- People who are bed-bound or those with limited mobility
- Frequent travellers on long flights
- Workers who stand or sit for prolonged periods
Please note that you should always consult your GP before trying compression socks to make sure they're appropriate for you. You'll find more detail on how to find the best level of compression for your needs below.
Why should I wear a compression sock while flying?
During flights, especially long-haul, prolonged sitting can restrict blood flow in the legs, increasing the risk of swelling and DVT. “Compression socks help mitigate these risks by enhancing circulation, reducing leg and ankle swelling, and lowering the chances of blood clots,” says Dr Bhide.
She recommends also wearing “loose fitting clothes, so the knee-high compression socks can apply the optimum pressure on the legs. Ideally, wear compression socks before boarding and keep them on throughout the flight duration.”
If you find compression socks uncomfortable, you should stop wearing them.
How we choose the best compression socks
We spoke to the experts and researched all the market-leading brands to find the best compression socks available for different needs, from thigh high stockings for full-leg compression to compression socks for runners.
These are the ones we’ll be putting on before taking off.
Foot health specialist brand, Scholl, is one of the first ports of call for its science-based solutions. These compression socks are an affordable option designed to be worn in place of normal socks while travelling. They're available in a discreet black or sheer colourway, if you can't wait to put your new holiday shorts on.
The brand says they're clinically proven to prevent deep vein thrombosis, which can be caused by long periods of sitting and restricted movement on long-haul flights. The pack includes detailed information on how to use them, but in a nutshell, be sure to pull them up to just below the knee.
Key specifications
| Fabric | Nylon |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 4-6, 6-8 |
| Compression level | 14-17mmHg |
Amazon Basic Care Medical Compression Flight & Travel Socks
These budget-friendly compression socks from Amazon Basics are a great option for those one-off trips. The graduated compression levels work to relieve your feet of swelling and aches on long journeys.
They're made from a light and breathable fabric that's also thermo-regulating, so there's no need to worry about your feet overheating.
Key specifications
| Fabric | 95% polyamide, 5% elastane |
|---|---|
| Compression level | 15-21mmHG |
| Sizing | 3-6, 6-9, 9-12 |
Beister Medical Closed Toe Thigh High Compression Stockings
These best-selling compression socks are an excellent option for those looking for a thigh-high stocking, helping to improve circulation and reduce swelling across the entire leg, with graduated levels of compression. There are five intervals of 20-30 mmHg compression, which is at its tightest at the ankle (the area most susceptible to swelling) and decreases slowly up the leg. Despite the snug level of compression, they should still feel comfortable and non-restrictive.
There's a convenient silicone band at the top of the stocking to keep it in place and there's also an open-toe version available, if you prefer.
Key specifications
| Fabric | Cotton fibre, silicone spandex |
|---|---|
| Compression levels | 20-30mmHg |
| Sizing | S-3XL |
Danish Endurance Graduated Compression Socks
These compression socks are designed for faster oxygen delivery and better muscle recovery, which is why they're a good pick for runners.
They're made with a breathable cooling mesh to keep the air flowing as you get the miles in, and boast an anti-blistering cushion layer, so there's nothing to stop you hitting your personal best.
Though designed mainly for running, the brand says they can also be used as flight socks. For runners on the run, we guess?
Key specifications
| Fabric | 56% recycled polyamide, 39% polyamide, 5% Elastane |
|---|---|
| Compression levels | 21-26 mmHg |
| Sizing | 3-5, 6-8, 9-12, 13-15 |
Offering 20–30 mmHg pressure, a medium level of compression, which can help ease mild conditions, these socks are made from a nylon/spandex blend with minimal seams for comfortable all-day wear.
But one of the things we like most is that the brand offers detailed sizing information online, so you can shop based on shoe size and calf circumference, ensuring a snug fit. That's a big deal for those with large calves, as many brands don't let you to select both shoe size and calf size. Plus, they're available in over 10 different colours and styles.
Key specifications
| Fabric | 70% nylon, 30% spandex |
|---|---|
| Compression level | 20-30 mmHg |
| Sizing | By shoe size and calf circumference |
Want to avoid aches and pains after the dreaded leg day? Then these socks from Decathlon are an excellent solution.
The brand recommends popping them on before or just after exercise, ideally for around 90 minutes. This helps to keep circulation going and avoid that nasty lactic acid buildup. They can also be used for long car journeys, trains or planes.
Key specifications
| Fabric | Polyamide |
|---|---|
| Compression level | Not stated, but graduated |
| Sizing | 2.5-8.5 |
Who said compression socks have to be plain and boring? Certainly not this brand, which offers an abundance of eye-catching designs. From fruit to flowers to geometrical design, there's a patterned pair for everyone.
But they don't just look good – they can also help soothe achy legs thanks to the medium level of compression offered (20-30 mmHg). Nothing says holiday mode more than a pineapple compression sock, right?
Key specifications
| Fabric | Nylon |
|---|---|
| Compression level | 20-30 mmHg |
| Size | S-M, or L-XL |
What to look for when shopping for the best compression socks
✔️ A good fit: For compression socks to work properly, you need to make sure the sock lies flat and smooth across your foot and calf. Avoid socks that bunch up because they won’t be able to provide the intended, even pressure. Some options also offer sizes based on both your shoe size and the circumference of the widest part of your calf, which can help with fit.
Users who often find their compression socks rolling down their legs, moving around or not providing enough pressure — especially those with thicker or thinner calves — may benefit from taller, thigh-high compression socks or compression tights. Although for most users, the knee-high length is ideal.
✔️ Sock type: Most compression socks are available at a knee-length height to provide graduated compression from the ankle throughout the calf.
While you'll see more and more compression sleeves or ankle socks on the market, these don't cover the foot, so could potentially impede blood flow and cause swelling in the feet for users intending to treat symptoms in the lower legs. Ankle compression socks also can't offer the same compression for the calves and aren't ideal for those trying to help alleviate swelling or cramping.
✔️ Materials: Synthetic fibres, such as nylon or polyester, are the most common materials for compression socks, thanks to their durability and moisture-wicking properties. But these can vary due to the construction of the sock.
Wool, a natural fibre, is inherently moisture-wicking and temperature-regulating, and merino wool is a variety of wool known for its soft feel, making it a great option for compression socks.
Some brands will also use cotton, a popular fabric worldwide that's prized for its breathability, but isn't moisture-wicking.
How to find the right level compression socks
Most compression socks offer graduated compression, which means that the pressure is greatest near the ankle and gradually decreases up the leg; therefore, the pressure of the socks is listed as a range.
Compression levels are measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and the larger the number, the higher the compression.
- 8–15 mmHg or 15–20 mmHg are low compression, great for flying, pregnancy or just general improved circulation.
- 20–30mmHg is most commonly prescribed by physicians and can help soothe a variety of mild conditions.
- 30–50mmHg should only be used when prescribed by a doctor.
For compression socks to work properly, make sure they fit well. The sock should lie flat and smooth across your foot and calf without bunching in order to apply proper, even pressure.
How many hours a day should you wear compression socks?
The length of time is generally dictated by your activities and symptoms.
You should wear them when you expect to be sitting for prolonged periods of sitting or standing, and it's recommended that you remove them at night when your legs are elevated anyway, helping to reduce swelling.
Emma Seymour (she/her) is the associate director of the Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab, where she has led testing for luggage, pillows, towels, tampons and more since 2018. She graduated from Cornell University with a bachelor of science in fiber science and apparel design and a minor in gerontology, completing research in the Body Scanner Lab on optimizing activewear for athletic performance.
Grace Wu (she/her) is a product reviews analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab, where she evaluates fabric-based products using specialized equipment and consumer tester data. Prior to starting at Good Housekeeping in 2022, she earned a master of engineering in materials science and engineering and a bachelor of science in fiber science from Cornell University. While earning her degrees, Grace worked in research laboratories for smart textiles and nanotechnology and held internships at Open Style Lab and Rent the Runway.
Madeleine is our Lifestyle Writer, specialising in expert-tested reviews and round-ups on the latest beauty Beauty and Health & Wellness products. From skincare to protein powders, Maddie is committed to providing honest and helpful reviews to help guide readers to the best product for them. Maddie has a BA in English Literature and Language, which stemmed from her lifelong interest in reading and writing. She started her post graduate life at Hearst UK within a marketing capacity, which quickly turned into a desire to fulfil a writing career.
When she is not writing about the latest expert reviewed products, you can find her rifling through vintage shops or car boots, reading a print magazine, or capturing portraits on her film camera.
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