When standing all day, especially on hard surfaces like concrete, your feet can get sore and swollen even with the more supportive work boots. Compression socks can help improve circulation, easing the strain on tired feet and preventing painful swelling. Compression levels are measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg)—the higher the number, the more compression they offer. Socks with a mmHg of 10 will be loose, while socks with a mmHg of 20-30 are considered medical grade and will be pretty tight. Bombas performance compression socks top our list for best pick overall, Crazy Compression offered the coolest designs, and VIM & VIGR offered the best compression socks for women.
Top 6 compression socks for building professionals
Best overall: Bombas performance compression socks
| What we love | Things to consider |
| – Seamless toe – Strategic cushioning – Bombas donates one pair of socks for each pair sold | – The Bombas site doesn’t ship outside the US – On the more expensive side |
- Price: $36
- Available sizes: M-XL
- Materials: 71% polyester, 14% cotton, 10% elastane, 5% nylon
- Compression level: 20-30 mmHg
- Buy from: Bombas
Bombas is an American apparel company known for their tee shirts, underwear, and socks, and their compression socks top our list for their comfort, style, and altruism (for each pair of socks sold, Bombas donates a pair to individuals experiencing homelessness). With a compression level of 20-30 mmHg, these socks offer medical-grade compression in a stylish package, while Bombas’ Hex Tec material wicks away sweat to keep your feet cool and dry all day.
Best budget: Dr Scholl’s compression socks
| What we love | Things to consider |
| – Inexpensive – Widely available | – 8-15 mmHg might not provide enough compression |
- Price: $15
- Available sizes: 7-12
- Materials: 50% polyester, 46% nylon, 4% spandex
- Compression level: 8-15 mmHg
- Buy from: Loops and Wales | Amazon | Walmart
If you aren’t sure whether compression socks are right for you, it can be hard to cough up $40 just to try them out. Dr. Scholl’s compression socks start at just $15, making them a solid budget option. However, the lower compression level—8-15 mmHg versus 15+ mmHg for other brands—might not be enough to make a fair assessment of whether compression socks can help relieve foot pain and swelling.
Best patterned: Crazy Compression socks
| What we love | Things to consider |
| – Fun designs that look anything but medical – Choice of compression levels – American-made | – Low compression levels |
- Price: $25
- Available sizes: XS-XL
- Materials: 97% Nylon, 3% Spandex
- Compression level: 8-20 mmHg
- Buy from: Crazy Compression | Amazon
Despite its’ kooky name, Crazy Compression offers dozens of brightly patterned socks from wood grain to bacon print, perfect for those who like to express themselves with their footwear. Each pair comes in two different compression levels (Mild is 8-15 mmHg, Standard is 15-20 mmHg), though they don’t reach the 20-30 mmHg compression level required for medical-grade classification. They also offer standard and wide-width options for those with wider feet.
Best women’s: VIM & VIGR compression socks
| What we love | Things to consider |
| – Multiple compression strengths – Cute patterns – Wide calf options available | – Some wearers found the toe box uncomfortable |
- Price: $19-44
- Available sizes: S-XL
- Materials: Cotton/nylon/Merino wool
- Compression level:
- Buy from: Vim & Vigr | Amazon | Village Sock Shop
VIM & VIGR compression socks are made from several different materials, including nylon, cotton, and merino wool, and come in several designs that are sure to fit any wardrobe. With women’s sizes ranging from 5 to 15 and options for wide calves, VIM & VIGR compression socks are an excellent choice for women looking to increase circulation and relieve sore feet.
Best men’s: Sockwell Lifestyle compression socks for men
| What we love | Things to consider |
| – Merino wool keeps socks dry and stink-free – Firm compression – Tough and durable | – Graduated compression zones might not be right for everyone |
- Price: $29.99
- Available sizes: M-XL
- Materials: 33% Merino wool, 32% bamboo rayon, 30% stretch nylon, 5% spandex
- Compression level: 15-20 mmHg
- Buy from: Sockwell | Amazon
The men’s lifestyle compression socks from Sockwell offer moderate compression levels (15-20 mmHg) and are firm enough to help circulation without making it difficult to put them on every day. Their merino wool blend helps feet stay dry and odor-free while comfortable. These socks have four distinct compression zones, offering different compression levels to maximize circulation.
Best sustainable: Comrad recycled cotton
| What we love | Things to consider |
| – Made from recycled materials – Unisex design – Generous return policy | – Some find that the compression level is too light – For shorter people (<5’2”), the socks may come over the knee |
- Price: $32
- Available sizes: S-XL
- Materials: 60% recycled cotton, 32% nylon, 5% elastane, 3% poly
- Compression level: 15-20 mmHg
- Buy from: Comrad | Amazon | Scheels
Enhance your circulation while showing some love for our planet with these compression socks from Comrad. These comfy socks feature a roomy footbed and a cuff that won’t pinch. Comrad’s sizes range from S to XL, corresponding to men’s shoe sizes 3-13+ and women’s shoe sizes 5-11. With 15-20 mmHG of gentle compression, they’re just what you need for those long days on your feet.
Why invest in compression socks
You may have heard about wearing compression socks on long-haul flights, but their usefulness extends far beyond the airport. Compression socks can be helpful for just about anyone, especially those who work long hours on their feet most of the day.
Compression socks work by gently squeezing your feet, ankles, and calves, which can help prevent blood from pooling in your legs, reduce swelling, reduce the risk of blood clots, relieve pain, and ease the physical strain of standing for extended periods. Invest in a pair of good compression socks and try them out for yourself—you might be surprised by how much they help.
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