If your feet, ankles, or calves ache daily or feel very stiff, you would likely benefit from a pair of compression socks.
This buyer’s guide discusses when one should purchase a pair of compression socks, different types of compression socks, and the best cotton compression socks feature that you should watch.

Table of Contents
- When Do I Need A Pair Of Compression Socks?
- Related Articles on Compression Socks
- Different Types of Compression Socks
- Features of a Good Cotton Compression Sock
- Reviews: The Best Cotton Compression Sock
- Physix Gear Sport® Unisex Synthetic Compression Socks Durable Compression Socks for Athletes
- Wanderlust® Unisex Therapeutic Pain Relief Compression Socks Advanced Medical-Grade Cotton Compression Socks
- Absolute Support® Unisex Strong Cotton Compression Socks Firm Cotton Compression Socks for Enhanced Circulation
- CompressionZ® Unisex Maximum Compression Socks Pressure Relief Cotton Compression Socks
- Pembrook® Unisex Compression Travel Socks Reinforced Cotton Blend Compression Stockings
- RelaxSan® Unisex 920 Cotton Compression Socks
- Newzill® Unisex Copper Cotton Copper Compression Socks
- CoolOver® Unisex Medical Colorful Cotton Compression Socks
- Fitrell® Unisex Knitted Cotton Compression Socks
- Sigvaris® Unisex 230 Cotton Compression Socks
- Absolute Support® Unisex Premium Cotton Compression Socks
- Terramed® Unisex Just Think Comfort Wide Calf Cotton Compression Socks
- Index Table: Top Rated Cotton Compression Socks
When Do I Need A Pair Of Compression Socks?
It would help if you had a pair of compression socks when:
- Your legs get pins and needles or feel numb often.
- Your feet or calves are swollen daily.
- You do not have enough blood flowing in your feet.
- You are susceptible to blood clots.
- Your feet or lower legs feel very stiff and sore.
- You have varicose veins that are becoming a problem.
- You spend a lot of time traveling or standing on your feet.
Compression socks provide a grip around your feet and legs to ease the above symptoms by improving blood flow. If you are used to receiving swollen feet, a pair of compression socks can keep blood from pooling there during the day when putting these on first thing in the morning.
Compression socks have been known to help those recovering from surgery who have to spend more time than usual in bed. They keep the blood from stagnating in the feet and help lessen numbness, swelling, and tingling nervous sensations. Joints usually also ache due to fluids that pool in them, and increasing your blood flow with compression socks can help ease this pain.
Related Articles on Compression Socks
- Open Toe Compression Socks
- Best Compression Socks for Running
- Best Compression Socks for Edema
- Best Compression Socks For Pregnancy
- Best Compression Socks For Shin Splints
- Bamboo Compression Socks
- Best Socks for CrossFit
Different Types of Compression Socks
You get different kinds of compression socks (also known as compression stockings) to help keep your feet from swelling. They are divided up as follows:
- Compression Socks – Different conditions call for different strengths of compression. Compression socks for edema are necessary for those who suffer from swelling that is caused by fluid trapped in their body’s tissues. Those who get pain in their joints might only need a medium-strength compression sock (10-20mmHg), and those that get cramps or wish to provide mild foot pressure relief should opt for low-pressure compression stockings (less than 10mmHg). If your compression socks hurt your feet instead of alleviating symptoms, contact your local healthcare provider for assistance immediately, as there is likely a further complication with your condition.
- Long to Short Length Compression Socks – The compression sock’s length does make a difference. Not everyone needs to have compression from their knees to their toes. Compression socks come in all shapes and sizes, compressing anywhere from around the foot, the ankles, and up the calf. A long compression sock is recommended for those with edema, diabetes, blood clots, or numbness in the legs. A short, mild compression sock is probably the best for foot ache relief. Some compression socks stop after the foot’s arch, depending on whether you need compression around your toes.
- Natural versus Synthetic Compression Socks – This article focuses mainly on natural cotton compression socks because cotton is one of the best moisture-wicking materials. Compression socks are usually made with synthetic fibers such as Nylon and spandex. A blend of both fiber types is the best and creates optimal compression. Cotton adds to the comfort of compression socks by being soft, as does merino wool.
Features of a Good Cotton Compression Sock
Here are some of the best features your cotton compression socks can have to make them of superior quality.
- Seamless – seamless socks are wonderful because they do not have any seams that can rub your feet raw. Instead, they are manufactured using the latest machine technology to create a clean, smooth fabric. This is especially important if you lose feeling in your feet and can’t discern when there is too much friction inside your shoes.
- Top Mesh Vent – To help you breathe better, particularly inside the tightest fitting compression socks, a top mesh vent is a good idea. This means that the top part of the sock, sometimes even spanning up the leg, is more porous than the sock’s remainder, allowing more air to flow out, distributing heat evenly, and naturally allowing sweat to be wicked away more efficiently.
- Reinforced Heels and Toes – Reinforced heels and toes mean that the sock has extra padding embedded in the stitch work to cush your heels and toes more. Socks with this feature are twice as comfortable, and while wearing them, one is less likely to bruise or cause fatigue to their feet. Highly recommended for those with plantar fasciitis, arthritis, diabetes, swelling, and edema.
- A Dash of Spandex – Most compression socks utilize the extraordinary power of spandex (also known as Lycra). This synthetic fiber was invented for its high elasticity and is the most stretchy fiber currently available. Without this fiber, the sock would be too rigid to mold perfectly around your legs and feet, detracting from the perfect compression the sock should provide.
- High Thread Count – thread count is not only reserved for bed linen! A high thread count in a sock means it was made with many more tiny stitches, adding more sock comfort and softness. Aim for as high a thread count as possible, especially when buying a pair of soft cotton compression socks.
Reviews: The Best Cotton Compression Sock
Here below is a great selection of cotton compressions socks, suitable for any who is seeking foot or leg pain relief!
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- These seamless socks will have the blood pumping in your legs in no time, made to enhance athletes’ performance.
- These socks will not fade in the wash, made to last for years.
- Made from mostly spandex, these socks have fit most of those who wear them, effectively helping remove blood clots and alleviate varicose veins’ symptoms.
- These compression socks provide the best compression strength from 20-30mmHg, depending on your foot and leg size.
- Feel the blood move through your veins as you slip into a pair of these, and enjoy the rest of your day with ease.
- Ideal for athletes, but will also work for nurses, who often travel, chefs, office workers, diabetics, arthritis patients, varicose or spider veins, edema, and unwarranted swellings.
Rating Category | Weight % | Score |
---|---|---|
Seamless Construction | 30% | 100 |
Calves Support | 25% | 100 |
Reduce Stiffness | 25% | 95 |
Compression | 10% | 95 |
Padding | 10% | 90 |
Total Score | 100% | 97.25 |
2
Wanderlust® Unisex Therapeutic Pain Relief Compression Socks Advanced Medical-Grade Cotton Compression Socks
- These soft, seamless socks will provide you with the best compression, making them the perfect day-to-day companion.
- These compression socks provide a full range of compression, 25-30mmHg in the foot and ankle, 15-20mmHg up the calf, and 10-15mmHg under the knees.
- The additional padded arch support helps alleviate plantar fasciitis, sore foot joints, and arthritis.
- An 80% cotton blend ensures that these compression socks are excellent at moisture-wicking, keeping your feet not only comfortable but feeling fresh all day long.
- Suitable for travelers, nurses, patients, post-operative recovery, thrombosis, diabetic neuropathy, sports, and more!
- Improve your blood flow and say goodbye to numbness and pain below the knees with these cotton compression socks.
Rating Category | Weight % | Score |
---|---|---|
Seamless Construction | 30% | 100 |
Calves Support | 25% | 95 |
Reduce Stiffness | 25% | 95 |
Compression | 10% | 95 |
Padding | 10% | 90 |
Total Score | 100% | 96 |
3
Absolute Support® Unisex Strong Cotton Compression Socks Firm Cotton Compression Socks for Enhanced Circulation
- These compression socks are made of the finest quality cotton and are designed to improve blood circulation in the legs and feet.
- Clinically proven to help alleviate pain in swollen areas of the leg and the foot, these cotton compression socks have helped many functions daily.
- Made from 80% pure cotton, these socks are soft and moisture-wicking, allowing your feet to breathe even while constricted.
- The measurements for this sock were taken at various points of the foot, the ankles, and up the calf, making a custom size chart that is more accurate than generic compression brands.
- Physicians are recommended for those with swelling, knee or foot pain, edema, thrombosis, numb limbs, poor blood flow, nurses, patients in recovery, and those who travel a lot.
Rating Category | Weight % | Score |
---|---|---|
Seamless Construction | 30% | 100 |
Calves Support | 25% | 95 |
Reduce Stiffness | 25% | 95 |
Compression | 10% | 90 |
Padding | 10% | 90 |
Total Score | 100% | 95.5 |
4
CompressionZ® Unisex Maximum Compression Socks Pressure Relief Cotton Compression Socks
- Here is a pair of cotton compression socks to alleviate pressure and alleviate foot odor.
- The silver yarn cotton blend has been developed primarily to be anti-bacterial, ensuring you can wear these socks for extended periods without infecting your feet.
- Wear these all day long, every day, for any of your activities to help keep the blood from pooling in your feet.
- These compression socks have been clinically proven to prevent lactic acid build-up, reduce stiffness in your joints, and keep you flexible and on your toes.
- The compression is the strongest in the foot, 20-30mmHg, and decreases as it moves up the calf.
- Reinforced toes and ankles help cushion your feet, further alleviating the pressure from them.
- Available in more than ten colors to choose from!
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Pembrook® Unisex Compression Travel Socks Reinforced Cotton Blend Compression Stockings
- April is a top brand of compression socks that have been used and approved by many people all around the globe.
- Alleviate the pressure off your feet with this top-quality blend of fabric consisting of 60% cotton, 20% polyamide, 15% spandex, and 5% silver!
- The sock gives 17-22mmHg of pressure evenly up the legs, improving blood flow from your toes to your knees all day long.
- Ideal for those going through pregnancy, who have varicose veins, travel a lot, or experience swollen limbs daily.
- These compression socks have reinforced toes and heels to help take the strain off and redirect pressure away from the feet (making them excellent for tired feet as well!).
- Athletes can wear these socks while running or training to keep their blood flow at a maximum and reduce any foot fatigue.
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RelaxSan® Unisex 920 Cotton Compression Socks
From RelaxSan, we have genuine cotton compression socks made in Italy.
- Cotton, Nylon, and Elastane’s socks consist of stretchability and compression.
- They offer medium compression and a comfortable fit.
- The toe is seamless for less friction and irritation.
- The compression allows better blood flow and pain relief.
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Newzill® Unisex Copper Cotton Copper Compression Socks
The Newzill cotton compression socks are also copper-infused for even better healing properties.
- The sock consists of Cotton, Spandex, and Copper materials.
- These socks also promise to be completely latex-free.
- Copper is an excellent choice to rejuvenate blood circulation along with compression.
- You can likewise choose to form a few color options.
8
CoolOver® Unisex Medical Colorful Cotton Compression Socks
A temperature-controlling compression sock made from pure cotton, available in many prints and color options to choose from.
- Compression sock that aids with blood circulation pain and swelling.
- Fashionable, fun designs and prints are available.
- It is made from pure cotton and Elastane.
- Breathable and stretchable and helps to keep optimal temperatures.
9
Fitrell® Unisex Knitted Cotton Compression Socks
- Breathable and durable compression socks made from high-quality Polyester and Polyamides.
- Fashionable and heavy-duty wear design and durability.
- Available in a few neutral color selections to choose from.
- Excellent for athletic and everyday wear.
10
Sigvaris® Unisex 230 Cotton Compression Socks
- A Top quality cotton fiber compression sock.
- Class 1 and Class 2 standard FDA-approved edema and Blood flow compression socks.
- Designed and made in Switzerland.
- Made with Nylon, spandex, and Supima cotton.
11
Absolute Support® Unisex Premium Cotton Compression Socks
- A pure 80% cotton and spandex compression sock.
- Available in a few neutral color options and different size options.
- Knee-high for optimal support and comfort.
- Durable and breathable design.
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Terramed® Unisex Just Think Comfort Wide Calf Cotton Compression Socks
From Terraced, we have the wide calf design Cotton Compression Socks.
- I highly recommend these socks for persons with wider calf who need a more relaxed fit.
- Medium-grade compression helps to alleviate pain and swelling.
- These socks consist of organic cotton materials and offer excellent stretchability.
- You can rest assured your socks are doctor-approved and promote excellent healing properties.