Do you wear compression socks for travel? If not, you should seriously consider wearing some as they can seriously save your life! Find out why you need compression socks for travel and how to find the best compression socks for flying or any kind of travel.
Best Compression Socks for Travel
Sure, we’d all love to take long-haul flights in first class where we have oodles of room to stretch out our legs, but for most of us, that’s not going to happen anytime soon. Instead, we’re cramped up back in Economy, trying to make the best of our squished accommodations.
That’s where the best compression socks for travel come in.
Truth be told, compression socks for flying are actually a good idea in any class on an airplane if you’ll be sitting for hours on end, because they help reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis: A possibly fatal condition where blood clots form in your arms, legs or torso.
What Do Compression Socks Do?
Like the name suggests, flight compression socks “compress” your legs, and allow the blood to flow more freely and reducing the risk of it clotting up. You can get compression socks for air travel in multiple styles, but the most common are knee-high socks and footless tights or leggings.
While compression socks are great, they aren’t a substitute for getting up, walking around, shifting positions and drinking plenty of fluids in-flight. You don’t need compression socks for a comfortable international flight, but they can help!
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links – this means I will earn a small commission when you buy a product/service (at no extra cost to you). More about it here.
How to Find the Best Compression Socks?
Comfort
No two pair of compression socks are the same, but some can feel overly restrictive.
If you go for tights, do they bind around your stomach while sitting down? Or if you get knee-highs, do they cut off circulation under your knees? You want to feel compression, but the whole goal of these socks is to keep the blood flowing: Too tight is just as bad as too loose!
Also, keep in mind that you don’t need medical compression socks — those made for athletes work just as well.
Length
Like the above point mentioned, compression socks for flying socks need to be a comfortable length.
Take note of the product dimensions and actually measure your legs to find out where a pair of socks will fall on your body. Decide what you think would feel most comfortable: Are you accustomed to leggings?
Do you typically choose tall athletic socks? Try a compression version of your favorite normal socks.
Breathability
Nothing is worse than sweaty feet on a 15 hour flight!
Not only are wet toes uncomfortable, they’ll start to stink and no one wants to smell that. Look for socks that have moisture-wicking capabilities and perhaps some odor-blocking technology.
Color
This is all about personal preference: Are you looking for something conservative?
Go for black or skin-tone. Do you want to stand out? There are plenty of neon socks, or those featuring fun prints and patterns.
Compression Socks For Travel: Where To Buy?
You could go to any sporting goods store, or even a pharmacy, but the easiest place to go? Amazon!
Personally, I love reading all the reviews before I make a purchase. There are MILLIONS of choices out there, but here are just a few of the best travel compression socks on Amazon:
Unisex
BLUETREE Compression Socks
The Bluetree Compression Socks are a great inexpensive choice for people looking for basic-colored compression stockings.
Designed to hit right below the knee, these come in black, white, beige, and grey, as well as pink and blue. You’ll get a three pack (great for an especially long flight so you can switch them up as you go) for under $15.
They’re made of 85% nylon, 10% polyester, and 5% elastane, and the moisture-wicking fabric allows your feet to breathe and not feel sweaty. They pull on easily like regular socks and don’t even constrict wider calves — great compression socks for long flights!
Click here to find the best rates for these compression socks
SB SOX Compression Socks for Men & Women
A pricier choice, these incredibly comfortable knee-high compression socks can cost up to $20/pair, but with 4.7 stars out of nearly 4,000 Amazon reviews, they might just be the best compression socks for air travel, and clearly worth the investment.
The synthetic fabric wicks away moisture and also reduces odor and repels static: Great if you choose to wear these under loose-fitting trousers or a skirt where cling can be an issue.
Hopefully, they’ll stay dry and fresh long enough that you’ll only need to purchase one pair. The only (possible) downside is that these feature an “SB” logo near the knee and on the feet, as well as brightly colored toes/heels: If you want something to blend in with dressier attire, these aren’t the pair for you.
Get them in a mix of black and neon blue, grey, pink, white, and even in some colorful argyle and stripe prints.
Click here to find the best prices for these compression socks
Go2 Compression Socks
Want something bold and colorful? The GO2 Compression socks are your exciting fashion compression socks.
A good “middle of the road” price option, you can get two pair for under $30. They come in a number of prints, patterns, and colors, from neon green to rainbow polka dot (as well as the standard black, white, etc.).
These feature logo/text on the knees and feet, so keep that in mind. The fabric is odor-and-bacteria-fighting, and also wicks moisture. Each pair comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
Just make sure to read the measurement chart carefully: You want the socks to fit properly or you’ll lose much of the benefit. There were some Amazon complaints about these feeling hot after a few hours, so be warned!
Click here to find the best prices for these compression socks
Calf Compression Sleeve for Women & Men
I don’t know about you, but sometimes I can’t stand having my feet constricted!
These Calf Compression Sleeve for Women & Men are a great choice: You get the benefits of circulation from your ankles to your knees, but you can wear whatever comfortable socks your prefer on your feet (or, if you want to wear flip-flops, flats or sandals, go ahead!).
At $15/pair, they are affordable. Unfortunately, you can only purchase these in black, so if you wanted something more exciting you’ll have to look elsewhere.
They’re made from 83% nylon and 17% spandex fabric that wicks away moisture. Be sure to check the size chart to pick the right pair for you.
Click here to find the best prices for these compression socks
Compression Socks For Women:
Nurse Mates Compression Trouser Socks
Designed for nurses who spend upwards of 12 hours at a time on their feet, these Nurse Mates Compression Trouser Socks are well-loved by those that rely on them and would presumably work just as well in the air.
They’re reasonably-priced and come in a host of fun patterns — zebra print, polka dots, florals, owls — and don’t have any logos/writing on them to detract from the style.
Some buyers don’t love that the inside of the patterned socks contains loose threads, but others didn’t seem to mind. These are also a great option for ladies with wider calves:
They claim to fit up to 22 inch calves comfortably, making them great plus size compression socks.
Click here to find the best prices for these compression socks
Jobst Relief 20-30 Thigh High Open Toe Beige Compression Stocking
These Jobst Relief 20-30 Thigh High Open Toe Beige Compression Stocking are a cross between compression tights for flying and socks: You get full leg compression from your feet to your thighs, but your toes are exposed and there is no risk of squishing your stomach while seated.
The biggest downside is the price (over $40) and the lack of color choices (beige only).
That being said, these are probably the easiest compression footwear to wear under a skirt, so if you like traveling in a dress, think about these women’s compression socks for travel.
The silicone dots on the thigh-band help to keep the tights in place while moving.
Click here to find the best prices for these compression socks
CompressionZ Women’s Leggings
Although these tend to run small (order a size up!), these CompressionZ Women’s Leggings are a great choice for maximum comfort on a flight.
You get the benefits of compression from your ankles to your stomach, and if you don’t want plain black ones, you can stand out in the fuchsia or other prints.
Do make sure that the stomach band doesn’t hurt while you’re sitting, though — it’ll be incredibly uncomfortable on a flight, and if you didn’t bring other pants you’ll be out of luck.
These are also a good idea if you don’t want your feet compressed: Just pair them with normal ankle socks. Perfect complement to a loose t-shirt and sneakers for a super comfortable red-eye flight.
Click here to find the best prices for these compression socks
Compression Socks for Men
Tesla Men’s Compression Pants
If socks aren’t enough, these moisture-wicking, quick-dry compression pants are a good alternative.
Made of 87% polyester and 13% Spandex, they allow full range of motion while also allowing blood to properly circulate.
They’re incredibly breathable, which is great if you choose to wear them under shorts or trousers so you don’t get too hot on the plane.
Be careful to order according to the manufacturer’s size recommendation so they aren’t too small, and enjoy your pick of 30+ colors and patterns (baby blue, camo, red and more).
Click here to find the best prices for these compression socks
I hope, you have found the perfect compression socks for traveling the world and travel safely!
