The 14 Best Compression Socks for Men

According to Riverside Online, compression socks aka compression stockings are specialized socks that apply gentle pressure to your legs and ankles while helping to improve blood flow from your legs to your heart. A Riverside doctor further explains that compression socks help decrease swelling and pain in the legs and ankles, and that by applying pressure to the legs they reduce the extra fluid in the legs, reduce inflammation, and ultimately improve blood flow through the veins to the heart.

There are three different types of compression socks: graduated compression stockings where the compression is strongest at the ankle and decreases up toward the knee, anti-embolism stockings which features graduated compression that decreases from the ankle upwards, and non-medical support hosiery which offers the same level of compression throughout the sock.

• What we like: Fits true to size, circulates blood well
• Something to consider: Can lose elasticity quickly according to some users
• Material: Breathable mesh construction
• Calf size: N/A
• Compression level: Light
• Color: Black/Highlight Yellow, White
• Price at time of publish: $38

When it comes to compression socks, Lululemon offers one of the best currently available with their MicroPillow Compression Knee-High Socks which is made with breathable mesh construction that cushions and hugs the calf and foot area. The socks are designed for running if that's something of interest, and are made with graduated degrees of light compression to help your muscles feel energized. The 3D-knit PerformaHeel helps with locking the foot in, and the socks are finished with the brand's MicroPillow light cushioning.

• What we like: Comfortable, good for recovery, affordable
• Something to consider: Can run snug according to some users
• Material: Merino Wool blend
• Calf size: N/A
• Compression level: Light/regular
• Color: Black, Charcoal, White
• Price at time of publish: $20

Bombas' Targeted Compression Performance Calf Socks are sure to alleviate pain and get the blood circulation going with its Strategic Zone Cushioning, Stay-Up Technology, Airflow Venting, and targeted pushing. The elasticity on these socks are quite durable and hold up well over time, along with these socks feature Bombas' renowned Honeycomb Arch Support, which helps with additional support and pain management. We're also quite fond of the sock's sweat-wicking performance yarns in the body of the sock, along with the Merino Wool blend in the heel, arch, and toe. 

• What we like: The performance, recovery, blood flow, cool design
• Something to consider: Can run snug according to some users
• Material: Blend of polyester, nylon, and spandex
• Calf size: N/A
• Compression level: 20-30 mmHg
• Color: Orange Boom
• Price at time of publish: $30

The 20-30 mmHg compression level on these compression socks from Pro Compression are worth writing home about. The socks fit generally well with the option to choose multiple sizes, and they do a good job of evenly distributing blood flow throughout your calf and foot area to promote great performance and recovery. The advanced design of the sock supports critical muscles and tendons, and the polyester, nylon, and spandex blend is moisture-wicking for additional comfort.

• What we like: The calf support, the firm compression
• Something to consider: Runs thinner than other compression socks
• Material: 67% Nylon, 28% olefin, 5% spandex
• Calf size: N/A
• Compression level: 20-30 mmHg
• Color: Stripe Red Aqua, Stripe Aqua Gray, Stripe Pink Gray, Red, Cobalt Blue
• Price at time of publish: $18.99

Simply known as the Aspire Four, these affordable compression socks from Swiftwick are worth your consideration as the company says they are engineered with firm compression and a thin profile for a responsive feel. This firm compression they speak of is designed to support very contour of the foot. What does that do you ask? It means that the fatigue/wear on your foot will be reduced as you participate in endurance activities, making this a great option for running, cycling, working out, etc.

• What we like: The comfort, that it comes in a three-pack, reduces swelling
• Something to consider: Can be difficult to take off
• Material: Nylon/copper
• Calf size: N/A
• Compression level: Regular
• Color: Black, Black Classic, White, White Classic, Nude, and 10 0thers
• Price at time of publish: $14.99

Amazon's 3-Pack Compression socks are infused with copper to give it a balance between warmth, compression, and comfort while also circulating blood properly and reducing injury. Anti-odor properties are also built into the socks, and the nylon composition is made to be gentle and ventilation-enhancing. The 3-Pack comes highly rated by buyers, and the best thing about the product is that you get three very good quality compression socks for the price of one. Who doesn't love a good deal?

• What we like: The compression, circulation, and the comfort
• Something to consider: Doesn't extend into calf area
• Material: 95% Polyamide, 5% elastane
• Calf size: N/A
• Compression level: Light
• Color: Black, White, Navy
• Price at time of publish: $25

Also great are Tracksmith's Speed Crew Socks which are made with a polyamide/elastane blend and come in multiple sizes. Both fabrics are lightweight which makes them quite durable, with the socks being designed for performance. The Speed Crew Socks also offer moisture-wicking properties that touch with enough compression to ensure the socks are slip-resistant, along with micro-cushioning in the heel and achilles to prevent your feet rubbing against the shoes you are wearing. What's more, the foot of the socks are contoured for a close fit, with the mesh stitching adding to the socks' breathability. A great $25 purchase.

• What we like: The mild compression, pain relief element, snug design
• Something to consider: Can be hard to take off
• Material: Nylon blend
• Calf size: N/A
• Compression level: Light
• Color: Black/White Polka Dot, Pink, Polka Dot, Turquoise Pink Dot, Black, and 9 others
• Price at time of publish: $16.97 - $18.95

The Go2Socks Compression Socks available via Amazon are another solid option as far as compression socks go as they are made with a mild compression grade of 15-20 mmHg. That rating means these socks are a surefire for significant relief in the leg, calves, ankles, and feet areas. Additionally, the socks are temperature balanced meaning that they keep your legs warm when cold, and cool when warm. The Go2Socks come with the option of selecting sizes small through extra large, and have multiple socks that feature cool, funky, designs, if that's your jam.

• What we like: The graduated compression, the muscle recovery, the cool designs and colors
• Something to consider: Can be hard to put on and take off
• Material: 91% Nylon, 9% spandex
• Calf size: N/A
• Compression level: Graduated
• Color: Hot Pink Mountain Sun, Dark Green Falling Stripe, Navy & Red Electric Stripe, Rust & Salmon Thick Stripe, Shamrock Thick Stripe, and 3 others
• Price at time of publish: $27

Speaking of companies that offer funky compression socks, Vim & Vigr Compression Socks are known to get the job done integrally-knit graduated compression system. How does that work? Well, the socks apply therapeutic pressure that starts at the ankle and gradually eases above. What does this in-turn do? This external pressure helps with energizing your legs, reducing swelling, speeding up muscle recovery, and increasing circulation of freshly oxygenated blood back to your legs. The 15-20 mmHg compression level means the socks are ideal for all-day wear, and the material and spandex of the sock allows for sustained compression.

• What we like: The anatomical design, the graduated compression, and breathable design
• Something to consider: Requires spending a little bit more than with other socks
• Material: 88% Nylon, 12% spandex
• Calf size: N/A
• Compression level: Graduated
• Color: Black/Titanium, White/Grey
• Price at time of publish: $49.99

If you are willing to make the $49.99 investment, 2XU's Vectr Cushion Full Length Compression Socks are some of the most technical on the market. Built with an anatomical design to provide advanced plantar fascia and arch support, the 2XU's Vectr has plenty of cool specs including: a unique X-LOCK support system to lock the foot in place and reducing blistering, 3.25mm maximum cushioning for shock absorption, a wide toe box that eliminates irritation, balance, alignment, and comfort, and plenty more. What we love most? The Zoned Mesh Ventilation for increased breathability. It adds to the supreme comfort of the socks.

• What we like: The blood circulation and comfort, decreases swelling and relieves pain
• Something to consider: Has limited sizing
• Material: 80% Nylon, 20% spandex
• Calf size: N/A
• Compression level: Lightweight
• Color: Gray/Black, Black/Blue, Black/Gray, Black/Pink, Dress Black Argyle
• Price at time of publish: $10.95

The SB SOX Lite Compression Socks are an automatic when it comes to phenomenal compression socks. Graded at a 15-20mmHg level, the socks are made to boost your blood circulation and relieve leg pain, swelling, and fatigue all while providing comfort that doesn't compromise mobility. The compression level also actively improves your blood flow while wearing, so it's probably a good idea to wear them even if you aren't feeling in particular pain as you always want your blood circulating well. Throw in the $10.95 price, and this is definitely a winner.

• What we like: Breathable, good for nurses, prevents swelling
• Something to consider: Has limited sizing
• Material: 91% Nylon, 9% spandex
• Calf size: N/A
• Compression level: Lightweight
• Color: Grey
• Price at time of publish: $28

It's always a good idea to grab a pair of Comrad Socks, which come highly-reviewed for their comfort and pain relief. According to the brand, this particular pair can help prevent varicose veins, DVT, and blood clots. Additionally, the socks can help with relieving discomfort that comes from minor or moderate edema, CVI, and venous conditions. Even if you don't suffer from any of these particular conditions, the Comrad still provides increased circulation, discomfort, soreness, and swelling.

• What we like: Circulates blood well, comes in a multi-pack
• Something to consider: Compression could be too lightweight according to users
• Material: 85% Nylon, 15% spandex
• Calf size: N/A
• Compression level: 5-20 mmHg
• Color: Black, Navy/Gray, Black/White, Black/Pink, Black/Navy, and 10 others
• Price at time of publish: $17.99

If you are searching for another multi-pack that offer prime compression quality at a reasonable price, CHARMKING's Compression Socks are another great option to consider. The socks come with a compression level proven to for quicker movements, the nylon/spandex blend is just the right amount of comfort and stretch that stay elevates performance level and stays at a balanced temperature, and the targeted zones built into the socks provide varying levels of support from moderate to extra firm. Certainly for $17.99 it couldn't hurt to give these a shot to see if it's a match.

• What we like: The lightweight nature, the circulation, the comfort level
• Something to consider: Difficult to put on and take off
• Material: 85% Nylon, 15% polyester
• Calf size: N/A
• Compression level: 20-30mmhg
• Color: Multi-colored 1, Black2, Black3, Multicoloured 1, Multi011, and 10 others
• Price at time of publish: $18.59

Clocking in with a compression grade of 20-30mmhg, are Hi Clasmix's Graduated Medical Compression Socks which attacks fatigue, swelling, and varicose veins by providing a mild squeezing action that stimulates oxygen delivery to the muscles and by augmenting airflow. The socks are made to be lightweight and form-fitting, and features active joint stability. The comfort is there with the nylon and polyester, and the reinforced/cushioned heel and toe support to lock your foot in place.

• What we like: Helps with diabetes and neuropathy, prevents swelling and blisters, prevents foot injuries
• Something to consider: May not reach calf area
• Material: Cotton blend
• Calf size: N/A
• Compression level: Lightweight
• Color: Blue Stipe/Multi-color Stripe
• Price at time of publish: $38.99

It's hard to find any flaws with Dr. Segal's Non Binding Socks which are doctor-designed compression socks that meet the comfort and health requirements for diabetic and neuropathy patients. The Non Binding Socks are designed to prevent the socks from digging into your foot (which causes further discomfort), and has a built-in flat-felled seam that protects against blisters and ulcers. There's also the incorporation cushioned footbeds for extra padding and cushioning for sensitive areas, and the moisture-wicking properties that keep the socks fresh. A well spent $38.99 that won't disappoint.