Why Wear Compression Socks for Travelling

Compression socks are great for travelling and are not just for those at risk for blood clots. These socks apply graduated pressure on the legs to promote circulation. There are ones that are prescribed for medical reasons and others that are not, which can easily be purchased from many brands. We will focus on the general, non-medical-grade compression socks.

Why Wear Compression Socks for Travelling

Plane travel, especially long-hauls, has significant impact on the human body. Aside from the dry cabin air and confined space, the lack of movement can result in swelling, stiffness, and heaviness in the legs. This adds to discomfort and fatigue.

Compression socks have graduated pressure that squeezes the most at the ankles. This helps blood to circulate back to the heart. It also helps reduce leg discomfort and fatigue. Hydration and regular movement are also important for long flights. Even leg exercises and flexing the ankles at your seat can promote circulation.

(Do consult your healthcare practitioners about wearing compression socks.)

Types of Compression Socks

Measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg), compression socks come in different strengths/tightness.

Compression socks come in different options – open-toed, ankle socks, knee-highs, and leggings. Try them on beforehand to ensure they are comfortable and not a nightmare to get on. Knee-highs, for example, may sit uncomfortably if they are too long. If they are, it’s better not to fold them down which can cut off circulation. Also some materials feel better than others.

Compression Sock Brands

There are many brands out there and it can be a mind field to choose the ones for you. I read through so many reviews that my head hurt. Some, like Physix Gear Compression Socks, I skipped over as the reviewers shared the socks are too long for someone who’s around 5’5”.

In the end, I went with Maggie’s knowing the material will make a big difference for me. Because they are compression socks, these are only mostly organic cotton (68%) and include nylon (26%) and spandex (6%).

The ones from Maggie’s are light compression socks at 12 mm Hg. For me, it felt like good support for my long flight. I went with the black striped colourway. The others are black and beige. It’s 20% off your first purchase. Also for Earth Day they have 15% off and free US shipping on purchases over $35.

At the gate, before my 15-hour flight, I swapped out my short socks for the Maggie’s Organics compression socks. (By the way their online shop offers more than just socks.) They are long for my calves and I pulled them onto my knees. I had previously worn them briefly at home to test them out. My legs felt rested after the red-eye.

My sister got the CEP Women’s Running Compression Tall Socks from the Runinn. These are 20-30 mm Hg, offering more support and are more technical, with wicking material, than Maggie’s. While this German brand focuses on athletes and their compression socks are designed for running and post-marathon recovery, they also are appropriate for everyday use, especially for those on their feet all day. My sister also wears them for long-haul flights. CEP offers a number of colour combos.

If you want to add warmth, try the merino wool compression socks from Sonoran. These are 15-30 mm Hg, 30% merino wool, and are OEKOk-TEX 100 certified (tested against more than 1,000 harmful substances). These socks are made from a variety of materials aside from merino wool – 24% Elastane Fiber, 22% Acrylic, 15% Nylon, 7% Polyester Fiber, and 2% Spandex.

If you prefer, Sonoran also has compression socks in bamboo (80% Viscose derived from Bamboo, 15% Cotton, and 5% Spandex).

Sockwell is another brand that has a wool and merino blend (32% Merino Wool, 32% Nylon, 31% Bamboo Rayon, and 5% Spandex). These are a stronger compression at 20-30 mm Hg.

I also looked at Bombas. Theirs are 15-20 mm Hg socks that are 70% Cotton (Supima®), 15% Polyester, 9% Elastane, and 6% Nylon.

Comrad offers low compression ones that are 15-20 mm Hg as well as regular and wide calf fits.

Wellow is another brand that had great reviews.

Theirs are 18-25 mm Hg and are made from 76% Viscose made from Bamboo, 16% Polyester, 6% Spandex, and 2% Nylon. Reviewers noted that while they love the compression and ease of putting them on, these socks can run a little long for some people.

Have you tried compression socks for traveling? Which are your favourites?

Here are more wellness resources for travelling from What Therapy.