Compression Socks?

[DollarBill]

My Mom is asking for a pair of compression socks for X-Mas. I don't know anything about them. Does anyone use these and have recommendations?

[Rural]

If she doesn't have a prescription for specific compression socks, then don't buy anything extremely powerful from a specialty shop. A drugstore or department store will have relatively low compression socks that are safe for pretty much anyone. The medical grade ones shouldn't be used without medical advice.

That said, the lower compression ones are really nice for tired legs and feet. The high-power ones are  mostly used for diabetics and people with varicose veins.


In addition to socks, there are also compression hose that your mom might like. I have a pair if knee-high hose I've been using for years – another advantage is that the compression hosiery doesn't run. I definitely have more energy at the end of a long day on my feet if I wear those.

[MicroRN]

There are a lot of types  Is it something her doc prescribed?  If so they should specify the pressure and style.  If she just wants them for her own reasons, I like NurseMates.  They hold up well if you take care of them.     

[GizmoTX]

I wear TravelSox whenever I fly. They're comfortable knee socks that compress to reduce swelling.

Cheap compression socks can cut into leg areas after an hour or so.

[DollarBill]

Is it something her doc prescribed?

Nothing prescribed, I think she mostly want them for flying. I'll check out the ones everyone mentioned. Do you think I should go with thigh highs or knee highs? Thanks for your help!

[Rural]

I'd go knee high. The thigh high ones really need to be tried on to see if they bunch up at the backs of the knees or dig into the thighs.

[GuitarJim]

I like my CEP Compression socks a lot.  If it's just for casual wear and air travel, I suggest the recovery socks. http://www.cepcompression.com/

[MicroRN]

I'd do knee socks.  Most people don't need thigh highs.  The only time I've worn those is when I was traveling long distances while very pregnant.  Plus, knee ones are easy to find, and come in a lot of colors and designs if she'd like something other than plain black or tan.   

[GuitarStv]

I like my CEP Compression socks a lot.  If it's just for casual wear and air travel, I suggest the recovery socks. http://www.cepcompression.com/

Nice name.

[Lyngi]

I work 12 hour shifts-standing the whole time.  I started with the Footsmart brand knee high socks(as strong as they sold) and wore them for years.  When pregnant I used the Futuro full hose, but they can get hot,  and I was always tugging my hose up from my crotch and over the belly.  I (once) tried thigh high socks as I have spider veins above where the knee highs reach.  The whole day I had to keep running in the bathroom to keep them up.  And I ended up with a nasty rub from the gel strips they use to keep them sliding.
      I tried the Smartwool compression socks, which were fine.  Didn't stink and warm for winter.  However, recently I have found the HOLY GRAIL of compression socks.   Made by K2U.  It is a running-sports sock.  It compresses my legs, supports my FEET.  my achilles tendon.   My toes have wiggle room.    I loved them so much I bought six pairs, and threw everything else away.  They have compression socks and recovery socks.  When I work, I use the compression, I rarely use the recovery socks, only when I worked 5   12 hour shifts in a row, and then only when I got home.  I also can say that they are my most extravagant purchase.  However, not un-mustachian as I wear them every day and I feel they make my feet much happeri

[SU]

Lyngi, are they K2U or 2XU? I couldn't see anything online by K2U, but have been using 2XU for nearly a decade now.

There's a brief review of most of the brands mentioned so far at http://www.runnersworld.com/running-apparel/feeling-squeeze?page=single

[Lyngi]

sorry!!  I just checked mine,   2xu!!!  they have some on Amazon for a lower price, but I just scored a  pair of (ugly) pink for less than $10   2XU

[Dicey]

My mom wears them because she's a diabetic. I have found them at Wally World for a reasonable price. The surgical support type stockings work better, but they can be really difficult to put on and take off, which means they stay in the drawer. Better to buy something that offers slightly less support and actually gets used. I'm not a WM fan, but IIRC, they're in the ladies' sock section down at the bottom, so you really have to look for them. Price is a fraction of the Jobst (or similar) stockings. You could always start with these and then move up to higher compression if necesssary.