The 11 Best Compression Socks for Nurses of 2022

FIGS Just Go For It Compression Socks at Wearfigs.com

FIGS 100% Awesome Compression Socks at Wearfigs.com

Physix Gear Sport Compression Socks at Amazon

SB SOX Compression Socks at Amazon

CHARMKING Compression Socks at Amazon

TechWare Pro Ankle Compression Socks at Amazon

Mojo Compression Socks at Amazon

TOFLY Compression Stockings at Amazon

Bombas Merino Wool Compression Sock at Bombas.com

Bropite Zipper Compression Socks at Amazon

It should come as no surprise that FIGS’ compression socks earned our top spot. The brand specializes in genuinely comfortable healthcare apparel, and its Just Go For It Compression Socks do not disappoint.

The socks are crafted from a stretchy-soft blend of nylon (91 percent) and spandex (9 percent), so you can expect them to feel comfortable and flexible. And since they’re compression socks, they should feel a little bit tight, too. Unfortunately, FIGS doesn’t disclose how much compression you should expect from the socks. But they do call the compression level “light”—meaning the socks are probably suitable for everyday wear.

To cut down on irritation, the socks are designed with minimal seams. (You should only spot seams at the top of and along the toes of each sock.) Since the socks are cushioned with padding along the toes and heels, they should be comfortable enough to wear all day long.

These features count for a lot. But what makes FIGS’ Just Go For It Compression Socks truly special is that they boast a fun design. At the base of each sock, you’ll see the phrase: “Just go for it.” Tucked away where no one can see it, this mantra might act as a note to self—reminding you that you can do it, on your longest, toughest days.

Best Women's Overall: FIGS 100% Awesome Compression Socks

FIGS is known for its cozy-cute scrubs. But the brand’s 100% Awesome Compression Socks should be just as comfortable. Crafted from a blend of nylon (75 percent) and lycra (25 percent), the socks should feel incredibly stretchy and soft. They should be flexible enough to comfortably move around in, and cozy enough to slip your feet into every single day. Plus, they come cushioned with padding along the toes and heels—a feature that’s much-appreciated when you’re spending all day on your feet.

Of course, FIGS’ 100% Awesome Compression Socks aren’t just standard socks—they’re compression socks. So you should expect them to feel refreshingly tight. That said, FIGS doesn’t disclose how much compression the socks will provide, aside from saying they’ll deliver “light compression.” This is bound to disappoint fans of precision. But if you don’t mind a loose estimate—and if all you’re after is a pair of light compression socks you can wear every day—this info might be all you need.

One final thing worth noting about the socks: They come with a built-in mantra. Along the sole of each sock, you’ll see the phrase, “100% Awesome.” So if you’re ever in need of a pick-me-up, take a moment to let your socks remind you how great you really are.

Best Unisex: Physix Gear Sport Compression Socks

Comfortable, stretchy, and durable, Physix’s Gear Sport Compression Socks tick all the boxes. The socks are crafted from a blend of 70 percent nylon and 30 percent spandex, so you can expect them to feel comfortable enough to wear every day and sturdy enough to hold up to that daily use. Since they promise to deliver intense compression—to the tune of 20 to 30 mmHg—they should feel tighter than some of the lighter options on the market.

The combination of nylon and spandex should provide the stretch needed to flexibly move around during your work days. A snug fit should keep them from pinching, bunching, or sliding down your calves mid-shift. Bonus: The socks come in 13 different colors. So you could snag a set for every day of the week—and then some.

Best Budget: SB SOX Compression Socks

Looking to score a deal on a great pair of compression socks? SB SOX has you covered. The brand’s budget-friendly Compression Socks are designed to deliver intense compression—20 to 30 mmHg at a time. And they’re outfitted with several features that make them a particularly comfortable pick.

For starters, the socks are designed to feel lightweight and flexible, despite the intense compression they provide. Unfortunately, SB SOX doesn’t clarify what, exactly, the socks are made of. But they do promise that the socks will be breathable and moisture-wicking, so you can expect them to feel cool and comfortable.

The socks also boast reinforced toes and heels, meaning they should lightly cushion your feet every time you take a step. And since they come in a whopping 16 different colorways, you shouldn’t have any trouble finding a set that suits your go-to scrubs.

Best Bulk Pack: CHARMKING Compression Socks

CHARMKING makes it easy to stock up on compression socks. The brand’s Compression Socks set comes with a whopping eight pairs—meaning you’ll have a pair for every day of the week, plus an extra pair for good measure.

The stretchy socks are crafted from 85 percent nylon. (CHARMKING doesn’t disclose what makes up the rest of the blend.) So you can expect them to feel both flexible and durable. With 15 to 20 mmHg of compression, they should feel tighter than some of the light compression socks on the market but less intense than the heavier ones.

The socks come equipped with a tight top cuff, which should keep them securely in place as you handle whatever the workday throws at you. And they’re also reinforced with padding along the toes and heels to cushion your feet and keep you comfortable.

What’s more? The bulk pack is available in 38 different color combinations. So you can go as neutral—or as vibrant—as you want to.

Best for Plantar Fasciitis: TechWare Pro Ankle Compression Socks

Many compression socks run from knee to ankle. But if you have plantar fasciitis, a condition affecting the sole of your foot,2 you may not need knee-high compression. A compression crew sock—like TechWare’s Pro Ankle Compression Socks—may be enough to get the job done.3 After all, why apply compression to your calves when your feet are what need attention?

At first glance, TechWare’s Pro Ankle Compression Socks look like classic crew socks. But they’re designed to deliver refreshing compression from the moment you slip them on. Unfortunately, TechWare doesn’t specify how much compression you can expect, but they do promise that the socks will deliver “strong” compression.

Crafted from a blend of durable nylon (80 percent) and stretchy spandex (20 percent), the socks should feel comfortable and flexible. And according to TechWare, they should wick moisture, too. Score them in one of seven different colorways, or snag enough pairs to get you through the week.

Best Size Range: Mojo Compression Socks

Searching for a set of size-inclusive compression socks? Look no further—Mojo’s Compression Socks run from small to 7X. And since the socks are also available in five different colors, Mojo makes it easy to find a pair that works for you.

The socks are made of a 75 percent nylon blend, so they should feel sturdy and stretchy. Mojo doesn’t disclose what makes up the rest of the blend, but they do note that the socks are latex-free—which is great to know if you’re navigating an allergy.

Since the socks are designed to deliver 20 to 30 mmHg of compression, you should expect them to fall on the more intense side of the spectrum. But despite this, the socks promise to feel lightweight and breathable, too. What’s more? They're designed to wick moisture every time you wear them. And that feature will count for a lot on your busiest, most active days.

Compression: 20–30 mmHg | Sizes: Small, medium, large, XL, 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X, 6X, 7X | Color Options: Four | Quantity Per Pack: One pair

Best Open-Toe: TOFLY Compression Stockings

If you’ve ever lamented that your compression socks are perfect—except for the way they squeeze your toes—TOFLY has a pair you should consider. Like classic compression socks, TOFLY’s Compression Stockings will grip your leg from knee to foot. But unlike classic compression socks, they’ll leave your toes out in the open. This open-toe design will give your toes room to comfortably and flexibly move around while giving your calves and feet that compression you’re looking for.

Crafted from a blend of 77 percent nylon and 23 percent spandex, you can expect a stretchy-sturdy feel that’ll hold up to everyday wear. And you can expect a fair amount of breathability, too. Plus, the socks are designed to stay snugly in place while you wear them. They’re also designed to wick moisture whenever you work up a sweat.

Thanks to their open-toe design, the socks should feel more flexible than most. But they’re still decidedly compressive. (In fact, the socks are available in 15 to 20 mmHg and 20 to 30 mmHg variations, so you can customize your compression level based on your preferences.) Oh, and if you ever find yourself craving a pair of closed-toe compression socks, TOFLY has you covered. These socks are available in both closed-toe and open-toe variations.

Best for Cold Weather: Bombas Merino Wool Compression Sock 3-Pack

Compression socks tend to be lightweight and durable. But if you’re craving a little extra warmth, Bombas is prepared to deliver it. The brand’s Merino Wool Compression Socks are crafted from a cozy merino wool blend. So in addition to feeling soft and comfortable, the socks should keep you pretty warm, too.

To make its Merino Wool Compression Socks, Bombas blends soft merino wool with more classic compression sock materials, like polyester and spandex. Though Bombas doesn’t specify the precise breakdown of its fabric blend, you can reasonably expect the socks to feel soft, stretchy, and comfortable. And since the socks are designed to deliver 15 to 20 mmHg, they make a great middle-ground pick. (They should neither feel too light, nor too intense.)

Currently, the socks are exclusively sold in three-packs. So if you want one pair, you’ll inevitably end up snagging a few.

Best Zip-Up: Bropite Zipper Compression Socks

Sliding on a pair of compression socks isn’t always easy. But Bropite’s Zipper Compression Socks may make it a little easier. Each sock comes equipped with a zipper, which should cover the length of your calf. Unzip the socks to conveniently slide them on. Then, zip them back up to fasten them in place. This design detail may sound incredibly obvious, but it’s not the kind of thing you’ll find on most compression socks.

Aside from the built-in zipper, Bropite’s Zipper Compression Socks are pretty classic. They’re crafted from a blend of 75 percent nylon and 25 percent spandex, so they should feel both sturdy and stretchy. And they’re designed to deliver 15 to 20 mmHg of compression at a time. This makes the socks not particularly lightweight, but not particularly intense either—making them a great middle-ground pick for anyone craving some classic compression.

One potential downside, though? The zipper that makes the socks comfortable to slip on may also make them uncomfortable to wear. The back of the zipper may irritate your skin, especially if you move around a lot while wearing the socks. This downside may be enough for some to forgo the socks. But if you have trouble slipping into a more traditional pair of compression socks, the tradeoff may be worth it.

Best for Pregnancy: Dr. Segal’s Pregnancy Socks

Soft, lightweight, and machine-wash-friendly, Dr. Segal’s Solid Cotton Energy Socks are a perfect pick for everyday wear. Crafted from a cozy blend of cotton (45 percent), nylon (38 percent), and lycra (17 percent), the socks should feel softer than most. But they should still boast the signature stretch you’d expect from a pair of compression socks. And since they’re designed to deliver 15 to 20 mmHg of compression, they should feel solidly tight but not terribly intense.

In addition to boasting a cozier-than-average fabric blend, the socks are also outfitted with a range of comfy features. The stretchy band at the top of each sock was designed to be extra-wide, so it’s less likely to dig into your skin. And the footbed of each sock is lined with soft terry cloth, a fabric that should cushion your feet every time you slip on the socks. The socks are also designed exclusively with flat seams, which should cut down on irritation. Some particularly wide toe boxes should give your feet plenty of room to move around.

Combined, all these features make for a pretty excellent set of socks. And since they’re rendered in a versatile gray color, you shouldn’t have any trouble pairing them with your go-to work clothes.

How We Selected the Best Compression Socks for Nurses

When deciding which compression socks to feature in this article, we focused on a few things. First, we wanted to highlight the diverse range of pairs available. That meant featuring socks with different silhouettes, compression levels, material break-downs, and details—and it also meant featuring socks at different price points.

Then, we focused on giving you options. We favored socks that came in many sizes, prints, and colors to increase the likelihood that you’d find a pair that worked for you. Finally, we prioritized socks that were well-reviewed by those who’d tried them and included features favored by the various experts we interviewed. If there was ever a toss-up between two great pairs of compression socks, we went with the pair that had received more rave reviews.

What to Look for in Compression Socks for Nurses

Size

Like all socks, compression socks come in many different sizes. (The compression socks in this roundup range from small to 7X, for example.) According to our experts, compression socks should be tight enough that your legs feel lightly squeezed—but not so tight that your legs feel uncomfortable.

Style

Compression socks are available in many different silhouettes. Most of the time, you’ll see knee-high, closed-toe compression socks. But you may also see socks of different lengths—like thigh-high socks, ankle-high socks, or even full-blown tights. You may also see open-toe variations. Talk to your doctor to determine which sock style is best for you.

Compression Level

Some compression socks are tighter than others. And a sock’s compression level is measured in mmHg (millimeters of mercury). The higher the mmHg, the more compressive the sock. So you’ll find gentler socks in the 10 to 15 mmHg range and more intense socks in the 20 to 30 mmHg range. (Most compression socks fall somewhere in the middle—around 15 to 20 mmHg.) As always, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor to determine which compression level is right for you.

“It’s always best to speak to your doctor for recommendations before using compression socks,” Dr. Ross says. Your doctor can help you understand which compression level is right for you, based on your personal needs, preferences, and daily habits.

Material

Most compression socks are made from stretchy fabrics, like nylon, spandex, and lycra. But some of the time, you’ll see softer materials—like cotton and merino wool—included in the blend. Consider what you want your socks to feel like, and snag a pair that meets your preferences. You may even consider buying different socks for different times of the year. (Breathable cotton socks may be great during the summer, whereas warm merino wool socks may be better during the winter.)

Quantity

Some compression socks come in pairs, while others come in bulk sets. This is important to keep in mind while comparison shopping. Be sure to pay attention to the unit cost (the cost of each pair of socks), in addition to the total cost (the cost of the entire set).