It's time I start wearing compression socks on long plane rides. I have noticed some ankle swelling for a day or two after long flights. My concern is that when my feet get hot, I find it difficult to focus on anything else. I would also need wide-calf. Does anyone have any suggestions for compression socks to try, for materials to look for, or for brands to check out?
Any help you can offer would be greatly appreciated!
Best,
Kristen
Here’s a previous discussion of different brands that you might find helpful:
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/packing/crazy-compression-brand-socks
FWIW, I wear Sockwell circulator medium compression and don’t find them hot but I am usually cold on international flights. They are a blend of merino wool and bamboo. They have a ”wide calf” series on their website.
YES - I'm a nurse and wear them everyday and over the past 30yrs have tried all the brands. My fav is Sockwell - the BAMBOO ones will NOT make you hot. They are cooling and I wear them 3-4 times before washing so you don't have to pack many for a trip. They also make WIDE CALF ones - so search for WIDE CALF & BAMBOO on the Sockwell site.
Confession: I didn't think to check recent forum posts! I'm usually better about that! So sorry!
Depending on your age and/or other health issues, it's wise to get them fitted by an expert. It's your calves that they need to correctly fit and for a lot of people that will mean the foot is too big. you just need to fold it under or tuck. Not wonderfully comfortable but you will be avoiding swelling.
ChinaLake67,
Thanks so much - I'll try them!
Best,
Kristen
Jennie, I didn't think of that. Thanks for that information!
Best,
Kristen
I have a very good friend that has the same issues. I gave her a pair each of Bomba compression knee high socks and a pair of ankle compression socks. She had issues with the knee highs (many a pair of knee highs have gone out with the garbage on the plane), but the ankle socks are now her go-to compression socks. They go to right above the ankle and may be worth a try. I wear them on days (home or during travel) when I know I will be doing a lot of walking.
I feel like I have the best intentions with these compression socks, but I can totally see myself changing my socks mid-flight, haha! I hope not, but I can barely handle it if my shoes are tied too tight. Ugh. I'll have to spend some time in them before a flight - maybe that will help.
FWIW… I did not buy the Crazy Compression Socks I asked about. They are cute but I started getting too many emails and then it took several weeks to get the “unsubscribe“ to take. That left a bad taste in my mouth for the company.
I’ll go back to my Injinji compression toe socks. These probably will not work for you as they are hot and fairly tight on my big calves plus the separated toes might bug you.
Do try them ahead of time, not just to see if they are comfortable but to practice getting them on!
I appreciate all of the advice! I'll have to try them out at work first, where I'm so busy that I might not notice them.
I like Wellow compression socks. They come in fun colors and their newest offering is supposed to be easier to wear when it's hot. I now have several pairs. Wearing them makes the long 10 hour flights easier on my legs.
I have a few pairs of Sockwell compression socks which are not wide calf. They fit me well even though I believe "should" need the wide size.
Last summer I purchased a few pairs of Duluth Trading Company compression socks which are really tight. Likely the wide size would have been better. I wear the DTC socks but won't on airplanes.
I also have a couple pair of Walmart brand I've had for years. They are comfortable but are starting to be less "compressive".
I bought three pair of Mediped brand at a very low price at a going out of business sale a few years ago. Those are so tight I only wear them if no other are available. Glad they cost next to nothing.
I wear compression socks often, not because I need to but because many of mine have fun designs. So far, my feet do not feel hot when wearing them.
Good luck with your choice.
Traveler Girl
I recently traveled in Florida and forgot to wear them on the flight down from Minnesota, but notice that my legs were aching a bit after the flight. So while I was there, I went to Kohl's and found they had a pretty decent selection of Dr. Motion compression socks. They had them in both wide calf and regular calf and had some cute designs. I picked up a couple of pairs of the regular calf size, wore one pair on the way home, and was really pleased with them. They fit well; tight but not cutting off circulation, were lightweight and were very comfortable.
The nice thing is that they were only $10 a pair; compared to $20 or $30 for most compression socks. I tried Sockwell compression socks, but they are too tight for me. I also have a pair of Bomba compression socks, which I do like and have worn before, but they are pretty pricey also.
I started wearing compression socks during travel and occasionally at home two years ago on the advice of my doctor. I discovered Vim & Vigr cotton socks keep my legs cool so they are comfortable. Nylon socks are too hot and I don’t wear wool.
https://vimvigr.com/collections/all-compression-socks-men-women?filter.p.m.custom.fabric=Cotton
I bought a couple pairs of ankle high light compression socks, Balega brand through Amazon. I really like them for light ankle and foot support. But they are now being discontinued so limited sizes and colors.
I like Vim and Vigr too. I tried several other brands but they were too long for my short legs and the Vim and Vigr are just the right length. Reasonably comfortable to wear too and fit my wide calves
I quite like Duluth Trading Coolerino Lightweight Compression Socks, which are a merino blend, and most importantly, cushioned for standing/walking which makes them useful for more than just the flight.
A potential downside is the smallest available size is a men's medium (euro 40, US men's 8, women's 10). But if you wear that size or larger and you're at least 5ft6/167cm they ought rightly fit.
I tried these. They are cozy and I have wider calves too. I agree about the hot feet…and I don’t always wear pants that cover my ankles when I travel, so this solved that problem too
Although they seem to be a "generic" product, you might wan to consult with your medical provider to help ascertain what you really need. Not being critical of anyone, just offering food for thought.
Ok, I know Google tracks what I look up, but has it started reading my mind too?? I just thought about looking at the Forum for some bamboo compression socks, so thanks Kristen!
Lots of fabulous compression socks discussion! Thanks, everyone!
Just coming back to this discussion as I order compression socks. The Dr Motion were too ITCHY, gosh. I'm could try the Duluth Trading Coolerino Lightweight Compression Socks, unless someone has an idea on softer/ less constricting ones? Thanks! OR maybe Sockwell? Some reviews of Duluth Trading say they run tight.... This is what I ordered -
https://www.rei.com/product/169450/sockwell-full-floral-wide-calf-socks-womens
Compression socks come in various strengths measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg). Common levels include 8-15 mmHg for light support, 15-20 mmHg for medium support, 20-30 mmHg for firm support, and 30-40 mmHg for extra firm support, with higher levels typically requiring a prescription.
You may want to consult your doctor on what degree of compression you need.
