What You Need To Know About Compression Socks

Socks come in more forms than just ankle & crew. For example, knee socks. And those ones with the individual toes. But certain types of socks are designed to do more than just protect your shoes from foot sweat. If you’ve read the title of this blog post, you know I’m talking about compression socks.

Today we’re going to answer the most common questions people stop me on the street to ask about compression socks. (I don’t know why this keeps happening. It’s weird.)

What are compression socks?

Compression socks are a type of sock with an increased length and tighter fit than normal socks. They provide gentle pressure to your lower legs and feet, which helps improve blood flow and reduce swelling.

How do compression socks work?

Compression socks apply gentle pressure to your lower legs and ankles which increases blood flow between your feet and your heart. These socks work by applying graduated compression that is strongest at your ankle and decreases toward your knee.

Who should wear compression socks?

Both men and women can get benefits from compression socks. The most common wearers of compression socks are athletes, pregnant women, wheelchair users, and people who are on their feet for long periods of time. People with low blood pressure may also find relief by wearing compression socks as they’ve been shown to help you avoid feeling lightheaded after standing up quickly.

When should I wear compression socks?

Personally I wear compression socks on cross country airplane flights where I’m sitting in one place for long periods of time. The compression helps prevent blood clots from forming in your legs – which is one of the places you don’t want to get blood clots. Although come to think of it, you don’t really want to get blood clots anywhere.

In addition to preventative use, you can also wear compression socks to help reduce swelling and pain in your lower legs and feet.

Where can I buy compression socks?

Shinesty doesn’t sell compression socks (although we DO sell amazingly comfortable socks and I’m not in the business of giving away free advertising. So just type “compression socks” into your preferred search engine and you’ll find what you’re looking for. Need a pair faster than 2-day free Prime delivery? Head to your local pharmacy and look in the aisle with all the creepy dudes hanging around looking at foot stuff.

NOTE: Some compression socks require a doctor’s prescription. If you’re looking to address more serious conditions like improving lymphatic drainage, managing orthostatic hypotension, preventing deep vein thrombosis, preventing venous ulcers, and reversing venous hypertension, you should talk to your doctor instead of taking advice from a random blog post on the internet.

How long should you wear compression socks for swollen feet?

Good question. Compression socks are safe to wear all day long. It may take a few weeks for your swollen feet to return to normal, but you should start feeling the benefits of compression socks almost right away.

I’ve read this article and I don’t think I need compression socks. Did I just waste my time?

Nope! Just because you don’t need medical grade compression socks doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take care of your feet. That’s why we introduced our comfortable, durable, & stylish Super Stupid-Soft™ Socks. Available in Ankle and Crew socks.

After every wash, the patented yarn blend molds to your foot providing a snug fit that gets more comfortable the longer you wear them. Don’t believe me? 1) Rude. 2) Try a pair for yourself and feel the difference. Shop Heel Hammock™ Socks.