Our choice for best compression socks for running is the Physix Gear Compression Socks. The Physix socks stand out with high-quality design, comfort, and effectiveness—great for running or all-day use. Keep reading to learn more about the Physix socks, plus seven other brands that we reviewed to find something that will work for you.
Best Choice - Physix Gear Compression Socks
While running may be the most popular cardio workout of all time, it is also one of the toughest on your legs. All runners are familiar with leg swelling and cramping—normal responses to your jog, yet irritating nonetheless. Many feel that compression socks can alleviate those symptoms by increasing blood flow and reducing swelling. See our reviews below to find a great pair of compression socks.
Buy on AmazonWhile running may be the most popular cardio workout of all time, it is also one of the toughest on your legs. All runners are familiar with leg swelling and cramping—normal responses to your jog, yet irritating nonetheless. Many feel that compression socks can alleviate those symptoms by increasing blood flow and reducing swelling. See our reviews below to find a great pair of compression socks.
Our Top Picks
Best Choice
Physix Gear
Compression
Socks
Top Performance
CEP
Women’s Running
Compression Socks
Can’t Count it Out
SB Sox
Compression
Socks
The Eight Best Compression Socks for Running
| Product | Brand | Latex-free | Sizing | Men or Women | Best Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compression Socks | Physix | Yes | S/M - L/XL | Men & Women |  |
| Compression Socks | CEP | Yes | Multiple Sizes | Women | |
| Compression Socks | SB Sox | Yes | S - XL | Men & Women | |
| Compression Socks | Blitzu | Yes | S/M - L/XL | Men & Women | |
| Compression Socks | Laite Hebe | Yes | S/M - L/XL | Men & Women | |
| Compression Socks | Vive TruCompress | Not specified | S/M - L/XL | Men & Women | |
| Compression Socks | Vitalsox | Not specified | XS - XL | Men & Women | |
| Compression Socks | FuelMeFoot | Not specified | S/M - L/XL | Men & Women | |
Best Choice: Physix Gear Compression Socks
Buy on AmazonFor top-quality compression socks that will hold up during your long runs, check out Physix. These socks are double-stitched with lycra material, and they feature anti-bacterial fabric to keep your legs clean and dry. With 20-30 mmHg graduated compression, these compression socks will keep the swelling down whether you are exercising, working, or taking a long flight.
Main Features
- 20-30 mmHg graduated compression
- Quality nylon and lycra design
- Anti-bacterial fabric
- Numerous styles and two sizes to choose from
Pros:
- Versatile
- Durable
- Stylish
- Money-back guarantee
Cons:
- Only comes as a single pair
Top Performance: CEP Women’s Running Compression Socks
The CEP Compression socks are designed with female runners in mind. Sized specifically for women, these CEP socks may be a better fit than the more typical socks that are made for both men and women. These CEP socks provide 20-30 mmHg compression and an anatomically padded heel to provide comfort during your run. Additionally, these socks feature a unique knit design to enhance breathability.
Main Features
- Sized for women (there is a men’s version as well)
- 20-30 mmHg graduated compression
- Padded heel for comfort
- Nylon/Elastane material
Pros:
- More specific sizing
- Designed to promote air flow
- Numerous styles to choose from
- 100% money back guarantee
Cons:
- Costlier than some of the other brands
Can’t Count Out: SB Sox Compression Socks
SB Sox are packed with a number of features to keep your legs comfortable throughout your run. In addition to 20-30 mmHg graduated compression, these socks are designed with a no-slip cuff around the top, moisture-wicking fabric, a reinforced toe to prevent blisters, and arch support. They come in a number of styles and four different sizes to help you find a perfect pair.
Main Features
- 20-30 mmHg graduated compression
- Moisture-wicking fabric
- No-slip cuff
- Reinforced toe and heel support
- Arch support
Pros:
- Four sizes with detailed sizing guide
- Anti-odor and anti-static fabric
- Comes with a free health/fitness e-book
- Several styles
Cons:
- Only comes as a single pair
The Other Compression Socks We Reviewed
Blitzu Compression Socks
The unique feature of Blitzu socks is the kinesiology taping technology that stabilizes the Achilles tendon. It provides 20-30 mmHg compression and a cushioned toe and heel area for comfort. Designed with Power+ premium fabric, Blitzu also features a non-slip cuff at the top to keep the socks in place. Blitzu Compression socks only come in two sizes, so it may be challenging to fit for larger or smaller legs, however.
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Laite Hebe Compression Socks
Laite Hebe socks stand out from other brands with their fashionable designs, but they provide quality compression as well. The Laite Hebe socks provide reinforced heel/toe areas and arch support. Keep in mind that the Laite Hebe socks provide 15-20 mmHg compression, so you may want to keep looking if you would like more pressure.
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Vive TruCompress Athletic Compression Socks
Vive socks feature targeted ribbing to provide moderate compression to relieve swelling and pain. These socks are lightweight, constructed with a breathable and antibacterial fabric to keep your leg dry throughout your run. This budget-friendly pair also comes as a two-pack. While the Vive comes in three different styles, they have only two size choices.
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Vitalsox Italy
Vitalsox are made with Silver Drystat material — quick-drying propylene designed to resist bacterial growth and odor. These socks also have a patented compression system that starts at the midfoot, providing arch support and purported to enhance compression up to the knee. Vitalsox provides less compression than some of the others, however, at 15-22 mmHg.
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FuelMeFoot Copper Compression Socks
While not scientifically proven, many believe that copper benefits the body by increasing circulation, resisting bacterial growth, and softening your skin, among other benefits. FuelMeFoot weaves copper fibers into their 15-20 mmHg compression socks for those that believe in the element’s advantages. You may want to choose a different pair if you need more than 20 mmHg compression.
Buy on AmazonHow do Compression Socks Work?
Compression socks fit tighter and provide more pressure than regular socks in order to help reduce leg swelling. Typically, compression socks provide “graduated” compression, meaning that they have more pressure at the ankle that gradually loosens as the sock goes up the calf.
This helps push fluid up from your legs. There are many reasons for leg swelling that range from harmless to serious medical issues. We always recommend consulting with a physician before purchasing compression socks.
Benefits of Compression Socks for Running
While the scientific evidence is inconclusive on the benefits of compression socks, and some will be more effective than others, many in the running community swear by them.
Swelling
Most will buy compression socks primarily to reduce leg swelling. You may see leg swelling after heavy bouts of exercise, after working all day on your feet, or just sitting for a long period of time like you would on a flight. Compression socks can reduce swelling by providing pressure from the ankle to the knee and thereby pushing fluid out of your legs.
Pain
Leg swelling may range from annoying at best to really painful at worst. Increased fluid in your legs puts more pressure on your joints and stretches your skin. For some, varicose veins can be painful as well. Compression socks may help to reduce pain caused by swelling.
Recovery
Compression socks improve recovery after exercise by speeding up the blood flow which removes exercise byproducts from your leg muscles more quickly, or a faster recovery may be due to reduced swelling. They may also reduce muscle vibration and other mechanical forces when you run which may help with soreness afterward. The evidence supporting these theories is inconclusive, however.
Weighing All the Factors
Due to its versatility, durability, and numerous styles, the Phyix Gear Compression socks get our vote as the top choice for compression socks to wear while running. If you need a more specific size, then the CEP Women’s Running Compression Socks may be worth a look, and the SB Sox are an excellent option as well.
Best Choice - Physix Gear Compression Socks
While running may be the most popular cardio workout of all time, it is also one of the toughest on your legs. All runners are familiar with leg swelling and cramping—normal responses to your jog, yet irritating nonetheless. Many feel that compression socks can alleviate those symptoms by increasing blood flow and reducing swelling. See our reviews below to find a great pair of compression socks.
Buy on Amazon