Compression sock advice

March 8, 2022 8:29 AM

I (38, no major health issues) just started a temp job where I will be on my feet for 12-hour shifts. I want to try some inexpensive compression socks to help prevent fatigue and vein issues, maybe the 15-20 mmhg range? Advice for what to look for, recommendations for specific brands, etc? Size range is 7.5 womens shoes & about 8" ankle/15" calf circumferences. I know in previous asks people recommended Sockwells but I'd like to try something less expensive first if that makes sense.
posted by needs more cowbell to Health & Fitness (10 answers total)

I like the ones I bought from Pembrook, though they're on the lighter end of compression I believe.
posted by kbuxton at 9:06 AM on March 8, 2022 [1 favorite]

These might be a bit more compression than you're looking for, but I wear them on planes, or anytime I'm going to be either sitting (like a long car ride) or on my feet a lot (recently when moving) and I love them.
posted by Medieval Maven at 9:14 AM on March 8, 2022 [1 favorite]

Duluth Trading has 15-20 mmHG graduated compression socks for around $16; right now there's a Buy 3, Get 1 free sale. Stay-put Lightweight, Stay-put performance.
(Duluth also carries the Sockwell brand, with one style in that gauge on sale. Duluth's store brand might be made by Sockwell.)
Sockwell USA has a clearance section, and its socks are discounted at Bob's Stores, The Sock Monster, & elsewhere.
posted by Iris Gambol at 9:24 AM on March 8, 2022 [1 favorite]

I got six pairs of Charmking socks and wear them every day all winter long. Plus, they have cute designs. I've had them for a few years, don't notice as much of a loss of compression as I had with previous brands.
posted by ldthomps at 10:29 AM on March 8, 2022 [1 favorite]

I recently got some compression socks via Viasox. I did not do that tongue-twister on purpose. I really like them, but haven't had them long enough to say how they hold up. They're roughly 15 bucks a pair.
posted by Well I never at 11:03 AM on March 8, 2022 [1 favorite]

Amazon has a shit ton and the best prices honestly. There are some decent “brands” but yeah they can get pricey. Just check the reviews. I don’t love Amazon but I need a lot of socks. Source: I’m a pro compression sock wearer. I have POTS.
posted by Crystalinne at 1:11 PM on March 8, 2022

Wearing these SB Sox right now; they seem decent.
posted by We had a deal, Kyle at 1:12 PM on March 8, 2022

I have quite a few pair of these from amazon. They're inexpensive and work well for me. I stand all day long, and have no complaints. I've only ever got the all-black ones, because they're the cheapest, and the colors don't do much for me anyhow.
posted by 2N2222 at 3:24 PM on March 8, 2022

Response by poster: Thanks all. I ordered some of the Charmking using a friend's Prime subscription so I can have some for my next shift, and also happened to find a new-with-tags pair of Sockwell for $13 on ebay. If the Sockwells are substantially better I'll buy more of those using Iris Gambol's suggestions. (I sort of forgot to mention that ideally I'd prefer not do a bunch of trial and error with Amazon brands for a mix of reasons even though I know they have many options--I've been trying to steer away from them.)
posted by needs more cowbell at 6:08 AM on March 10, 2022

FWIW, I have now tried both the SB Sox and the Charmking socks, on the assumption that as they have the same designs they're probably on-brand and off-brand production runs from the same factory, and: they're not the same. The Charmking socks are a little shorter and a little looser; feel a little cheaper in construction; and come in very generic unbranded packaging. They're okay but I don't think I'd re-order.

I'd prefer not do a bunch of trial and error with Amazon brands

Oh boy yes, feeling this.
posted by We had a deal, Kyle at 11:23 AM on March 31, 2022 [2 favorites]