As a fussy flier, I do everything I can to make travel days as comfortable as possible. I keep my emotional support water bottle and noise-cancelling headphones close, make sure I have plenty of cozy layers to wear, yummy snacks to eat and a rotation of skin care products. Compression socks are one of the more recent additions to my carry-on bags and have actually been the most invaluable, especially on long-haul flights.
In previous HuffPost reporting, Dr. Scott N. Hurlbert, a vascular surgeon in Colorado Springs, Colorado, explained, “When you are traveling by air, you usually don’t have much room to move around. As a result, the blood becomes more stagnant, which can lead to blood clots.” Between that and dehydration, flying may increase your risk of developing a type of blood clot called deep vein thrombosis, or DVT.
Wearing compression socks can mimic the contraction function of the calf muscles, even if you aren’t walking around, said Dr. Michael Go, an associate professor in the division of vascular diseases and surgery at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. “They are also good at preventing the leg swelling that some people get after a long plane trip,” he added.
I often swell up on flights, and have found that compression socks make a huge difference not only in how my legs look, but how I feel. I can walk through large airports and scurry between connecting flights and still feel energized. They’ve been a total game-changer. I wear them religiously anytime I am on a flight that is longer than four hours, but have also found myself popping them on for shorter flights and road trips for extra comfort.
Below, we’ve rounded up 9 compression socks that reviewers say are ideal for flights. Pick up a pair or two before your next travel day and enjoy flying the skies in maximum comfort, even if you’re in the last row of the plane.
A pair of sweat-wicking, medical-grade compression socks
These extremely supportive compression socks by Bombas feature the brand’s strongest level of compression and are designed to help keep your legs feeling energized. The specialized yarn fabrication is moisture-wicking, while discreet airflow vents keep your toes breezy and footbed cushioning can help to absorb impact. They are available in a range of colors in three sizes in single, three-packs and six-packs.
Promising reviews: “This is my second order for the compression socks and they are great and very helpful with my ankle swelling.” — Dinell O.
“Purchased to support legs during travel. Comfortable and supportive. Unable to comment on durability yet, but socks seem well made.” — Lauren B.
“These compression socks are very soft and comfortable ( once you get them on!) I’ve been wearing them during CrossFit and while out hiking, and they do not hold in the heat like some compression socks do. I have long legs, they could be a bit longer for me, but if I must wear compression socks I prefer Bombas to all of the others that I have bought and are now sitting in my drawer!” — Diane O.
Amazon
A pair of unisex graduated compression socks that reviewers love for pregnancy travel
These compression socks can help to improve circulation on long travel days and while spending many hours either sitting or standing. It has true graduated compression that is strongest at the ankle and gradually decreases up the leg, which can help to reduce swelling. These socks are available in multiple colors and patterns in four sizes.
Promising reviews: “True compression socks, quality. Bought for long flight 6 months pregnant. Other socks were too extremely tight and impossible to get on, these were perfectly easy to get on and not too tight. I have thinner calves.” — Michaela Kazules
“Perfect for travel! Comfy without being itchy or too tight. Holds up well to washing.” — Lindsay D.
“I purchased the socks because I was recommended to wear compression socks while on our international flight. My husband and I went on our baby moon at 26 weeks pregnant. I put them on right before boarding and wore them the entire flight. I was nervous at first because I typically don’t wear compression socks so I was worried that they would be a little tight. They were fine for me, I did measure my calf and go off the measurements that they recommended. I was between buying the wide or just the regular I ordered both to see which ones felt better. The wide ones actually did not get in in time, so I ended up just sticking with the regular and they were fine. Quality compression socks!” — Kristen Brooke
Amazon
A pair of compression socks with anti-odor technology
Made from bamboo-derived viscose fabric that is soft and breathable, these socks feature anti-odor technology to keep you feeling and smelling fresh, no matter how harrowing your travel day may be. They’re available in four sizes in a wide range of colors.
Certain shades are on sale for 25% off when you clip the coupon.
Promising reviews: “My husband and I each wore a pair of these magical socks on an international flight. Neither of us had ever worn a compression sock before, so we were skeptical to say the least. At home when we tried them on they were soft and comfy, but we doubted we’d be able to wear them through a whole day of travel. I packed extra socks in our underseat bags assuming we’d have to change socks at some point in the flight. That did not happen! These socks are somehow tight, but also not tight. I don’t know how to describe it. The fabric is soft and lightweight. The top of the socks stay in place and after over 12 hours of wearing them we did scoot the tops down just a bit because they were feeling tight, but that is nothing. And after a marathon day of a plane, a train, and multiple automobiles, our legs and feet were in amazing shape! I followed the washing instructions and they washed and air dried with no shrinking or pilling. We followed the measuring instructions and sizing was perfect. These socks are the most comfortable socks we own and we will reach for them even on days we’re not traveling.” — A.L.A.
Amazon
A comfortable merino wool sock with firm support
These lightweight socks have graduated compression and arch support for whole leg comfort and stability. The seamless toe closure helps to prevent blisters or rubbing while the turn welt top adds comfort and style. These socks are available in three sizes and a few different colors. The merino wool fabric is comfy, odor-resistant and moisture-wicking.
Promising reviews: “I work as a deckhand on a boat and got these to help with leg/foot pain I was experiencing at the end of my shift. The first day wearing these was like night and day – after hours on my feet, my legs weren’t swollen and my feet didn’t hurt nearly as much. Washed them in cold water and let air-dry and they’re still in good shape. Great socks for a great price.” — Brenda L.
“Bought for long-haul airline travel and they’ve been great.” — Alfred S.
Figs
A pair of ultra-comfortable compression socks from Figs
While you might know Figs as the company that makes medical scrubs and accessories, they also have a pair of carefully engineered compression socks in their lineup. The fabric is extra-soft, featuring toe and heel padding and designed with a seamless silhouette that can help to relieve pressure and soothe sore, tired legs. These lightweight socks are available in a variety of colors in three sizes in both men’s and women’s sizing.
Promising reviews: “Bought them for very long flights and I have to say they worked better than expected. I thought they would be too loose but they were not – they actually had the perfect amount of pressure while being extremely comfortable.” — Omar L.
“Best, loved it very comfortable for standing or sitting for too long. Legs feel super relaxed and not as tense with regular socks. Best purchase” — Rosario M.
“We love our FIGS! They are comfortable to wear and are highly effective in achieving compression. Unlike alternatives, they do not pinch toes or become uncomfortable after awhile.” — Anne P.
Amazon
A three-pack of breathable, athletic compression socks
Made with moisture-wicking, high-performance material, these compression socks have a mesh design around the calf for added comfort and breathability, making them ideal for people who run hot while traveling, like myself. They have a seamless toe design that is comfortable to wear for long-haul travel days and a hint of padding for extra cushioning. They’re available in two sizes in ten different color combos.
Promising reviews: “Nice compression but not super tight. Currently recovering from a dvt in my legs and these are not super hot in 90 degree weather!” — Bobbi Moore
“Very comfortable, got them to wear on a long flight and they prevented any swelling and kept our feet warm.” — Grace
Amazon
A three-pack of popular compression socks
Deliberately stylish, these compression socks look like ordinary knee socks, making them a breeze to style. They’re made with a nylon-spandex blend that is stretchy, flexible and durable but won’t make you hot and sweaty. The lightweight fabric has just the right amount of support and can ease up the pressure on your legs during a range of activities, including traveling. They’re available in many colors and patterns in two sizes.
Promising reviews: “Really made a difference on a 7 hour flight to London. After a 3 hour layover, I put them on when just before I boarded not knowing if I would like them or not. I only suffer from mild leg pain. Had no leg pain whatsoever. I’ll never do a long flight again without them. They just helped me to relax a bit more, as you never really know what kind of leg room you’re going to get on the plane. Great quality. Good purchase.” — Paris
“Worked perfect for flying. I could put them on myself and they were comfortable. I sprained my ankle while on vacation and had to wrap my foot. We managed to get the sock over the wrap to fly home. My swelling was minimal.” — Diane Pope
Amazon
A three-pack of Hanes compression crew socks
If you don’t like the feel of a knee-high or want to focus more on your lower leg and foot, these popular Hanes crew-length compression socks are not only supportive and comfy, but they are made with cooling fabric with a shock-absorbing design and odor control. You can get them in three-packs in black or white.
Promising reviews: “I love these compression socks because they are made of a cotton blend so they BREATH! Many of the compression socks I’ve purchased in the past were made of synthetic fibers and my feet would get so sweaty. These compression socks from Hanes are soft and comfortable and keep my feet dry. I travel by air frequently for work and I always wear a pair of these while I fly. Very affordable and good quality.” — John
“They feel like a regular crew sock but with compression. Most compression socks are tight and pinch. They are labeled with L & R, left and right. Given as gift to someone with a tendancy for sore calves and they loved them. So comfortable they can wear them all day.” — Anonymous
“Great compression socks. Wore on a plane with good comfort.” — Anonymous
Amazon
A six-pack of copper compression socks
Available in a wide range of color combinations and patterns in two sizes, these compression socks are designed to be snug and supportive without feeling hot and restrictive. the copper fibers can help to relieve discomfort and promote healing while the socks support circulation and keep you feeling fresh all day long. They have just the right amount of stretch and are available in packs of six so you never run out of clean options.
Promising reviews: “I wasn’t sure if compression socks were for me (they always seemed like something only older people wore), but the Bluemaple 6-Pack Copper Compression Socks changed my mind. The fun and colorful designs made them feel way more modern and wearable, and honestly, I get compliments on them! I’ve worn these on about five flights since buying them, including a couple of long-haul trips, and they’ve held up well. They stay comfortable for hours, don’t slip down, and really help reduce that heavy leg feeling you sometimes get during travel. They’re easy to wash. I’ve thrown them in with different cycles, and they still come out looking and feeling great. With six pairs in a pack, it’s a no-brainer for anyone prepping for a trip. I even gifted a couple to friends for international flights. If you’re traveling internationally, sitting for long periods, or just want your legs to feel better at the end of the day, these are 100% worth it. Stylish, durable, and functional.” — RJ
