![\"The](\"http:\/\/setupjunkie.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/FRN04100-700x467-1.jpg\")
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When you think of compression socks, your mind probably jumps straight to that one pharmacy aisle with a weird mixture of first-aid, orthotic insoles, and bandages. The best compression socks, though, are actually a boon for runners, cyclists, and athletes of all kinds, not just nurses and folks boarding overnight flights. <\/p>\n
Sure, you\u2019ll find them next to the Ace bandages and Dr. Scholl\u2019s gellies at your local Rite Aid, but those aren\u2019t the only options. Many brands make performance and recovery-oriented socks these days, from sock specialists like Bombas or Swiftwick to compression experts like 2XU or CEP. We even found a pair from a stylish running brand that provides much more support than your average Hanes crew sock. <\/p>\n
These socks can help athletes reduce pain and fatigue, improve recovery time, and keep their lymphatic system functioning at its peak. In short, they\u2019ll keep you performing your best, day in and day out, whether you\u2019re running mile after mile on your local trails or optimizing your training while traveling for work. <\/p>\n
We\u2019ve divided this list into categories to help you find the option for your needs and budget. If you\u2019re in a rush, head straight to our comparison<\/strong> chart<\/strong><\/a>, buyer\u2019s guide<\/a>, and FAQ<\/a> <\/strong>at the end of this article. For a more detailed look at our favorites, read on. <\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMost comfortable socks we tried<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSizes are more specific than other brands<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tGood mix of comfort and performance<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tOnly come in one color<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCare requires extra effort (no tumble dry)<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n The 2XU Compression Socks for Recovery<\/a> ($40) are the overall favorite style that we tested. They stood out as a top pick from the moment we got our hands on them and only got better from there. The most comfortable pair of socks we tried, they have a great foot shape, are left- and right-specific for an optimized fit, and have the perfect level of compression for post-run comfort.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/p>\n However, one of their best qualities is the huge size range they offer. They come in six different sizes, each of which has a shoe size and calf size range. A godsend for our testers with chicken legs, the medium and large sizes come in two different calf sizes, so if you\u2019re a size 9 that has slimmer ankles and calves, the M1 was great, and if you are a size 9 cyclist or love doing endless calf raises, go for M2. Same goes for L1 and L2.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/p>\n We also love the comfort and materials of the 2XU Socks<\/a>. The foot is padded just enough to add some comfort while still being plenty breathable. The toe is seamless, so when you pull them on you don\u2019t have to spend any time fidgeting with the fit around the foot to get the seam in the exact right place. Finally, the microfiber nylon and elastane blend is surprisingly soft for a performance sock.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tGood combo of ventilation and comfort<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tDon\u2019t stretch over repeated wears and washes<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSome testers questioned the durability<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSlight lack of information on the website<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n Recovery socks don\u2019t need to break the bank. The Enertor Energy Compression and Recovery Socks<\/a> ($27) are much more affordable than their counterparts, making them a great introduction to compression. Our testers think they\u2019re especially well-suited for the casual athlete or someone who just enjoys long walks or hikes.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/p>\n They can be tough to get on, but once they\u2019re in place, they really shine. The compression isn\u2019t listed, but our testers said it was somewhere in the medium-firm to firm range \u2014 perfect for pulling on after a hard run or long day on your feet.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/p>\n While the Enertor Energy Compression and Recovery Socks<\/a>\u2019 stretch and compression seem to hold up well over multiple washes, some of our testers weren\u2019t sure how long the material would last, especially because you really have to work them around to get them on correctly. Finally, our testers wanted easier access to product details like compression levels and materials on the Enertor website. Neither is listed on the product page, and all of the brand\u2019s FAQs are centered around its insoles.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSizes are measured by calf size for more accurate compression<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tComes in a bunch of colors<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPerfect compression for running<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpensive<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSizing is a bit limited<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n The first thing we noticed about the CEP The Run Compression Tall Socks 4.0<\/a> ($60) is that they actually look pretty cool \u2014 something that certainly cannot be said for most of their competitors. The design is great and there are 10 color options, each of which feels well-considered. There\u2019s no mistaking these for drugstore compression stockings.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/p>\n The compression is in the middle range, which we like for running \u2014 not so tight that our calves and ankles are starving for breathing room but tight enough to feel an extra sense of stability and comfort in each stride. Sizing is arranged by calf size rather than shoe size, so picking out the right size might seem tough at first but, more often than not, calf sizes correlate to shoe size (but not always, see above), so the odds are good that you\u2019ll find a good fit if you actually measure your calf.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/p>\n One thing we can\u2019t ignore, though, is the CEP The Run Compression Tall Socks 4.0\u2019s<\/a> borderline outrageous price tag. Don\u2019t get it twisted, these are very high-quality socks, and we love the feel, the compression, and the fit, but $60 is a huge price to pay, even in a category that tends to be a little pricier. If you end up liking compression socks, you\u2019ll probably need more than one pair for consistent wear, but even just two pairs of these will cost you well over a hundred bucks.<\/p>\n<\/div>\nThe Best Compression Socks of 2024<\/h2>\n
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\n\n\n\n\t\t\t\tBest Overall Compression Socks\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t2XU Compression Socks for Recovery\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\t\tSpecs\t<\/h3>\n
\n\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tS (M3.5 – 5.5 shoe, 11.7-14.5\u201d calf), M1 (M6-8 shoe, 12.5-14.5\u201d calf), M2 (M6-8 shoe, 15-17\u201d calf), L1 (M9-12 shoe, 14-15.75\u201d calf), L2 (M9-12 shoe, 16-19\u201d calf), XL (M12.5-14 shoe, 17-19.75\u201d calf)<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t25-28mmHG<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t80% microfiber nylon, 20% elastane<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tRecovery, travel<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n\t![\"Product](\"http:\/\/setupjunkie.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/BestOf_2024.png\")
\n\t\t![\"The](\"http:\/\/setupjunkie.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/2XU-Compression-Socks-for-Recovery.jpg\")
<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n\t\t\tPros\t\t<\/h4>\n
\n\n
\n\n\t\t\tCons\t\t<\/h4>\n
\n\n
\n
\n\tWill Porter<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\tCheck price at Amazon<\/a>check price at 2xu<\/a><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\t\t\t\tBest Budget Compression Socks\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\tEnertor Energy Compression and Recovery Socks\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\t\tSpecs\t<\/h3>\n
\n\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tS (M3.5-6), M (M6.5-9), L (M9.5-13), XL (M13.5-16)<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNot listed<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNot listed<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tRecovery<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n![\"The](\"http:\/\/setupjunkie.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Energy-Compression-and-Recovery-Socks.jpg\")
<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n\t\t\tPros\t\t<\/h4>\n
\n\n
\n\n\t\t\tCons\t\t<\/h4>\n
\n\n
\n
\n\tWill Porter<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\tcheck price at enertor<\/a><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\t\t\t\tBest Compression Socks for Running\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\tCEP The Run Compression Tall Socks 4.0\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\t\tSpecs\t<\/h3>\n
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tIII (12.5 – 15\u201d calf circumference), IV (15.5 – 17.5\u201d calf circumference), V (18 – 20\u201d calf circumference)<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t20-30 mmHg<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t83% polyamide, 17% spandex<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tRunning, recovery<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n![\"The](\"http:\/\/setupjunkie.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/CEP-Mens-The-Run-.jpg\")
<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n\t\t\tPros\t\t<\/h4>\n
\n\n
\n\n\t\t\tCons\t\t<\/h4>\n
\n\n
\n
\n\tWill Porter<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\t$60 at Amazon<\/a>check price at cep compression<\/a><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\t\t\t\tBest Compression Socks for Cycling\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\tSwiftwick Aspire Four\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\t\tSpecs\t<\/h3>\n
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tS (M3.5-6), M (M7-9.5), L (M10-11.5), XL (M12-15)<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFirm<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t67% nylon, 28% olefin, 5% spandex<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCycling, running<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
![\"The](\"http:\/\/setupjunkie.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/ASPIRE-FOUR.jpg\")
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