The best compression socks for running could help you recover faster, whether you're an ultra-runner or someone who 'only' dabbles with weekly park runs. Although running compression socks won't make you more quickly, they can help you achieve your fitness goals sooner if you use them correctly. Below are the best compression socks for sports, reviewed and ranked by T3's fitness experts.
Besides helping your lower legs feel more oxygenated during your runs, running compression socks can hold your ankles firmer, reducing the risk of ankle sprains. If you want something less compressing for your feet, we also have a guide to the best running socks and sports socks that provide less or no compression. Complete your running gear by getting the best running shoes (or the best women's running shoes, specifically), the best running headphones and the best running watch.
Best compression socks for running to buy right now
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Best compression socks for running overall
Compression: Firm, 18-28 mmHg gradual compression
Fabric: 36% Cotton, 31% Coolplus, 13% Polymide, 12% Tactel, 5% Polyester, 3% Elastane
+ Reinforced fabric
+ Good for minimising blisters
- Extra cushioning makes the socks warm
The Runderwear Compression Socks for running use graduated compression from the foot upwards to help stimulate blood flow which aids fast recovery and increases performance - ideal for distances up to ultra-marathon. These socks also provide excellent support and have a highly-moisture wicking technical fabric for added comfort.
Our rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Best compression socks for running for warm weather
Compression: 23-32 mmHg graduated compression
Fabric: 40% Polyamide, 40% Polypropylene, 20% Elastane
+ Super-thin
+ Medically approved compression
- Not the most feature-some socks
The STOX Running Socks are a bit different from this bunch. These socks offer compression and compression-only, but by not trying to make the socks rival the feature-richness of a Swiss army knife, STOX managed to keep the thickness of the Running Socks low.
As a matter of fact, the STOX Running Socks are the thinnest compression running socks we tried that still provide an adequate amount of compression (23-32 mmHg graduated compression) that's also been medically approved.
Other than that, it is said to do all the other stuff compression socks are meant to do, including muscle pain prevention, faster recovery, increased blood flow and so on.
Our rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Best compression socks for recovery
Compression: Firm
Fabric: 85% polyamide, 15% elastane
+ Excellent moisture management
+ Improved durability
- Will have to wash it more often to 'retighten' the fabric
Developed specifically for runners, the CEP Run Socks 3.0 has improved on all features compared to its previous iteration: the improved compression profile gets less tight the further up you go, holding the feet/ankles the most.
It also has improved moisture management thanks to the Feran ICP finish that promotes moisture wicking. Coupled with breathable running shoes, the CEP Run Socks 3.0 can effectively keep your feet dry.
Comfort is further enhanced using the Smart Dry Yarn and HeiQ smart temp technology that will keep the feet insulated yet cool. The CEP Run Socks 3.0 are made of 85% polyamide and 15% spandex, so this is not a merino wool garment, but these socks will make your feet feel fresh mile after mile.
Our rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Best compression socks for running for versatility
Compression: Moderate, 15-20 mmHg at base of foot
Fabric: 88% Nylon, 12% Invista Lycra
+ Great for a wide range of activities
+ A lot of tech packed into one pair of socks
- Not well-insulated enough for colder temperatures
2XU have long been one of the leaders in compression gear. That’s because they pack an enormous amount into their products. With support specifically designed for plantar fascia, arch and ankle optimisation along with blister prevention, cushioning to support push-off and heel impact, as well as antibacterial and anti-odour technology, you can see why the Vectr Cushion socks are a great option if you want to tick all imaginable compression-related boxes.
Our rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Best compression socks for running for strong compression
Compression: Moderate, 16-23 mmHg, graduated compression
Fabric: 52% Econyl Nylon, 41% Polyamide, 7% Elastane
+ Tight compression
+ Polygiene anti-odour tech (less washing)
+ Uses recycled ocean plastic in yarns
- Might feel too tight for some
If you care about the planet as much as your feet, you should get Rockay socks. The Rockay Vigor (retailer link), for example, not only applies an ample amount of pressure in all the right areas (graduated compression 16-23 mmHg), but it's also made using Econyl Regenerated Nylon yarns. These yarns are made of recycled ocean plastic and are sustainable.
The Rockay Vigor Graduated Compression Socks' compression level is on the tight side, but not in a bad way. They are also ever so slightly high, so the socks run all the way up to the knees. Despite offering loads of compression, the Vigor still has breathable mesh zones for extra breathability.
Our rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Best compression socks for running for warm weather
Compression: Firm, 20-30 mmHg managed compression
Fabric: 46% Olefin, 43% Nylon, 11% Spandex
+ Super tight
+ Even support all the way through the socks
- Managed compression might feel too firm for some
Swiftwick socks are renowned for their moisture-management and sweat-wicking properties – hence the name 'Swiftwick' – and the Aspire 12 indeed does a good job in removing the sweat away from your lower legs.
Thanks to the very firm compression the Swiftwick Aspire 12 provides, these socks can efficiently reduce fatigue and improve performance, although given the high pressure in the socks, people who haven't used compression socks before might find it a bit too tight. The Swiftwick Aspire 12 is especially recommended for long-distance running and even for non-performance-related activities, too, like flying.
Our rating: 3 out of 5 stars
How to choose the best compression socks for running and sports
There are a few important things to consider before buying a pair of compression socks. Not least of which is what they actually are and how they work.
How do compression socks work? Well, in addition to making your lower legs look extra colourful, compression socks make blood flow more efficiently – it's the same reason people wear them during flights to help prevent DVT (or deep vein thrombosis).
Most socks apply gradient pressure, which means less pressure is applied to the leg the higher up you get. However, because different people have different shaped legs and feet, as well as different levels of circulation, you need to look for socks that apply pressure at the right level to the areas that are going to help you.
The level of compression varies too. If a brand lists the grade of compression (rated in mmHg), it’s a good sign you’re getting real compression rather than something that’s just a bit tighter. Many brands don’t provide this information.
You’ll find a range of different fabrics. Some will combine compression with thermal layering to keep your feet warm. Others use moisture-wicking technology to do the opposite. So it’s important to think about when and where you’re most likely to use them.
It’s also worth thinking about thickness and how they’re going to feel in your running shoes. All the compression in the world won’t help you if you’ve got blisters because your shoe-sock combo has eaten up all the wiggle room for your toes.
To get the best fit, measure your calf circumference at its widest. You will need this number (in either centimetres or inches) to find the best fitting compression sock for your legs.
FAQ
What level of compression socks do you need for running?
[In-depth: what level of compression do you need for running?]
In short, it depends. Most people will not see the benefits of wearing compression socks for running, but compression garments can help with recovery as long as you wear them after the running sessions have concluded. In a study titled 'Compression socks and functional recovery following marathon running: a randomized trial', the researchers came to the following conclusion:
"This shows a significant beneficial effect of compression socks on recovery compared with placebo. The wearing of below-knee compression socks for 48 hours after marathon running has been shown to improve functional recovery as measured by a graduated treadmill test to exhaustion 2 weeks after the event."