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Best compression socks for flying, running and travel in 2026
We measured the compression level, comfort and durability of socks from Activa, Neo-G, Dr Scholls and more.
Sam – an ex-science teacher – uses his physics degree and five years of experience at Which? to test everything from beard trimmers to electric bikes and trampolines.
How our tests find you the best
Compression level
We use a dedicated pressure meter to assess the pressure applied by each sock, so you can be confident you’re getting the compression expected, no matter your shoe size
Comfort
One person’s view isn’t enough. We ask a diverse panel of people with various foot sizes to wear each sock to find the most effective and well fitting options
Durability
We repeatedly abrade, stretch and heat the compression socks to see which ones will last for the long haul
We also test...
How easy they are to get on and off, how much they slip while wearing, and how well they regulate the temperature of your feet
The best compression socks are comfortable, easy to get on and off and provide the compression level they claim to on the box.
We've tested compression socks with a large panel of testers, with shoe sizes ranging from 3 to 12, using a specialist pressure meter to measure the level of pressure at each tester's ankles.
The best compression socks are comfortably within the advertised range for our testers, but some fell short – failing to provide the claimed compression level for almost half our testers.
We've tested socks from Boots, Amazon, Decathlon and more. Our tests also uncover how comfortable the socks feel to wear, how well they regulate heat and how long they'll last before holes appear in the heel.
We found three pairs that knocked the socks off the others, earning our Best Buy recommendation for their excellent compression, comfort and durability.
The compression socks we tested
The biggest brands and the most popular 10 compression socks are listed below.
Only logged-in Which? members can view the compression sock test results.
Join Which? to get instant access to our test results and Best Buy recommendations.
| Compression sock | Price | Score | Stated compression | Compression accuracy | Comfort | Durability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Sign up to reveal Get instant access to this and all our scores and recommendations Unlock tableGet Digital access £9.99 per month, cancel at any time. Already a member? | 94% | |||||
| 91% | ||||||
| 90% | ||||||
| 88% | ||||||
| 87% | ||||||
| 82% | ||||||
| 81% | ||||||
| 80% | ||||||
| 77% | ||||||
| 74% |
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Date tested: June 2026. Page last checked: June 2026. We are not able to show every retailer, and lower prices may be available.
A selection of the compression socks we've tested are listed in alphabetical order below.
Only logged-in Which? members can view the best compression socks from our tests.
Join Which? to get instant access to our test results and Best Buy recommendations below.
360 Relief Open Toe Compression Socks
Stated compression Class 1 (RAL): 15 to 20mmHg
Sizes S-M (calf circumference 23-35cm), L-XL (35-40cm), XXL (40-46cm), XXXL (45-52cm), XXXXL (52-62cm)
Need to know Machine wash (no upper temperature stated), available in multiple colours
Activa Light Below Knee Open Toe Compression Stockings
Available from L&R (£17.75)
Stated compression Class 1: 14 to 17mmHg
Sizes S (calf circumference 30.5-37.5cm), M (33.0-40.0cm), L (35.5-43.0cm), XL (38.0-46.0cm), XXL (40.0-49.0cm)
Need to know Hand wash at 40°C, available in multiple colours
Activa Light Patterned Compression Socks
Available from L&R (£17.75)
Stated compression Class 1: 14 to 17mmHg
Sizes S (calf circumference 30.5-37.5cm), M (33.0-40.0cm), L (35.5-43.0cm), XL (38.0-46.0cm)
Need to know Hand wash at 40°C
Amazon Basics Medical Compression Flight and Travel Socks
Stated compression Class 1 (RAL): 15 to 21mmHg
Sizes S-M (shoe sizes 3-6), M-L (shoe sizes 6-9)
Need to know Machine wash at 30°C
Boots Flight Socks
Stated compression Class 1: 14 to 17mmHg
Sizes Shoe sizes 3-6, 6-9 and 9-12
Need to know Machine wash at 40°C
Charnos Travel Flight Socks
Stated compression Class 1: 14 to 17mmHg
Sizes S (shoe sizes 4-6), M (shoe sizes 6-7), L (shoe sizes 8-10), XL (shoe sizes 11+)
Need to know Gentle machine wash or handwash at 30°C, other colours available
Decathlon Compression Socks
Stated compression 15 to 20mmHg
Sizes Shoe sizes 2.5-5 (S: calf circumference 30-34cm, M: 34-38cm), 5.5-8 (S: 30-34cm, M: 34-38cm, L:38-42cm), 8.5-11 (M: 34-38cm, L:38-42cm)
Need to know Machine wash at 40°C, other colours available
Dr Scholl's Flight Socks
Stated compression Class 1: 14 to 17mmHg
Sizes Shoe sizes 3-6, 6-9 and 9-12
Need to know Machine wash at 30°C, other colours available
Kiprun 500 Running Compression Socks
Stated compression 15 to 20mmHg
Sizes Shoe sizes 2.5-5 (M: calf circumference 32-36cm, L: 37-41cm), 5.5-8 (M: 32-36cm, L: 37-41cm), 8.5-11 (M: 32-36cm, L: 37-41cm)
Need to know Machine wash at 30°C, other colours available
Neo-G Travel and Flight Compression Socks
Stated compression Class 1: 14 to 18mmHg
Sizes S (calf circumference 28-33cm), M (33-38cm), L (38-43cm), XL (43-48cm)
Need to know Handwash with cold water
How we test compression socks
We recruited a panel of people with shoe sizes ranging from 3 to 12 – and varying calf sizes – to test the compression socks.
Each tester tried every sock. Our recommended compression socks not only ace our in-house tests, but they are also loved by multiple testers.
Plus, we purchase every single compression sock we test. We don't accept freebies from manufacturers or retailers; they cannot buy a good review from us.
We regularly revisit the compression socks on sale to see if there are any more popular models that need testing, and when we find them, we do.
Our tests include:
- Compression accuracy Brands state the range of compression provided at the ankle. To see how a sock could handle the different combinations of foot and calf sizes out there, we used a medical device to measure the pressure exerted on multiple testers' ankles. The best socks provided the stated pressure across the board, while the worst exerted lower pressure than their stated range for about half of our panel.
- Durability We test durability by checking resistance to light abrasion, simulating the frequent rubbing that socks may endure, with sandpaper blocks. We also tested the material 'to failure', seeing how many swipes of sandpaper it could endure before a hole formed. The best withstood over 90 swipes while the worst formed a hole after less than 10. While most advise a cool or hand wash, we check how well they stand up to an accidental hot wash. We submerge each sock, stretched, in hot water to see how it stands up to heat and if it returns to its original size.
- Comfort Our panel wore every pair of socks to assess how comfortable they are to wear over an extended period of time. The worst compression socks were too tight around the top of the calf or didn't fit well. The best compression socks taper off the compression exerted from the ankle to the top of the sock.
- Ease of taking on and off Our testers rate every pair for how easy they are to get on and off. We found the shape and style of the sock mattered more than how compressive the socks are.
- Slippage Our panel sat, walked, ran and climbed stairs to see if any socks slip easily. While fit plays a key role here, we found some socks that were consistently better across our panel (all with different sized calves and feet), than others.
- Heat regulation Socks that trap heat can cause sweaty skin, irritation or discomfort, especially during intense activity. Our testers rate each sock for how well it regulates heat.
Why you can trust us: at Which? we're free from manufacturer and retailer influence. Find out more about our impartiality and how your support helps us to stay editorially independent
What do compression socks do?
Dr Kevin O'Gallagher, Consultant Cardiologist and Researcher, King's College London, explains:
'Compression socks apply pressure to the legs, helping to improve blood flow back to the heart and help with swelling and pain.'
They can be helpful if you have a condition that causes poor blood circulation such as:
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) A blood clot that develops in the vein. Compression socks can reduce swelling and prevent the clot from getting bigger.
- Varicose veins Swollen and twisted veins in the leg. Compression socks can help prevent new ones forming.
If you have these conditions you should always consult your GP or a health professional first before wearing compression socks, as they may not always be appropriate.
They are also sometimes used post-surgery or during hospital stays, or as a preventative measure if you are undertaking long journeys, such as flights, train or bus journeys lasting longer than four hours.
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How to pick the right compression socks
Compression socks are split into three classes depending on the level of pressure (measured in millimetres of mercury, mmHg) that they exert:
- Class 1 Light compression - typically 14-17mmHg
- Class 2 Medium compression - typically 18-24mmHg
- Class 3 High compression - typically 25-35mmHg
Dr Kevin O'Gallagher adds:
'For most people buying compression socks over the counter, they will be looking for a Class 1 sock, which provides mild compression.'
If you think you need a higher level of compression, you should always consult with your GP or a trained healthcare professional first.
Dr O'Gallagher explains: 'This is because there are certain conditions where the use of compression stockings is not advised.'
You shouldn't wear compression socks that are too tight. These can restrict blood flow and act similarly to a tourniquet.
Symptoms such as pain, numbness, pins and needles, tingling in your feet, skin colour changes, deep red indentations in the skin when taking compression socks off or increased swelling are warning signs that the socks are too tight.
Who shouldn't wear compression socks
Compression socks are not suitable for everyone, and it's important to check the manufacturer's instructions and follow them, as well as check with your GP if you have any existing health issues before using them.
For example, people with peripheral arterial disease (poor blood flow to the legs) or peripheral neuropathy (a problem with the nerves in the legs) should avoid them.
And if you have a current deep vein thrombosis, then compression socks should be avoided until a doctor says it is safe to use them.
If in any doubt, seek advice from your GP or a healthcare professional.
Do compression socks help with swelling?
Yes. Dr O'Gallagher says: 'Compression socks can be very effective for ankle swelling when it is due to poor venous return.'
Can you wear compression socks to bed?
Yes, but you probably don't need to.
'Apart from in specific situations, e.g. post surgery or in hospital, it's not usually necessary to wear compression socks to bed,' says Dr O'Gallagher
'This is because when you are lying in bed, the legs are at the same level as the rest of the body, so gravity does not cause pooling of blood in the feet.'
Can I wear compression socks while walking?
Yes, you can wear compression socks while walking.
They can be useful support and reduce swelling if you're going on long hikes or are on your feet all day for your job.
How long do you wear compression socks after surgery?
As long as you're recommended to.
'This will depend on the specific surgical procedure. Patients will be advised by their surgical teams how long they should continue to wear compression socks after surgery, but a good rule of thumb is until mobility is back to normal.' says Dr O'Gallagher.
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How to put on compression socks
Check the instructions that come with the specific socks you buy, but NHS guidance advises:
- Put your hand inside the sock and grip the heel
- Pull the sock inside out up to the heel
- Put your foot inside the opening, making sure your heel lines up with the heel of the sock
- Pull the sock over your ankle and up your calf. Don't twist or overstretch the sock.
- Make sure the heel and toe sections of the sock are in the correct place.
Are flight socks the same as compression socks?
Yes. Socks that you can buy in shops or online that are typically marketed as 'travel' or 'flight socks work in the exact same way as compression socks.
Wearing compression socks for flights longer than four hours can help reduce swelling and minimise the risk of DVT. It is recommended to keep them on for the duration of the flight.
Dr O'Gallagher adds: 'The decision to recommend compression socks for flying will be based on a combination of the patient’s individual risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and the duration of the flight, so the duration of flight is not the only determinant.
'It is important to note that there are other medical interventions to decrease the risk of DVT while flying for those at higher risk, so if individuals are concerned, they should speak to their doctor for advice.'
When to put on compression socks for flying
There's no right or wrong time to put socks on before flying.
'It is often most convenient to put on the socks before you leave the house for the airport,' says Dr O-Gallagher.
When to take off compression socks after your flight
Dr O'Gallagher says: 'There is no specific time to wear the socks after flying, but it is sensible to keep them on until you are done walking around after the flight, eg an hour after.'