Best Travel Compression Socks: Your Ultimate Guide
Traveling can be an exhilarating experience, but long flights or extended periods of sitting can lead to discomfort and health issues like swollen legs or deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Enter compression socks: a traveler’s best friend. These specially designed socks improve blood flow, reduce swelling, and keep your legs feeling fresh. Here’s everything you need to know about the best travel compression socks, along with answers to all your frequently asked questions.
Why Use Travel Compression Socks ?
Travel Compression socks apply gentle pressure to your legs, helping to maintain blood flow and reduce discomfort. They are particularly beneficial during long periods of immobility, such as flights, bus rides, or long car journeys.
Benefits of Travel Compression Socks:
Improved Circulation: They help blood return to the heart, reducing the risk of blood clots.
Reduced Swelling: They prevent fluid from pooling in the legs and feet.
Enhanced Comfort: They alleviate the feeling of heavy and aching legs.
Prevention of DVT: They are recommended to reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis during travel.
Top Picks for Travel Compression Socks
Here are some of the well-known brands but although their travel compression socks are readily accessible at airports & retail shops: They are all made of synthetics ! This is problematic as synthetic fabric (especially on the feet) will often become sweaty and clammy against the skin. Many of them use persuasive language of ‘cotton feel’ to create an unrealistic expectation about the breathability of the product’s synthetic fibre content compared with ‘real’ entirely natural ring spun cotton.
- Scholl flight socks Compression Socks
Features: Graduated compression , and synthetic fabric described as cotton ‘feel’.
Pros: Durable, comfortable for short periods.
Cons: Made from 100% synthetic fabric (mostly Polyamide, which is a type of nylon)
Ideal For: Last minute airport dash
- Amazon Basic Care Medical Compression Flight & Travel Socks
Features: Moderate compression , Polyamide & spandex blend
Pros: Soft, easy to put on.
Cons: Slightly even more synthetic fabric
Ideal For: convenience, gentle compression
- Kensington Travel Compression Socks #OUR FAVOURITE
Features: Graduated compression (15-20 mmHg), THE SCIENCE OF HIGH-QUALITY FLIGHT SOCKS Laboratory tested
Pros: 74% quality cotton fabric. Optimum Graduated Test Compression of 18-21mmHG
Cons: Less known brand.
Ideal For: Affordable highest quality luxury cotton fabric and truly effective compression.