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Top 10 Best Compression Socks for Running in the UK 2021 (2XU, Cep and More)

Top 10 Best Compression Socks for Running in the UK 2021 (2XU, Cep and More)

No longer just something you dig out for a long-haul flight, compression socks are part of a new wave of athletic gear whose philosophy is simple: what you wear during exercise can benefit both your performance and your recovery. Compressing the muscles, arteries and veins in your lower legs or calves boosts blood flow to keep you energised, whilst also flushing out lactic acid to aid in the recovery process and stave off the dreaded DOMS.

However, the world of compression socks can be a bit baffling. Do you go for long or short, men’s or women’s? Do they help shin splints? And what is the ideal amount of mmHg? We’ll answer all these questions and more in our guide, and we’ll also share the 10 best pairs from Amazon, Decathlon and eBay in our ranking so you can focus on reaching that finish line in record time.

Last updated: 06-01-2021
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Table of Contents

Why Wear Compression Socks and What Are the Benefits?

Let’s begin with a bit more of an explanation, as it’s useful (and interesting!) to know how compression gear works, and why it may benefit you as a runner.

The idea behind compression socks is that they apply pressure to targeted areas which assist in returning healthy, nutrient-rich blood back to the heart, and increase oxygen delivery to the muscles. This also means your VO2 max (how much oxygen you can utilise during exercise) is increased, improving your endurance.

There are also allegedly some other desirable side effects, such as the more efficient removal of lactic acid, and less oscillation (muscle vibration) occurring each time your foot impacts the ground. Both of these can lead to a decrease in post-run muscle aches, otherwise known as DOMS or delayed onset muscle soreness, which is always welcomed by exercisers!

Some runners claim they work like a charm during the run itself, and some only use them to speed up recovery, so you’ll have to try them out for yourself in a few different ways to see how they can work for you.

How to Choose Compression Socks for Running in the UK – Buying Guide

To really feel the benefits, you don’t want to be buying any old pair of compression socks. They need to fit correctly and exert the right amount of pressure, as well as offer the comfort and support that you need. These requirements will vary from one runner to the next, so check out the guide below to figure out your best fit.

Make Sure You Get the Right Fit: Measure Up and Consider the Target Wearer

Unlike your average gym or running socks, the fit of compression socks needs to be much more exact – after all, their job is to fit snugly and perform as more than just something to cover your feet. Read on for our tips on measuring up correctly and a debrief on men's and women's sizes.

Take Your Foot and Calf Measurements, and Refer to the Brand’s Sizing

First, you’ll need to ensure the socks are the right size for your feet. If they’re too loose they won’t really do their job properly, as no more pressure will be exerted than from your average pair of gym socks. And if they’re too tight, they’ll not only be painful but will render themselves useless by limiting the circulation of the blood whose movement we’re trying to encourage!

Compression sock sizes tend to be listed as small/medium, large/extra large, or a slight variation of this. There should always be a measurement chart supplied by the manufacturer for you to refer to. If there’s not, move on. Your shoe size and calf measurement used in unison will give you your size, so make sure you know both.

To find your calf measurement, grab a tape measure and note the circumference of the widest part of your calf. Some brands will use centimetres and some inches, so perhaps take a note of both and keep them handy. Similarly, the sizing used will also vary from brand to brand, so choose appropriately with your measurements as your guide.

Are Men’s and Women’s Compression Socks That Different? Yes and No!

There are some running compression socks marketed as women’s, some as men’s, and some as unisex. So is there a difference if you’re using the sizing chart and choosing a pair that fit your measurements? Well, only slightly.

Men’s compression socks are usually a little longer in the foot and have a greater calf length, whereas women’s are designed a little shorter. So really, you could go for whichever suits your body type, or one or the other if you are particularly short, tall, or large-footed. Or, just stick to unisex if you’re unsure!

Go for Socks With the Optimum Pressure Level for Running

The amount of pressure the socks provide is gauged by millimetres of Mercury, which is the same unit doctors and nurses use when taking your blood pressure. You’ll most likely see its abbreviated form of mmHg on product descriptions, whereby the higher the number, the higher the level of compression the socks will supply.

It is advisable to look for socks that provide around 20 mmHg, plus or minus 5, as this is considered to be the optimum when used for running. You’ll see a “gradient pressure” rather than a single number used because the pressure varies in different parts of the sock, which is how it works most efficiently.

For example, a 20-30 mmHg sock would imply that the firmest end of the pressure scale exerted on the foot is 30 mmHg, and the 20 mmHg would be the decreased pressure further up the leg. Here are the levels of compression so you can get a better idea of where the numbers stand:

Under 15 mmHg: Low/mild compression
15-20 mmHg: Moderate compression
20-30 mmHg: Firm compression
Above 30 mmHg: High/extra firm compression

Long Socks Are Preferable, But Short Offer Support for Foot Conditions

On the whole, longer compression socks are preferable for running. For a start, they have been designed specifically for athletic activity rather than for flying or medical conditions like some footless or shorter varieties. They can also keep you warm on a bracing morning run, and the warmer the muscles, the less likely you are to get injured.

If you suffer from painful foot conditions such as plantar fasciitis or you want some extra stability on the vulnerable ankle joint when running, opt for a shorter sock as the pressure will be focused on the foot and ankle. You will sacrifice some of the compression for this support, though.

However, if it’s shin splints that ail you, you'll definitely want to go for calf-length compression socks, as they will provide some relief whilst still aiding your recovery and keeping that healthy blood circulating.

Look for the Right Materials: Synthetics and Technical Fabrics Are Best

Cotton fibres trap moisture, which, for running, can equal sweat and blisters in summer and chilly feet in winter. So it’s probably best to stick to synthetics or at least a mix, as they are durable, breathable, light, and won’t retain odours.

A blend of polyester or polyamide and nylon or lycra is best as you’ll get the benefits of a synthetic alongside the elasticity needed to pull them on and off without a struggle.

We’d also recommend looking for athletic fabrics that have been designed to make your life easier when running, such as moisture-wicking, heat-regulating, sweat-wicking and antibacterial. Think about when you run too, as those who lace up their trainers year-round may want to look for thicker fabrics in winter and cooling ones for summer.

Extra Padding and Support Features Can Help Longer Distance or Trail Runners

As well as the material they’re constructed from, some compression socks for running have enhancements to make for an even more comfortable and supportive sock that works hard to keep your feet cool, comfy and blister-free.

Look out for ventilated mesh panels to help with breathability or padding on the heels, toes and balls of the feet, all of which will benefit those who run marathons or trails, or suffer from sweaty feet.

Comfort-boosting cushioning is also a great addition to seek out regardless of your running style, as it will be shock absorbing and anti-chafing.

Consider the Colour of the Socks, Especially if They’ll Be on Show, and How Many Pairs in a Pack

You may have noticed a few runners sporting neon or brightly-coloured compression socks when out pounding the pavement or racking up the treadmill miles, the likes of which are readily available online for you to pick and match to your running outfits as you like.

Those who'd prefer something a little more low-key could stick to a trusty black pair, especially if you tend to wear shorts or run outside in summer. That said, colour will be less of a consideration if you wear long joggers or leggings that will hide them away anyway, allowing you to focus on the pairs’ other merits!

Whichever you choose, it’s worth noting how many pairs each pack contains, and weighing this up next to factors such as the amount of clean pairs you want on hand (or in other words how many times a week you go running/do laundry!), and select accordingly after evaluating the cost alongside your budget.

Top 10 Best Compression Socks for Running in the UK

Now you’re armed with the knowledge you need to choose the right pair of compression socks for your running needs, we’ll introduce our top 10 recommendations based on quality, the most suitable pressure for running, and any extra technical features that won us over.

amazon.co.uk

Fit Nation Plantar Fasciitis Compression Socks

£9.95

Foot Condition-Specific Compression for Plantar Fasciitis

Designed with 7 pressure points to effectively guide oxygenated blood to your heel and foot arch, these short compression socks work to ease the terrible pain of plantar fasciitis and other tendon distress. They are made of breathable nylon and will support your ankles when running too.

With so many unbelievably positive reviews under their belt they’re definitely a high performer, but as they only do a little for the rest of your circulatory system when running, they're really more of a specific-use sock.

Sizing	S/M, L/XL
Men’s/Women’s	Unisex
Pressure	–
Length	Short
Materials	Nylon, spandex
Support Features	–
Colour	Black, white
Pairs in Pack	2

CepRun Women’s 3.0 Compression Socks

£45.00

The Latest Tech That’s Worth the Splurge

Cep’s most current running sock, version 3.0, has upped the compression tech and is designed anatomically to fit like a second skin, which in turn provides fantastic stability to keep you injury- and blister-free. The material is also enhanced for moisture and temperature management, and won’t bunch up or rub.

They’re a splurge, but many pros believe them worth every penny if you’re serious about compression for running. There are a few colours to choose from such as this pretty light teal, as well as a men’s version if you require it.

Sizing	S-L, II, III, IV
Men’s/Women’s	Women’s
Pressure	20-30 mmHg
Length	Long
Materials	Polyamide, spandex
Support Features	Reinforced heel/toe
Colour	9 colourways
Pairs in Pack	1

Aptonia Fresh Compression Socks

£12.99

View product on Decathlon

Affordable and Reliable From a Trusted Brand

Affordable yet reliable, Aptonia's socks are a great basic, no-frills option. They've been crafted with the brand's 'Nilit Breeze' fabric to ensure you feel fresh, and the 13% cotton adds a comfortable softness without compromising on breathability.

We're impressed with the range and customisation of the sizing too – as well as offering sizes as low as a UK 2.5, a separate calf measurement mix-and-match system ensures you get the perfect fit. Unfortunately the compression level is not specified, but they are highly rated by many customers for their effectiveness during longer runs and triathlons.

Sizing	UK 2-5-11, S-L calf sizes
Men’s/Women’s	Unisex
Pressure	–
Length	Long
Materials	Polyamide, cotton, elastane
Support Features	Heel/toe panels
Colour	White
Pairs in Pack	1

amazon.co.uk

RymoraCushioned Graduated Compression Socks

£10.95

Best Pick for Cushioned Comfort

This sporty-looking pair might be cheaper than most, but they certainly don't skimp on the comfort features! With heel, toe, sole, and Achilles tendon padding, you’ll feel like you’re walking, or rather jogging, on air. They are also ventilated in these areas to prevent overheating.

There’s also lots of blister and distraction preventions such as non-slip cuffs and smooth toe seams, plus a spot-on compression gradient of 15-20. They are fairly thick so might be best worn during cooler weather, however, the brand do also offer a black “lightweight” pair for those summer sessions.

Sizing	UK 3-13
Men’s/Women’s	Unisex
Pressure	15-20 mmHg
Length	Long
Materials	Polyamide, elastane, lycra
Support Features	Achilles support, cushioning, padded toe/heel
Colour	White, pink, black or yellow
Pairs in Pack	1

Danish Endurance Graduated Compression Socks

£11.95

Top Quality Socks That'll Get You Noticed

Join the neon-socked brigade out on your run this weekend with this bold and bright pair from Danish Endurance. The compression varies only from 18-21 mmHg, which isn’t the widest range, but it will still be sufficient for fast recovery and that all-important blood flow boost. There’s also an extra padded footbed and the fabric is antibacterial and sweat-wicking.

Perhaps the biggest plus point of this top-qulity, European-made socks is the high needle count stitching, which ensures not only a more snug and comfortable fit but a longer wear that will keep them free from pesky holes and snags.

Sizing	UK 3-5, 6-8
Men’s/Women’s	Unisex
Pressure	18-21 mmHg
Length	Long
Materials	Polyamide, elastane, lycra
Support Features	Ankle flex, padded footbed
Colour	Black, white or neon
Pairs in Pack	1

amazon.co.uk

Runderwear Premium Graduated Compression Socks

£30.00

A High-Pressure Pair That Keep You Cool

Runderwear’s performance socks certainly tick a few boxes, just as you’d expect from a running underwear brand! They’re made with a mix of natural and synthetic materials such as bamboo and polyamide but are crafted to be ultra-breathable during warmer temperatures thanks to the vented panels.

Although they are lightweight, these socs do offer one of the highest pressure levels of our selection, so they'd be ideal for injury-prone runners who need that extra support. There are also lots of savvy technical features such as the use of moisture-wicking fabrics and a specialised ergonomic fit.

Sizing	UK 4-13
Men’s/Women’s	Unisex
Pressure	18.1-28.4 mmHg
Length	Long
Materials	Cotton, polyamide, bamboo, elastane
Support Features	Padded heel/toe, ventilated panels
Colour	Black
Pairs in Pack	1

Calves KelsonCompression Socks/Stockings

£12.99

A Great Value Firm Pressure Multipack

Here's another brilliant value option for those who'd like to try out compression socks without breaking the bank. Plus, they're perfect for runners who prefer their activewear more on the subtle side. Performance-wise, they're well-cushioned and reinforced for alleviating pressure and banishing blisters.

Ankle support in the form of targeted compression features too, as well as moisture-wicking fabric and a non-slip double-stitched cuff to keep them securely in place. Their maximum pressure of 30 mmHg makes them best for those wanting a pair on the very firm side, or to use alongside running injuries.

Sizing	S/M, L/XL
Men’s/Women’s	Unisex
Pressure	20-30 mmHg
Length	Long
Materials	Nylon, elastic
Support Features	Padded heel/toe, ankle support
Colour	7 colourways
Pairs in Pack	2

amazon.co.uk

2XUWomen’s Performance X Compression Socks

£25.00

View product on Amazon

A Fabulous Women’s Pair From the Market Leader

2XU are hugely popular (and trusted) in the running sphere, and it's easy to see why. These women’s performance socks offer the perfect fit for petite feet and are very lightweight yet also very effective in their compression. There are airflow panels and moisture-managing fabric that even boasts an SPF 50 sun protection rating.

They’re awesome for both performance and recovery, and perfectly combine the circular 360 compression tech of medical socks with the extra design features most sought after by runners.

Sizing	XS-XL
Men’s/Women’s	Women’s
Pressure	18-25 mmHg
Length	Long
Materials	Polyester, lycra
Support Features	Breathable panels, cushioning, padded toe/heel
Colour	Pearl blue/fiery coral
Pairs in Pack	1

amazon.co.uk

Physix Gear Unisex Compression Socks

£13.45

High-Performance Pressure on a Budget

Self-described as “durable compression socks designed to last”, these are your best bet if you’re on a budget but want something that won’t fall to pieces after one wash. They’re double-stitched throughout and feature antibacterial fabric with moisture-wicking properties so they're more than suitable for long runs or hot weather.

Also available in 11 other colourways, these highly-rated socks manage to balance out the need for a good firm pressure alongside a truly comfortable sock that’s perfectly supportive. They're also one of the only pairs out there available in a larger XXL size for those with bigger calves.

Sizing	S/M, L/XL, XXL
Men’s/Women’s	Unisex
Pressure	20-30 mmHg
Length	Long
Materials	Polyamide, elastane, lycra
Support Features	Cushioning, padded toe/heel
Colour	12 colourways
Pairs in Pack	1

2XUVectr Light Cushion Full Length Socks

£23.09

Unrivalled Support for Every Runner

The number one spot goes to 2XU’s latest release, which won us over for their combination of amazing quality and great features. Their unique X-Lock technology supports the ankle, arch and plantar fascia to not only stabilise but to optimise push-off and foot strike, and there’s also light cushioning as the name suggests – which supports without becoming too heavy or bulky during hot conditions.

Permanent antibacterial and anti-odour fabric feature too, as well as mesh ventilation panels. An absolute must for runners serious about giving compression a go, you may even be able to shave a few minutes off your PB with these gems!

Sizing	S-XXL
Men’s/Women’s	Unisex
Pressure	15-20 mmHg
Length	Long
Materials	Nylon, lycra
Support Features	X-Lock support, cushioning, ventilation panels
Colour	Black, grey, white or pink
Pairs in Pack	1

Compare the Best Compression Socks for Running

Image	1 2XU	2 Physix Gear	3 2XU	4 Calves Kelson	5 Runderwear	6 Danish Endurance	7 Rymora	8 Aptonia	9 Cep	10 Fit Nation
Name	Vectr Light Cushion Full Length Socks	Unisex Compression Socks	Women’s Performance X Compression Socks	Compression Socks/Stockings	Premium Graduated Compression Socks	Graduated Compression Socks	Cushioned Graduated Compression Socks	Fresh Compression Socks	Run Women’s 3.0 Compression Socks	Plantar Fasciitis Compression Socks
Features	Unrivalled Support for Every Runner	High-Performance Pressure on a Budget	A Fabulous Women’s Pair From the Market Leader	A Great Value Firm Pressure Multipack	A High-Pressure Pair That Keep You Cool	Top Quality Socks That'll Get You Noticed	Best Pick for Cushioned Comfort	Affordable and Reliable From a Trusted Brand	The Latest Tech That’s Worth the Splurge	Foot Condition-Specific Compression for Plantar Fasciitis
Price	£23.09	£13.45	£25.00	£12.99	£30.00	£11.95	£10.95	£12.99	£45.00	£9.95
Sizing	S-XXL	S/M, L/XL, XXL	XS-XL	S/M, L/XL	UK 4-13	UK 3-5, 6-8	UK 3-13	UK 2-5-11, S-L calf sizes	S-L, II, III, IV	S/M, L/XL
Men’s/Women’s	Unisex	Unisex	Women’s	Unisex	Unisex	Unisex	Unisex	Unisex	Women’s	Unisex
Pressure	15-20 mmHg	20-30 mmHg	18-25 mmHg	20-30 mmHg	18.1-28.4 mmHg	18-21 mmHg	15-20 mmHg	–	20-30 mmHg	–
Length	Long	Long	Long	Long	Long	Long	Long	Long	Long	Short
Materials	Nylon, lycra	Polyamide, elastane, lycra	Polyester, lycra	Nylon, elastic	Cotton, polyamide, bamboo, elastane	Polyamide, elastane, lycra	Polyamide, elastane, lycra	Polyamide, cotton, elastane	Polyamide, spandex	Nylon, spandex
Support Features	X-Lock support, cushioning, ventilation panels	Cushioning, padded toe/heel	Breathable panels, cushioning, padded toe/heel	Padded heel/toe, ankle support	Padded heel/toe, ventilated panels	Ankle flex, padded footbed	Achilles support, cushioning, padded toe/heel	Heel/toe panels	Reinforced heel/toe	–
Colour	Black, grey, white or pink	12 colourways	Pearl blue/fiery coral	7 colourways	Black	Black, white or neon	White, pink, black or yellow	White	9 colourways	Black, white
Pairs in Pack	1	1	1	2	1	1	1	1	1	2
Link	View Amazon View eBay	View Amazon View eBay	View Amazon	View Amazon View eBay	View Amazon View eBay	View Amazon View eBay	View Amazon View eBay	View Decathlon	View Amazon View eBay	View Amazon View eBay

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Summary

So, the ideal compression socks utilise the best of today’s sports fabrics, support features, and technical extras whilst providing you with the right amount of firm pressure to match your preferences. Hopefully, you’ve learnt a thing or two about the wonders of compression socks and have found a pair amongst our recommendations.

Author: Natasha Dziubajlo