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.
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.
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!
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:
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.
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.
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.
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!
£9.95
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 |
£45.00
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 |
£12.99
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 |
£10.95
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 |
£11.95
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 |
£30.00
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 |
£12.99
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 |
£25.00
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 |
£13.45
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 |
£23.09
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 |
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 |
Nowadays there are all sorts of technical clothing items and gadgets for running to get excited about, and who doesn't want to make life as a fitness fan easier and more fun? Here are some more ideas to help you level up your running gear.
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
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