For a long time, compression socks have always been associated with athletes.
However, athletes aren’t the only group of people that feel transformed from wearing the compression socks.
In fact, everyday people, including the emergency responders, in particular, the nurses can benefit from compression socks during their shifts.
See, nurses spend a lot of their time on their feet, which can leave them feeling swollen and sore.
Soreness, edema, and plantar fasciitis are just some of the conditions that nurses could develop from standing too much.
Fortunately, the best compression socks for nurses can alleviate some of the painful symptoms and provide some relief by encouraging circulation and preventing blood from pooling around the calves and feet.
Now, if you don’t know which compression socks to pick, have a look at our selection of the best compressions gloves for nurses in the market below.
Quick Comparison Table & Our Pick!
Product | Material | Compression Level mm Hg | BUY NOW |
|---|---|---|---|
Lycra | 20-30 | ||
Silver Drystat | 12-20 | ||
Cotton jersey | 20-30 | ||
Other Great Recommendations | |||
Nylon | 20-30 | ||
Cotton | 15-30 | ||
Top 5 Compression Socks for Nurses in The Market for The Money
Physix Gear Sport Compression Socks
Few compression socks can match the performance of the Physix Gear Sport Compression Socks; these gloves are built with quality, durability and style in mind.
They are a comfortable option too, and more importantly, they provide users with features they need to alleviate the discomfort associated with standing up a lot.
Features and Benefits
Design
I understand that the style is the last thing you should consider when selecting a compression glove, but aesthetically, compression socks can't get any better than the Physix.
They’re an intriguing option for those who need to blend style and functionality.
The color-saturate motifs and the choice to pick from more than nine colors provide the perfect combination of style, confidence, and looks.
Material Construction
A double-stitched Lycra fabric promotes long-lasting and reliable wear throughout the life of your compression socks.
Also, the Lycra material has anti-bacterial properties, which makes the socks a suited option for those in hospitality.
The fabric is also breathable, and this alongside the quick-dry feature wicks away the sweat and moisture, therefore preventing the awful growth of bacteria and fungus.
Comfort
Typical of compression socks, the Physix is hard to get on, but the careful construction that follows the anatomy of your legs offers some reprieve by making it easier to pull the sock.
They're also quite smooth, and provide a snug fit, and can be worn throughout the painful 12-hour long shifts without wearing you down.
When on the fly, it’s hard to tell if they’re there, as they don’t rub against your legs, and they offer sufficient space so you won’t feel trapped.
Again, once you remove the sock, Physix doesn’t leave any marks on your legs.
Compression
The 20-20 mm Hg graduated compression on the Physix Gear Sport is quite beneficial for treating the various medical conditions related to legs.
The socks are quite handy in boosting the blood circulation on your feet, which in turn alleviates you from conditions such as swollen legs, varicose veins, calf compression, stiffness, and soreness.
Pros
- True graduated compression
- Antic-bacterial properties
- Snug fit
- Comfortable
Cons
- Can be a challenge to put on
Check Physix Gear Sport Compression Socks Price on Amazon
VitalsoxVT1211 Compression Circulation Socks - Best for Moisture Wicking
The VitalsoxVT1211 is an intriguing option for those who prioritize moisture-control.
These Italian-made socks feature a special blend of materials that wicks away moisture and sweat.
However, away from the moisture-wicking capabilities, they rank lower than the Physix Gear Sport socks in all other categories, including comfort, material, and style.
Features and Benefits
Design
The design of the VitalsoxVT1211 lacks the frills and frays of the Physix Gear Sport socks, but they’re simple enough to make a good first impression.
Though it keeps everything minimal, it’s quite a functional design, and it's easy to see where the compression starts along with the mid-foot.
Unfortunately, the top of the sock band runs a little tight, which can get a little uncomfortable, especially if you’re prone to swelling.
Material Construction
A proprietary Silver DryStat material with moisture-wicking properties keeps your feet dry and fresh, regardless of the activities you’re performing.
The material is also a natural anti-biotic and will keep your feet free from stinking and away from the bacterial growth.
The breathable fabric also prevents your feet from overheating, which is a huge plus considering it helps to fight the foot odor.
The superior insulating capabilities of the material keeps your feet warm even during the chilly conditions.
Comfort
The four-way stretch makes the socks easy to put on and wear.
When wearing them, you can’t really feel if you’ve anything on you, save for a bit of tightness that forms around the top band of the sock.
Compression
Originally designed to help in the prevention of deep leg thrombosis and aid in recovery from leg ulcers, this sock has gone mainstream.
It offers a decent compression of between 12 to 20 mm HG, which is sufficient to boost your blood circulation.
While the compression offered can’t match that of the Physix, it's sufficient to alleviate users from some of the common leg conditions such as soreness, swollen feet, and other medical conditions.
Support
The VT1211 are fatigue-busting support wear, and their design, especially support, appears to be well thought out.
They're gainfully designed to ease the stress that comes with extended-standing sessions.
The sock also provides arch and plantar support; the padded footbed, for instance, provides a softer landing, while the extra padding at the mid-foot offers substantial compression.
Sure, the VT1211 might not be everything that your doctor ordered, but they may well earn their way into providing the much-needed leg compression and support.
Pros
- Arch and plantar support
- Sufficient compression
- Insulation against cold
- Breathable
Cons
- Quite basic
Check VitalsoxVT1211 Compression Circulation Socks Price on Amazon
BLITZU Compression Socks - Most Innovative
Blitzu are neatly-designed, fashionable compression socks suited for both men and women.
They’re perhaps the most innovative and futuristic socks we’ve on the list, and this is primarily because they incorporate 3D kinesiology tape into their design.
But are they right for you?
Features and Benefits
Design
Blitzu incorporates a variety of design features that makes it a nice overall sock for almost daily activities from work, leisure to athletics
However, the biggest design element is the fact that this sock can be used with kinesiology tape.
The design of the ridges and patterns specifically follows the lines of sports taping, which is beneficial in the fast recovery of injuries.
Material Construction
The cotton jersey material on the Blitzu sock is plush and fluffy, keeping you warm and comfortable, even during the cold evenings.
The material is soft to the touch and doesn't irritate the skin, even after extended use.
Unfortunately, it lacks the antibacterial properties, but it’s not a huge deal-breaker considering it performs the basic tasks of a compression sock.
Compression Technology
In addition to the kinesiology technology, this sock has a generous compression of 20-30 mm Hg, tying with that of the Physix.
The compression technology starts from the bottom, with a seamless toe construction and lightly cushioned heel placements that alleviate the pressure throughout the bottom of the foot.
A vertical ribbing alongside a unique twill design provides shock absorption, while at the same time preventing shin splints and calf cramps.
Generally, the compression feature on the Blitzu is oddly satisfying and will help to alleviate some of the common leg conditions such as swelling, soreness, and blood clotting.
Comfort
A circular knit structure offers a 360 degree stretch for better fit, flexibility, and enhanced mobility, regardless of the range of motion.
It's further complemented by a non-slip cuff that improves the overall fit and keeps the sock tightly into the legs saving you from the need to make constant adjustments.
Support
Blitzu offers support for your legs like no other product in the market.
According to the manufacturer, the socks are medically graded and tested for reducing the time needed for an injury to heal.
The socks work by supporting the muscles and feet in the injured area while relieving pressure from the injury.
At the same time, the sock stabilizes the area that is hurt and reduces the workload for it, thus promoting faster healing.
Pros
- Affordable
- Durable
- Machine washable
Cons
- Starts to droop with time
Check BLITZU Compression Socks Price on Amazon
NEWZILL Compression Socks - Budget Option
NEWZILL Compression Socks are yet another incredible pair of compression sock that boasts of quality construction and performance.
While the performance might not match that of the previously reviewed socks, it’s still worth reckoning.
Features and Benefits
Design
NEWZILL Compression Socks offers a variety of color options to suit your style, from the rainbow hearts to the solid colors.
Unfortunately, the design of the socks leaves a lot to be desired, especially on the available color shades.
While there’s nothing wrong with the coloration, the socks are quite basic and come with quite a modest color palette.
Material Construction
A combination of nylon, lycra, and spandex offers a durable fabric that doesn't tear down even after extended use.
Also, the material fabric doesn’t show any signs of wear, even after long wear and wash.
The moisture-wicking fabric has anti-bacterial properties that help to fight odor and bacterial growth.
Compression
The 20-30 mm Hg compression offers a nice circulation to the flow of blood and oxygen into the muscles.
The pressure is convenient to prevent some of the common leg conditions such as spider veins, fatigue, cramping, soreness, and other circulation issues.
Comfort
I wouldn't call this pair uncomfortable, but unlike our previous options, it's easy to tell when you're wearing them.
They lack the weightless feel we had earlier seen on the Physix socks.
On the fly, you’re likely to feel a nudging tightness that reminds you that you’ve compression socks on you.
While it’s by no means a bad thing, it can be a bother, especially for those wearing the sock for hours on end.
But one thing we like about the sock is the four-way stretch that evens the compression throughout the sock while aiding in the breathability.
Pros
- Budget option
- Sufficient compression
- Durable
Cons
- Loose
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SocksLane Cotton Compression Socks - Built for Comfort
These cotton-made compression socks are a suitable option for nurses who are suffering from edema, shin splints, plantar fasciitis, or varicose veins.
Made from cotton, these socks have every desirable property to keep you warm, comfortable, and moisture-free.
Features and Benefits
Design
The SocksLane Cotton Compression Socks are quite trendy and fashionable, too.
Candy to the eye, these socks are available in beautiful designs, colors, and patterns.
The material used for designing the socks is also tested for quality and performance.
Material
Few materials can beat the comfort and breathability offered by the cotton material on the SocksLane.
With the sock, you can as well forget the stinky and sweaty feet since the material is ventilated enough to allow the free flow of air.
Compression
SocksLane Cotton Socks are medically graduated socks with a compression level of 15/20 mm Hg.
It's not the highest compression level, but it's ideal for casual use and moderately severe cases.
The compression on the sock is sufficient to alleviate some of the common leg conditions such as soreness, deep vein thrombosis, edema, and more.
Comfort
The progressive stretch technology, which constitutes of combed cotton and quality anti-allergy fibers, promotes a non-binding fabric that is neither too tight or to lose.
It keeps the sock snugly fitted into your leg, allowing them to stay up all day long.
Breathable and Anti-Allergic
The extra-large cuffs alongside the reinforced seams help the socks to last long even if they're washed daily.
The socks are breathable, anti-odor, and anti-allergic, therefore reducing the risk of users contracting the various skin diseases and irritations.
Pros
- Durable
- Perfect for wearing for long hours
- Breathable
- Fashionable
Cons
- Poor fit
Check SocksLane Cotton Compression Socks Price on Amazon
Best Compression Gloves Buying Guide
When purchasing compression socks for nurses, there’re some critical factors that you need to consider.
These include:
Material
Compression socks are built from a variety of materials, with the common options, including spandex, Lycra, and rubber.
Your material of choice depends on the comfort level as well as functionality.
Also, it depends on the environment you’ll be working on. For instance, if you work in a hot and humid condition, consider materials with breathability properties.
Compression Level
The compression level on socks is measured by mmHg, which is read as millimeters of mercury.
Lower compression levels prevent tissue injury, while the higher compression levels are ideal for nurses suffering from varicose veins, DVT, and significant swelling.
Here’s a breakdown of the common compression measurements;
15-20 mmHg
This is the lowest compression level, and these socks are suitable for daily wear.
They offer mild compression and can help to prevent swelling, the formation of varicose veins, limit fatigue, aches, and thrombosis.
They help to improve the overall circulation without being too tight.
20-30 mmHg
They're mostly prescribed by physicians and can help to soothe a variety of conditions, including varicose veins, swollen legs, and even post-surgery recovery garments.
They can also be used for treating edema and used during post-surgical treatment for several venous conditions to prevent recurrence and hypotension.
30-50 mmHg
The 30-50 mmHg provides all the benefits of the above, and they're normally used in managing venous ulcers.
Typically, these socks are used with the prescription of a doctor.
Gradient Compression vs. Uniform Compression
The gradient gloves provide a gradual compression, i.e., more tightness at the ankle, which gradually lessens as it gets to the top.
The uniform socks, on the other hand, offer a uniform, or rather standardized compression all through.
Size/Length
Compression socks, more like the regular garments, vary in size and length, which affects the fit, comfort, and circulation level.
Some of the socks will only cover up to your ankle, while others will cover the entire stretch of your leg.
So, understanding your exact needs from compression socks will let you choose a compression sock of the right length.
Conclusion
The best compression socks for nurses reduce pain, swelling, and discomfort. They also reduce all the risks associated with standing for too long.
Now, while there're plenty of factors to consider when making a selection, design, compression levels, and the right fit are what matter a lot when selecting compression socks.
Fortunately, most of the compression gloves we’ve listed above meet the above criteria.
So, you simply have to choose a compression sock that you feel will address your needs adequately.
Current Best Selling Compression Socks!
Editor Notes:
FAQs
Why are compression socks hard to put on?
Compression socks are harder to put on than your ordinary pair of socks because, by nature, they are tighter around the foot and calf. They feature relaxing and compressing material woven all over the socks to offer the best compression on your legs. The compression helps your legs to relax, but they also come with health benefits.
Can I use the compression socks if I don’t have a health condition?
You can use compression socks even if you don't have a health condition. The socks have tons of benefits that can help anyone, whether with a health condition or not.
The compression socks are designed for everyday wear and can help to enhance blood circulation in the legs. They can also help deal with leg fatigue, varicose veins, and swelling.
How should the compression socks feel when you wear them?
When you wear the compression socks, you should feel like your legs are supported. The compression socks should feel a little bit tighter than your ordinary pair of socks, but they shouldn't feel painful.
Can I wear the compression socks to bed?
You can wear the compression socks at any time, depending on your comfort. Nothing stops you from wearing these socks every day as long as they make your feet feel great. You can even sleep in them depending on how comfortable they make you feel. If you feel any kind of pain or discomfort, you should cease sleeping in them.