Primes Compression Socks Features
Easy To Wear
Simply slip the socks on when you get out of bed and feel invigorated in your feet for the whole day. Each sock can be worn up to 5 times before washing
Effective And Safe
Doctors and vein surgeons recommend you wear Primes compression socks if you have to sit or stand for long periods of time without moving
Comfortable and Cool
Primes MemoryCompress fabric contours to your legs and hugs them with the perfect amount of tightness. The SmartCuff prevents the sock from sliding and bunching. The well-cushioned heel and toe provides comfort and prevents foot irritations, allowing your feet to feel comfy all day long.
Kills 99.9% Of Bacteria, Viruses and Fungi
Primes compression socks are made with silver-infused SmartScent fabric. Silver has long been known to be one of the most effective antibacterials, antiviral and antifungal compounds. Youll be surprised at how clean your feet are, even after a full day of wear!
Doesn’t Lose Elasticity
What sets Primes apart from other compression sock brands is these will never lose elasticity – even after months of daily wear!
30 Day No Swell Guarantee
If Primes doesn’t fit correctly or the sizing is off, just contact us and well exchange your pair, no questions asked!
The Benefits Of Compression Stockings And Hosiery
Compression stockings and hosiery are accessories that are worn over the feet and legs. Although the hosiery looks like ordinary socks or stockings, these garments are designed to fit extra tightly. The special material from which they are made allows the hosiery to exert pressure on the legs and feet. This pressure causes the blood vessels to widen. When the blood vessels that carry blood to and from the legs are wider, blood can more easily circulate to the extremities. This can alleviate feelings of aching and heaviness and help to reduce swelling of the lower extremities.
What Are Compression Socks
Compression socks are socks of various length that are designed to gently squeeze legs a bit more than typical socks. The key intention, Dr. Botek says, is to promote better blood circulation in the legs.
A proponent of compression socks, Dr. Botek adds, Its a very practical and common thing. But, at the same time, its a very underutilized option. In other words, more people could benefit from using them.
How they help
Dr. Botek notes that there are plenty of studies and evidence that compression socks work, particularly with regard to venous problems of the legs. Nearly 90% of leg disorders originate within the veins, she notes.
One example is venous insufficiency. Thats the failure of the valves of the veins to function, Dr. Botek explains. Your blood would be retained in the legs and youd have diminished returns to the heart.
The result: reduced swelling and swelling prevention. Additionally, Dr. Botek says, It also reduces the ability of superficial veins to expand in order to fill with blood, which prevents that blood from flowing backwards and causing congestion.
If blood pools in the veins of the legs, she says, that can cause a variety of problems including skin changes, damage to vein walls and valves, inflammation of the vein , varicose veins and even blood clots.
The types of compression socks
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Best Sheer Option: Truform Sheer Compression Stockings
In the market for a pair of sheer compression socks that you can wear discreetly? Check out this pair from Truform. The see-through socks boast gradual compression to help improve circulation and alleviate swelling and pain. They range in size from small to 3XL and come in 20 different colors. “I love these! I’ve had to wear really strong compression stockings before and hated them! These are super lightweight and comfy to wear all day,” wrote one shopper. “I have blood clot history and varicose veins, and that leg’s calf and ankle swell. These really help me. I sit at a computer all day and these really help my circulation.”
To buy: , $14
How We Picked And Tested

We started with a heaping selection of full-length socks. Although compression socks come in a few lengths, the knee-high cut is the most common and should work well for most people. Compared with thigh-high compression socks, knee-highs are typically much easier to put on.
The most commonly available strengths of compression socks are 10 to 20 mm Hg and 20 to 30 mm Hg . A millimeter of mercury, or mm Hg, is in this case a measure of blood pressure. For compression thats stronger than 30 mm Hg, youll need to turn to a specialty store to ensure the right fit.
Socks with the same strength rating often feel different. They can feel looser or more snug for a number of reasonsfrom fabric to knit to the size of your calf. Because of this, some companies, like Nike, dont assign a compression rating at all.
Compression socks are typically graduated that is, they are tighter at the bottom than at the top so as to not cut off circulation. All of the socks we tested are graduated socks.
Among compression socks that cost less than $25, they mostly follow shoe size . Though some of the socks we considered included calf measurements on their sizing charts, there is often only one calf size range to correspond to each shoe size, making the calf measurements not all that useful. We tried to select socks that came in at least three sizes. But ultimately the elasticity of the fabric had a lot to do with how well a sock fit, so fewer sizes wasnt a dealbreaker.
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Visible Veins And Swelling Can Be A Thing Of The Past
Instant relief for swollen, tired, sore and achy feet and legs
Fights fatigue associated with prolonged sitting or standing
Completely safe and all-natural way to improve your circulation system for better overall health
Speeds up muscle recovery after exercise
Reduces edema, spider veins and varicose vein symptoms
” I cant believe I didnt find Primes sooner. These would have saved my legs from being overrun varicose veins! “
– Julie M, Texas
Why You Should Trust Us
To learn why people wear compression socks and figure out what makes a good pair, we sifted through hundreds of customer reviews and chatted with a dozen Wirecutter readers who wear them regularly.
We spoke with Ajit Chaudhari, associate professor of physical therapy, orthopedics, mechanical engineering, and biomedical engineering at the Ohio State University, who studies the effects of compression on exercise. We also talked to Bruce Katz, a professor of dermatology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, about when and why he advises some patients to wear compression socks.
Former senior staff writer Shannon Palus is a distance runner and a frequent flyer, and, living in New York City, she spends a lot of time on her feet.
Eve ONeill is a senior staff writer on the travel and outdoors team at Wirecutter, and she has studied and deconstructed the finer points of great socks while examining at least 200 different pairs in her time writing reviews.
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Medium Compression Fun Prints: Lily Trotters Signature Compression Socks
Why we like them: The best thing about Vim & Vigr is the incredible variety of options it offers, including more fabric choices, more compression levels, and more size options than those offered by any brand except Comrad.
We tested the medium-strength compression socks in a cotton blend. With thin fabric and no cushioning, these socks check all the boxes for a good fit, including no bunching under the knee and nothing excess around the foot and toes. They also fared well in our wash test, warping slightly , but not in an unexpected way.
Now onto those abundant choices. In addition to cotton, you can choose a sock in nylon or a merino blend. There are three compression levels, including medium , firm , and extremely firm , a level typically prescribed by a doctor, rather than worn casually. There are six sizes, including S, M, L, plus wide-calf versions of each, up to 21 inches . And among the medium-compression options, we counted 41 different colors and patternsmore than offered by any other brand we recommend.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: Its possible the exact combination of fit and style youre looking for may not be available. For example, the extremely high-compression socks dont come in a merino blend. But were confident the wide range of options provided here can help many people tailor their preferences.
Types Of Compression Gear
The use of compression stockings in the US and Europe has been increasing dramatically over the past few years. More and more people have used them to find relief from edema, swelling of legs, and chronic medical leg disorders.
There are so many varieties, designs, and models of compression socks that choosing a pair can seem complicated and confusing. We have covered all of the categories of compression gear in detail to help make this decision easier.
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Can Anyone Wear Them
The great thing about compression socks, Dr. Botek says, is that you dont need a doctors approval to try them and for most people, there are no risks to giving them a go.
Some people might be worried by the fact compression socks are tighter than normal socks or the indentations compression socks leave on their legs. They may be worried, she says, about whether or not the compression socks are actually cutting off their circulation.
Thats a misnomer, she says. For 99% of people, thats just not the case. The only place issues might crop up is for unhealthy individuals who have severe reduction of their heart function or they have a severe peripheral arterial disease where they have poor blood flow between either the feet or legs and the heart.
Most compression socks youd find on store shelves, be it an athletic store or even a drugstore, are going to be of light to medium compression, anyway, she says.
Dr. Botek adds that while compression socks may be most associated with older patients, theyre actually applicable for adults of any age. You just need to try it for your own personal use to know if its right for you or not give up on it after just one day, whether its for everyday use or as an athlete, she says.
Who Should Get Compression Socks
There are basically two reasons to wear compression socks: because your doctor suggested that you do or because you find them comfortable.
Compression socks are made of elasticized fabric that squeezes your legs, with the goal of facilitating circulation. Across the board, the evidence on whether compression socks help is mixed. But as long as youve checked in with your doctor if you have skin or circulation issues, theres no downside in wearing them, dermatologist Bruce Katz, at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, told us.
Your doctor may advise wearing compression socks for one of several reasons. They can help control post-surgery swelling. They have been found to reduce instances of deep vein thrombosis on flights and reduce risk of complications following treatment for DVT. Compression may help people heal from specific skin conditions, like rashes involving leg ulcerations. And its possible that theyre helpful in treatment of varicose veins.
However, this guide is focused on compression socks to be worn for non-medical purposes. Non-medical uses include wearing compression socks for comfort on a long flight, during or after tough workouts, or during a shift spent on your feet. Even if compression socks arent magic, they do make for a nice ritual.
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Benefits Of Compression Socks For Women
Compression socks have a tight fit that applies pressure to the legs. This can causes the blood vessels that carry blood to the lower body to widen, potentially supporting circulation. Medical professionals may recommend that women wear compression socks for a number of reasons. The socks can reduce swelling of the feet and legs and possibly lower the likelihood of blood clots forming after surgery. In addition, compression socks are sometimes used as a part of treatment plans for varicose veins and spider veins in the legs. Some people also wear compression socks while they exercise to attempt to combat fatigue and support recovery. Your health care provider can help you decide if compression socks would be beneficial for you and give you tips on how to choose the best pair.
Support Hose For Women

Women’s compression socks are available in a wide range of styles just like conventional footwear and hosiery. You can choose traditional socks made out of knit material or hosiery that is made out of stretchy nylon fabric. Compression hose for women are available in knee-high and thigh-high styles. You may also want to opt for full-length pantyhose or tights. Some brands offer compression socks and hosiery for women in multiple colors.
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When Should You Wear Primes
You can wear Primes compression socks during any period of prolonged standing or sitting to prevent swelling and vein risk. You can also wear them after exercise to speed up recovery.
Graduated compression technology reduces swelling, pain and fatigue Improves circulation and blood flow while decreasing inflammation Prevents fluid build-up in your feet Reduces appearance and symptoms of varicose veins Supports faster muscle recovery after training
Best Copper Option: Fuelmefoot Copper Compression Socks
These compression socks by FuelMeFoot feature copper fibers that are designed to increase circulation, eliminate odor, and relieve aches and pains. The sleek socks are also super breathable and moisture-wicking so your feet will stay nice and dry. Because they are conveniently sold in a three-pack, you can have a clean pair for flights to and from your destination, plus a spare to wear during your trip. Over 14,000 Amazon customers have given them a five-star rating, with one shopper writing, “I bought these for our long flights to/from New Zealand and they were great. My legs felt much fresher than they usually do on even shorter flights. I’ll wear these for any flight over three hours in the future.”
To buy: , from $10
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Energize Your Step And Recover In The Compression Sock That Started It All You Dont Have To Dread Any Pain That Might Accompany Your Daily Duties
Revitalize the foundations of your body with targeted compression and breathable comfort!
If you’re looking for soft, stretchy, incredibly comfortable socks with the benefits of mild compression,our compression socks can help you . Our innovative unisex socks are Trusted physician recommended . Help to prevent pain, fatigue, swelling and cramping in lower extremities while improving circulation and overall comfort. All-day energy,support.
US Sizing Guide – Women
S/M Women| Shoe 5.5 – 8.5 | Calf 9in – 15in
L/XL Women| Shoe 8 – 15.5 | Calf 14in – 19in
US Sizing Guide – Men
S/M Men| Shoe 5 – 9 | Calf 9in – 15in
L/XL Men| Shoe 8 – 14 | Calf 14in – 19in
Who Can Use Compression Stockings And Hosiery
Doctors recommend compression stockings and hosiery for people with a variety of conditions. If you suffer from a chronic medical condition that causes poor circulation, such as diabetes or congestive heart failure, your doctor may tell you to wear compression stockings or hosiery on a daily basis to reduce symptoms. In some cases, compression stockings and hosiery are recommended after surgery or for people who are at risk for developing blood clots in the legs due to specific medical conditions. Compression hosiery is also frequently used on a temporary basis after operations for the reduction of varicose veins.
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Individuals Who Have A Unique Fashion Sense
Compression socks have come a long way from the maternity clinics and rehabilitation healthcare centers where they were first used. They have a style of their own now. Compression garments are no longer just plain white grandma socks. The newest designs are incredibly trendy and stylish.
Athletes, bikers, gym-goers, and runners usually match their compression stockings to their outfits so they can boost their performance while looking sharp.
There are even compression socks that go with formal and semi-formal work clothing. Some professionals, including medical technicians, trauma center staff, and nurses, wear socks as a part of their daily uniform.
Firm Compression Stylish Merino: Sockwell Lifestyle Firm Compression Socks
Why we like them: Sockwell Lifestyle Firm Compression Socks, which come in both mens and womens designs, are comfortably snug and made of a luxe, merino-wool blend. They fit and feel better on than most socks in their price range, and theyre among the least expensive merino-blend compression socks available.
The Sockwells we like best are firm-compression socks made of merino, as well as rayon from bamboo . This is an overall lightweight sock, and the foot has a slight additional thickness to it . The brand also sells less-compressive socks.
The sock shaft doesnt bunch up uncomfortably under the knee, and there isnt a lot of excess fabric around the toes , so they fit comfortably. In both mens and womens versions, these socks come in two sizes, S/M and M/L, and though we generally like to see more size options, we had no issues getting these to conform to the feet of multiple testers.
The instructions specify air-drying these socks, but we washed and dried them in the machines anyway. They fared better than any other merino sock, with just a slight stretching at the top of the cuff. We think if you take the time to air-dry these, they will likely last a long time.
Though the Sockwells have fewer style options compared with socks from other brands on this list, they do come in six patterns in womens sizes and four in mens, in an array of neutral tones, so theyre easy to wear with a casual, everyday wardrobe.
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