Ahh, compression socks. The unsexy, knee-high sausage casings that supposedly help with circulation when you're strapped into a 2x2 airplane seat for 14 hours or fighting for your life during the last two miles of a 13-mile hike your athletic friends swore would only take a few hours.
No fuzzy, warm Christmas sock ever came with such grueling life circumstances. But no fuzzy Christmas sock was built for the same job, either.
Yes, I have a complicated relationship with compression socks. As a travel writer who spends an obscene amount of time on airplanes, I know they can help with circulation and reduce ankle swelling.
For years, I've bought cheap compression socks on Amazon, accepting the discomfort as part of the deal. So when I had the opportunity to test a few pairs from Sockwell, a brand specializing in compression and comfort-focused socks, I wondered whether spending a little more would make a difference.
Here are my thoughts.
First Impressions: Not Your Grandmother's Compression Socks
Let's address the elephant in the sock drawer: Compression socks aren't exactly known for being fashionable.
Thankfully, Sockwell is trying to change that. Its collection includes cute colors, chic styles, fun florals and athletic designs. Think more fashion, less doctor's prescription.
The brand also takes its materials seriously. Many of its socks feature merino wool for temperature regulation and bamboo rayon for softness.
Both pairs I received were knee-high graduated compression socks, designed to apply more pressure around the ankle and gradually less pressure higher up the leg.
They also came with a steeper price tag than my Amazon three-pack: around $30 per pair.
But if frequent travel has taught me anything, it's that comfort is a luxury worth investing in.
The Flight Test: Women's Field Flower Moderate Compression Socks
The first pair I tested was Sockwell's Field Flower Moderate Compression Socks, which accompanied me on an overnight travel extravaganza to the gorgeous Caribbean island of Curaçao.
If a flight lasts more than four hours, compression socks are a begrudging nonnegotiable for me. But these? They were actually comfortable.
I wore them for approximately 15 hours, and what impressed me most wasn't how they felt when I first put them on, but how little I thought about them afterward.
With my cheaper compression socks, I become increasingly aware of the pressure around my ankles. By the time I take them off, I'm often left with deep indentations, tingling toes and swelling around my ankles.
With Sockwell, I experienced zero ankle discomfort, and the indentations were noticeably less pronounced.
Fifteen hours is a long time to wear anything tight. The fact that I wasn't counting down the minutes until I could take these off was a pretty significant endorsement.
The moderate 15–20 mmHg compression felt like a good fit for my long-haul travel needs.
Would I wear them again? Absolutely. They've officially replaced my Amazon socks in my travel bag.
The Hiking Test: Women's Pulse Firm Compression Socks
My second pair was the Pulse Firm Graduated Compression Socks, featuring a higher compression level of 20–30 mmHg.
Designed for running, workouts and other activities, these seemed perfect for my next test: hiking.
The Pulse socks feature an ultra-light cushioned sole, arch support and a seamless toe. Made with merino wool, bamboo rayon, nylon and spandex, they're lightweight but noticeably tighter than the Field Flower pair.
As someone who hikes regularly, I've learned that thicker doesn't always mean better. Bulky socks can become uncomfortable inside snug footwear, especially after hours on the trail.
Thankfully, these were breathable, lightweight and offered just enough cushioning to help reduce rubbing. My feet stayed comfortable throughout the hike, and I noticed less soreness afterward than on previous excursions.
I can't say for certain how much the compression contributed, but I certainly appreciated the comfort.
Other Sockwell Styles Worth Checking Out
Beyond the two pairs I tested, Sockwell has an extensive collection. Here are four other styles that caught my attention.
Women's Flurry
The Flurry combines moderate compression with full cushioning along the leg and foot, plus a merino wool and alpaca blend.
Essentially, it's a compression sock meets a fuzzy Christmas sock.
Unlike the lightweight pairs I tested, this style prioritizes warmth and cushioning, making it particularly appealing for cold-weather travel or perhaps even under ski boots.
Women's Full Floral
Compression is great until it feels like it's cutting off your legs.
The Full Floral offers moderate 15–20 mmHg compression in a wide-calf design with more generous stretch than the standard fit. It's worth considering if traditional knee-high compression socks feel too restrictive around your calves.
Women's Extra Easy:
Not every sock needs to be a performance-enhancing piece of equipment. Sometimes, you just want something comfortable to wear around the house.
The Extra Easy features a relaxed, nonbinding fit, light cushioning and a seamless toe. It's designed for everyday comfort without the snug pressure of compression socks.
Women's Free'N Easy
The Free'N Easy is another nonbinding option, but with an even lighter design.
With no added cushioning and a seamless toe, it offers a barely-there feel rather than the structured support of compression socks.
Are Sockwell Socks Worth the Money?
I never thought I'd write a thousand words about socks, but here we are.
At roughly $30 per pair for many of its compression styles, Sockwell has won me over.
My plan is to purchase two pairs for travel (one for the flight there and another for the flight back, since I'm rarely doing laundry on vacation), plus a few additional styles for hiking and skiing.
For years, I accepted the discomfort of cheap Amazon compression socks. The Field Flower pair showed me that I don't have to.
I can't speak to their long-term durability just yet, but they've earned a permanent place in my travel bag.
And yes, I already have a few more pairs sitting in my cart.