We all love to travel. But as much as we like adventure, it always comes with a few drawbacks, especially when the trip requires a long-haul flight. This is why it’s pretty important that you wear comfortable clothes, shoes and absolutely the best compression socks for flying.
Plus, they are lightweight and take very little space. So they nicely fit in your packing cubes and are easy to pack both in your carry-on and in your backpack. Whether you are flying to another country or going on a long drive, compression socks are a must-have for a safe trip either solo or as an item on your family packing list.
Benefits Of Compression Socks While Flying
Reduces the risk of blood clots. This is probably the number one reason for buying compression socks for shin splints. When on an airplane, you sit for a long time, you have limited room for moving and you are more dehydrated. This increases the risk for DVT (deep vein thrombosis), and a compression hose helps reduce this risk. This is why compression socks are always great gifts for travelers.
Stay comfortable. When flying, especially if it’s a long-haul flight, it’s always recommended to wear loose and comfortable clothes. Support stockings squeeze the walls of the veins helping the blood flow back to the heart. This will allow you to stay more comfortable, rest better and avoid leg swelling. More difficult to wear than normal socks, you might put them on before boarding. And once on the plane, drink a lot of water, avoid alcohol and take a walk every hour or two.
Keep your feet warm. Often, airplanes are pretty cold. Wearing a good-quality support hose will keep your feet warm without making you sweat.
Top 10 Compression Socks Reviews
We have searched and reviewed the best compression stockings for plane travel. Here are 10 top travel socks for men and women to use when flying but also when running, trekking and hiking, depending on where you are traveling to.
Physix Gear Compression Socks For Men & Women
One of the top-rated compression socks, Physix Gear Stamina Socks are great support stockings for nurses, air travel, running and pregnant women.
Double-stitched and made with anti-bacterial fabric, these support hoses for women and men are very resistant and help when on an airplane, when hiking, in case of shin splints from running as well as providing relief for varicose veins. The good seaming makes them resistant when machine washing. The tow lining doesn’t squeeze the joints, so the socks provide for a long comfortable experience.
Made with the latest compression technology, Physix Gear Stamina Socks deliver great foot-to-calf muscle support. This also allows you to get up after hours sitting without pain and cramps. They are available in several sizes, including for large calves.
SB SOX Compression Socks For Men & Women
SB SOX support stockings provide a graduated compression of 20-30mmHg and a wide range of models and compression sock sizing to adapt to different calves, legs and foot sizes.
This brand has a large choice of models, so you can find open-toe compression socks, footless compression socks, compression sleeves for shin splints, support socks for running, compression knee sleeves, toeless compression socks and more.
Their design with cushioned heel and toe support makes them very comfortable. They are lightweight and made with breathable fabric so your feet won’t sweat and stay wet for a long time, stopping bad odor and fungus from developing.
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Laite Hebe Compression Socks For Women And Men
If you are looking for cute compression socks to use every day and match with all types of clothes, Laite Hebe support stockings are for you.
Their compression technology helps reduce legs’ swelling and boost blood circulation. They are specifically designed for runners, nurses, who works all day in an office, who has diabetes as well as to use in long-haul flights. So they’re great for travelers and cabin crew staff.
They are made with strong yet soft material, so they are also comfortable. They have breathable fabric and are resistant to wash.
These fancy compression socks are sold in a package of 8 pairs and come in many different colors such as black, white, nude and assorted with colorful patterns of stripes, hearts, kisses, bees, flags, stars and much more. These compression socks for nurses, travelers and athletes also come in different sizes so they can be a great gift.
Truform Compression Stockings, Unisex Thigh-High Support Hose
Truform thigh-high compression stockings are for both men and women.
They are available in two colors, nude and black, and in four sizes from small to X-large. These toeless compression stockings come with a silicone top band to hold high.
They are recommended for both long-time standing and sitting as well as for pregnant women, post-surgery recovery, airplane travel to reduce the risk of blood clots, and to provide relief in case of varicose veins.
Alongside your ankle, calf and thigh measurement, you can also choose what compression level you need. They come in four different compression levels, a mild pressure of 8-15 mmHg, moderate with 15-20 mmHg, firm with 20-30 mmHg and extra-firm pressure of 30-40 mmHg, closed-toe, for severe medical conditions.
Blitzu Compression Socks For Women And Men
These comfortable knee-high compression stockings have received thousands of positive reviews from happy customers.
They come in different colors such as black, pink, purple and white, and in two sizes, small/medium and large/x-large. Their compression level is quite firm, 20-30 mmHg, and the material is high-quality ensuring an all-around 360-degree stretch and comfort.
Thanks to the good fabric, they provide a smooth feel and the right pressure where needed. They are not too tight so there is no discomfort in wearing them. They come with a handy R and L to make it easier to know which one is for the right and which one for the left foot.
These compression socks are recommended to reduce swelling and relieve pain after a run, during a long-haul flight, after intense physical activity such as running or hiking.
Vitalsox Italy – Patented Graduated Compression Socks
Vitalsox patented compression and silver-infused Drystat fabric allow for quick-drying, so preventing the development of fungus and bacteria. At the same time, their compression technology guarantees a steady blood circulation increase.
Vitalsox support socks for nurses, long flights and athletes help boost blood circulation when standing for too long, sitting, sleeping, doing intense physical activity, or for a speedy recovery after surgery or an injury.
While they don’t provide multiple sizes, Vitalsox stylish compression hose for flying are made with a 4-way stretch to make it easier to wear and fit different sizes.
These knee-high compression socks have a firm grip so stay up but without being too tight to bother your leg. They are washing-resistant, provide a great compression and are of great quality. Finally, they come in different colors such as black, white, red, green, blue, pink, plain or with patterns.
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SocksLane Women’s Compression Socks For Travel And Pregnancy
SocksLane women’s compression socks for travel provide support and comfort.
Made with soft cotton fabric, these stylish compression socks for women help relieve edema and reduce swelling when standing and sitting for long periods. They are a perfect fit for pregnant women, women traveling as well as nurses or those who have an office job.
The natural fabric they are made in is anallergic not too tight nor binding doesn’t cause chafing and is resistant to repeated washing. Their graduated compression level is 15-20 mmHg and puts the pressure where needed. It helps women of all ages find relief for varicose veins, prevent DVT, water retention, leg swelling without compromising fashion and style.
To make them last longer soft and with their original compression level, it’s best to handwash them or to use a delicate program with the washing machine. Dry them in the air instead of using a drying machine or hairdryer.
FuelMeFoot Copper Compression Stockings For Men And Women
FuelMeFoot uses copper fibers to boost blood circulation alongside providing a 15-20 mmHg compression. These are perfect compression socks for long-haul flights as well as for athletes, runners, office workers or those who need to recover after surgery or an injury.
Their moisture-wicking material will prevent your legs and feet from sweating and staying wet for too long and will keep you warm when cold and cooler when temperatures become warmer.
Comfortable and providing a well-balanced compression, these are some of the best compression socks for air travel as well as for those who suffer from edema, ankles and feet swelling, or those who travel a lot by plane.
Wanderlust Travel Compression Socks
With 80 percent of cotton, Wanderlust travel support stockings for men and women are among the best compression socks for flying.
Their soft foot padding and the seamless toe make them especially comfortable as well as ensure protection from impact and intensive activity. And their graduated compression that changes depending on the leg part (25-30 mmHG on foot and ankle, 15-20 mmHG on the leg and calf and 10-15 mmHG under the knee) makes them truly medical support.
They are great compression socks for air travel but they are not limited to this. They are perfect for pregnant women, nurses, for those who suffer from varicose veins, blood clots and DVT, for after surgery, and for those who do sports and intense activity.
Doc Miller Calf Compression Sleeve
With a compression level of 20-30 mmHg, Doc Miller calf compression sleeve provides strong calf support.
If you are looking for the best calf compression sleeve, Doc Miller is a strong brand. Perfect for doing physical activity, for those who are recovering shin splints or who suffer from varicose veins, these are great compression sleeves for running as well as support stockings for air travel.
They are also great for those who have a job like a teacher or a nurse as they stand pretty much the whole day and their feet don’t get as tired as they would normally do if wearing normal socks.
Also among the best travel socks, you can find them in different designs such as toeless, closed-toe or calf sleeves, as well as in many different colors and sizes, from small to xx-large.
Finding The Best Compression Socks For Long Flights
Seam. Check out the seam and make sure it’s secured with strong and quality stitches to avoid breaking easily.
Fabric. Make sure you choose high-quality and breathable fabric for more comfort. Also, the best compression socks for travel are made with easy-to-dry materials, which is more suitable when you are going to stay out for a long time and don’t have the chance to change your clothes.
Washing resistant. Make sure your compression stockings for women or men don’t lose compression after washing. This would make them lose their purpose and become just like normal socks.
Size and type. You can find knee-high compression hose, only for the feet, footless compression stockings, flight socks for large calves, plus size compression socks. Literally for every type of traveler and need. So make sure you double-check the size and type that better fits you.