Best Compression Socks for Runners in 2023

1. CEP Progressive+ Run Compression Socks 3.0

If you want a pair of compression socks that will give you an added boost of energy as well as keep your feet from stinking up the room after you run, the CEP Progressive+ Run Compression socks 3.0 can give you all of that and more. The anatomically-placed foot paddling will not only improve your coordination and protect you from injury, but will also make your runs more comfortable.

In addition, the odor-reducing silver ions will keep your feet smelling normal even after a long, sweaty run. The targeted compression to the calf, ankle, and mid-foot will accelerate blood flow to the muscles, giving you increased support.

Plus, you don’t have to worry about squeezing the life out of your calf, as the halo top band has a wider, non-restrictive surface area, and the open-pore mesh calf is soft and breathable. Finally, you’ll experience improved Achilles support that will give you protection, reducing injuries.

2. Feetures Graduated Compression Light Cushion Knee High Socks

Feetures Graduated Compression Light Cushion Knee High Socks are built around the dual comforts of a seamless toe and iWick fibers that keep you dry and cool. The graduated compression starts off tight around your ankle, and loosens up as you move toward the top, improving circulation throughout your leg while maintaining a high level of comfort.

If you’re looking for cushioned comfort but not a lot of bulk, these socks will give you high-density cushioning in the high-impact zones. And you’ll get the advantages of a superior 15-20mmHg of compression at the ankle with an enhanced and comfortable fit throughout the whole sock.

3. Rockay Vigor

If you’re wondering what exactly can make a pair of socks environmentally-friendly, you may be surprised to learn that one pair of these Rockay Vigor socks is made from 13 plastic bottles that have been fished out of the ocean.

They’re made from 100% recycled polyester, which is spun into fine yarn to create socks like these and other apparel. These socks feature breathable mesh zones in between graduated compression areas. A seamless toe also adds to the comfort of this shoe.

Rockay’s Polygiene anti-odor technology allows you to wear, run in, sweat in, and wet these socks and just let them air dry.

You’ll find that you can wear them again with no odor, a good few times before needing to actually wash them. That may sound strange, but it saves water and promotes sustainability.

4. Pro Compression Marathon Socks

The Pro Compression Marathon Socks offer 20-30mmHg graduated compression, which will provide all the benefits of compression socks—increased blood flow, faster recovery, and peak performance—without compromising on comfort.

The socks are designed for the ultimate comfort of the runner: the fabric is a poly-nylon blend that makes it easy for your skin to breathe and the smooth seams prevent chafing and irritation.

Unlike other varieties, the compression design isn’t going to alter after lots of washes and wears. These socks are built to last. Not only will you support critical muscles and tendons but you also have lots of color options to select the style that is best for you.

5. Zensah Tech+ Compression Socks

Made in Italy, Zensah Tech+ Compression socks are known for being extra-durable. The graduated compression is tightest around your ankle and lessens at the calf area, making the socks significantly more comfortable.

In addition, these socks are designed to stabilize muscles and provide support specifically to the shin and calf area, helping to prevent injury and alleviate shin splints.

You’ll have a perfect fit since the socks are designed specifically for the left and right foot. Likewise, the fabric is comfortable, lightweight, moisture-wicking, and thermally regulating. Finally, you’ll have added arch support to reduce foot fatigue thanks to the ultra-zone ribbing provided by an elastic band that goes around the midfoot.

6. OS1st FS4+ Compression Bracing Socks

The OS1st Compression socks are designed to improve blood flow both while you run and afterward when you are recovering.

On top of that, they use durable, moisture-wicking fabric that make these ideal for running. Thin material means they are good for recovering in hot and cold weather.

They use 5 zones of medical-grade compression to provide comfort while still providing all the benefits of compression, such as enhanced circulation, faster recoveries, reduced fatigue, and an energized feeling in your legs.

The mesh at the upper foot will provide decreased weight and increased ventilation, giving you more support and making your runs more comfortable. Plus, these socks come in a variety of colors and sizes.

7. 2XU Vectr Cushion Full Length Socks

2XU Vectr Cushion Full Length socks are designed with proprioceptive arch stabilization. Twenty-dollar words aside, they make it easy for you to move freely with little additional thought.

These socks were created to improve your coordination by giving you the maximum amount of cushioning to support forefoot impact, push-off, and heal impact. And the Polygiene permanent antibacterial and anti-odor technology will keep your feet smelling fine after a long run.

The X-LOCK compression technology supports plantar fascia, arch, and ankle to optimize your foot strike.

Finally, you experience the epitome of comfort with these socks, as the 2XU Vectr Cushion Full Length socks have an anti-abrasion seamless toe construction and a mesh panel for ventilation. Thus, you don’t have to worry about getting blisters from these socks or an uncomfortable toe seam.

8. SKINS Essential Compression Socks

SKINS Essential Compression socks utilize unique fabrics and flatlock stitching details to help you feel comfortable as you improve your performance. If you want targeted calf muscle support with the maximum comfort, these socks will help to increase blood flow and oxygen delivery to the working muscles, meaning you can train harder and get a better result.

The targeted muscle support is designed to prevent muscle vibration and oscillation. It is these motions that lead to fatigue and injury, so reducing them helps with both endurance and the recovery process. These socks are designed to be breathable as well as temperature- and moisture-regulated, giving you the greatest benefit and comfort in your runs.

9. Swiftwick ASPIRE Twelve

If you want a knee-high compression sock, ASPIRE Twelve is a good option. If you’re tired of having to find your calf sleeves to pair with your no-show socks, the ASPIRE Twelve will let you kill two birds with one stone. These socks are perfect for long distances when you need some compression in your calves.

They have a light cushion that provides a little bit of support while still giving you plenty of responsiveness. Additionally, the design is breathable and has anti-wick technology that will really keep your feet and calves dry even if you’re running hard.

What we didn’t love about these socks is that they only came in black. First, if you like to have fun colors, they don’t meet that requirement. But, more importantly, black is brutally hot in the summer, especially the farther south that you live. While these compression socks are nice and light, you can definitely feel the sun beating down on them when the weather is warm.

However, in shaded areas or in colder months, these would be perfect because they won’t be so thick that it’s uncomfortable when your body starts to warm up but they’ll still give you some added coverage.