15 of the Best Compression Socks for Nurses
For nurses who are on their feet responding to emergencies, passing medications, or taking a much-needed coffee break, compression socks are a must. These socks aren’t just fun footwear, they also help prevent muscle fatigue, edema, and pain. Their tight squeeze helps your veins move blood back to the heart, so you can stay moving. But not every set is alike — the best compression socks for nurses should be tight, yet comfortable enough to wear.
If you’re looking for compression socks for yourself or as a gift for someone else, pay attention to four things:
- Foot size: This is pretty self-explanatory, but you may want to check out a size chart before you choose a pair of compression socks.
- Calf size: If you have larger calves, get socks that are wider in the leg so that they don’t roll down or squeeze too tight.
- Height: This is how high the socks will go up your leg. Knee-high compression socks will help prevent swelling in your calves as well as your feet, but you might find calf-high socks more comfortable.
- Pressure: The tightness of compression socks is expressed in mmHg, or millimeters of mercury. The higher this number, the tighter the socks will be. Typically, compression socks fall between 7–30 mmHg. High-pressure compression socks may lead to skin irritation and discomfort, so 15–20 mmHg is a better place to start.
15 Of The Best Compression Socks for Nurses
Check out our picks for the best compression socks for nurses for you to add to your go-to nurse supplies. All prices shown were accurate at the time of publication, and don’t forget to check to see if any of the brands offer discounts to healthcare workers.
- Bluemaple Copper Compression Socks
- Bombas Compression Socks
- Charmking Compression Socks
- Comrad Socks
- Doc Miller Calf Compression Socks
- Dr. Motion Compression Socks
- Dr. Segal’s Compression Socks
- Figs Compression Socks
- Go2Socks
- NurseMates Socks
- Pro Compression Socks
- SockWell Compression Socks
- Uniform Advantage
- Vim & Vigr Compression Socks
- Wellow Compression Socks
1. Bluemaple Copper Compression Socks
This six-pack of Bluemaple compression socks has embedded copper fibers that provide graduated compression all the way up your ankle and calf. With over 55,000 reviews on Amazon, they have a star rating of 4.5, so you’re likely to love them. Plus they’re at a price point that will make you smile.
Price: $19.99
2. Bombas Compression Socks
Bombas socks come with a promise — for every item you purchase, one is donated to someone in need. You can choose from soft merino wool or performance polyester for the exact feel you want, and their socks come in ankle, calf, and knee-high options.
Price: Starting at $28 per pair
3. Charmking Compression Socks
For a more budget-friendly option, these highly-rated nylon socks from Charmking have a lighter compression of 15–20 mmHg. You can choose from a selection of colors and styles. Plus they come as a three-, six-, or eight-pack, so they’re much less expensive than the other options on our list.
Price: $14 for 3 pairs
4. Comrad Socks
Comrad compression socks are great for everyday wear, whether you’re running to the Pyxis or to catch a flight. Whether you’re looking for fun stripes or basic colors, Comrad socks will make sure you get exactly what you want. If you need women’s or men’s compression socks, Comrad is a great brand to check out.
Price: $28 per pair
5. Doc Miller Calf Compression Socks
These have a higher squeeze at 20–30 mmHg, and although they only come in two options, Doc Miller is a great choice for someone who just needs a basic compression sock. Plus their sizing goes up to XXXLarge, so you’ll likely be able to find them in your size at a lower price than many of the names on our list.
Price: Starting at $18.95 per pair
6. Dr. Motion Compression Socks
Dr. Motion makes ankle-high, calf-high, and knee-high compression socks that you can wear on the floor and on the hiking trail. Their socks are treated to be anti-microbial and anti-odor, and come in a variety of styles at a lower price point than most socks on the market.
Price: Starting at$10 per pair
7. Dr. Segal’s Compression Socks
Dr. Segal specializes in socks for people with diabetes, healthcare workers, and athletes. Their moderate compression can keep you comfortable throughout the day, and while they don’t have as many options as other sellers, these may be easier to put on than the competitors.
Price: $35 per pair
8. Figs Compression Socks
Figs is known for carrying some of the stylish, softest scrubs on the market. If you’re looking for the best compression socks for nurses, these come in fun colors and patterns so you can express your sense of fashion while running to a code. Figs socks come in ankle and knee-high styles, with unique colorways for men and women.
Price: $28 per pair
9. Go2Socks
For a basic option, these compression socks by Go2Socks come with either 15–20 mmHg or 20–30 mmHg, and are made with a thick nylon. Whether you’re looking for polka dots, stripes, or tried-and-true black or white socks, Go2Socks are among the best socks for nurses who don’t need the frills.
Price: $30 per pair
10. NurseMates Socks
NurseMates carries compression socks for men and women, with funny patterns and a variety of sizes. Their brand caters to nurses, and you can find other products like shoes, watches, commuting bags, and more on the NurseMates site.
Price: $14
11. Pro Compression Socks
Pro Compression has a big selection of styles and colors, and you can choose how tight you want them to be. Whether you’re looking for men’s or women’s styles, calf-height or over-the knee, Pro has it all. If you love their socks, it might be worth becoming a rewards member.
Price: $30 per pair
12. SockWell Compression Socks
If you’re looking for 20–30 mmHg compression socks for nurses, SockWell’s firm compression socks might be a good choice. Their graduated compression socks are made with soft, blended merino wool and come in several styles for women and men.
Price: $30 per pair
13. Uniform Advantage
With some of the lowest prices on our list, Uniform Advantage is a great place for basic socks that are lighter in compression. They carry major brands like Cherokee, NurseMates, and SockWell, and many of their stores offer discounts with your hospital or school ID.
Price: $9 and up per pair
14. Vim & Vigr Compression Socks
Vim & Vigr has some of the widest selection of fabrics, patterns, compression level, and sizes. Whether you want cotton or merino wool, low or high compression, standard or wide calf, vibrant patterns or basic colors, you can find it on the Vim & Vigr site. While they’re more expensive than other brands on our list, they make some of the best compression socks for men and women.
Price: $38 per pair
15. Wellow Compression Socks
Wellow has some of the best compression socks for nurses with large calves, as well as standard sizes for men and women. With a moderate level of compression, (18–25 mmHg), they provide a comfortable squeeze. Their socks are an eco-friendly option because they’re made from bamboo, and they come with a no-risk refund policy if you don’t love them.
Price: $30 per pair
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