Guide to Choosing the Perfect Compression Sock

Compression socks have many fantastic benefits, improving tired feet and blood flow and treating various foot and leg conditions. But you only reap these benefits when you have the right compression sock. Not every compression sock is precisely the same, and determining the size of your compression sock is also vital for your comfort and health.

Before purchasing your first or fifth pair of compression socks, let us help you find the right size and sock for you!

Remember that one of the best ways to determine what size compression sock you need is to refer to your manufacturer's website. They'll be able to tell you which of their socks fits you best, especially since one brand's "small" could be another's "medium." There is no "one size fits all" in the world of compression! Look for a size guide on the brand's website in the "About Us" section or the product description.

Another expert to ask is your doctor. If you have certain medical conditions that require compression socks, your physician may take your measurements in the office to determine the best compression sock brand and size for you. Even if you don't require a prescription, you can ask your doctor for insight and recommendations to try and choose the best compression sock.

When you buy regular socks, you choose your size based on your shoe size. For compression socks, you also need to measure your calf circumference. Remember in order to get the most accurate measurements, you should measure yourself first thing in the morning before you've had anything to eat or drink.

If you'd like to double-check your foot size, get a piece of paper larger than your foot, a pencil, and a ruler. With your heel against a wall, trace an outline of each foot, and then use a ruler to measure the length from heel to toe and width from the widest part of your foot to another. Write down those measurements and then compare them to a foot-size chart!

You'll need a tape measure or a long string to lay beside a yardstick for reference. If you're using a tape measure, wrap it around the widest part of your calf with the inches facing outward so that you (or someone helping you) can see the numbers. If you're using a piece of string, make sure you can mark the circumference of your calf accurately, and then lay it out beside a yardstick to determine how many inches long it is. Be sure to record that number.

Take a second to measure the circumference of your ankle while you're at it. Not every compression sock brand includes ankles in their size guides, but it's better to have more information than you need than not having enough. To accurately measure the ankle, measure the circumference of the smallest leg part just above the ankle bone.

Another part of your leg you should measure is the height from the flat of your foot to the bend of your knee. To do so, simply sit in a chair and measure from the floor to the very top of your calf, where the bend behind the knee starts. This will provide you with the length of your calf.

Some websites recommend measuring your height as well. If you visit your doctor regularly, you might know this number off the top of your head, but if you don't, it's as easy as standing feet flat against a wall, with proper posture, and either holding a tape measure up to see how many inches tall you are or making a mark on the wall at the top of your head and measuring how high the mark is after you step away.

To enjoy the benefits of compression socks, they must feel somewhat tight—but not uncomfortably. How tight should they feel? How much compression do you need? Which one is best for you?

Important details to note:

• Compression socks should never be so tight as to cause pain or discomfort.
• If you have a peripheral vascular disease that affects your lower extremities, you should not wear compression socks.
• People diagnosed with diabetes should ensure they monitor their feet and legs, especially their toe color when wearing compression socks, as people with diabetes are prone to nerve damage in their feet and be unaware of serious medical issues or wounds.

Choosing Compression Levels:

• 15-20 mmHG: Perfect for non-medical use, daily wear, travel, work, and sports. Excellent in improving circulation without feeling too tight.
• 20-30 mmHG: Geared toward sports recovery, medical recovery, and managing severe varicose and spider veins symptoms. These socks can also be worn daily.
• 30-40 mmHG: This compression level is only recommended for serious medical conditions such as blood clots, severe swelling and edema, severe varicose veins, and surgery recovery.

So how much do you need? The 15-20 mmGH is the sweet spot for those without severe medical conditions who want the extra support, circulation, and benefits of daily compression sock wear.

Last but never least, once you have permission from your doctor and all the necessary measurements, try them on and test them out. If you can go to a compression sock manufacturer or shop in person, fantastic! If you're browsing online, ensure you get your socks from a reputable company with an excellent return and exchange policy.

At Crazy Compression, finding the right sock size for you can be frustrating. The question, "What size compression socks do I need?" could go round and round in your head. Moreover, ordering the wrong size socks and being unable to exchange them is incredibly disappointing.

We want your experience with compression socks to be seamless and enjoyable, so we allow and encourage you to refund or exchange compression socks until you find the perfect fit. With many designs and size variations, finding the best pair of socks for you will be a walk in the park. Check out our compression socks and order your favorite pairs today to try them on risk-free!