![]() “People should check with their provider if they are concerned. Kim added that if someone has arterial insufficiency, or any condition that slows or completely stops blood flow through the arteries, compression socks can be detrimental to their health. This is especially important if you have vascular disease or any type of diabetes, which can cause high blood pressure and foot complications. Before buying over-the-counter compression socks, make sure to speak with a doctor. And in compression socks, this is classified by the pressure applied at the level of the ankle.Īccording to Derrick, medical-grade compression socks rate as 20-40 mmHg whereas a standard pair - or what an athlete would likely be using - is 15-20 mmHg. This number is used to measure the pressure in the blood vessels. A unit of pressure, mmHg is the reading that a blood pressure cuff gives on its gauge. Compression socks are graded in mmHg, or millimeters of mercury. A 2020 systematic review on compression socks and exercise performance noted that studies suggested compression socks lower muscle fatigue when worn after exercise.Ĭompression socks can either be medical grade (often recommended by a doctor) or standard. YS Robert Kim, M.D., F.A.C.S., and a vascular surgeon at Northwest Vein & Aesthetic Center, said that compression socks support vein health, prevent swelling and improve circulation. When worn for recovery after a workout, compression socks can help fatigued legs by getting blood to the foot faster. “It is going to hasten - or give it a boost - up to the heart so you have a return of that blood to be reoxygenated in the lungs more swiftly and pumped back out to the muscles.” “If you wear the compression sock when exercising, you are going to reduce the work,” Derrick said. She likened the circulatory system to an elevator, which is working harder when having to work against gravity to return blood from the foot up to the heart. While arteries deliver oxygenated blood to the muscles, veins are responsible for returning that blood to the heart to be recirculated throughout the body. This positive effect was also suggested in the results of a small-scale study on male basketball players, published in a 2020 issue of the Journal of Sport and Health Science, which concluded that markers of “muscle blood flow, and muscle oxygenation are increased with sports compression garments.”ĭerrick said that in order to understand these benefits, it’s important to know that veins and arteries are different. When worn during exercise, compression socks can improve the flow of oxygenated blood throughout the body, which can result in more muscular energy and stamina, Derrick said. Though, in order for compression socks to provide physiological benefits, the sock must extend from the ball of your foot to mid-calf (covering the foot and ankle), said Ellen Derrick, M.D., MP.H., F.A.C.S., F.S.V.S., a vascular surgeon and founder of BoxBar Vascular. It’s also generally a good idea to wear longer, crew-length socks if you know you’ll be wearing a high-top boot for ankle stability.From an athletic standpoint, these special sleeves or socks can be worn to increase blood flow in the arms, legs or knees while running. Venturing out in chilly shoulder season (spring or fall) weather? Grab those full crew-length babies from your drawer. ![]() Hiking in a warm, sunny, tick-and-mosquito-free zone? Low-profile ankle socks will keep you comfortable and cool. This one all depends on bugs and what style hiking shoe you prefer. ![]() Thinner socks (especially Merino wool ones) wick moisture like a dream but provide better ventilation in hot, muggy climates. Thicker, heavily cushioned designs are warmer, sure, but they also provide impact absorption on rough, rocky terrain (like granite slabs in Yosemite) and add an extra barrier of protection between your precious skin and high-ankle boots. As such, it’s crucial to first think about the type of terrain you’ll be encountering. Most hiking socks come in a variety of thicknesses, to match the weather you’ll be facing in the wilderness and the amount of cushy comfort you prefer under your heel and forefoot. ![]() FAQ: Should I wear thin or thick socks hiking? This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date. I hope you never know that pain, so I’ve hand-picked a few of my favorite hiking socks to keep you comfortable and blister-free in any conditions. As an avid hiker who’s trekked across Iceland, Nepal, the U.S., and Ecuador, including a 25-day stint on the John Muir Trail, I’ve seen my fair share of sore toes and unnecessary rubbing.
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