Wearing compression socks while you are pregnant can be a very beneficial thing. But with so many different brands on the market, how do you know that you are getting a decent pair without braking the bank?
I recommend the Physix Compression Socks because they provide support, are affordable, and they wash well.
All of the best pregnancy compression socks that I have recommended are based on my experience as a Registered Nurse, mom, runner with a tight budget in mind. Read on to find out other brands that come close to Physix.
The Best Pregnancy Compression Socks
The Physix Gear Compression Socks offer more graduated compression of 20-30mmHg which is great for improving circulation and reducing swelling during pregnancy, while the CHARMKING Compression Socks are a 15-20mmHG compression which is less but ideal for the pregnant woman that has light swelling and aching legs.
Physix Compression Socks
These awesome Physix Compression Socks are my top pick for many reasons. I love that they let your feet and legs breathe, and they do wash well. I really wish they came in more sizes though so that you could guarantee a better fit!
Pros:
- These socks come in 9 different colors, which means you can show your personality
- They wash well (although you do have to hand wash them)
- They are made with antibacterial fabric
- Graduated compression of 20-30mmHg
- Support on the heel, foot, and calf for extra comfort
- The breathable fabric doesn’t cause you to sweat all day
- The material rapidly air dries in just a few hours (great for procrastinators like me!)
- Doesn’t squeeze the toes and cause discomfort
- Double stitched to hold its shape, which can make them last longer
Cons:
- They only come in 2 sizes, which are S/M and L/XL which can mean that the sizing may not be perfect
- They are the most expensive out of the entire group that I have recommended (although they are still pretty affordable!)
- Difficult to put on (all compression socks are!)
- The stitching on the toes can cause rubbing (For this, you can cut the toes out. The ones that we give patients in the hospital don’t even have toes to them!)
CHARMKING Compression Socks
The CHARMKING Compression Socks are great because they come in packs of 3, which is more cost-effective. Plus, these socks have just the right amount of lighter compression, which is perfect for pregnancy.
Pros:
- Over 20 color combinations to choose from
- Up to 85% nylon provides comfort and moisture wicking
- 15-20mHG of compression, depending on which color combo you choose
- Roomy toe box and heel, plus a tight band to keep them in place
- Lightweight and breathable
Cons:
- This level of compression won’t work well for severe swelling or someone who is super active all day long
- When the stretch, the colors change, so they aren’t great for wearing exposed
- Some of the socks have writing on them
- Run long, so they’ll be too tall for shorter people
Wear these socks with comfortable pregnancy shoes and you’ll be good to go all day.
Comrad Compression Socks
Emily was sent a few pairs of the Comrad Compression Socks to see how they shape up 🙂 Watch her video above to see how they compare.
SB SOX Compression Socks
I really like these SB SOX Compression Socks because they have 4 different options of sizes for you to choose from. Having this can lead to a better fit, which is key with compression socks.
Pros:
- These come in 5 different colors, including neutrals if you need to wear them in a more professional setting
- There are 4 different sizes, which can help ensure a better fit
- They are pretty cheap so you can buy several pairs
- The heel and toe are reinforced and cushioned for comfort
- They have 20 to 30mmHg of graduated compression
Cons:
- If you don’t hand wash and air dry, the material will fall apart!
- Sizing can be difficult, so be sure to use the sizing chart that is on the listing on Amazon
- There is no foot support, which can leave you aching in your arch if you need support there (but a great shoe is key to good foot support! Check out the best pregnancy shoes here.)
- The toes are tight (once again, just cut them out!)
- The quality of the socks is not the greatest (but they are inexpensive!)
- They can be short on some people and don’t come up as high on the calf as you may want, but this all depends on your proportions
A-Swift Compression Socks
These A-Swift Compression Socks are awesome because they come in so many different designs and they have 3 different sizes.
Pros:
- These socks come in Small, Medium, and Large sizes so you can hopefully get a great fit!
- There are 29 different colors, so you can find something that you love. There is something kind of sad about wearing compression socks. (Maybe it’s just me) But having cool colors and designs gives me a
- The silver fabric gives moisture control, which decreases the fungus and bacteria growth
- 20 to 30 mmHg of graduated compression
- Anti-odor fabric (If you haven’t smelled compression socks after they have been worn, then you have a nice surprise coming!)
- Anti-static fabric (which is great if you have to wear pants over them)
Cons:
- The sizing can be difficult because it really goes by calf sizes, which means that the foot and ankle fit may be off
- The socks are a bit thick, which can make you sweat more than other socks
- The band around the knee can be tight, but that also helps to hold them up
- They can be difficult to put on
Blitzu Compression Socks
These Blitzu Compression Socks are the cheapest of the group, which is great for a budget-minded mama to be. They do have some flaws, but that is mostly because of the cheap price.
Pros:
- These are the cheapest socks of the group that I have recommended
- 4 different colors to choose from
- 20 to 30mmHg of graduated compression
- These socks combine the stability of kinesiology taping and compression fabric
Cons:
- There are only 2 sizes to choose from, either S/M or L/XL
- The material will shred and fall apart over time, even if you hand wash them (Remember though that you will probably change sizes during your pregnancy and need new ones!)
- The socks run small, which can make sizing pretty difficult
- They are very hard to get on (which again, means they are compressing!)
Compression Socks Compared
The table below compares only the recommended products on this page. A low or high Price means it is low or high compared to the other products listed. The Popularity Score reflects how often readers click on and buy the product. The Quality Score is our assessment of the overall performance and satisfaction with the product compared to others in the table.
| SB SOX Compression Socks | 9.8 | 9.2 | 17.95 |
| Physix Compression Socks | 9.9 | 9.0 | 17.59 |
| CHARMKING Compression Socks | 9.9 | 9.0 | 13.99 |
| Blitzu Compression Socks | 3.9 | 8.8 | 9.99 |
| A-Swift Compression Socks | - | 9.0 | - |
| Comrad Compression Socks | - | 8.8 | - |
Wearing Compression Socks During Pregnancy
Ahhh. Pregnancy. The time when you get to feel like a beached mammal while still trying to function as a normal human being. (Can you tell that I am in my third trimester while writing this?) After being pregnant with my third child, I started to see the wear and tear that my poor body was experiencing. I developed pretty bad varicose veins on my right calf and compression socks became my best friend.
Other than being a mother (as if that isn’t hard enough), I am also a full-time Registered Nurse. After working 12 hour shifts during my career, I began to wear compression socks years ago because they really did reduce the pain and swelling in my feet and legs after being on them all day long.
My last passion other than nursing and parenting is running. I am a long distance runner that uses running as my therapy. (Well, for therapy and because I like to eat.) Running long distances can also cause strain on your lower legs and give you the same problems as being on your feet all day or being pregnant. I have developed a great respect for athletic compression socks versus medical grade ones because they are cheaper and they have a much cooler look to them that makes me feel more like an athlete and less like a granny.
I am also a budget savvy momma who believes in saving a dollar wherever I can. If you are currently pregnant or have children already, I am sure that you have noticed that attaching “maternity” or “pregnancy” to anything automatically increases the price. By purchasing athletic socks instead, you can get quality compression without spending a fortune.
FAQ’s About Compression Socks During Pregnancy
Why Are Compression Socks So Beneficial?
Compression socks are beneficial for anyone, but more importantly for pregnant women. The benefits include:
- They help to prevent varicose veins
- They can decrease pain when you are on your feet all day
- Compression socks are completely safe to wear without any risks
- They help prevent blood clots by preventing blood from pooling in your lower legs
- They assist the blood in returning back to the heart after it is pumped down to your feet (Gravity makes this an uphill battle!)
What Do You Want in a Good Pair of Compression Socks?
- Graduated compression, which means they are tightest at the ankles and the pressure decreases as the sock goes up the calf
- Compression of 20 to 30 mmHg is recommended for pregnant women (Although they do make socks with more and less, this is the best for most pregnant women)
- Socks made out of breathable material
- A great price because you will need to hand wash them and have several pairs (because who can hand wash socks every night?)
- A good selection of colors so that you can wear them to work
Is it OK to wear compression socks while pregnant?
Yes. Compression socks are recommended for pregnant women, and they can help prevent varicose veins (which are more likely to develop during pregnancy).
How tight should compression socks be?
Over-the-counter compression socks should provide compression of 15-20 mmHg. They should be snug, but not uncomfortably tight.
Can wearing compression socks be harmful?
You should not use compression socks if you have severe vascular disease. Otherwise, a well-fitting compression sock should not be harmful and in fact should provide significant health benefits. If the socks cause tingling or loss of circulation, they are too tight.
Can you wear compression socks all day long?
If your doctor has prescribed your compression socks, wear them according to instructions. Otherwise, you should wear them for several hours or even all day, but not at night. Remove them before going to bed.
What is the easiest way to put on compression socks?
Donning your compression socks can be difficult. The following steps will make it easier to install your compression sock.
- Reach inside the sock, grab the heel pocket (interior of the heel of the sock), and pull it through such that the upper part of the sock (ankle to calf) is turned wrong-side-out all the way to the heel.
- Slide your foot into the foot portion of the sock. The top edge of the sock will be hanging off your toes, still wrong side out.
- Once the sock is comfortably fitted on your foot, take the top edge of the sock and pull it back over the foot and up the leg until the sock is correctly installed and smoothed against your calf.
You can find instruction videos online.
How long do compression stockings last?
Your compression socks will of course last longer if you provide the proper care in washing. In general compression socks should be replaced about every three to six months.
