Best Socks for Travel: Graduated Compression

Ever experience tired, restless, or swollen feet and legs when you’re traveling? There’s a sock for that! From sock technologies to fabrics, we’ve got the lowdown on the best socks for travel.

Traveling often means you’re spending a long time seated in a cramped airplane or car, which also means your veins need to work harder to pump blood out of your feet and back to your heart. This can cause blood and fluid to build up, resulting in swollen feet and legs, and can also lead to the development of a blood clot. One way to help increase your blood flow and reduce the risk of blood clots are graduated compression socks!

Graduated Compression Socks for Travel

Compression socks help maintain proper circulation to the lower extremities. Graduated compression means the strongest support of the garment is at the ankles, and gradually decreases towards the top (closest to the knee). This also works to prevent moderate swelling, as well as relieve tired, achy, legs and feet you might experience during a long travel day.

Graduated Compression Sock Technologies for Travel

• Seamless toe closure offers a smooth feel with ultimate in-shoe comfort
• Added thickness makes the sock more comfortable for all-day wear
• Comfort designed top is non-restrictive while staying in place all day
• Arch support for additional comfort

Graduated Compression Sock Fabrics and Materials for Travel

Merino Wool

Merino wool is the most common material we see in many of our brands. Merino wool is an exceptionally soft, durable, and antimicrobial natural fiber that repels bacteria and odors and works to keep the body at an even temperature by insulating instead of trapping heat. Merino wool also keeps you cool in hot weather and warm in cold weather, perfect no matter where your travels take you. Superior breathability and wicking properties prevent clamminess, and the natural elasticity of wool fibers allow garments to stretch and then return to their original shape, preventing sagging and bagging. Merino wool is also super absorbent so it dries slowly but retains heat, even when wet, keeping your feet warm and comfortable all day during your travels.

For Merino wool socks, try Sockwell’s Circulator Moderate Graduated Compression Socks. Featuring a turn welt top, arch support, and a seamless toe closure, they also provide the same moderate compression and support from your day's start to your day's finish. Available for both men and women.

Nylon

Nylon is another material we see in many of our brands. Nylon (or Polyamide) is an extremely strong fabric that absorbs more water than other synthetics, not to mention it’s also lightweight and easy to clean when you’re on the go.

Polyester

Polyester is a synthetic fabric that is quick drying, strong when wet or dry, wrinkle resistant, and easy to clean. It is also more breathable and absorbent than nylon, perfect for long travel days.

Bamboo Rayon

Bamboo Rayon is found exclusively in our Sockwell collection. Extremely absorbent with excellent wicking properties, bamboo rayon is also super soft. It is also naturally antibacterial, antimicrobial and hypoallergenic. This fabric belongs next to your skin and makes you comfortable no matter how long you’re traveling!

For bamboo rayon socks, also try Sockwell’s Circulator Moderate Graduated Compression Socks. Featuring a turned welt top, arch support, and a seamless toe closure, they also provide the same moderate compression and support from your day's start to your day's finish. Available for both men and women.

Now that you’re travel sock educated, keep in mind that although Sockwell isn’t part of our travel sock section, most of our compression socks can help improve circulation and provide you with all-day comfort during your travel days. Just make sure to read up on the technologies and fabrics!

Safe travels, socks addicts!