If you prefer to wear stockings after a workout (rather than during workouts), then the Physix Gear knee-high stockings are for you. We picked them as the best post-workout stockings; why? Because when we wore them, they reminded us of NormaTec compression, which is extremely robust and powerful. In fact, the progressive compression of these socks is so great that you can sense the various pressure levels in your calves, particularly while walking or moving. If you pay close attention while using these stockings, you will notice a subtle throbbing feeling, indicating enhanced blood circulation in real time.

We wore these Physix Gear stockings after a few lifting workouts, numerous long walks, and after running. And although we cannot claim they aided in muscle recovery (it is difficult to tell), they did feel comforting following an intensive exercise.

At about only $20 a pair, these stockings are more inexpensive than others. Furthermore, the collection also features extremely relaxing and pleasant designs that are appropriate for any occasion.

Ratings: 4.5 stars (from 60,984 reviews)

Price: $12-16

Buy it at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01J4MF5UY

Are you suffering from (or have a history of) plantar fasciitis and other severe foot ailment symptoms? Then these Bitly Plantar Fasciitis stockings are a must-have set for you. Why do we say so? It is because these convenient socks may help alleviate arch and heel discomfort for you. Even better, they also boost healthy blood flow. A good and consistent blood flow will expedite your recovery much more quickly, by providing focused pressure and comfort to your numb arches and ankle. You will recover in no time!

Another great feature of these Bitly Plantar Fasciitis stockings is none other than their fabric. It is breathable and moisture-wicking fabric, which helps regulate body temperature. Hence, your feet will always feel cool and dry.

And last but not least, these socks are accessible in a variety of styles and shapes. There is also a handy sizing guide that will assist you in determining which socks will suit you the best.

Ratings: 4.3 stars (from 39,196 reviews)

Price: $15.95

Buy it at: https://tinyurl.com/yczcfz2b

Vitalsox VT1211 socks are quite popular with runners. However, runners are not the only ones who benefit from these items. The Vitalsox socks are an excellent choice for almost anyone and any setting - whether you are athletic, pregnant, or suffering from foot or calf discomfort. To be more specific, these Vitalsox VT1211 socks are mildly cushioned at the heel and arch of the feet - but not excessively so - allowing them to be used with any sports or work shoe.

In addition, the cushioning also adds more comfort and helps prevent friction and foot stress, which are often caused by impact workouts (such as jogging). Even better, the socks' exclusive Drystat substance regulates moisture while inhibiting bacteria development. It helps minimize the danger of blisters and stinky socks. The compression begins in the midfoot, supporting the arch of your feet and preventing common problems such as knee pain and shin splints.

Last but not least, there is a range of alternatives available in a variety of sizes and colors. So choose one based on your aesthetic preferences!

Ratings: 4.5 stars (from 1089 reviews)

Price: $12

Buy it at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004BKIPW0

In our opinion, you should consider a set of Sockwell Elevation socks if you are especially concerned with poor circulation. These socks give progressive compression ranging from 20 to 30 millimeters of mercury, while the bulk of compression socks span from 15 to 20 millimeters of mercury (mmHg).

The compression starts at the ankles and gradually reduces all the way to the surface of your calf via four "zones." To be more specific, these Sockwell Elevation socks have arch support, which is beneficial for those who experience swelling in their feet or in their ankles. Furthermore, the Elevation Socks are made of viscose rayon, wool, stretch nylon, and spandex. Hence, it is not a surprise that they feel comfortable but robust at the same time. They also wick away perspiration nicely.

If you want less pressure, Sockwell offers a lifestyle collection with a variety of adorable designs that range from 15 to 20 mmHg (We personally love the pair with cat faces).

Ratings: 4.7 stars (from 989 reviews)

Price: $29.99

Buy it at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00H2BY1NM

The CEP Women's Progressive+ run socks are constructed with compressive fibers. They will wrap approximately more than 400 times around the leg. Hence, these items will provide precise compression that aids in both your recovery and overall performance.

According to many customers, these CEP Women's Progressive+ run socks are particularly compressive around the calf muscles. This design promotes much more consistent blood circulation. It also helps you alleviate muscular pain. You can also avoid foot sprains, muscle strains, and other overuse issues. Even better, these socks provide a tight and tailored fit, while also reducing blisters by conforming to your foot without constricting your toes. You can run and move freely around with these socks around your feed.

In addition, they also have a halo top bracket - which lies just below the knee - that helps hold your stockings in position. And last but not least, the product comes in a wide variety of colors, ensuring you will find one that complements your own style.

Ratings: 4.7 stars (from 873 reviews)

Price: $53

Buy it at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BAV9KXG

We discovered Zensah in a rather unrelated event - when we were testing face masks for jogging. Since we absolutely adore the productivity face mask from Zensah, we decided to try the company's Zensah Tech+ compression socks. And indeed, they did not disappoint! They are among the best compression socks we have ever tried on.

These full-length socks are manufactured in Italy and include 18% elastane. Due to the high elastane content, the Zensah Tech+ socks compress nicely and do not stretch out, making them ideal for extended runs.

Yet, it is the mesh insert that makes these stockings ideal for runners. The mesh component, which is located on the calf portion of the sock, offers maximum ventilation, ensuring that your socks do not get completely saturated with perspiration once you finish running. Even better, the padded heel of the socks is a wonderful touch. We observed that these socks provided much greater support for our foot's arch than others we examined.

Ratings: 4.7 stars (from 620 reviews)

Price: $40.31 - $49.99

Buy it at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FFZJ57Y

Among the compression socks we tried, the PRO Marathon socks quickly became our favorites. Indeed, we knew they would quickly become our favorite the moment we put them on – mainly because they are simpler to put on than others that we tested, and still give the same level of support.

The PRO Marathon socks extend underneath the knee to provide complete calf compression. We donned these stockings while sitting for extended periods of time, doing home and yard work, going shopping, walking our dog, and during workouts. They supplied the ideal level of tightness for all activities, and we felt secure wearing them around outside. This is excellent for pain treatment and muscular soreness reduction.

These socks are available in an infinite number of styles, and in three sizes. While you may purchase both men's and women's socks, these socks are actually neutral-gendered items. Though the Marathon socks are not a cheap purchase (at $50), we would gladly spend that price for a couple of high-quality sets to get us through a day of hard work. These pairs deserve a spot in our list of the best compression socks.

Ratings: 4.5 stars (from 488 reviews)

Price: $50

Buy it at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07Z859D89

Swiftwick compression stockings are made of merino wool, which is extremely ideal for all-season activities. They are included in Swiftwick's racing and snow sports lines - most likely because merino wool reacts well to the weather due to the inherent crimps in its fibers.

To be more specific, when the weather is warm (or when you sweat), wool will soak into its pore fibers. Then, it will drain the sweat away from the skin as vapor. And how about cold weather? When it is chilly outside, the crimped fabric will act as an insulator, which traps the warmth near the skin. You will feel comfortable all the time.

In addition, these Swiftwick stockings also include 11% spandex. Hence, they provide more than enough compression for extended workouts or days of outdoor activity. Though we no longer live near many walking routes, we know we will carry these stockings for any mountain road vacations.

Ratings: 4.2 stars (from 156 reviews)

Price: $29.99

Buy it at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KHXMLJI

Another pair of PRO socks was included on our list due to their exceptional quality. We would wear these mid calf stockings all day - just as how we would wear a full-length set - but for a variety of different activities.

While running an errand and working on home repair chores, we adored donning the PRO Mid-length Unisex socks. These adorable items conveniently accompanied us through a whole day of house repairs, sanding, painting, and assembling furniture. Plus, they looked smart enough to wear on multiple excursions to Home Depot.

We also tried these PRO Mid-length Unisex socks out for a full day of work. Unfortunately, they were not as comfortable as they were at home. Our calves remained swollen, resulting in an imprint where the hem should have been. We really enjoy these socks, but we will save them for more busy days and exercises. In general, these socks are an excellent alternative for those seeking compression just at the ankle and heel.

Ratings: 4.1 stars (from 93 reviews)

Price: $25

Buy it at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076JF6QPB

Choose a set of stockings produced by the Lily Trotters if you're looking for compression socks that are stylish enough to wear when doing chores, going out to dine, or doing anything else. Lily Trotters' distinctive socks are composed of 93% cotton and 7% spandex, providing just enough tension to feel notably tight.

Designed primarily to make compressive socks more appealing, Lily Trotters has an abundance of lively patterns. We like the Four Kisses design, which is both beautiful and stylish, along with the Orange/ Over The Moon for a more vibrant appearance.

We have to mention that Lily Trotters’ socks – or at least the ones we tested – have a tendency to run narrow at the top. Consider bigger sizes if you have bigger calves. There is another slight downside as well: in all of the stockings we tested, we only purchased a medium or small-medium - and the small-medium size from this Lily Trotters brand was the only set that left noticeable indentations right below the knee.

Ratings: 3.9 stars (from 15 reviews)

Price: $41.19

Buy it at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N8ZXIDF