This is a review of the best compression socks for athletes.
Hi there, my name is TSE Bun, an ex-professional badminton player (best men’s singles world ranking: 30). I am also a badminton instructor. Today, I will work with Dr. Sheeraz, a licensed Physiotherapist, to share with you our most recommended choices and a guide about picking the most suitable one.
A pair of high-quality compression socks for athletes can enhance your athletic performance while keeping your blood circulation optimized, thus bringing your game to the next level.
The Physix Gear Sport is my pick for the best compression socks for athletes. These are good-looking, durable, comfortable and offer your heel and calves the optimum amount of compression.
We will also show you all of my top options, so it’s easier for you to find your perfect pair.
Let’s get going!
Quick Summary
- Best Overall: Physix Gear Sport
- Best Budget: QUXIANG Copper Compression Socks
- Best Breathable: NEWZILL U.S Olympic Fencer
Best Compression Socks for Athletes
Here are our most recommended compression socks for athletes and their detailed reviews.
Physix Gear Sport
- Best for: Overall
- Key features: Stylish, Comfortable, Durable, shock absorption, Super mesh
- Compression: Comfortable 20-30 mmHg
- Materials: 70% Nylon, 30% Spandex
- Cost: $$
We strongly recommend Physix Gear Support compression socks for athletes. It is a very stylish choice to contrast with your gym gear. You don’t need to look dull with average compression socks when you have this pair. A game changer!
Physix Gear is very picky about product quality. They ensured a perfect blend of 70% Nylon and 30% Spandex, making it ideal for strenuous athletic activity. It offers comfortable compression, suitable for athletes.
Compared to the other compression socks, this one provides the best value for money. You can use it for hiking, running, cycling, or walking. It is also suitable for all-day wear. So, it seems like a complete package to me within an affordable budget.
The shock absorption capability is the best thing about these socks. While wearing these socks, you will feel no squeeze on your toes because the compression primarily targets the heel and calves. This is what an athlete wants.
Honestly, I couldn’t find a downside to this excellent pair. However, it can be an issue to wear these for outdoor activities during the cold weather.
QUXIANG Copper Compression Socks
- Best for: Cheap Option
- Key features: Copper fibers, cheapest, unisex, protection, no-slip cuff
- Compression: Light 15-20 mmHg
- Materials: 85% nylon, 10% polyester, 5% copper
- Cost: $
So, here comes the most affordable choice that can be great for your athletic performance. QUXIANG copper compression socks grab the top spot when it comes to budget because you can buy eight pairs in a price range of 1 pair from some competitors.
The addition of 5% copper fibers is a creative move, in my opinion. The medical uses of copper are being studied, and its impacts on controlling blood pooling are established. Proper blood circulation is the topmost preference for athletes. These socks ensure it.
The compression offered by these socks falls under the light category. 15-20 mmHg of compression can significantly improve blood circulation during prolonged standing, sitting, and even during workouts. A no-slip cuff is also great for your workouts.
The unisex design is great for both men and women. QUXIANG copper socks also come in a great variety of colors to choose from. You can contrast these stylish socks with your everyday gym gear. You can also select some formal patterns for work.
In our opinion, 15-20 mmHg is not an ideal compression for athletes. It should be anywhere between 20-30 mmHg range. The light compression offered by these socks is more suitable for all-day wear. Also, polyester is not as durable as spandex.
NEWZILL U.S Olympic Fencer
- Best for: Breathability
- Key features: breathable, fast-drying, lycra fabric, comfortable, no stitch
- Compression: Comfortable
- Materials: 65% Nylon, 15% Lycra, 20% Spandex
- Cost: $$
NEWZILL U.S Olympic Fencer compression socks have the ideal fabric engineering for high-intensity workouts. The addition of lycra with nylon and spandex makes it unique from our list. This is the perfect combination for runners, cyclers, CrossFit trainers, and bodybuilders.
The breathable fabric is very suitable for hot and humid environments. Comfortable compression of 20-30 mmHg ensures that you get optimal blood circulation while performing endurance exercises.
These socks contain not a single stitch around the circumference, so the durability is evident. Moreover, the snuggly fit design is suitable for athletic performance. Heels and toes are cushioned to enhance comfort while ensuring the best circulation.
These socks are good for a hot environment. Wearing these in a cold environment can be an issue. However, the addition of lycra can cover this drawback to much extent.
Best Compression Socks For Athletes – What to Consider?
Compression socks are a must for proper circulation during your athletic training. However, buying a perfect pair can be tricky for you. As a therapist and athlete, we have some suggestions for you:
Material Used
Spandex is the top runner when it comes to athletic compression socks. It provides a flexible and breathable texture to the socks while increasing cohesiveness. That means better compression with improved comfort.
Lycra is the second important material for athletic compression socks. Its criss-cross arrangement can make the socks warmer for use in cold temperatures. A good combination of spandex and lycra can be absolutely a game-changer.
Nylon is a must for almost every type of socks. However, it can give the athletic compression socks a warmer texture and quick dry characteristics. Too much nylon is also not suggested when it comes to athletic compression socks.
The use of copper fiber is becoming popular in compression socks. Copper has many medical benefits. It can increase blood circulation while performing strenuous activity along with its anti-bacterial properties.
Polyester is not a good fit for athletes because it is not durable. But, if it is used with spandex, lycra, and nylon, you can grab that pair of socks without a second thought.
Style
Compression socks for athletes should have vibrance, style, and charisma. Plain compression socks can be multipurpose but not a great wardrobe option because of the generic kind.
Stylish compression socks, on the other hand, are much in demand for athletes. You can match these socks with your gym gear. It will also boost your confidence. Improved circulation with uplifted style can be the reason to put your money in.
Amount of Compression
The ideal range of compression offered by the compression socks for athletes should be somewhere between 20-30 mmHg. This pressure falls under the category of comfortable compression.
15-20 mmHg of pressure is also acceptable but not ideal for compression socks in athletes. It is more suitable for day-long wearing.
Less than 15 mmHg is too little to produce any significant differences in blood circulation. Such socks are beneficial for athletes who have conditions like plantar fasciitis and want pressure alleviation.
FAQs
Here are some commonly asked questions regarding compression socks for athletes.
Are compression socks good for muscle recovery?
Yes, compression socks can improve your circulation to speed up the process of removing waste and lactic acid from your muscle. Studies show that compression socks can also reduce DOMS (muscle stiffness and soreness after exercise).
Can you wear compression socks all day?
Usually, we wear compression socks when we work out, so in case you will be exercising all day long, yes you can wear it all day. However, it is highly recommended you take them off before you sleep.
If you plan to wear your compression socks all day long, do bring your socks to your doctor and ask for their opinions first.
How often should you wash compression stockings?
Please wash your compression socks every time after using them. For hygienic reasons, you should shower every time after working out, too.
If you don’t wash your socks after working out, the dirt, sweat will block the airflow, making it less breathable and comfortable.
Wrapping Up
Badminton is one of the most demanding sports in the world, and it involves a lot of jumping and running around. As a badminton athlete myself, I feel that a pair of great compression socks can make my game much easier, almost can compare to getting a great new racket.
Our top pick for the best compression socks for athletes is the Physix Gear Sport. The blend of 70% Nylon and 30% Spandex will bring you very comfortable compression. It also provides your heel and calves with great support too.
Simply pick the pair of socks that fit you the most, and all the listed options will bring your performance to the next level.