They may assist in decreasing undesired leg inflammation.
It is entirely typical to encounter
Swelling in the leg, ankle, and foot during a flight
, it can be pretty uncomfortable. Rather than endure the physical distress, you can invest in a
pair of flight attendant-approved compression socks
.
Karen Young, a nurse-turned-flight attendant with nearly 50 years of experience in the latter role, shared with
Travel + Leisure
why compression socks should always be a
part of your airport outfits
. Read on to learn more about the
benefits of compression socks
, and shop her top picks from
Amazon’s fashion store
, where these important travel essentials start at $20.
Best Compression Socks Under $20 at Amazon
-
CharmKing 8-pack Compression Socks
, $19 -
Hebe 3-Pack Compression Socks
, $9 (originally $14) -
Physix Gear Compression Socks
, $15 (originally $20) -
Dr. Scholl’s Knee-high Compression Socks
, $11 -
Aoliks 4-pack Compression Socks
, $10
Related:
These Podiatrist-recommended Sandals Are a Hidden Gem for Walkers, Loved by Travelers—Priced at Just $42
What Are the Advantages of UsingCompression Stockings?
Prior to working as a flight attendant, Young served as a nurse and often provided recommendations.
compression socks
for patients with circulatory and cardiac issues as they increase blood flow to the heart, which in turn, supports a healthy circulatory system.
Currently employed as a flight attendant, she praises compression stockings as “fantastic” for individuals seeking relief from swelling and prevention against the development of varicose veins—both frequent occurrences during flights due to changes in air pressure, coupled with dehydration and extended periods of sitting. These factors can cause blood to accumulate in the leg veins, explains medical literature.
Mayo Clinic
Liquids subsequently exit your bloodstream and enter the soft tissues, leading to swelling in your legs and other areas of your body.
Compression stockings apply pressure to your legs to promote circulation, thereby decreasing swelling in the legs and feet, and in serious instances, preventing blood clots. During her time as a nurse, Young often advised her colleagues and patients about their benefits.
Jobst compression socks
, which range from $26 to $74, but Amazon has comparable picks for less than $20. Keep scrolling to shop the best compression socks ahead of your next flight.
Related:
10 Ways You’re Squandering Valuable Cabin Bag Room—And How to Correct Them, Says an Expert Organizer
Browse the Top Compression Socks at Amazon
CharmKing 8-pack Compression Socks
$19
Buy on Amazon
These
compression socks from CharmKing
Apply regulated pressure to aid in promoting circulation and prevent blood from pooling in your lower limbs due to lack of movement during the flight. The elastic fabric allows for simple application over your legs, with the knee-high design offering support across your entire leg. Young noted that it’s typical to observe flight attendants sporting compression stockings on journeys, and customer feedback for this particular model supports this observation. According to an Amazon reviewer,
one flight attendant
mentioned these stop their calves from hurting after a lengthy time standing in the sky.
Hebe 3-Pack Compression Socks Laite
$14
$9
Buy on Amazon
This
three-pack of compression socks
includes a mix of neutral colors you can pair with any of your airport outfits and are “very comfortable,” according to a
flight attendant
They mentioned that they experienced less discomfort and pain as well.
Another one
mentioned that their legs were “significantly less swollen and had reduced soreness by the end of the day.”
Physix Gear Compression Socks
$20
$15
Buy on Amazon
These
compression socks
have received over 60,000 five-star reviews, with one coming from a
flight attendant
who said that since wearing them, their feet feel better and “recover faster.” They also have a reinforced heel for extra comfort and to help prevent uncomfortable rubbing in your shoes.
Doctor Scholls’ knee-high compression socks
$11
Buy on Amazon
Dr. Scholl’s compression socks
are
American Podiatric Medical Association
(APMA) approved for enhancing proper foot care. These socks feature gentle compression designed to aid blood flow and come equipped with the brand’s comfy Stay-Up Top cuff to keep them from slipping down.
Aoliks 4-pack Compression Socks
$10
Buy on Amazon
You can wear these
Aoliks compression socks
On the airplane and during your hikes; they prove to be incredibly versatile. The compression applied to your legs aids in reducing swelling and alleviating sore feet, according to the brand. This is particularly beneficial on those extended days of hiking uphill.
One reviewer
puts them on for each flight, mentioning that their legs no longer ache and they don’t experience restless leg syndrome anymore.
Sooverki 3-pack Compression Socks
$14
$13
Buy on Amazon
If your feet tend to sweat, you should consider wearing these.
compression socks
constructed with a breathable and comfy fabric.
One shopper
, who stands for up to 15 hours daily while managing as many as four flights, mentioned that these socks ensure their toes “don’t feel like they’re about to burst out like tiny sausages.” They went on to say, “I can actually see my ankle lines. These must be magic socks.”
CS CelerSport 3-Pack Compression Socks
$17
Buy on Amazon
Combining nylon and spandex fabrics, these
compression socks
offer a soft, flexible texture designed to enhance foot comfort and reduce swelling. They feature a non-slip sole for additional stability, along with an integrated heel pad that helps prevent blisters caused by footwear.
One flight attendant
called these their “must-haves” for air travel, saying they noticed an immediate difference from the first wear, including their legs not being sore and feet not swollen.
Love a great deal?
Subscribe to our T+L Recommends email list
And every week, we’ll share our top picks of travel essentials with you.
We assess all suggested products and services independently—find out more about this process.
our process
If you follow the links we share, we might get compensated.
Read the initial article on
Travel & Leisure
Leave a Reply