11 Best Compression Socks for Men in 2026: Travel, Running, and Beyond

What are the best compression socks for men? Great question. If you’re here, you already trust the GQ imprimatur on all matters style, wellness, and grooming. But dispensing medical advice, as our friends and family are wont to remind us, isn’t exactly our primary MO. So, what makes us qualified to weigh in? We don’t have a DPT in an obscure branch of electrophysiology—or, for that matter, a color-coded Excel spreadsheet that keeps track of our weekly flight itineraries. What we do have, though, is access to a deep network of high-profile MDs, gym rats, and travel gurus, each with their own intense feelings about the often knee-high compression socks you should invest in today.

So in lieu of blowing our entire annual budget on a frighteningly realistic cockpit simulator—or, like, an advanced degree in podiatry—we rang up every relevant contact in our Rolodex to corral tricks of the trade from the specialists who know best. The results of our exhaustive canvassing? A comprehensive guide to all the compression socks for men worth noting right now, whether you’re gearing up for your next transatlantic flight or looking to milk maximum mileage out of your early-morning runs. Here’s where to start.

The Best Men’s Compression Socks, According to GQ

The Best Overall Pick

Bombas Everyday Compression Socks

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The Travel Pick

Sockwell Elevation Firm Compression Socks

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The Athletic Pick

Nike Spark Over-The-Calf Compression Running Socks

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The Merino Wool Pick

Smartwool Run Compression Over The Calf Socks

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The Budget Pick

Charmking Compression Socks (3-Pack)

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Best Compression Socks Overall: Bombas Everyday Compression Socks

Bombas has been a go-to for sock shopping for years at this point, making such a good pair of toe warmers that we’ve already awarded the brand the best socks overall. In the support socks category, Bombas takes the gold again. “[Bombas] provide a great level of support and cushion without sacrificing anything,” Brad Schaeffer, DPM, a foot and ankle surgeon, says. “They just fit perfectly, honestly.”

These compression socks have the same honeycomb support system around the arch of the foot like the OG pair, except the brand’s added graduated compression so that they’re tightest around the ankle with just a gentle snugness around the calf. The brand claims they’re good for running, but we’d recommend a sports-forward pair of compression socks, just so there’s reinforced padding around the areas of the foot that are most prone to abrasion and discomfort.

Best Compression Socks for Travel: Sockwell Elevation Firm Compression Socks

Feet swelling is common for long-haul travelers, especially those who are flying because of the combination of sitting, gravity, and cabin pressure. To combat the slow circulation in the legs, slap on a pair of compression socks and (theoretically) you should be good. These Sockwells offer four zones of graduated compression between 20-30 mmHg, allowing blood to freely flow and improve circulation so that you stay comfortable and avoid potential blood clots. Plus, they’re just damn good socks in general. They have arch support, a lightly cushioned sole, and stay put no matter what shoes you wear. Make sure to wear these on your next flight for first-class comfort for the dogs even if you’re way back in economy.

Best Athletic Compression Socks: Nike Spark Over-The-Calf Compression Running Socks

Sweaty feet? Whether it’s because you need new athletic socks or your feet just perspire no matter what, Nike’s Spark socks should be your go-to pick. “I bought [three] pairs and I found them to be very effective,” one Nike reviewer writes. “I have an old wound to left leg and pins and needles [have] become more apparent as I get older. These socks have almost relieved me from pins and needles during normal walking and sitting activities.” The Swoosh’s sport compression socks offer padding and support where you need ‘em, giving you even, equal squeezing so that you can finally achieve that PR you’ve been striving for after all these years.

Best Merino Wool Compression Socks: Smartwool Run Compression Over The Calf Socks

Smartwool’s whole schtick is that it uses Merino wool, a material prized for its ability to regulate temperature, wick away moisture, and fight odors, in pretty much all of its products. As a material for socks, Merino wool might rein supreme, letting your feet breathe and stay fresh no matter how long you have them on. The socks offer 20-30mmHG of gradual compression from the foot to the calf, with added durability at high friction points so that these can last longer—no matter how often you wear them.

Best Budget Compression Socks: Charmking Compression Socks (3-Pack)

With a near perfect rating on Amazon with over 80,000 reviews, Charmking’s three-pack of knee-high compression socks let you dip your toe (so to speak) into the world of compression socks without having to drop an arm and a leg. “These fit me perfectly and I have large calves,” one reviewer writes. “I think they’re good quality, I washed them and wore them twice and had no issues. They were easy to get on. I wore them for about 12 hours both times and they weren’t uncomfortable.” They’re great for any use, though some have complained that they don’t feel snug enough despite being listed as 15-20mmHg.

Best Compression Socks for Runners: Bandit Lite Run Socks

Bandit

Lite Run Socks w/ Coolmax

Bandit’s at the top of the running apparel game, so it makes sense that its socks would be worth running in. Lightweight as its name implies, these socks feature a breathable mesh on the sole, while sweat-wicking and odor-fighting yarn help you stay fresh on your toes. They’re slightly shorter than the other calf-high socks listed here—though definitely not no-shows—but we like these for clocking your miles in comfort. Plus, the Bandit logo is very likely to get you nods of approval from other runners because of the brand’s IYKYK status.

Best Lightweight Compression Socks: Dickies Light Compression Comfort Over-The-Calf Socks

Dickies is in the workwear business, and its socks are the real deal for those who are always on their feet. They feature graduated compression so there’s just the right amount of squeeze for each part of the foot and leg, and reinforcement along the toes offer durability and protection. They’re also moisture wicking in case you do any sweaty work, and when you’re wearing Dickies (and you aren’t a performative male), then you probably are. The fully cushioned bottom is nice to walk on, even if you’re just sitting on a flight, and arch support gives you the support you need to stave off plantar fasciitis.

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