10 Alternatives to Compression Socks + How They Compare
Compression socks offer many benefits to people that suffer from poor peripheral circulation, spend a lot of time on their feet, or look to improve their exercise performance and recovery times. While our merino wool compression socks are an excellent option for improving circulation, reducing your risk of edema or venous thrombosis, or making your legs feel more energized, sometimes the traditional knee-high sock design may not meet the needs of your body.
For patients who cannot easily reach down to put on compression socks or for those who need a different type of garment that still supports their joints and boosts blood flow, alternatives to compression socks are needed. We care about our customers and all of us who struggle with lower leg issues, so we’ve put together a list of alternatives to compression socks, as well as options you can consider to improve your well-being.
Why Look for an Alternative to Compression Socks?
High-quality graduated compression socks, like ours at Vim & Vigr, are great for boosting lower leg blood flow while also supporting the joints and massaging the muscles. But, if your health condition doesn’t allow you to easily bend down to put them on correctly, compression socks can quickly become a nuisance and lose their benefits.
Similarly, people who suffer from skin rashes or have open wounds and cuts on their lower legs cannot wear standard compression socks. In these situations, wrapping your ankle or knee (if that’s the affected area for an injury) or resorting to other forms of treatment are better options.
Another reason to look for alternatives to compression socks is needing to keep your toes ventilated, especially if you have an infection or rash. You may also want to look for different compression clothing if you want more coverage - for example, if you need to support the upper leg muscles - or more specifically target your calf muscles with calf sleeves.
10 Compression Sock Alternatives to Consider
You can get the benefits of compression from other high-quality garments that provide support and boost circulation. Other treatment options, from diet and lifestyle changes to physical therapy, could treat health issues that may have led to swelling, poor blood flow, or conditions like varicose veins and deep vein thrombosis.
1. Open Toe Compression Socks
For those who need their toes ventilated, open toe compression socks are an ideal option to receive the benefits of compression while getting the comfort you need. At Vim & Vigr, our open toe compression socks come in stylish designs and allow you to wear sandals and have easy access to your toes when you need it. And research has found that open toe compression socks have all the benefits of a regular graduated compression sock. Because your garment is tighter around the ankle and progressively loosens as it climbs up towards the knee, the socks boost your blood flow out of your legs. This sends blood towards the heart and helps prevent the formation of clots or swelling around the ankles.
Discover our range of open toe compression socks and free your toes!
2. Compression Leg Sleeves
When you run long distances or switch socks regularly, you may still want the support to your calf muscles and shins that regular compression socks provide. Yet, you may need more versatility in the section that covers your feet, which is why compression leg sleeves are a great alternative to compression socks. In these cases, leg sleeves give you the benefits of compression socks from the ankle to the knee and allow you to have different options of socks or footwear to find the comfort you need.
Calf sleeves are very popular with runners, cyclists, and triathletes, allowing them to change shoes and socks as needed, particularly when speed is essential. The Vim & Vigr collection is available in a comfortable 15-20 mmHg compression level. These are great for exercising in or for helping your calf muscles recover after a hard effort. The available compression calf sleeves are unisex and made from nylon, for a tight, but flexible fit that moves seamlessly with you (and they won’t roll down in the middle of the action!).
3. Compression Tights
There are times when lower leg compression doesn’t provide enough support and you want full-leg cover and support. This is where our selection of compression tights can provide real benefits. Compression tights (also called compression stockings) cover the full length of the leg, adding a boost in circulation to the upper leg muscles and blood vessels, according to an article in the Canadian Medical Association Journal. They also help support the knees and the pelvic area, which can be useful when recovering from injury. And, of course, they’ll keep you extra warm and comfortable in cold weather!
You can choose between footless tights to pair with your favorite sandals or full-leg tights which go with any dress or underneath pants or ski outfits.
4. Leg Wraps and Bandages
If wearing a compression garment is out of the question, there are several options for compression wraps and bandages. These also come in handy as a first-aid tool to isolate and apply pressure to a fresh injury such as an ankle sprain.
Compression wraps are good for people with wounds on their legs that prevent them from wearing compression garments. Compression wraps allow you to adjust the pressure and can be applied in specific areas to allow you to avoid a wound or rash. They are also a good alternative to compression socks if putting on socks can be difficult. It is important for you to pay attention and remove a very tight compression bandage or wrap when sleeping (if needed – discuss with your doctor) and to take them off and change them regularly.
5. Exercise and Movement
Many people suffering from edema, varicose veins or other circulatory problems can benefit from introducing more movement in their lives. Gentle exercise, with a progressive approach and under the guidance of a professional, will help improve blood flow and reduce blockages such as blood pooling. Harvard Health stated that exercise is one key way to improve your artery health, and they reported that it is never too late to start! Exercising at any age can improve your heart and artery health. Moreover, if you’re suffering from diabetes and are overweight, reducing your weight with a healthy diet and exercise will give you some tangible benefits when it comes to lower leg health, as well.
It’s worth noting that exercise can be used in parallel to wearing compression socks for boosting lower leg circulation. According to a 2021 study in the International Journal of Exercise Science, wearing compression socks improves recovery from exercise to help you feel less sore and be ready to get back out and exercise more.
6. Diet and Hydration
One of the benefits of maintaining a healthy weight is that you are applying less pressure on the blood vessels in the lower limbs. This will reduce the risk of blood clots, varicose veins, and other circulatory problems. A healthy lifestyle with a diet rich in nutrients and without too much highly processed food supports a healthy cardiovascular system. This, in turn, will keep you feeling more energized and lower your risk for lower limb problems.
Those suffering from diabetes can also benefit from a better diet. One study found that consuming a plant-based diet with a low-fat percentage helped relieve neuropathy-related pain in people with diabetes. Moreover, some herbal remedies and supplements can help reduce inflammation. Turmeric is particularly strongly recommended for this.
Finally, healthy levels of hydration are essential in keeping blood flowing freely. Aim to drink evenly throughout the day, consuming water as well as herbal teas and fruit juices (while paying attention to your sugar intake). Hydration needs can vary from person to person and are also dependent on weather conditions, so speak to a doctor or nutritionist if you feel that you need a specific hydration plan.
7. Elevating Your Legs
Graduated compression socks contribute to healthy blood circulation by stimulating the flow of blood out of the legs and towards the heart. This is particularly important for those who spend a long time sitting or standing. The downward push of gravity on their blood causes more blood pooling. While wearing your socks throughout the day will reduce the risk of blood pooling at the ankles, you can also use a simple technique of elevating your legs to bring down swelling and inflammation at the end of the day.
When resting, ensure you have your legs propped on a few pillows, so that the feet are positioned slightly above the heart level. This may help stimulate blood flow out from the ankles into your body, but research is not clear on whether this is as effective as compression socks. You’ll also have seen athletes prop their feet up against a wall, making a 90-degree angle at the hip. This isn’t 100% necessary, but if you’re a runner looking to decompress after a hard session, it might feel particularly relaxing and re-energizing.
8. Anti-Fatigue Mats
An anti-fatigue mat is designed, as the name suggests, to reduce fatigue and discomfort caused by standing on hard surfaces for long periods of time. They can be helpful to shop workers or hairdressers who may have a well-defined area they cover regularly, and which they can use the mat on. The advantage of such a mat is that there is slightly less pressure on the feet and joints, thanks to the rubber or foam that absorb the impact when walking or standing. Research has found that anti-fatigue mats could reduce pain and fatigue levels for people with jobs where you are on your feet all day, like surgical team members or hairdressers.
However, anti-fatigue mats have no impact on blood circulation, so their effectiveness is limited by comparison to the other options we’ve covered in this article.
9. Physical Therapy
When recovering from injury or when you are trying to reduce the symptoms of a health condition like diabetic neuropathy, massage or physical therapy can provide benefits. While working with your doctor, a physical therapist can design a rehabilitation exercise program for treating or recovering from an injury. The work you’ll do with them can improve your range of motion, strengthen the muscles and joints, and slowly bring you back to pre-injury fitness.
Massage, on the other hand, may be effective at boosting blood flow, according to one study. You can also massage your feet and lower legs yourself to help relieve pain and potentially improve blood flow.
10. Orthotic Insoles
Specifically for supporting the feet and to reduce pain and discomfort from your shoes, your doctor can prescribe customized orthotic insoles. These are great for those suffering from high arches or flat feet and for regular runners and hikers. Further, speak to a podiatrist to help address areas of concern and to find ways to manage the pressure on your feet.
You can use orthotic insoles with compression socks for extra support and to get that boost in blood flow in your legs, which insoles cannot achieve alone.
While knee-high compression socks are the go-to solution for boosting blood flow, supporting joints and muscles, and improving the wellbeing of your lower limbs, there are some clothing alternatives that can also help in these respects (tight, sleeves, open toe socks). Additionally, the options we’ve described here can be used on their own (with their limitations) or as complementary to wearing compression socks. The key is to find what works for you and to collaborate with medical professionals who can advise you if you have any doubts along the way.
References
O'Riordan, S. F., McGregor, R., Halson, S. L., Bishop, D. J., & Broatch, J. R. (2023). Sports compression garments improve resting markers of venous return and muscle blood flow in male basketball players. Journal of sport and health science, 12(4), 513–522. Read it here.
Charles, T., Mackintosh, D., Healy, B., Perrin, K., Weatherall, M., & Beasley, R. (2011). Merino wool graduated compression stocking increases lower limb venous blood flow: a randomized controlled trial. Advances in therapy, 28(3), 227–237. Read it here.
Lattimer, C. R., Azzam, M., Kalodiki, E., Makris, G. C., & Geroulakos, G. (2013). Compression stockings significantly improve hemodynamic performance in post-thrombotic syndrome irrespective of class or length. Journal of vascular surgery, 58(1), 158–165. Read it here.
Lim, C. S., & Davies, A. H. (2014). Graduated compression stockings. CMAJ : Canadian Medical Association journal = journal de l'Association medicale canadienne, 186(10), E391–E398. Read it here.
Harvard Health Publishing. (2023, July 31). Exercise and your arteries. Harvard Health. https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/exercise-and-your-arteries
Montoye, A. H. K., Mithen, A. A., Westra, H. L., Besteman, S. S., & Rider, B. C. (2021). The Effect of Compression Socks on Maximal Exercise Performance and Recovery in Insufficiently Active Adults. International journal of exercise science, 14(7), 1036–1051. Read it here.
Bunner, A. E., Wells, C. L., Gonzales, J., Agarwal, U., Bayat, E., & Barnard, N. D. (2015). A dietary intervention for chronic diabetic neuropathy pain: a randomized controlled pilot study. Nutrition & diabetes, 5(5), e158. Read it here.
Ünver, S., & Makal Orğan, E. (2023). The effect of anti-fatigue floor mat on pain and fatigue levels of surgical team members: A crossover study. Applied ergonomics, 110, 104017. Read it here.
Mori, H., Ohsawa, H., Tanaka, T. H., Taniwaki, E., Leisman, G., & Nishijo, K. (2004). Effect of massage on blood flow and muscle fatigue following isometric lumbar exercise. Medical science monitor: international medical journal of experimental and clinical research, 10(5), CR173–CR178. Read it here.
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