Compression Socks for Nurses

Wearing compression socks at work has benefits for everyone, but for nurses, compression socks are essential. Nurses are kind of super-humans – they work demanding shifts, deal with pressure from providers and patients, and stand for long hours with grace and stamina. Typically, nurses spend most of their 10 or 12 hour shifts on their feet with little to no resting time. This can lead to achy, tired legs, and swollen feet. Over time, nurses who spend long hours on their feet, and don'y wear compression socks, can be at risk for swelling, extreme fatigue, and developing varicose veins.

Stylish Compression Socks for Nurses

What do compression socks do for nurses?

When you are on your feet all day, unfortunately gravity starts to work against you and allows blood to pool in your lower leg, and not circulate back up to the heart, even if your are a healthcare professional. This can cause a variety of problems with the veins in your legs, including varicose veins, and make it harder to have enough energy for the end of your shift. Vim & Vigr compression socks can help reduce fatigue and alleviate the effects of working long shifts, like discomfort in the lower legs. Our compression socks are scientifically designed to support your legs all day, every day with varying levels of millimeters of mercury (mmHg.)

By squeezing the leg from the bottom up (highest pressure of mmHg at the bottom of the sock, gradually getting lighter) with integrally-knit graduated compression, VIM & VIGR compression socks can help increase the circulation of freshly oxygenated blood back to your legs. Graduated compression is tightest at the ankle and gradually looser toward the knee. Not only does this make our socks feel like a nice hug for your legs, it also is an exceedingly effective way to improve circulation. Compression socks for nurses and healthcare professionals help alleviate achiness and heaviness, energize legs, and prevent swelling.

Which compression socks are best for nurses?

Nurses benefit most from comfortable, knee-high compression socks. Graduated compression (rather than just tight socks) is important for nurses because this is what helps promote healthy circulation and reduce strain on the lower legs. Compression socks work best when you wear them consistently, so finding a pair that is comfortable is important.

What’s most comfortable is based on each nurse’s personal preferences. Something that is unique to Vim & Vigr's compression socks is along with offering, 3 different levels of compression (mmHg) we offer 4 different kinds of fabric for our compression socks.

Our compression socks come in Cotton, Merino Wool, Nylon, and Moisture Wick Nylon. 

Cotton compression socks are great for nurses and healthcare professionals because they are breathable and offer fun designs to match your style and scrubs. Additionally they keep nurses feet cool as they have to move quickly and frequently to keep up with the rigors of their shift.

Merino Wool compression socks are a favorite of the outdoor community but it is also comfortable for nurses. Merino wool dries quickly and is extremely durable for long shifts.

Nylon compression socks are consistently one of our most popular compression socks for nurses and athletes, their buttery soft texture and punchy colors are the perfect match for scrubs. 

Moisture wick nylon compression socks are great for keeping your feet dry and comfortable all day long.

Some prefer cotton compression socks for breathability and fun designs, others swear by merino wool compression socks, for the natural moisture-wicking and odor-resistance properties. Finally, it’s important to get the fit right if you’ll be wearing the socks all day. We have a variety of sizes  —including wide calf compression socks for calves over 17” in circumference.

What compression level should nurses wear?

Nurses can benefit from varying levels of graduated pressure. Many nurses start with 15-20 mmHg compression and work their way up to 20-30 mmHg compression as they need more support. Ultimately, it’s about what is most comfortable all day and helps your legs feel most relieved after work.

15-20 mmHg is great to start because it gives a gentle “squeeze” to your legs all day long, without being too much. Many of our customers who are nurses superheroes for their day job prefer 15-20 mmHg.

However, there are nurses who either have pre-existing conditions or already have varicose veins may want to try 20-30 mmHg compression socks.

Keep it fun!

Nurses are well-known for dressing in fun scrubs and bringing joy to their workplaces everyday. Especially in pediactrics where a little extra fun can go a long way. Cute compression socks can add a little pizazz to your scrubs and are easy to match with a wide variety of colors. Plus, you know what they say, “look good, feel good!”

Customer Testimonials

Jennifer Mayo, RN, shares why compression socks are an integral part of her work wardrobe.

 

“I am a RN, and I am currently in school to be a CRNA, so I stand A LOT — on average around 12-14 hours a day. VIM & VIGR are the ONLY compression socks I wear while working, and if I don't wear them I can tell the difference. My feet and legs are tired at around 4-5 hours, and at the end of the day my ankles are swollen. I've tried many types of compression socks, and these are the easiest to get on and off and my feet don't hurt as badly at the end of the day!” —Claire F.

"I wear these socks on my 12 hour shift as a nurse and they make my legs feel more energetic than if I had my usual no show socks on. I bought them because I thought I was preventing bad things from happening in the future....little did I know they would make me feel GREAT today!" —Brenda N.

"I am a nurse and work 12 hour shifts. I suffered from severe muscle cramps that kept me awake — sometimes, half the night. Since I have been wearing these, I no longer suffer from the cramps! Thanks for a great product!" —Helen S.

“Great Compression! I stand all day as a nurse, tried Bombas compression socks, and they did not have enough compression for me. These are great, I can tell the difference in my legs when I wear them.” –Kristina

"I'm a nurse - and after about 15 years into it, decided I would start wearing compression stockings. Within a 6 month period, I tried about a dozen brands, and have spent a lot of money (and wasted a lot too). I've found my absolute favorite! VIM&VIGR cotton compression stockings. They aren't polyester, synthetic, or yucky feeling like most of them. The cotton is breathable, and comfy. I have a very small foot and larger calves. I LOVE the wide calf size. My favorite thing about them is the cute and fun styles!" —Kim B.

Shop Compression Socks for Nurses

There are so many options! Shop our stylish compression socks today.

 

Cute compression socks for nurses