Compression Socks vs Sleeves: Which is Right for You?

Written By Alecsa Stewart
Scientifically Reviewed by Daniel Chantigian 

Are compression sleeves as good as compression socks? What is the key difference between these types of garments and when should they be used, depending on your needs?

These are questions that pop up a lot since both compression socks and calf sleeves are effective ways to reap the benefits of compression on your lower limbs. And while they both improve localized blood flow and provide support to the muscles, it is worth delving deeper into why you should opt for one over the other.

Graduated knee-high compression socks provide a boost in peripheral circulation, while supporting your lower leg muscles and joints. Calf sleeves also improve circulation, but they leave the ankles and feet exposed, which can be beneficial in certain cases. However, compression sleeves may not provide the same upwards blood flow stimulus that graduated compression socks can.

Read on to find out the pros and cons of each of these garments and when to choose compression socks or sleeves.

What’s the Difference Between Compression Socks vs Sleeves?

 

The biggest difference between these two types of compression garments is that socks cover the feet and ankles, reaching up to just below the knee, while sleeves cover the shins and calf muscles between the ankles and the knees.

As a result, compression socks offer more coverage, which researchers found to be more beneficial than less coverage. They also provide an added support through the ankles and feet, which has been shown by clinical research to help you  recover from hard exercise or even an injury such as Achilles tendonitis. The tight grip from compression socks serves to boost circulation and reassure walkers and runners at the same time. 

Compression sleeves are also great blood flow boosters, as they grip the calves and support the deep veins in the area between the ankles and the knees. However, they are less effective at influencing blood flow out of the legs towards the heart, because they don’t have the same graduated design our knee-high compression socks have. Graduated socks are tighter at the ankles and slowly release pressure as they climb up the leg, which helps venous blood flow towards the heart. Sleeves offer a uniform level of compression, which is still an excellent support to local circulation and to the calf muscles and shins.

Are Compression Socks as Good as Sleeves?

Because compression socks cover the ankles and feet, they provide better coverage and support for the lower leg veins and joints than sleeves. Compared to sleeves, graduated compression socks are better at stimulating upwards venous circulation, which benefits the circulatory system and may improve energy levels while reducing the risk of blood clots, varicose veins, or deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

Ultimately, the answer of whether compression socks are better than sleeves depends on what you will be using the garments for! Both compression socks and compression sleeves have useful applications and should leave your legs feeling refreshed and supported. Compression socks are recommended for everyday wear, and sleeves are great for activity or wearing sandals. If you are having a tough time choosing, also consider our open toe compression sock as an option, it is a great way to meet in the middle!

When to Choose Compression Socks

Compression socks are great for everyday wear to benefit your circulation and prevent vein problems in your lower legs like deep vein thrombosis. They offer graduated compression through the ankle and up the calf. They also come in higher grades of compression. This makes them the optimal choice for those with chronic circulation problems, DVT, plantar fasciitis, and those recovering from surgery. Think of compression socks as the more effective version of sleeves that will remedy your legs throughout the day. 

Everyday Wear

Our Vim & Vigr knee-high compression socks are not just functional - they are stylish and a great accessory to any outfit. This is what makes them such great circulation-boosting aids for people with chronic venous conditions, diabetes, or who need to stand or sit for long periods of time at work.

Knee-high compression socks are also more versatile than calf sleeves when it comes to the fabric they’re made from and options for style. We offer socks in everyday cotton, sleek nylon, or soft and antibacterial merino wool. You can adapt these for different temperatures and humidity levels or depending on how you’re feeling on any given day. Compression sleeves, on the other hand, are made from nylon, which is best suited for athletic activities as they don’t fold or bunch up as you exercise.

Travel

It is easy to wear a pair of knee-high compression socks to ward off swelling and discomfort while traveling, particularly if you are taking a long-haul flight. The CDC advises that anyone traveling for over 4 hours, regardless of the means of transportation, is at increased risk of developing blood clots.

Clinical research shows that compression socks effectively prevent deep vein thrombosis when flying, especially for long-haul flights. Of course, there are other risk factors which influence the likelihood of this happening. Moving your legs frequently, doing gentle stretches and going for short walks, will relieve swelling. If you wear a pair of compression socks throughout your travel, you will also get a boost in peripheral circulation.

Pregnancy

When pregnant, women’s veins have to take on increased volume of blood while suffering from the gravitational pressure of increased weight. This is what often leads to ankles and feet swelling, while blood pools at the periphery, struggling to return to the heart. Knee-high compression socks made with graduated materials help boost blood flow upwards, while relieving the pressure on the lower legs. Compression is often recommended by clinicians if you are pregnant because research found that compression socks prevent painful leg edema or other vein problems.

Post Surgery Recovery

Recovering from surgery is another period when you are likely to move less. Because you’re not switching from standing to sitting or lying down as often, the blood in your lower leg veins can stagnate and pool around the ankles. This leads to swelling, risk of blood clots and other complications.

Compression socks and even full-length tights or leggings improve peripheral circulation while soothing any aches and swelling from being immobilized.

Athletic Recovery

Many runners, cyclists, and other performance athletes use compression socks to speed up their recovery. This is because studies show that more efficient transportation of blood to the lower legs and through the body contributes to reduced inflammation and better muscle recovery. Reducing the time it takes to recover between workouts is not only great for feeling more comfortable; it also means you can train better and safer, improving your overall performance and reducing the risk of injuries.

 

 

Are Compression Socks as Good as Sleeves?

Because compression socks cover the ankles and feet, they provide better coverage and support for the lower leg veins and joints than sleeves. Compared to sleeves, graduated compression socks are better at stimulating upwards venous circulation, which benefits the circulatory system and may improve energy levels while reducing the risk of blood clots, varicose veins, or deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

Ultimately, the answer of whether compression socks are better than sleeves depends on what you will be using the garments for! Both compression socks and compression sleeves have useful applications and should leave your legs feeling refreshed and supported. Compression socks are recommended for everyday wear, and sleeves are great for activity or wearing sandals. If you are having a tough time choosing, also consider our open toe compression sock as an option, it is a great way to meet in the middle!

When to Choose Compression Socks

Compression socks are great for everyday wear to benefit your circulation and prevent vein problems in your lower legs like deep vein thrombosis. They offer graduated compression through the ankle and up the calf. They also come in higher grades of compression. This makes them the optimal choice for those with chronic circulation problems, DVT, plantar fasciitis, and those recovering from surgery. Think of compression socks as the more effective version of sleeves that will remedy your legs throughout the day. 

Everyday Wear

Our Vim & Vigr knee-high compression socks are not just functional - they are stylish and a great accessory to any outfit. This is what makes them such great circulation-boosting aids for people with chronic venous conditions, diabetes, or who need to stand or sit for long periods of time at work.

Knee-high compression socks are also more versatile than calf sleeves when it comes to the fabric they’re made from and options for style. We offer socks in everyday cotton, sleek nylon, or soft and antibacterial merino wool. You can adapt these for different temperatures and humidity levels or depending on how you’re feeling on any given day. Compression sleeves, on the other hand, are made from nylon, which is best suited for athletic activities as they don’t fold or bunch up as you exercise.

 

 

Travel

It is easy to wear a pair of knee-high compression socks to ward off swelling and discomfort while traveling, particularly if you are taking a long-haul flight. The CDC advises that anyone traveling for over 4 hours, regardless of the means of transportation, is at increased risk of developing blood clots.

Clinical research shows that compression socks effectively prevent deep vein thrombosis when flying, especially for long-haul flights. Of course, there are other risk factors which influence the likelihood of this happening. Moving your legs frequently, doing gentle stretches and going for short walks, will relieve swelling. If you wear a pair of compression socks throughout your travel, you will also get a boost in peripheral circulation.

Pregnancy

When pregnant, women’s veins have to take on increased volume of blood while suffering from the gravitational pressure of increased weight. This is what often leads to ankles and feet swelling, while blood pools at the periphery, struggling to return to the heart. Knee-high compression socks made with graduated materials help boost blood flow upwards, while relieving the pressure on the lower legs. Compression is often recommended by clinicians if you are pregnant because research found that compression socks prevent painful leg edema or other vein problems.

Post Surgery Recovery

Recovering from surgery is another period when you are likely to move less. Because you’re not switching from standing to sitting or lying down as often, the blood in your lower leg veins can stagnate and pool around the ankles. This leads to swelling, risk of blood clots and other complications.

Compression socks and even full-length tights or leggings improve peripheral circulation while soothing any aches and swelling from being immobilized.

Athletic Recovery

Many runners, cyclists, and other performance athletes use compression socks to speed up their recovery. This is because studies show that more efficient transportation of blood to the lower legs and through the body contributes to reduced inflammation and better muscle recovery. Reducing the time it takes to recover between workouts is not only great for feeling more comfortable; it also means you can train better and safer, improving your overall performance and reducing the risk of injuries.

 

 

Medical Conditions

Patients who suffer from circulatory conditions such as DVT or venous insufficiency can rely on different levels of compression from full-length socks. Our range of 20-30 mmHg socks offer moderate-firm therapeutic pressure which is more effective than the “casual” 15-20 mmHg which is often found in compression sleeves.

Moreover, doctors can prescribe higher levels of compression, if needed, for people recovering from surgery or for more serious cases of varicose veins, lymphedema, etc. At Vim & Vigr, we offer socks in the 30-40 mmHg range that look good, match your outfits, and help support your peripheral circulation effectively. 

When to Choose Compression Sleeves

While compression socks are more effective than compression sleeves for improving blood flow, compression sleeves still have very useful applications. Runners love sleeves because they can wear a more padded sock with them, while still getting benefits of compression. Some individuals with chronic health conditions, like lymphedema, enjoy compression sleeves in the summer so they can wear sandals and keep their feet cool. Compression sleeves are also useful for hikers that do not want to be stung by thorns on their hike. 

Athletic Performance

There are two ways to understand why athletes enjoy wearing calf sleeves: the physical and the psychological benefits. Compression sleeves grip the calf muscles tightly, supporting them during high-impact sports like running or basketball. They help reduce the impact of landing on hard surfaces and may cause you to feel muscle fatigue less quickly. Additionally, they boost blood flow in the area between the ankles and the knees, to benefit the calf muscles and help prevent injuries like strains and sprains.

From a psychological standpoint, wearing calf sleeves makes many athletes feel better prepared and ready for optimal performance. It’s a consequence of habit (wearing sleeves in training so you feel well prepared on race day) and a placebo effect from feeling the support and massage of calf sleeves while out running or playing your favorite sport.

Finally, a note on socks and sleeves for runners: it is often the case that long-distance runners want to pair different types of socks with their running shoes, while also benefiting from compression. This is where sleeves are an advantage over compression socks, allowing runners to use specifically more padded socks or perhaps toe-separating socks, depending on preference. These can be paired with calf sleeves for the best results.

 

 

Active Recovery

Just like you would wear your calf sleeves for better blood flow and support to the shins and calf muscles, you may want to target your recovery, too. Those who experience cramps or shin splints may find compression sleeves beneficial as they can increase localized blood flow to soothe sore tendons and muscles. Moreover, wearing a pair of calf sleeves while out for a recovery walk or cycle helps support the calves.

Outdoor Activities

Another benefit of calf sleeves is the protection they offer those who spend a lot of time out in nature. Coupled with your favorite pair of hiking socks and boots, sleeves cover the shins and calf muscles, preventing scrapes and stings. This is great for regular hikers and for people with sensitivity in the lower legs, e.g. diabetics.

Warm Weather

What if you want to support your calf muscles and benefit from a circulation boost, but it’s hot out and you want to wear flip flops or sandals? Compression sleeves are a great compromise in warm weather, particularly if you’re not targeting your ankles and feet for the benefits of compression.

For those who need some extra ankle support or more blood flow through the ankles and feet, open toe compression socks will still allow you to wear your favorite summer footwear.

Can You Wear Compression Sleeves and Socks Together?

It is not advised to wear compression socks and compression sleeves together. This may cause excessive compression on your legs, and they are more likely to get bunched, which could lead to bruising. If you find yourself wanting more of a “squeeze,” consider going up a level in compression.

Depending on your medical condition, area of focus, activity levels, weather, or simply personal preference, compression socks and sleeves can help you get the boost in blood flow and the muscle support you need. While graduated compression socks are more suited to everyday wear and particular cases like post-surgery recovery, sleeves give you the option of switching the socks you wear when running or hiking, or of going barefoot. However, you’ll get more compression levels and material options with socks, so there’s a place for both items in your wardrobe.

References

Mayrovitz, H. N., & Macdonald, J. M. (2010). Medical compression: effects on pulsatile leg blood flow. International angiology: a journal of the International Union of Angiology, 29(5), 436–441. Read it here.

Broatch, J. R., Brophy-Williams, N., Phillips, E. J., O'Bryan, S. J., Halson, S. L., Barnes, S., & Bishop, D. J. (2020). Compression Garments Reduce Muscle Movement and Activation during Submaximal Running. Medicine and science in sports and exercise, 52(3), 685–695. Read it here.

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.

Armstrong, S. A., Till, E. S., Maloney, S. R., & Harris, G. A. (2015). Compression socks and functional recovery following marathon running: a randomized controlled trial. Journal of strength and conditioning research, 29(2), 528–533. Read it here.

Abdul Alim, M., Domeij-Arverud, E., Nilsson, G., Edman, G., & Ackermann, P. W. (2018). Achilles tendon rupture healing is enhanced by intermittent pneumatic compression upregulating collagen type I synthesis. Knee surgery, sports traumatology, arthroscopy: official journal of the ESSKA, 26(7), 2021–2029. Read it here.

Sachdeva, A., Dalton, M., & Lees, T. (2018). Graduated compression stockings for prevention of deep vein thrombosis. The Cochrane database of systematic reviews, 11(11), CD001484. Read it here.

Clarke, M. J., Broderick, C., Hopewell, S., Juszczak, E., & Eisinga, A. (2016). Compression stockings for preventing deep vein thrombosis in airline passengers. The Cochrane database of systematic reviews, 9(9), CD004002. Read it here.

Saliba-Júnior, O. A., Rollo, H. A., Saliba, O., & Sobreira, M. L. (2022). Positive perception and efficacy of compression stockings for prevention of lower limb edema in pregnant women. Jornal vascular brasileiro, 21, e20210101. Read it here.

Mota, G. R., Simim, M. A. M., Dos Santos, I. A., Sasaki, J. E., & Marocolo, M. (2020). Effects of Wearing Compression Stockings on Exercise Performance and Associated Indicators: A Systematic Review. Open access journal of sports medicine, 11, 29–42. Read it here.