Compression socks: yea or nay?
So…I just have to ask.
Do you wear Compression Socks on flights?
I know! High nerd alert. But I think they actually sound kind of dreamy. I just ordered a pair and I can’t wait to try them out on my next trip (Phoenix in June, in case anyone is curious).
Anyone else with me here? Yea or nay?
BTW – the link above is mine. If you join me in ordering a pair of these oh-so-stylish socks, I get a commission from Amazon. If you’re going to take the plunge and order them (eek!), thanks for using my link!
I recently started using compression sleeves. For tennis, not travel, because I was experiencing some calf soreness. To my surprise they actually do seem to help. I’m not sure if it’s due to the compression effects on blood flow or just that they simply keep my calves warm, but the pain reduction is noticeable.
MIkel – That is great! I’m not in pain, but I’m starting to think that these are just a good (preventative) idea.
My vote is yea! I don’t bother on short flights, but they can make a real difference walking off the plane after a red-eye, for example. Looking forward to hearing what you think!
Becky – I will let everyone know how it goes. 🙂
One must wear compression socks on long flights. There’s just simply no reason to take a risk. Always wear them on flights over a certain length (for us that is 4 hours) and make a point of staying hydrated (which is good in itself but also forces you to get up to go to the bathroom), walking around, exercising your calves and moving your feet around. There’s no reason to take a DVT risk. This is totally avoidable.
Anon – Agree. Not sure why I haven’t done this before. Excited to try it!
I wear them on anything over four hours. I find they really make a difference for me. Plus, depending on your choice of shoe, most people will never be able to tell you’re wearing them.
Alexis – As an added bonus, maybe my boots will actually fit on my feet as I exit the plane 🙂
This is timely. Just recently I have noticed swollen ankles for several days after a flight. Since I’m usually wearing pants I could certainly hide these socks. Have your ankles swollen?
Also, I’ll be in Phoenix over Father’s Day weekend. Maybe I’ll run into you in the Dillard’s outlet. 🙂
Anne – My feet are what swells, not my ankles. Very uncomfortable. 🙁
I would LOVE to meet up with you!!!! We are sadly going to miss each other by a couple of weeks. I know it’s going to happen one of these days, though. Can you imagine how great it would be to finally meet in person???
I’ve been thinking about getting a pair!
I’m pregnant and tend to swell anyway on longer flights so I think it might be worth it!
Erica – Yes!!
Definitely. They are a staple of my airplane necessities ziplock. I use them for total flight times over four hours. Since I find them to be quite uncomfortable where the top band hits me just below the knee, I put them on when I get on the plane – only when traveling with husband. (Need some degree of privacy!) Otherwise I put them on in the restroom just before getting on the plane. I find I need to be a bit of a contortionist to put them on.
Despite these annoyances, they have saved me from swollen legs and ankles after many a trip. With jeans or black pants they don’t stand out as strange. I live in Phoenix and don’t take them off until I get home and they aren’t hot. Good luck!
P T – I’m giggling at the thought of you in the restroom, twisting around to get these on.
Good to know that they aren’t hot – I had wondered about that.
I bought several when it was 50% off sale back after Thanksgiving. I use them for long runs and for long flights.
Joey – Great idea! A Black Friday list item!!
I always where jeans and sneakers when I fly (incase you have to run through burning jet fuel or something) so I would have no problem wearing these on longer flights.
Steph – I love you.
After a recent trip, during which we spent about two weeks of nonstop touring and walking, I came back and my left leg was killing me. I finally bought some compression socks, and I really think it helped my leg heal! I’m definitely going to start wearing them when I walk around when touring now in an effort to prevent fatigue. And maybe while I fly too!
Melissa – Now I’m starting to think that I should try these on our long trip this summer. We’re planning on walking many miles every day. Hmmm….
I believe it was Ricky Williams who wore a form of compression socks (panty hose) while a running back at the University of Texas…….all the good ole boys pooh poo-ed him until he gained over 1,000 yards rushing and won the Heisman……….as for me I wear a Japanese soxk that comes just to the knee and I think they work great despite moments of sexual disorientation…………
JustSaying – Wow on both counts. 😉
Yes I always wear them on flights and also wear them when I am on other long transportation modes such as buses and cars where there is not much opportunity to get out to stretch. The socks look just like any other black socks and can be washed in the washing machine with darks but should not be put in the dryer. I’ve had my pair for years as they don’t seem to wear out! I keep them in my carry-on bag so they can’t be forgotten; I put them on in the car right before flights.
islandgoddess – Great idea about cars. I hate road trips because I get really uncomfortable – maybe this would help a bit??
Definite yay to compression socks. I have a custom fit pair that my doctor prescribed and they’re a pain to get on but worth it to not have swollen ankles after a long flight. I swear they help a little bit with travel fatigue as well. That could be a placebo effect though.
I wear them during long runs or races sometimes. I’ve worn on int’l flights also. No idea if they help on flights as I never had problems to begin with, just something I had read about and decided to try. Mostly they’re for my running. I usually wear a dress when traveling, so most of time would look awfully silly w the compressions.
I wear them on anything but short flights. I tend to get restless legs and found that the compression socks really helped a lot with that. I also like being able to walk off the plane without feeling like I’ve got a gallon of milk tied around each leg….