HOW DO I CHOOSE THE RIGHT SUPPORT SOCKS?
There are many different varieties of support stockings. For the more novice, it can feel completely impossible to know which is the best to choose. We have tried to compile what we, after more than 15 years in the industry, think are the most important things to consider when choosing your support socks.
What is your need?
Support socks with lighter compression around 15-18 mmHg are perfect for walking, hiking, training, traveling, for pregnant, at the office, and if you stand up a lot during the day. As you can see, support socks have a very wide range of use. You can use them daily.
The socks that are manufactured for this purpose are standard produced, i.e. they are not knitted according to your personal measurements. With the help of a measurement table, you can find your size, or alternatively you go for the shoe size.
If you have been prescribed support stockings by your doctor, and have a more troublesome medical condition, support stockings can be knitted up according to your personal measurements. Your doctor will advise you who to contact.
Here you can read more about the different compression classes
Short or long support socks
There are support stockings in various different lengths, from ankle socks that end a few centimeters above the balls of the feet, to support pantyhose. In general, you can say that the higher the support sock, the more effective.
Knee socks is the most common model of support stocking. When you choose a pair of knee socks, it is important to make sure that the end does not end up in the knee crease, this to avoid stashing. If they are a bit long, make sure to lower them a bit, but make sure that they sit smoothly on the legs without creases.
Stay-ups and support tights are mainly used if you have problems with your thighs or if you simply enjoy this type of model.
Support socks or comfort socks are not as effective as the longer support socks because the pressure of the sock ends quite far down the leg. If you have problems with swollen feet, these socks still help a lot.
Most important thing to think about
We think the most important things to consider when trying out your support socks are:
- Graduated pressure i.e. the pressure should be decreasing from the ankle up to the knee.
- Soft finish which does not freeze. It is important that the socks are not too tight and have a soft finish without pressing seams. If they are too tight, blood flow can be restricted rather than stimulated. If this happens, you will notice this quite quickly. Then take off your socks. You have selected the wrong model for you.
- Compression-free zone at the toes . I think this is an important detail as it feels uncomfortable when socks are tight around the toes. It's also not very good for the toes and can contribute to them eventually crawling over each other.
Organic cotton, nylon or merino wool?
Functionally, it doesn't really matter which material you choose for your support socks. Choose the material that you feel most comfortable in. Cotton, wool and nylon have different properties in themselves, which you can take into account when choosing support socks.
Natural fibers are not as durable as synthetic fibers. Therefore, it is important to choose support socks that have good reinforcements in the toe and heel.