SB SOX Compression Socks for Men & Women (20-30mmHg) – Best Compression Socks for Travel, Medical, Sports, Wide Calf Fit, and Daily Wear

UPDATED REVIEW: 6 years later. When I initially bought compression socks 6 years ago, I bought a few different brands. This brand is the best & my favorite from the different brands. It’s been 6 years & I just purchased two additional pairs. Yes, they pill (as I noted in my first review below). That’s not an issue, as it in no way affects the functionality. Regarding my first review & having an issue with the tightness when sleeping with them on…….you’re not supposed to sleep with them on, so I stopped doing that. The tightness of the socks are perfect. I appreciate the variety of colors. I absolute love the longevity of these socks. 6 years in & all of the SB Sox I purchased have 0 issues. The elasticity is as good today as it was when brand new. I can say that’s not the case with all compression socks. I recently threw out another brand, as that brand’s sock lost it’s compression. NOTE: I do not put these socks in the dryer, as over time, the heat can break down the elasticity. I air dry them after every washing. If you are looking for a great pair of comfortable, supportive & long lasting compression socks, this is the brand for you. My massage therapist recommended that I get compression socks to assist with a painful arthritic toe & related the swelling that had been impeding my daily activities. I did a lot of research to better educate myself on compression socks, how they should feel, how to measure for the proper fit, benefits of the socks etc. Once I completed that research, I read hundreds of reviews (on Amazon) on the numerous brands that offer compression socks. I purchased a pair of SB Sox as well as two other brands. So far, these are my favorite pair. I can feel the compression thru my calf and the cushioning provided in the entire foot is quite noticeable. From my toes to my heel, my foot was resting on what feels like padded softness. I did not have this experience with the other two brands. The band at the top is secure and I have not had any slipping. I find it to be tight enough to stay up by not so tight as to cause discomfort, pain or indentation on my leg. I wore them to bed (even though much of what I read did not recommend this). I had no discomfort during night from the socks and woke up with minimal swelling in my foot and both my foot and legs felt really, really good. I then wore them to work where I was on my feet all day. Where as in the past, a full day on my feet would have me limping by day's end, this particular day I found myself with minimal foot pain and my feet felt really good. I didn't want to take them off at the end of the day because my lower legs and feet felt so good. I did machine wash and air dry them. They held up great. One thing I noticed (that I had read in another review of these socks) is that the heel / toe part of the socks started to pill up. At this point, it is just cosmetic and the benefits I receive from these socks out weight the pilling. After work I put on another pair from a different manufacturer (I'll call Brand #2). With the SB Sox being the first pair of compression socks that I've ever worn, I had nothing to compare them to. I wore Brand #2 to bed. Brand #2 did not have the same padding in the feet, although the compression through out my calf on Brand #2 was great. The big downfall for me on this brand was that the band at the top of the sock was so tight, I woke up and had to take the socks off because it was hurting too much. I was disappointed as the compression was great. Tonight I will try Brand #3. I can say that I woke up today and bought my second pair of SB Sox. I also decided to purchase ankle compression socks to wear to bed in lieu of the knee high compression socks.

These are true compression socks. They are the advertised compression measurements. They are supposed to be tight. These are the best quality compression socks I’ve found. They are thick and strong. They take a bit of effort to get on BUT that is what comes with these types of compression socks. They don’t loose compression after a hour or two like most. They stay firm the entire time wearing them.

SB SOX (20-30mmHg): The best I've tried thus far (and I've tried a lot of compression socks). Suffered from multiple DVT's in the left leg due to several veins collapsing during one of the surgeries. They installed some 6+ FT of stents on the veinous side to save the leg (one of the FDA studies out there). Anyway, the end result is that I now get to wear compression stockings from now on. These are simply the best compression stockings that I've found so far (including the medical grade ones you need an Rx for - that simply cost 4-times as much, but have same rating and do the same thing). The band at the top does not cut, they provide good/solid compression from the ankle up, and they make your legs feel great. I've tried some brands that I've simply had to throw away after wearing them once (they were that bad or the band at the top was simply not worth it). For walking/exercise, the SB-SOX also feel great and help during and after the walk (can now do 5-8K's). Or, if you are on your feet all day, these socks will make you feel better when you get to the end of the day (at least your legs will feel better). For the athletes, I can see these socks helping runners at any distance. The vendor is terrific to deal with and they are always willing to help (vendor provides some nice discounts for buying more than one - and you'll want to buy more than one so that you don't have to wash them every night). The only other one that I'd recommend is made by "Run Forever Sports" (also a 20-30mmHg compression) - they feel just as good. The SB-SOX's are a little cheaper out the gate and if you are buying more than 1-pair, they give you a 5% discount for each added pair (up to 30% off for 6-pair). For the money, the SB-SOX's are my go-to brand and I suspect I'll eventually be wearing this brand exclusively (once I've weeded out or worn out the sub-par brands that I've tried.........or once I've worn them enough that I can justify throwing them out; as they are expensive and I wanted to try and get some use out of the other brands that I still have). To anyone out there that wants to simply feel better at the end of a race or at the end of the day - give this brand a try. To anyone out there that needs to wear them for a medical condition (such as DVT's or the pain caused by them), you also will not be disappointed (hang in there and I hope you get some relief). Disclaimer: I paid for each pair of SB-Sox's that I own out of my own pocket and rec'd nothing for free (also got nothing for the time I spent to write this review). At times, I do wonder if the review is unbiased or not and I also wonder if the review can truly be unbiased if the product was given to them for free (I suppose it can be done - but you do still wonder). Anyway, we've all seen reviews where a product was given to a person for free or in exchange for an 'honest-review'. I wanted to put in the same sort of disclaimer - just stating that I paid for them outright. I do try to read reviews when I'm looking to make a purchase and I do appreciate when an honest review is available. While I don't write many reviews, I wanted to at least provide the same courtesy to others that I look for. So, I'll try to find time when a product is working for me and at least provide some feedback - hence this (long-winded) review. Best regards.

Overall, this is a great product. My only problem is with the measurement guide. I have two pairs of Large and one of XL. By the measurement guide, I have just over an inch of room for the Large, so I got two pairs. After a few wears, I developed a reaction with a red irritation line on the inside of my calf. The lines were in the same place on each side of my calf. Now, full disclosure, I do have skin issues, and though the large wasn't too big according to the size guide, I think the tightness caused issues. This truly is a great product and helps my legs, so I ordered the XL. So far, there have been 0 issues with the extra large, and I would absolutely recommend it. If I didn't have sensitive/skin issues, then I'm sure the Large would have been fine. The XL is almost a bit too long, but it works for me, and there are no issues after with irritations. My legs feel great while wearing them. I only give this 4 stars, due to hopes this could stand out and give those with sensitive skin a heads up that there could be issues with the correct size.

THESE SOCKS WORK. If you have medical reasons and need these to constrict your leg veins and push blood up like for POTS or other conditions then these ARE worth your money. I have tried many socks and some are such a joke it is maddening. These are what REAL compression is. Truly 20-30 ! Measure your calves for sizing I wear a Large and I’m 5’8 and fluctuate from 150-180s my calf is 16” near the top - long legs . For me sizing smaller is too short on leg and sizing up is too loose. When you get it right it’s RIGHT. I’ve been wearing these a few years. They hold up washing drying whatever. I just got a new pair and they’re nice and tight but honestly they hardly change much with lots of wear they really hold you. I noticeably see a difference in my symptoms when I wear these I basically need them daily. I tried other brands and NO. Had to come back. I need more of these. the only problem with these socks is running out of them. Promise!

I wear a size 10 and followed the sizing chart, which recommended a Medium. Unfortunately, they were much tighter than expected. After about 3 hours of wear, I had to remove them because they were too uncomfortable. In hindsight, I should have ordered a Large instead. That said, the overall quality seems very good. The material feels durable, and I liked that the sole had some extra padding for added comfort. I do wish I had exchanged them for a larger size while I had the chance. If you’re between sizes or prefer a slightly less snug fit, you may want to consider sizing up.

Great fit, not too tight, comfortable.

These socks get the job done. A bit hard to put on but that is due to the compression and my lack of strength due to failing health. These socks are well made and appear to hold up fine. I have washed once. If you need sturdy strong sox due to heart failure (like me) or other reasons I think these socks will serve you well. Note. I do use a Circaid Juxtalite device to provide additional support. Being a large man, my calfs can swell to 26 or even 27 inches. I do wish SB SOX made a larger size.