The best wool compression socks for hiking or everyday wear are warm, soft and breathable. They also wick moisture, resist odors and are naturally thermal regulating to keep your feet comfortable in any climate. The sustainable merino wool in these socks also feels great against your skin and is itchy-free.
Wool is made from the hairs of a sheep or goat that have been processed to remove itchy, irritable scales. The fabric is light, soft and warm or cool depending on the ambient temperature and it is moisture regulating which means it wicks sweat away from the skin to evaporate faster. The fabric is also odor resistant and anti-bacterial, keeping your feet feeling fresh and clean even after a long hike.
Medical grade (also called graduated) compression is achieved by carefully engineered stretchy elastic fibers in a sock that apply specific amounts of pressure to the foot, ankle and lower leg. The amount of pressure is gradually reduced as the sock goes up the calf, helping push blood and lymph fluid back up toward the heart rather than pooling in the feet and legs. These socks are able to reduce symptoms of severe varicose veins and spider veins, aid healing of venous ulcers, prevent mild and moderate swelling, soothe tired legs, prevent blisters, improve postural stability, reduce exercise-induced DVT and thrombotic syndrome and help athletes recover from hard workouts.
Medical or Graduated compression socks are usually only prescribed by a doctor and may have a label that says “Prescribed Compression Stocking Class 1” or similar. Performance fit socks that have a snug supportive feel but do not have graduated compression are activity-specific and will have a pattern of elastic fiber amount and placement that is determined by what type of activity the sock is designed for.
