Anyone looking for men’s anti-embolism socks usually has a specific situation in mind: a long flight, many hours on their feet at work, a car journey or a run. In all these cases people want a sock that fits closely to the leg and gives a feeling of support all day long.
First of all, one important point. Ours are comfort compression socks, not a medical device. If you have circulation problems, are pregnant, have recently had surgery or your doctor has prescribed socks for you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist: they will tell you which product is right for you. In this guide we only talk about comfort, fit and choosing the style.
What shops mean by “anti-embolism socks”
In everyday language, “anti-embolism socks” is the name many people use when searching for compression socks, that is, socks with a tighter knit than a normal sock, which fits closely to the leg. However, there are very different products: medical ones, which are chosen with a doctor or at the pharmacy, and comfort ones, designed for everyday wear, travel and sport.
The socks you will find in our men’s anti-embolism socks selection belong to the second family. The compression is graduated: firmer at the ankle and lighter towards the calf. That way the sock stays in place and your legs feel lighter at the end of the day.
When people wear comfort compression socks
They are socks designed for days when your legs work hard or stay still for a long time:
- Standing at work: shop, kitchen, warehouse, hospital ward. A close-fitting sock gives a feeling of support until the evening.
- Long flights and car or train journeys: when you sit for hours, many people prefer a sock that doesn’t slip down or wrinkle.
- Sport: running, padel, the gym. Targeted compression bands keep the sock in place as you move.
Remember: if you have doubts about your health or your legs, the right person to ask is your doctor or pharmacist, not a sock shop.
Below-the-knee sock or sports sock
For travel and work, the most practical style is the below-the-knee sock. It covers the calf, is worn under trousers and doesn’t show. The men’s below-the-knee compression socks are one example: three pairs, comfortable under a suit or work trousers.
For sport there are socks with targeted compression bands and a padded sole, designed for running, padel and the gym. If you train often, take a look at our men’s sports socks too, where you will find styles with a cushioned sole in different heights. Among our men’s elastic socks, instead, there are socks that hug the foot and stay in position, from invisible styles to knee-high ones.
How to choose the size
With a compression sock, the size matters even more than with a normal sock. Too loose and it won’t fit closely and will slip; too tight and it becomes uncomfortable and leaves a mark below the knee.
- Start from your shoe size: our compression socks go from size 38 to 46.
- Always open the size guide of the style on the product page, because each style has its own.
- If you are between two sizes and the sock feels too tight to pull on, choose the larger one.
How to put them on and how to wash them
A compression sock is easier to put on in the morning, with dry skin. Turn the sock inside out down to the heel, slip your foot in, then roll it upwards without pulling on the top band. Finally, check there are no wrinkles at the ankle and that the band lies flat below the knee.
For washing, follow the label. In general, wash in cold or lukewarm water, avoid fabric softener, which can damage elastic yarns, and let them air-dry, away from heat sources. Having several pairs in rotation helps each sock keep its stretch.
In short: comfort compression socks are a great companion for long days, travel and sport. For anything to do with your health, on the other hand, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.