The 10 Best Doc-Approved Compression Socks to Ease Pregnancy Swelling

For pregnancy relief, moms in the WTE community mention Comrad compression socks most often, and hundreds of other parents agree. In fact, these are the compression socks I wear almost daily, and they’ve reigned supreme in terms of stretch and breathability. A couple of years ago, I invested in two three-packs to get more bang for my buck, and they’re all still going strong today. While working from home, these have helped stabilize my blood flow and decrease nerve pain in my feet, which has developed over decades of dancing.

Another reason to like these popular compression socks: They come in a variety in colors and prints, including a fun speckled confetti, stripes and ombre colorways. 

Made of a stretchy recycled cotton and nylon blend, they’re easy to get on, plus they have a cushioned heel and toe for added comfort. The graduated compression is also great if you don’t need or want anything too intense, making them ideal for all-day wear.

While we love this basic knee-high style, Comrad’s website also shows a variety of heights (like ankle) and compression levels(from light to firm). There’s truly something for everyone. However, it’s worth noting that some reviewers said these were too tight on wide calves, so if you need larger sizing, these might not be ideal. 

SB Soxhas thousands of positive reviews happy testimonials within the WTE community. With a firm compression of 20 to 30 mmHg, they’re ideal for long flights, especially for people with more uncomfortable swelling brought on by the second trimester. Additionally, there are a lot of features that make them great to wear in the sky — or on the ground. 

To start, the reinforced heel and toe area make them extra comfortable and prevent blisters from popping up after walking through the airport. They also provide graduated compression, getting less tight further up in the leg, alleviating any discomfort and swelling that comes from sitting still over long periods of time on a plane. 

Reviewers love how much support they give, and how well they stay up on their legs, and the fact that the thick fabric construction isn’t too stifling. Some did note, however, that they felt a little tight for anyone with wide feet or calves. 

Compression socks can help improve performance and boost recovery during exercise. You just want to make sure you wear a pair that can stand up to sweat while relieving pressure. The Zensah Tech+ socks do just that, due in large part to the stretchy, lightweight, moisture-wicking fabric. (In fact, several reviewers say their feet barely sweat in these socks.) The fabric is also super durable, standing up to multiple post-workout washes.

Offering moderate compression, these socks are designed specifically for your left and right foot to ensure a perfect fit, which, along with the seamless toe, helps prevent chafing and blistering. Plus, they come in an array of colors and patterns, so you won't mind wearing them to the gym or workout class.

The only downside to these otherwise perfect socks is the price, but moms say they’re totally worth the $50 splurge forexercise during pregnancy.

Bombas is known for its quality, comfortable socks, so it's no surprise that these compression socks come highly recommended by moms in the WTE community. Boasting a blend of cotton, elastane and nylon, Bombas deliver plenty of stretch and breathability, both of which are crucial during pregnancy. The brand also offers its signature Honeycomb Support System, which gives you a little extra comfort in the arch of your foot.

And don't worry about these socks slipping down your leg. The band at the top is stretchy enough to accommodate swollen calves but tight enough to keep the socks in place. 

The sizing, however, may present a challenge. I tried the Bombas compression socks and felt like the medium was too big for my size 8 foot, so I didn’t get the support as I needed. I didn’t try to exchange them for a smaller size (that may very well have worked!), but I gifted them to a relative who found them to be a perfect fit and fell in love.

Bombas' socks are a little thick and may not be ideal for summer. In that case, you may want to consider its ankle compression socks.

The typical tight fit of compression socks makes them hard to put on, especially if your legs are already swollen or you’re at the stage of pregnancy where bending over is a struggle. TheraMagic’s zippered compression socks might be a little easier to get on because they don’t pull on as tightly. But what sets these apart from other zippered compression socks is the four-way weave that allows for extra stretch, making them even easier to get on.

Of course, there are other features that have earned these compression socks hundreds of five-star reviews. The copper-infused sole helps reduce odor — which is a plus if your feet sweat a lot — and provides additional comfort and support. There’s also a fabric skin guard behind the zipper to prevent potential chafing and irritation. Some reviewers do note, however, that the zipper fabric didn't offer much protection when legs were particularly swollen. 

Reviewers love how easy these are to put on and how comfortable they are to wear, especially if you’re traveling for a long period of time. Plus, they have a wide size range, available in sizes up to 5XL.

Compression socks can be pricey, especially if you want more than one pair to rotate — but Dr. Motion is an affordable option that expecting moms love. Put simply, these are budget socks that don’t skimp on quality. 

These socks offer moderate graduated compression with smooth and breathable fabric, making them easy to wear all day, even in warmer weather. They also come in a striped version and various patterns, though some styles have varying compression levels due to the design, so be sure to check that.

These Kindred Bravely socks are made of premium materials, like bamboo, which makes them more stretchy and comfortable. Plus, the bamboo naturally wicks moisture to keep sweat away and also makes them super soft, making them an absolute dream to wear. 

It helps that they don’t look like your typical compression socks — their appearance is a bit more versatile. As someone who wears compression socks every day, I also appreciate that these provide graduated compression; ideal for those who don’t want anything too intense. At $30 for two, they are more affordable than many other comparable options.

Some reviewers note difficulty getting these socks on because they don’t offer much stretch in the calf area. If that’s the case for you, consider opting for the large calf size.

If sweaty feet or temperature regulation are issues, these merino wool-blend compression socks are a fantastic option. The fabrics — USA-grown merino wool, rayon from bamboo, stretch nylon and spandex — work together to wick moisture, reduce odor and keep your feet feeling just right. The graduated compression is perfect for pregnancy-related swelling and fatigue, especially if you’re on your feet a lot. 

These socks are soft, breathable and surprisingly non-itchy, which is why so many moms-to-be swear by them for long shifts or travel days. They’re right in the middle of the pack price-wise, and moms say they hold up great, so you can wear them throughout your entire pregnancy and well beyond.

For clocking long hours on your feet, Levsox compression socks deliver firm, consistent support to help reduce swelling and improve circulation throughout the day, which is why healthcare workers and service industry professionals so highly recommend them.

Despite the higher compression level (20-30 mmHg), the fabric feels smooth and breathable — so you can wear them comfortably without getting too hot. Some moms say the snug fit requires a little effort to pull on, but once they’re on, you’re good to go.

Finding compression socks that actually fit wider calves comfortably can be tough, but PRO Compression Marathon compression socks are built with more stretch and a roomier calf design. Yeat they don’t sacrifice compression strength for stretchiness. These are serious socks with firm compression (20–30 mmHg) made for distance runners, but pregnant moms love them for everyday swelling, long work days, exercise and travel. The material is smooth, moisture-wickin, and supportive all the way up the leg. They’re a bit pricier than others (especially if you buy them on Amazon), but there are also ample size options and plenty of colors to choose from, so you can find your perfect fit and style.