The physical toll that traveling can have on your body can be draining. You may be forced to sit for long periods of time, stand in line for hours, or on your feet walking from one attraction to the next—all of which can lead to fatigue or swelling in your lower limbs for different reasons. But the end result is the same—and that’s discomfort, pain, and soreness.
Are compression socks good for traveling?
Short answer: YES. Compression socks like our Marathon Collection are ideal for any type of travel and any activity in which you find yourself seated for an extended period of time. While we love our socks for performance, they're also ideal for travel and rest!
Can I wear compression socks through airport security?
A resounding YES! Not only can you safely wear compression socks through airport security checkpoints, most can wear compression socks for 16+ hours, making it an easy choice to throw them on prior to heading to the airport. Plus, wearing flight socks in exciting colors like our popular Marathon Knee-High Compression Socks is a fun way to start any trip!
Looking for low-key travel attire? You'll find neutral colors in the Marathons, along with options in black, navy, grey, and tan in our PC Dress Socks.
If you do experience discomfort, be sure to reach out to your doctor to be sure the duration of time is right for your wellness.
What Causes Legs to Swell During Travel?
When you travel, your legs may swell. And this happens because of two major reasons. The first happens when you sit for prolonged periods of time, which is often the case when you are trying to get from one destination to the next.
As you sit on the airplane, or in the car or on a train, the seated position of your lower limbs and inactivity causes blood to pool within the veins that go up and down the legs and feet.
Sitting also increases pressure on the veins and inactivity discourages the movement of fluids and optimal circulation throughout the body.
Another reason why your legs may swell during travel is due to the overuse of them as you may do an extra amount of walking than normal. Your lower limbs, specifically your feet, bear your entire body’s weight and after a long period of time, this can cause your feet to swell and the muscles in your legs to get tired.
Swelling and soreness is the body’s way of telling you that it is in need of more oxygen and nutrients to refuel and feel refreshed. This is where the best compression socks for travel save the day!
If you suffer from leg swelling our over-the-calf sock forms will provide the most advanced relief, but our mid-calf and lows are made with the same premium compression construction for those looking for less sock with the same benefits!
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What Are Compression Socks and How Do They Work?
Before buying compression socks for travel, you first need to understand what compression socks are and how they work. Compression socks are specially designed stockings that have been woven in such a way that compresses the lower limbs. Their main purpose to compress the lower limbs and help squeeze blood through them. This means a subtle amount of pressure is applied to the legs, feet and ankles in such a way that it promotes optimal blood flow and circulation.
When it comes to best compression socks for travel, particularly for when wearing compression socks on planes, the most effective travel socks will likely be longer in length.
Here are a few of our best-selling tall socks on top globetrotting PRO Ambassadors - these PROs are definitely traveling in style!
Over-the-calf and mid-length compression socks incorporate graduated compression technology. This graduated compression refers to the varying pressure level throughout the sock design, and the pressure levels are different between our standard and our wide-calf designs.
The special graduated design, more compression is placed on the feet and the ankles. As the fabric moves up the leg towards the heart, the compression level decreases, promoting blood flow to and from the heart and to other areas of the body where they can be replenished and delivered to and from the areas that need it the most. With better blood flow, symptoms of fatigued muscles and limbs and swelling decrease drastically.
Best Compression Socks for Travel
When it comes to discussing compressions socks, you may often hear about the benefits it offers to athletes or in a medical context but compression socks are also extremely applicable for those who travel frequently or are standing/sitting for long periods of time. To achieve the most comfort while you walk around and explore your destination, you can find the best compression socks for travel at PRO Compression. We offer all different lengths and styles that can couple with your outfit or you can keep the hidden underneath pant legs, skirts, and dresses if you don't feel like showing off!
Stuck in a seated position for a long period of time?
If your travel requires long periods of sitting, try a compression sock that’s knee-length but a lower compression level like our ultra-soft Feather Compression Collection. This slightly lower level of pressure provides a steady yet subtle compression to keep blood circulation constantly moving within your lower limbs.
Tips for How to Stay Comfortable While Traveling
- Make sure to get up every hour or so while flying and walk around to spike blood flow.
- If you’re road tripping, use rest stops to stretch and move around and bend your legs to keep joints lubricated and muscles fresh.
- For those that don’t have the liberty of getting up from your seat while traveling, wiggle your toes and flex the ankles every so often.
- Stay hydrated and drink enough water when you travel. Water can be crucial to fighting symptoms of dehydration so you can achieve proper blood circulation and reduce swelling. Drink up during travel and at your destination.
All these hacks paired with the help of the best compression socks for travel will get you well on your way to comfort-town during your next trip.
Let PRO Compression be your go-to shop for the best compression socks for travel along with compression sleeves.
Check out our guide for choosing the right compression socks to fit your needs.
Our high-quality garments are designed to provide you with the most optimal blood circulation reducing any negative effects that result from traveling.
Start making the most out of your adventures today, simply by swapping your socks for premium PROs.
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