Reddit mentions: The best sports compression apparel for women

Hey ladies! I got here a bit by accident, but I wanted to let you all know that ugly compression socks are one thing you don't have to put up with. I have to wear them due to having had a DVT and having Post-Thrombotic Syndrome. Here are some of my favorites:

Cutecompression.com has lots of cute styles.

Sockwell has tons of cute styles on Amazon.

Celeste Stein has many cute varieties on Amazon, and they are thinner (great for summer).

I haven't personally tried these or these, but I bet they're ok.

And, finally, some of you may benefit from a sock donner.

Best wishes on your pregnancies, and I hope this helps some of you!

I was a little worried about that before getting them, but the ones I posted about are pretty comfy! There isn't too much digging in, and I tend to be pretty sensitive to itchy and uncomfortable things like that (I even get hives in the pressure indentations sometimes). I have relatively small calves though, so I may not be the best judge.

I did get another brand of compression socks which feel more like 15-20 mmHg than 20-30 of the ones I originally posted, so I reserve them for better days, but they're not quite as tight at the top. Maybe you could check these ones out too!
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07P1GJKRH/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_6xqDDb552B7M7

(Also I absolutely live in high waisted pocket leggings. I didn't realize I had been accidentally treating my symptoms for years - I just knew I felt good wearing them, hah! I can probably find you some links to my favorites, if you'd like. 😊)

hoy boy as someone with mild/moderate foot issues and a history of working in a shoe store do i have some advice for you

a lot of pain can come from how your feet are positioned, especially if it reaches up into your joints. do you pronate or supinate, for instance? do you have flat feet or higher arches? any of those can really do a number on your feet and joints. usually pronators get running shoes that have extra support, whereas supination (unless severe) and arch issues are usually corrected with insoles.

i have high arches and wide feet myself, which puts extra pressure onto the balls of my feet and my heels. ive found that the winning combination for me is a shoe with a lot of cushion, a larger toe box, and extra support. at the moment im wearing a pair of dr martens to work daily, and i have these particular insoles on top, not replacing the original insole.

asics makes really nice shoes, as does mizuno. they make special shoes for pronators and for shin splint issues as well. back when i worked food service, i would wear SFC (shoes for crews) because i got a discount through my employer. never paid more than $50 for a pair and they were non slip. they always wore out within a few months though. nowadays, i wear my docs or a pair of vans (although the former is more comfortable)

i also suggest some good compression socks. i wear these from sockwell. one of the reasons your feet hurt at work is due to blood pooling in your feet, and this helps to circulate that blood. it seems a bit pricey up front (i bought maybe 2 pairs per paycheck until i had enough) but they will last forever. don't even really need special washing/drying.

during the breaks you do get, you should prop your feet up on something. this helps blood travel back up your legs and reduces swelling. you can also stack insoles (i used to wear a pair of full length gel insoles with my arch insoles) if it doesn't make your shoe too tight. you should also check to see how much orthotics would cost – it might be helpful to some degree. otherwise full length gel insoles are fantastic. i would avoid the ones advertised as "massaging" however – they have these hard plastic beads where your feet go. it feels a bit like stepping on rocks.

i know this was long but i hope it was somewhat helpful!!

Oh girl, I know that feeling! I am a huge fan of compression gear, it keeps the jiggles in check so I can concentrate on my run. I have two of these Reebok shirts and love them, they provide great support and aren't too hot. The bottom hem of the inside layer is also a little bit sticky so it stays put while you are running :) Good luck!

Compression socks! These have been sooooo nice, especially when I end up on my feet for long periods of time, but even when sitting at work all day or for long car rides. They've definitely helped keep the swelling down in my feet and ankles, and they're super comfortable. I got some Newzill brand from Amazon, and they're great! (But a warning: The argyle pattern is super-cute, but since it's actually stitched into the sock rather than printed on, it leaves an argyle pattern on your legs for a bit when you take them off haha).

Glad to help! IMO Those As Seen on TV "Miracle Copper" Socks have almost no compression so I find them beyond useless, but these offer better compression and are actually cheaper (I'm sure there might be even better compression socks in a higher price range but I'm frugal : ))
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B06Y2W3DVN/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 . I also like that they are in a multipack because you probably don't want to wear the same socks more than 1 day without washing and probably won't have time to wash and dry the 1 pair between days. These have even more compression: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B072S43822/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 . With all of them make sure to get the right size (for example I have wide feet and larger calves so I tend to go for large or mens).

I'm very new to running (I'm on Week 3 of C25K) and a little obsessed with running gear right now! I just got a second pair of Asics Gel-Excite 4's- love these shoes!

I also got diagnosed with venous stasis in my calves not too long ago, and compression socks are saving my life! I tried a couple different brands but my favorites are the Sockwells brand: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B005P4N3KA/ref=yo_ii_img?ie=UTF8&psc=1 I wear them to work too (medical assistant in a very busy clinic) and my legs/feet feel SO much better!

Third and finally, I bought a merino neck gaiter and it's been a lifesaver. It's cold and dry where I live, and I've got asthma, so it's nice to be able to pull my neck warmer up over my mouth when I'm running. Cold, dry air can really irritate my lungs.

I know! :( I wish I had better advice, but mine was so related to the heat!

I think it also helped when I was able to walk around during the day - I sit at a desk all day long at work, so I started making sure I got up at least once an hour to get water or use the bathroom or just go for a short walk, and it helped a lot.

These are the compression socks I bought for myself. They're comfortable enough, though I don't know if they really helped my swelling. I stopped being able to wear them pretty quickly because I got so big that I had a hard time bending enough to get them on (they're tight!)

Edit to add: The socks were also good at not overheating my feet! I wore them mostly during July/August and I was worried they'd make my feet super hot (I hate when my feet are hot, makes my whole body uncomfortable!) and they actually breathed well and kept me from overheating while I was wearing them.

I LOVE these ones, they are so comfy and have a good amount of compression. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00TXNL2JI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_bVDAxbDVAW7MX

They're a little pricy for a pair of socks, but worth it IMO. Don't be fooled by the cuteness; they are effective. Nurses often wear them, which is why they come in more fashionable patterns now.

Yes, you can. I wear knee-high compression socks my entire 12.5 hour shift. I wear these and really like them - several of my coworkers wear that brand as well and are happy with them.

I'm an L&D nurse so I stand and walk a LOT! I didn't really have an issue with swelling when I started wearing them (pre-pregnancy) but did have a lot of pain after work. The pain is definitely decreased and I don't have much swelling at all at 35 weeks. I have a couple of varicose veins but they aren't on my legs. Can't get compression socks on the ol' vulva! Haha!


I wear these Sockwell wool compression socks. I promise the wool isn't hot and they keep your feet from being stinky/sweaty at the end of the day.


I also wear Alegria shoes. Similar to Danskos in comfort/durability but a bit more expensive. I like them better because they aren't as tall as Danskos.

I like compression socks for recovery but I don't like how they make my feet feel during the run, so I got these calf compression sleeves and it's so nice. Now I can wear whatever socks I want to during the run and still get the benefit of compression on my lower legs. Then I wear super tight compression socks after my shower.

I know there's some debate over whether compression helps during the run, but I can tell a difference for myself. I'm less sore after long runs when I wear the sleeves.

I'm not the most experienced winter runner but I usually wear a long sleeve tech tee. I bought some inexpensive, form-fitting shirts on Amazon and they fit similar to a base layer that I'd wear in winter--I think that's a little more comfortable than a baggie shirt.

From what I have read compression leg sleeves help with shin splits a lot. I purchased these to help with my calves getting hard after running for 20 minutes and seem to help a lot.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00PZ5HTIG/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I got Sockwell brand ones -- Amazon has lots of choices (here's the one I got) I actually found them a godsend because my plane was FREEZING COLD. But they do feel nice on swollen feet/ankles, too!

I've worn compression sleeves for shin splints and they've worked great. Er maybe it was placebo? Either way, my shins felt/feel way better.

I have a similar issue with herniations at T10-T12, and subluxing ribs so used to have issues with bras. I used to get a larger band size than I needed, and only wore it when I left the house (which may or may not be good advice, considering it will not be very supportive and could worsen back problems).

But something that might help you that you may not have heard of is a compression top (the type that runners use) such as this. Beware of the sizing as they are tight, and the more expensive ones tend to be tighter (which might put too much pressure on your ribs). But it might allow you to wear a slightly looser bra/ camisole or crop top type bra with the compression top on top which then spreads the support across the whole of your back. So I'd probably go for a cheaper one (in the $15-$20 range) as they tend to be looser (brands like Under Armour and Skins are very tight and are the size of a baby gro so you have to squeeze into them which might hurt, and compress your ribs too much), and check reviews to see if the sizing is true.

I bought these and used them during a 12 hours flight to Europe and back at 6 months pregnant. Warm and comfy, just make sure you don't put them on too early (i put them on while in the sitting room waiting to embark) and you can easily put them on (wearing skinny jeans was not the best idea! Had to remove everything in those tiny restrooms!)

Sockwell Women's Circulator Compression Socks, Medium/Large, Black Solid https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005P4N3K0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_Lr.gyb2ZCQWCN

You can get sleeves with thumb and finger holes in them. I worked in a cold absement for a few years and those helped me. I realize it isn't a full solution to your problem, but it did help me a bit. Something like these but maybe more insulated

http://www.amazon.com/Sockwell-Circulator-15-20mmHg-Graduated-Compression/dp/B00OUP0NMG

I have several pairs of these and love them!

I only have one pair of compression socks right now -- they're this Sockwell in S/M -- but I've kickstartered a 2nd set in a different brand. They definitely help minimize swelling, but they don't entirely prevent it on a long transoceanic flight. They were uncomfortable the first couple times I used them, but either they've loosened with time or I've just gotten use to them. I have US size 5.5 feet, and I wish the foot portion was a bit snugger but the calf portion is snug enough (I have a chevron pattern imprinted in my flesh after removing them).

I was actually thinking of trying out the even more compressed version to see if that will totally stop my foot swelling.

My husband bought me these kind of cute compression socks after i lost my ankles over the holidays from standing and cooking. They work sooooo well. I am 37 + 5 and was on my feet shopping from 10 am until 5 pm today, got home, peeled them off and guess who still has ankles? This lady!

I have these and I like them a lot so far! Great customer service too-I ordered the wrong size and inquired about returning them and they immediately refunded me. I also have a pair of compression socks from Physix that I like as well.

I can relate to the body aches and missing beer. I am on my feet all day at work too and find that I can't live without my Zensah compression leg sleeves and my Alegria shoes. My hips have been killing me since the second trimester and I get wicked sciatic pain, which feels like someone is poking me with electricity or a knife in my butt crack at the most convenient of times. Hang in there, we can make it.

Let's talk about the beer for a minute- summer is the worse time to be preggos. I am not a big drinker at all, but I do miss having a nice beer or cocktail while out to eat or just on a hot summer afternoon. Here's to you Oberon (one of my go to summer beers), I'll drink you again next summer. Also just found out my favorite restaurant is opening a taco stand/speak easy combo this fall... I can't wait to have this baby and try a prohibition era cocktail with a side of tacos.

I traveled from Texas to Northern Alaska at 20 weeks - so not international but still long flights. I recommend compression socks while flying. I have a pair from Sockwell that are cuter than the ugly white ones. http://www.amazon.com/Sockwell-Womens-Chevron-Compression-Socks/dp/B0091OKWV8

I traveled for fun a lot (all 7 continents, almost all of the US) before getting pregnant and I can say that at 24 weeks I wouldn't be able to keep up with my past travel habits. My hips hurt at the end of every day and I'm so sleepy. If you're willing to modify your expectations for the trip I think you could have a blast.

I was planning a trip to Costa Rica at 31 weeks but Zika happened so now I'm back to the beginning planning stages.

I myself used these running socks for my last 6 weeks, if you'd like to look at more options.

Had this problem before get a pair of these https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00PZ5HTIG/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1521182762&sr=8-3&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=shin+splint+compression+sleeve&dpPl=1&dpID=41xh8IFNT2L&ref=plSrch
N just keep running and eventually it will go away

Zensah compression sleeves

I got shin splints pretty bad when I got back into running (15 year break, lol). You sound a lot like me, I couldn't get them to go away. I tried compression sleeves, and they worked like magic!

I bought these.

I wear them while I run, and for a few hours after, maybe more depending on how long I run for.

Before, a mile would kill me. After several months, I'm running 8+ without pain - unless I forget to wear them. I'm no expert, perhaps I need to check my form as well, but they worked magic for me.

I've had some stellate blocks that have worked wonders for my diabetic neuropathy, and the pain specialist is who got that going for me. Being the scatterbrain that I am, I make sure I take a written list of my symptoms and goals with me to each appointment, and then just hand it to them. Then they can ask more specific questions and help work on a plan for you.

Have you tried compression socks and gloves? Whenever my neuropathy pain gets bad, compression socks and gloves are my saviors. Especially if I need to go grocery shopping or do a lot of standing chores, putting the socks on beforehand really helps curb the cumulative pain. Might be worth a shot if you haven't tried it.