Compression socks are specifically designed to improve circulation by applying pressure. This reduces discomfort and swelling, and keeps your legs and feet feeling energized and healthier so you can enjoy your hike, no matter how long or how difficult. Hiking can be a tough exercise, especially on longer or more difficult terrain. After a long day of hiking, your legs and feet can feel tired and sore. Wearing compression socks during your hike can help prevent these symptoms. Your legs and feet will still feel great, even after a long day! We’ve rounded up the best compression socks for hiking so you can stay healthy and strong on all your hiking adventures!

Allegro Cushioned Walking Sock

https://www.lebontadipio.com/products/allegro-pillow-soft-daibetic-socks-knee-high

• Hydrotec Moisture Management polyester wicks away moisture and keeps your feet dry and happy on long walks. The seamless toe protects against friction and irritation, while the cushioned foot bed provides lasting comfort to support your feet. These socks will provide a comfortable experience on all your long hikes.
• With a mild compression level of 15-20 mmHg, these socks are great for those with medical compression needs, or those looking for extra comfort and added health benefits. For those who want a higher compression, the Allegro Athletic Support Socks in 20-30 mmHg are a great option. Tight-fitting compression also keeps socks from sagging, allowing you to protect your feet and legs. Made for both men and women, this sock is perfect for outdoor activities.

Sigvaris Merino Outdoor Socks

https://www.lebontadipio.com/products/sigvaris-421-merino-wool-support-sock

• Made with Australian Merino Wool, these wool compression socks offer an incredibly soft and comfortable material that is also extremely durable. Wool contains anti-microbial and thermo-regulating properties that keep your skin dry and clean, and also warm in cold weather, and cool in hot weather.
• This sock includes a 15-20 mmHg compression level, ideal for those who are new to compression. If you are looking for a higher compression level, the Sigvaris Merino Outdoor Performance Socks are available in 20-30 mmHg. The unisex color and sizes are perfect for men or women, while the compression improves circulation and relieves sore muscles. A cushioned, padded sole keeps you comfortable for hours, and mesh flex zones provide ventilation, keeping your feet dry and sweat-free.

CEP Women’s Outdoor Merino Socks

https://www.lebontadipio.com/products/cep-womens-outdoor-merino-socks

• Merino wool and soft silk provide exceptional comfort, while the high-tech functionality of the fibers provide extreme durability and strength. Thermo-regulating properties keep your feet warm in cold weather and cool in hot weather for optimum comfort, while antibacterial fabric eliminates odor-causing bacteria. Merino Wool also contains moisture-wicking properties that remove moisture away from your skin, keeping your feet dry and comfortable on long hikes.
• 18-25 mmHg of graduated compression keeps your legs healthy and energized by improving circulation during both performance and recovery, prevents swelling and discomfort, and provides maximum muscle stability to help prevent injuries. Padded zones provide comfort and relieve pressure in your feet, while the unique fit and design prevents blisters.

Sockwell Ascend II Socks

https://www.lebontadipio.com/products/sockwell-women-ascend-2-knee-high

https://www.lebontadipio.com/products/sockwell-mens-ascend-2-socks

• Shown in the image above, this sock is specifically designed for hiking and outdoor activities. Super-soft Lambswool and Alpaca blend provides superior softness and comfort, and natural thermoregulation to wick away moisture for clean, dry feet. Mesh panels and flex zones promote breathability to reduce sweating and keep feet cool in hot weather. A seamless toe closure prevents any irritation on long hikes, while the cushioned sole and arch support provide comfort and durability.
• 15-20 mmHg compression improves circulation and energizes your feet and legs to keep you going. Graduated compression also reduces soreness, swelling, and fatigue. The non-binding top keeps the top of the sock perfectly in place throughout your wear. Available in both Men’s and Women’s styles with different color options, this sock is perfect for your hiking adventures.

Jobst

https://www.lebontadipio.com/products/jobst-active-15-20mmhg-athletic-socks

• Made with Dri-release yarn, this fabric offers superior moisture control to keep your feet dry and comfortable all day long. The seamless toe prevents friction and irritation on long walks, while the 360 degree cushioning provides lasting comfort and durability. This sock will keep your feet cool and comfortable for hours.
• This ActiveWear compression sock provides a mild compression level of 15-20 mmHg for both Men and Women. 15-20 mmHg compression improves circulation, provides comfort, and reduces soreness to keep your feet and legs energized and healthy

Keeping your feet and legs healthy and comfortable is important during outdoor activities. The right pair of socks can take your hike to the next level by giving you the support and energy to keep going. Make sure to pack your compression socks when you’re heading out on the trails!

TREATMENT

Rest:

Try to stay off your feet for a while. The less stress you put on your ankle, the better. With most pain and injury, giving your body a break and a little TLC is all it needs to heal. For more serious injuries or ongoing pain, you may want to look into daily or weekly regimens to help manage and treat your pain.

Ice and Elevation:

At the end of the day or when you have the time, prop your ankle up above heart level with pillows or on the back of the couch. Putting ice on your ankle for about 20-30 minutes a few times a day will help reduce the swelling and pain. For an injury, the swelling should go down in a couple of days and depending on the severity, the pain should subside within a week or two at the most.

Ankle Braces:

If you are experiencing pain, it is important not to push yourself. The more stress you put on your ankle, the longer it will take to heal and you will increase your chances of it becoming a more serious complication. It is important to support your ankle with an ankle brace or wrap to help it heal, prevent injury and get relief.

MalleoTrain Ankle Brace by Bauerfeind

To reduce ankle pain and swelling, try out the MalleoTrain ankle brace. It has won several awards for design and functionality.

This knit brace has two cushions on the inner and outer ankle bones that massages the ankle joint as you walk and helps to support and stabilize your ankle.

If you are injured, have osteoarthritis or recently had surgery, this brace will help you get relief. The MalleoTrain ankle brace is available in three different colors and is great for everyday wear.

PREVENTION

Make sure you are wearing comfortable and supportive shoes, especially when you are exercising or plan on doing a lot of walking.  If you notice tenderness in your ankle or you have been more active than usual, take a couple of minutes to stretch.

If you have suffered from an ankle injury in the past, it is extremely important to make sure your ankle is supported. If you are exercising, try wearing a foot sleeve or an ankle brace to protect and prevent injury.

If you’re looking for a foot sleeve to wear everyday or while exercising that isn’t bulky, check out the Medi Protect Seamless Ankle Support. It can be worn under your normal socks or shoes and is safe to wear overnight. It is made from a lightweight, moisture-wicking fabric and helps to relieve symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis, Achilles Tendonitis, swollen feet, heel spurs and chronic arch or heel pain.

If you have tried numerous remedies to reduce the pain and swelling and have had no luck, make sure you see a doctor immediately, especially if you can’t put much weight on your ankle.

BROWSE ANKLE BRACES AND WRAPS

If you have tips on relieving ankle pain or have questions about prevention or treatment, comment below!