[I totally underestimated them...] Sockwell Compression Socks Review: Compression High Socks are better than I thought. I tried out various types to find the best model for outdoor activities

I started using Discord

Have you ever been in a tent after a long day of walking and been so worried about your swollen feet that you couldn't fall asleep, only to find yourself propping your feet up on your backpack? Yes, I have

Legs tend to swell like this when you're hiking or climbing a mountain carrying a load all day, or after a long day of standing at work or sitting at a desk all day. Normally, the calf muscles act as a pump to promote blood and fluid circulation, circulating blood and fluid that has accumulated in the lower body throughout the body, but when the lower body is overworked and tired for a long time, this function declines, and as a result, the accumulated waste and fluid cannot be expelled, causing the calves to swell up

To prevent this, of course, the most important thing is to train your legs and increase your muscle strength, but another way to prevent this is to wear socks with compression. Compression socks are effective in preventing swelling and cold feet. Compression socks can improve or alleviate symptoms by applying moderate pressure to the calves and other areas

These compression socks are not commonly found in typical mountain equipment stores these days, but I only recently discovered that the American sock manufacturer Sockwell, which I came across at the North American exhibition Outdoor Retailer a few years ago, offers several high-quality models that are suitable not only for casual use but also for serious outdoor activities

It's not like I've never tried them before, but this time the manufacturer gave me the opportunity to try out various models, including several other types, so I'd like to try out the effects of these compression socks, as well as the differences between the lineup and types

Sockwell socks combine high design that blends into everyday life with functionality that can also be used outdoors

Key Features of Sockwell Compression Socks

Favorite points

• The compression effect keeps your feet fresh even when walking for long periods of time, providing a comfortable fit that won't slip off
• A wide variety of timeless designs
• Comfortable feel thanks to natural materials (wool, bamboo, alpaca)
• Moderate moisture absorption and breathability means it won't get too hot even in summer
• Naturally odor-resistant

Points of concern

• (Lifestyle type only) The arch support and heel cushioning are somewhat lacking
• (Once you've tried the long length) the compression effect of the crew length feels a little weaker
• The ankle is narrow and difficult to put on
• The heels and toes are prone to pilling (if you wear them a lot, they'll probably wear out surprisingly quickly)

Main specifications and evaluation

★★★★★ Excellent / ★★★★ Good / ★★★ Not bad / ★★ Not good / ★ A bit harsh

Detailed Review

choose the compression socks that are perfect for you from the wide variety of options.

Sockwell compression socks are a popular series of socks from Sockwell that feature "natural materials such as merino wool" and "compression functionality."

These compression socks, which are "certified by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA)" and recognized for their extremely effective foot care and recovery through continued use and health maintenance, gradually control pressure from the ankle to the knee, reducing unnecessary muscle movement and easing stress on the feet during activity. They also support the contraction of calf muscles, reducing damage and fatigue, and are said to have care and recovery effects

The main material, merino wool, has natural moisture wicking, odor resistance, and excellent comfort, providing a comfortable, sweat-resistant environment around the feet even in harsh outdoor conditions all year round. Sockwell is committed to ethical and sustainable practices, sourcing and manufacturing wool entirely in the United States, and has transitioned to American-made Repreve® recycled nylon for its blended synthetic fibers. The company aims to convert 80% of its nylon usage to recycled nylon by the end of 2021

The two types that seem to be suitable for outdoor activities are "Lifestyle" which can be used in any situation, and "Outdoor" which is more suitable for serious outdoor activities

When I first noticed Sockwell compression socks a few years ago, I bought the "Outdoor" series without much thought, because they were designed for mountain climbing and hiking. However, when I contacted the manufacturer this time, they advised me that the "Lifestyle Series" was also suitable for outdoor activities. So, I was driven by the desire to do my own research and find out for myself, and decided to try out both the "Outdoor Series" and the "Lifestyle Series" and write a review together

However, upon further investigation, we discovered that these differences between the series are only the beginning of choosing Sockwell compression socks, and that there are even deeper and wider variations. For this reason, in order to properly evaluate and find the best model for you, it is necessary to understand the differences between these types

Anyway, let's start by looking at the differences between the series. The basic structure of both series is the same, but there are some subtle differences depending on the intended scenes. The main differences can be summarized as follows:

• Differences in materials
• Differences between cushioning and support

First, regarding the materials, the "Lifestyle Compression" series blends merino wool with bamboo, which is shiny, soft, and breathable. This is a choice made with consideration given to comfort, allowing for even everyday wear. On the other hand, the "Outdoor" series blends alpaca fiber, which has better temperature and humidity regulation, odor resistance, and softness, and is generally made of thicker fabric. This series further enhances the functionality of merino wool, allowing it to adapt to a wide range of environmental changes and be resistant to the cold. Both series also blend nylon and spandex to add the necessary strength and elasticity

Regarding cushioning and support, the "Lifestyle Compression" series is designed for relaxed everyday situations, and does not lack arch support to lift the arch of the foot or cushioning in the sole of the foot, but it is weak (ultra-light cushioning), while the "Outdoor" series has a clearly noticeable support and cushioning function (medium or full cushioning) to withstand strong stress and heavy loads

The cushions are available in the lifestyle series (left) with a thin cushion, and the outdoor series (right) with a medium cushioning and support

You can choose the length of socks and the strength of compression depending on the series

Furthermore, the "Lifestyle Compression" series comes in two types, "medium pressure" and "high pressure," which differ in the strength of the compression effect. If you want to feel a firmer compression, you can choose high pressure, but you won't know how much compression you want until you try it. So this time, I decided to try both high and medium pressure. Incidentally, the "Outdoor" series currently only has medium pressure, so there's no need to hesitate here

The Lifestyle series comes in two types of pressure on the calves: medium pressure and high pressure

And finally, regarding sock length, the "Lifestyle Compression" series is almost exclusively available in "long" length, which reaches just below the knee, while the current lineup of the "Outdoor" series seems to offer two lengths to choose from: long length and "mid-length (also known as crew length)," which reaches the top of the shin. Ideally, I would have liked to try out all the patterns, but as expected, I don't have the physical space to do so, and since most of the Lifestyle Compression socks are long length, and for the Outdoor socks I currently have the "medium length/medium compression" on hand, I will try on three types to compare: "Lifestyle/Long/Medium Compression," "Lifestyle/Long/High Compression," and "Outdoor/Medium/Medium Compression."

This time, we actually tried out three different types of shoes: two types from the lifestyle series (medium and high pressure) that were provided, and our own outdoor series (medium length, medium pressure)

I actually tried them on and compared them - comfort and feel -

The merino wool used by Sockwell comes from sheep that graze freely in the Rocky Mountains, and is said to be quite thin for sock yarn, with fibers of 20 microns. When you put the three models on, the first thing that strikes you is the comfortable feel of the high-quality merino wool. It doesn't have the harsh feel of synthetic fibers, but rather a soft, smooth, and slightly warm texture that provides consistent comfort no matter the season. The flat seams also eliminate any roughness at the toes

The stitching is very careful, with no rough seams. Even before the compression, the fit is excellent

Comparing the three models, the Lifestyle Compression Series shoes felt even more dry and refreshing thanks to the bamboo blend. They were also breathable, and even though it was midsummer, I didn't find them too hot to wear, even on flat ground, as long as I endured the heat. The Outdoor Series, on the other hand, is blended with alpaca. Alpaca, which has a fiber structure similar to merino wool, has fewer surface scales than wool, making them feel softer, smoother, and more comfortable against the skin. However, because they are densely woven and thick, they clearly have better heat retention, which might be a challenge in the colder temperatures of midsummer. That said, wool's natural temperature-regulating properties provide a comfortable base, and the good thing about wool is that no matter how hot it gets, you'll never end up with a sweaty mess inside your shoes. What's more, it suppresses the growth of bacteria, which causes odors, so they stay clean no matter how long you wear them

When I walked with a load on my back, the highly cushioned outdoor type, with its thicker heel cushioning, provided excellent shock absorption, making it comfortable to wear even when hiking with a heavy load. It also provided support by lifting the arch from the bottom of the foot, providing solid arch support. However, the Lifestyle Compression Series wasn't completely flimsy; it held the entire foot securely in place and offered some cushioning. For low-cut shoes, they're actually just right for walking or hiking with a light load. For reference, I went hiking on a day trip with a rocky route, carrying about 5kg of luggage, and the Lifestyle Compression Series was sufficient

Although it's not visible in the photo, I'm comparing two different types of compression socks under my pants

How effective are compression socks? - Cushioning, support, and fatigue relief felt while actually running -

Now, regarding the much talked about "compression" effect, my impression after actually walking in the shoes was that this was actually the part where the gap between my imagination and reality was the biggest

One of the reasons for this may be that the compression socks I've tried up until now have only been crew length (around the mid-shin). In fact, while I could certainly feel the compression in the mid-length socks from the outdoor series I've owned, to be honest, I didn't feel the same level of support or fatigue reduction. However, when I tried on the long compression socks (lifestyle compression) for the first time, I could clearly feel the benefits of compression socks

Before we get started, be prepared for one thing: compression socks are difficult to put on. Knee-high socks are especially long, so it's difficult to get them on from the ankle down. It's almost impossible to put them on unless you first squeeze your foot through the opening of the sock all the way to your ankle. Until you get used to them, you'll have to pull them so hard you might tear them, but the fact that they're still fine just goes to show how durable the fabric is

Compression knee socks are surprisingly difficult to put on. The trick is to gather them together and put them on by pulling your legs up and then putting them on

The first thing I felt the moment I put them on was the firm support of my calves, just like wrapping them in tape. By applying pressure to the calves, it seems to reduce unnecessary muscle movement and reduce the strain on the feet, but I never expected it to give me such a stable feeling when walking. This distinct ease of walking (and running) can only be experienced so clearly with knee-high socks

At first, the high-pressure compression socks felt a bit tight, but now I feel like I can't do without them. They're not too strong, especially for hard exercise like mountain climbing

I tried both the medium and high pressure versions, but I didn't feel the pressure was too strong. The high pressure only felt too strong the first time, and after that, if you plan on moving around for a long time, I think the high pressure version is more effective. Of course, it depends on your preference, but since the pressure is only applied to the calves, it feels less oppressive than, for example, compression tights, and I personally feel like I can wear these for longer periods of time

I tried wearing both the medium and high pressure versions, and both had a noticeable compression effect, but I personally didn't feel there was much difference

Another surprising thing was the fatigue-reducing effect, including preventing swelling. This was also more noticeable than ever before because the knee-high socks applied pressure to the entire calf

Being the lowest and furthest from the heart, the area around the feet tends to have poor blood flow. This is why the calf muscles play an important role in pushing stagnant blood back towards the heart by contracting, which is why the calves are also known as the "second heart." Sockwell's "graduated compression" helps with this calf contraction. Appropriate graduated compression, certified by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA), not only supports muscle function and improves performance, but also reduces damage (making you less likely to fatigue)

I did indeed try one day hike in each pair, changing into them halfway through to compare them, and (though I did feel tired, of course) I definitely didn't experience the swelling, fatigue, or heaviness in my feet that I would normally feel, and when I took my socks off they felt almost like they did before I started walking, which was a strange feeling

As a test, I walked with one foot in ankle-length socks with no compression effect and the other in long-length compression socks. While I could feel a big difference in stability while moving between the left and right, I didn't feel a big difference in fatigue between the left and right. It seems that the fatigue-reducing effect of compression isn't that simple

As an experiment, I walked with one foot in ankle-length socks and the other in long compression socks, and I could clearly see the sock marks on my right foot

Summary: I personally think compression socks are a good choice for mountain climbing. I recommend long socks above all else

Sockwell Men's Compression Socks, Compression Swelling Relief, Quick-Drying, Sweat-Wicking, Odor-Resistant, and Non-Steamy Wool Material for Self-Care. [ELEVATION]

created by Rinker

Sockwell

• Amazon
• Rakuten Market
• Yahoo Shopping

The biggest discovery from this trial was the impact of the " long compression socks ." When I was trying out crew-length compression socks, I honestly only had a vague impression of "that's about it," but when I walked in the mountains wearing the high-sock, high-compression model, my impression changed dramatically. It felt more comfortable than ever, and I didn't get tired. What's more, Sockwell's socks aren't just compression socks; they're made with high-quality, comfortable natural and other sustainable materials, have a sophisticated design, are carefully sewn, and are of incredibly high quality as socks, which is a big plus.

Finally, based on that, I'll summarize my recommendations for each scene regarding the other elements I felt this time

Honestly, I think it's a matter of personal preference when it comes to compression, but considering that a full day of mountain climbing is a harder activity than you might think, I felt that Sockwell's high compression wasn't too strong. If you're a moderate mountaineer like me who does full-day walks or overnight hikes, I think it's fine to choose "high compression" whenever possible. On the other hand, if you're not pushing yourself that hard, and are just doing everyday use plus camping or half-day hikes, medium compression would be just right

Regarding support and cushioning, as the manufacturer said, high cushioning isn't necessarily required for mountain climbing, and I think the Lifestyle Series is perfectly fine if you're walking with a light load. In other words, it depends on how much weight you put on the socks (plus your personal preference). If you're light in weight and load, and want to prioritize foot feel, the "Ultra Light Cushion" will likely be sufficient. Larger people, those who carry heavy loads, or those who prefer a softer feel on the ground should choose a model with as much cushioning as possible, such as the "Medium Full Cushion." These highly cushioned models are also thicker, so they're naturally recommended for those who want as much warmth as possible, especially in the fall and winter

Personally, based on the results of this test, the socks I'd most like to wear right now for the upcoming fall and winter outdoor activities [CT37M] Ascend II OTC Men's . These modern outdoor socks combine high-quality comfort, design, and functionality, blending old and new, and if you haven't tried them yet, I highly recommend them.

For more information and to purchase "Sockwell Compression Socks"

For the latest Sockwell product information and details on each product, please visit Sockwell official website

   

Related reading

itoix Tabi Running Socks Review: Trying out these cool, cool, and refreshing "Washi Yarn" socks for various summer outdoor activities

A mountain enthusiast who has worn through over 100 pairs of hiking socks recommends this season's socks and how to choose them wisely [Complete Guide]

Review: THERMOHAIR SOCKS: My most loved socks this winter

Ambassador checks out Workman's new fall/winter collection! [3] Merino wool! Chili pepper! Winter socks comparison