Codiţă I, Caplan DM, Drăgulescu EC, et al. Antimicrobial activity of copper and silver nanofilms on nosocomial bacterial species. Roum Arch Microbiol Immunol. 2010;69(4):204-212. Dr. Valjee says that unless a doctor has advised you otherwise, it’s best to start with the lightest amount of compression and work your way up from there if you’re not satisfied.

We like that the secure band doesn’t slide down or bunch up. And the fabric contains a breathable blend of cotton, spandex, polyester, and nylon to keep your feet cool and dry. Ajit Chaudhari, associate professor of physical therapy, orthopedics, mechanical engineering, and biomedical engineering at the Ohio State University, phone interview, July 13, 2017 Compression level: 15-20 mmHg | Materials: Cotton, polyester, elastane and nylon | Sizes: Men’s M-XL, Women’s S-L Raetz J, Wilson M, Collins K. Varicose veins: diagnosis and treatment. Am Fam Physician. 2019;99(11):682-688.After more than 2 million steps over all types of terrain, we chose Salomon Quest 4 Gore-Tex Hiking Boots ( men’s and women’s sizes) as the best hiking boots. Verywell Fit articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and nutrition and exercise healthcare professionals. Medical Reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. Three-year follow-up of the compression use in lower limb edema during pregnancy: A case report. Journal of Vascular Nursing. 2021;39(2):43-46. doi:10.1016/j.jvn.2021.04.002

According to Dr. Valjee, there are three main levels of compression, measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg): Dr. Marion Yau is an award-winning celebrity podiatrist and YouTuber based in the United Kingdom. She's also known as Miss Foot Fixer. The fit, feel, support, and value were all perfect. They weren’t hard to wear; they were about as snug and flexible as tights or leggings. We were pleasantly surprised by the noticeable arch support, too. As for feel, our legs felt awesome after wearing them all day. The fabric itself was breathable and silky and held up well to multiple washings. Choose from sizes small, medium and large (you can use the brand’s sizing chart to find your fit) in classic shades or a rainbow of colors and patterns (some medical-themed). The compression level is stated as class 1, on the lower end of the scale.

Borkow G, Gabbay J. Putting copper into action: copper-impregnated products with potent biocidal activities. FASEB J. 2004;18(14):1728-1730. When we wore them while sitting, we noticed that our feet and legs felt noticeably less tired. However, we also found that we had to roll the band over to keep them at knee height, meaning they may be too long for some wearers. (We did like that the band still felt comfortable to wear, even when we doubled it up.) This two-pair bundle by Hatch is made from a blend of nylon and elastane with a compression level of 15-20 mmHg. They’re designed for everyday wear, whether at work or on the go, as well as for travel. Choose between two size options based on your calf circumference. We felt a significant difference after sitting all day in these, with more energy in our legs and feet. And we liked that the looser toe allowed for a better range of motion, so we could wiggle our toes freely without our feet feeling squeezed.