Dr. Segal's Compression Socks Review

Deputy Executive Editor Sarah Schlichter's idea of a perfect trip includes spotting exotic animals, hiking through pristine landscapes, exploring new neighborhoods on foot, and soaking up as much art as she can. She often attempts to recreate recipes from her international travels after she gets home (which has twice resulted in accidental kitchen fires—no humans or animals were harmed).

Sarah joined the SmarterTravel team in 2017 after more than a decade at the helm of IndependentTraveler.com. Sarah's practical travel advice has been featured in dozens of news outlets including the New York Times, the Chicago Tribune, USA Today, Budget Travel, and Peter Greenberg Worldwide Radio. Follow her on Twitter @TravelEditor.

The Handy Item I Always Pack: "A journal. Even years later, reading my notes from a trip can bring back incredibly vivid memories."

Ultimate Bucket List Experience: "Road tripping and hiking through the rugged mountains of Patagonia."

Travel Motto: "'To awaken quite alone in a strange town is one of the pleasantest sensations in the world.'—Freya Stark"

Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat: "Aisle. I get restless on long flights and like to be able to move around without disturbing anyone else."

Email Sarah at sschlichter@smartertravel.com.

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Compression socks are associated with a number of benefits, from the prevention of life-threatening blood clots on long flights to reduced muscle soreness after exercise. Though you can get prescription socks from a doctor—and you probably should if you have a history of blood clots or other medical issues—there are plenty of compression socks commercially available in a fun range of colors and patterns.

I tested Dr. Segal’s Stripe Cotton Teal Energy Socks, which offer 15 – 20 mmHg graduated compression and are available for both men and women. They include an antimicrobial treatment to help reduce odor.

dr segal's striped compression sock. — Dr. Segal's

If you’ve never worn compression socks before, it can be a little tricky to put them on at first. Dr. Segal’s describes a six-step process and even includes a video to help. (I found that it also worked to simply scrunch the sock up enough to get my toes in, then roll up from there.)

Dr. Segal’s Compression Socks Review:

Price and Where to Buy: The socks start at $29.99 on Dr. Segal’s website or at Amazon.

How Dr. Segal’s Compression Socks Rate:

Usefulness: 8/10. If you regularly take long flights, these compression socks are a good purchase: They can make your legs more comfortable and possibly even save your life by preventing a dangerous clot. I found the socks to be supportive but not overly tight or uncomfortable, and their blend of cotton, nylon, and Lycra felt well made. Note that the socks are thick and quite warm—which could be good or bad depending on the climate in your destination and whether your body temperature tends to run hot.
Value: 8/10. Thirty dollars is a lot for a single pair of socks, but they will last you a long time—especially if you only wear them on a few flights a year.
Durability: 8/10. I’ve worn and washed the socks several times, and they’re holding up fine so far. However, they do require a little special care: They’ll last longer if you wash them in cold water on a gentle cycle and let them air dry. Dr. Segal’s cautions against using bleach or fabric softener.
Portability: 9/10. They may be taller and thicker than your normal socks, but they’re still pretty easy to pack.
Cool Factor: 9/10. Dr. Segal’s compression socks come in tons of colors and patterns, including argyle, stripes, houndstooth, and solids, so it’s easy to find a look that fits your style.

Final Verdict: These colorful, attractive socks are worth a purchase if you regularly fly long-haul.

More from SmarterTravel:

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Editor’s Note: Reviews are based on usefulness, portability, durability, value, and “cool factor.” Some review products are sent to us free of charge and with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions, positive and negative, and will never accept compensation to review a product. If you have any questions or comments concerning our reviews or would like to suggest a product for review, please email us at editor@smartertravel.com.

We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.