Best cycling compression socks

Best cycling compression socks
(Image credit: Quxiang)

There are plenty of reasons cyclists choose to wear compression socks. Studies show that your cycling performance can improve just by wearing them. Whether you’re a seasoned racer or a brand new cyclist, you’re likely familiar with the sore muscles and bodily fatigue that come with an extended period in the saddle: it’s a result of the building up of lactic acid in your muscles. This is where compression socks come in.

Compression socks are made with graduated medical-grade compression technology, which is a specially constructed knit that’s tighter around the foot and ankle than it is around the calf. Having more pressure at the very bottom of your leg, which eases as it moves upwards, helps to promote blood circulation. Blood is encouraged to flow more efficiently from the lower extremities back up towards the heart and lungs, where it receives more oxygen.

Mildred Locke

Mildred joined as Reviews Writer for Cyclingnews and BikePerfect in December 2020. She loves all forms of cycling from long-distance audax to daily errand-running by bike, and does almost everything on two wheels, including moving house, and started out her cycling career working in a bike shop. For the past five years she's volunteered at The Bristol Bike Project as a mechanic and session coordinator, and now sits on its board of directors.

Since then she's gone on to write for a multitude of cycling publications, including Bikeradar, Cycling Plus, Singletrack, Red Bull, Cycling UK and Total Women's Cycling. She's dedicated to providing more coverage of women's specific cycling tech, elevating under-represented voices in the sport, and making cycling more accessible overall. 

Height: 156cm (5'2")

Weight: 75kg

Rides: Stayer Groadinger UG, Triban RC520 Women's Disc, Genesis Flyer, Marin Larkspur, Cotic BFe 26, Clandestine custom bike