Travel socks
Flight Socks – for comfort and healthy legs during travel
Wearing compression flight socks while travelling can help reduce swollen ankles, tired or heavy legs, and restless legs – common issues during long flights or car journeys. Compression socks also help lower the risk of traveller’s thrombosis by improving circulation and preventing fluid build-up in the feet, ankles, and legs.
If you are planning a long trip by plane, car, train, or bus, flight socks are an essential item to add to your packing list.
Why do these problems happen during a long flight?
At high altitude, the air is thinner than at sea level. Even in a pressurised cabin, the air pressure is similar to being 2,000–2,500 metres (6,500–8,200 feet) above sea level. This means your body takes in less oxygen, so your heart has to work harder to circulate the blood.
During a long flight, you also spend hours sitting still in a cramped position with bent legs. This slows blood circulation and allows fluid to build up in the lower legs and feet, causing swelling and discomfort. Combined with reduced oxygen to the muscles, this leads to tired, heavy legs.
Wearing compression socks during a flight supports your veins, improves blood flow, and helps prevent these problems – which is why they are often called flight socks, travel socks, or support socks.
How do flight socks help?
Sockwell compression socks are available in moderate compression (15–20 mmHg) and firm compression (20–30 mmHg). They feature 4-zone graduated compression – tighter at the ankle and gradually less up the leg – to stimulate healthy blood flow and fluid return to the heart.
By fitting snugly around the feet, ankles, and calves, they:
- Boost blood and oxygen flow to the leg muscles
- Help remove waste from the blood and excess fluid
- Reduce swelling and heavy legs
- Minimise the risk of cramps
Many travellers find they step off the plane feeling more energised when they’ve worn flight socks during the journey.
Prevent traveller’s thrombosis
On flights longer than five hours, the risk of traveller’s thrombosis increases. Moving your legs and feet regularly helps keep blood flowing, but space on a plane is limited. Compression socks assist your circulatory system by helping push blood back up the legs, reducing the chance of clots forming.
Even with flight socks, it’s still important to stretch your legs and move when possible.
Extra comfort with Sockwell
Sockwell flight socks offer more than just circulation support. Made with a unique blend of merino wool and bamboo, they are:
- Antibacterial – keeping feet fresh
- Moisture-wicking – keeping feet dry
- Temperature-regulating – warm in cool cabins, cool in warm weather
They are also seam-free for comfort, have a specially knitted heel to prevent slipping, and a separate toe area for natural movement. A small amount of spandex helps them keep their shape after wearing and washing.
Which compression level should you choose?
For most travellers, moderate compression is enough. If you have slimmer calves or often experience more noticeable symptoms during long-haul flights, firm compression offers extra support and a firmer fit.
Stylish travel essentials
Sockwell flight socks are available in a wide choice of colours and patterns – from trendy designs to simple basics. In our men’s range, you’ll even find socks with airplane prints – the perfect travel touch. They’re functional, comfortable, and stylish – ideal for any globetrotter.