Compression socks are many things. They apply gentle pressure to your legs and ankles, to help improve blood flow and decrease swelling, fatigue and inflammation in the legs and ankles. They’re good for long flight and people who are on their feet all day. What they’re not known for is their looks. We’ve never come across a pair of compression socks we wanted to show off. Until now.
Main Squeeze is on a mission to make compression socks chic. But can this premium knee-high hosiery deliver on its comfort claims. The GH team tried them out on 13-hour flights and for long days in the test kitchen to find out. But will we be wearing them for the long-haul? Here’s our verdict.
Main Squeeze compression socks at a glance
Pros:
- 15-20 mmHg compression that gives medium support
- Supportive yet stretchy
- Breathable and moisture wicking
- Available in eye-catching red or yellow
- Cuffed tops that stay up
Cons:
- More expensive than your average compression sock
- We would like more colour options (please)
With the strapline ‘Compression socks, but cool,’ Main Squeeze first caught the attention of our lifestyle writer, Madeleine Evans, who admits she never would have worn compression socks until she found these eye-catching ones.
“I wore these on a particularly busy day on my feet, and when I took them off there weren’t any indentations in my calves where there usually would be,” she says. “I can certainly see them being useful for Glastonbury, as I’m sure they would help alleviate the aches that come with walking 20k steps a day.”
The knee-high socks come in bold red and yellow colourways and contain medium-level compression to prevent swelling, soreness and inflammation. They also have hidden cushioning and are designed to be breathable and sweat wicking (ideal for hot, sticky flights). So, are they the answer to swollen cankles after long days spent on your feet? Maddie recruited two members of the GH food team to help her put them to the test and find out if they felt as good as they looked.
Main Squeeze compression socks, tried and tested
First up, Linzi Pucino, the GH Kitchen Manager, tried them out for a week of recipe development on her feet in the busy GH test kitchen.
“Working in the GH Kitchen presents itself with a lot of random day-to-day ‘problems’ that you wouldn’t get from the typical 9-to-5,” says Linzi. “You’ll often find me on the Tube home with oil splatters on my top and hair that smells like a roast dinner (lovely) but the one that really gets to me? Aching legs and feet. My newfound solution? Compression socks.
“My compression sock journey started the same way most people’s do: on a long-haul flight. But I quickly discovered that they can be particularly useful in my line of work – standing on my feet all day cooking up a storm in the GH Kitchen. My lovely colleagues have a lot to say about my pineapple print Crocs (another must-have in the kitchen if you ask me) so they were pretty much beside themselves when I paired them with some bright banana yellow Main Squeeze compression socks.
“I found them super soft and comfortable to wear, which was a big tick straight away – other brands can feel a bit ‘scratchy’. The compression felt tight but not restrictive – I was able to skip around the kitchen (carefully of course!) but without getting the dreaded ‘sock ring’ when I took them off. My legs were still a little achy at the end of the day, but noticeably less than if I hadn’t worn the socks at all.
“I also LOVED the look of them (pineapple Crocs are the ultimate pairing) and they’re now on call in my sock drawer for those busy cooking days.”
Melanie Giandzi, GH Content Production Manager, wore her Main Squeeze socks on a 13-hour flight to Sri Lanka
“On a recent 13-hour flight, I popped these on and noticed a huge difference in how I felt through the journey,” says Mel. “Being Australian, I’ve made a fair few long-haul journeys, and I typically get really tight calves and cramps. But when I wore these, I didn’texperience any swelling or discomfort, thanks to their comfortable compression.
“They also worked really well on my husband, who usually experiences intense ‘cankles’. The usual swelling in his ankles, calves and knees was completely non-existent.
“They’re super comfortable, breathable, and I love the bold colour and playful branding. I would highly recommend them to anyone travelling this summer.”
The final verdict
For those looking for a light, or class one, level of compression, these socks are a delight. They tread a fine line between being supportive and compressive enough to reduce swelling and fatigue, without feeling too tight to wear for long periods of time. And they look good, too (no more unattractive beige flight socks!).
They may cost more than your average compression stocking, but they meet the NHS-recommended specifications: The 15-20mmHg graduated compression effectively eases swelling and pain. The difference is they look good, so you actually want to slip them on for flights and long days in the office. Function and fashion? These socks do both.
Madeleine is our Lifestyle Writer, specialising in expert-tested reviews and round-ups on the latest beauty Beauty and Health & Wellness products. From skincare to protein powders, Maddie is committed to providing honest and helpful reviews to help guide readers to the best product for them. Maddie has a BA in English Literature and Language, which stemmed from her lifelong interest in reading and writing. She started her post graduate life at Hearst UK within a marketing capacity, which quickly turned into a desire to fulfil a writing career.
When she is not writing about the latest expert reviewed products, you can find her rifling through vintage shops or car boots, reading a print magazine, or capturing portraits on her film camera.
