Amazon Essentials Men's Knee High Graduated Compression Socks for Circulation, Swelling, Arch Support, 3 Pairs, Black, 8-12

Why it's worth it

This is a three-pack of knee-high graduated compression socks with a cotton blend, mesh venting and a bit of arch support. It's the low-risk way to find out whether compression actually helps your legs before you spend serious money on a medical brand.

Three pairs means you'll actually wear them. Compression socks need washing after every wear, and a single pair becomes a laundry problem within a week. A multipack solves that on day one. If you're starting out, simply having enough socks to get through a work week matters more than any single feature further down the spec list.

Knee-high is the right shape. A lot of budget compression is sold as ankle sleeves, which cover almost none of the leg where blood actually pools. These run up over the calf with graduated pressure, so you get the coverage that makes compression worth doing at all. Amazon adds mesh panels, zone cushioning and arch support, plus a comfort toe without a bulky seam.

From our review of 10 compression socks for circulation, by Eleanor Vance, Health & Beauty Editor

What we like

• +Three pairs means you'll actually wear them
• +Knee-high is the right shape
• +For desk days and flights, mild is enough

What to know

• –Amazon doesn't publish an mmHg number
• –They won't last like the medical brands