Activa Coolmax Athletic Over The Calf Socks - Moisture Wicking, Breathable White Socks for Men & Women (Large) - Perfect for Running, Hiking & Sports Performance

I'm giving this a 4, but I'm "grading on a curve". If you want something really comfortable, you don't want compression stockings. However, when you need 20-30 mg compression stockings, these are the most comfortable ones I have found.I first got no advice from any of my doctors on compression stockings, except 20-30 mg. I bought some Jobst, because someone mentioned the name. I also bought these, just before I saw a doctor who knew what he was talking about. He said the Jobst was a good brand, but for comfort, I would want cotton when it gets hot, and you have to wear them all day, while the Jobst are almost 100% nylon. He also told me I was going to have to wear compression stockings for the rest of my life, and unless I'm in the shower or horizontal, I should have them on so comfort matters to me!The ones I found that had the most cotton, are from Sigvaris, and are over $60.00 discounted price. And they are very thick! And to make up for the cotton they are ribbed, quite deeply, which I find more uncomfortable. By the end of the day, it shows as marks on my skin. These are just slightly ribbed, so the marks go away pretty quickly, are not as thick around the foot, and don't feel as hot. The nylon Jobst ones are smooth, but if you get sweaty, you stay sweaty.I marked these down because as I say they are not "medical grade", and the reason I say that is because you order them by the shoe size alone. The other two I mentioned, have a lot more sizes because you measure your ankle and your calf diameters, and the height to your knee.On the other hand, these are quite comfortable, don't slip down much, and for occasional use, during sports or the like, these are probably great! I probably shouldn't be wearing them as much as I do, but I cheat a bit because I figure if I'm sitting most of the day, they are probably good enough, and much more comfortable than the others, while still feeling as tight and supportive.If you must wear support hose of the medical grade, then you know exactly how "lovely" they can look and what a "wonderful" soft hand their materials typically have -- heavy sarcasm intended! ;-) These socks, though, are ACTUALLY SOFT! You can rub them against your skin and they feel GOOD! The support is excellent - graduated from foot through ankle and the calf. They fit extraordinarily well - no wrinkly ankles or baggy toes with which to fight. The length is PERFECT for anyone close to average height.What makes these socks truly outstanding is the coolmax - it really works to wick moisture from your feet. The other great feature is the actual knit of the sock, which is cushioned - These are NOT the thin, flat-knit, faintly-ribbed support socks you may be used to wearing. They actually feel like real athletic socks, and they LOOK like them, too. There is a shorter version for those who don't need support through knee height (or farther...). The knee-high version is definitely worth every cent. I just ordered 3 additional pairs in white and am searching for a colored version of these as well, now.Update: As of 12-4-2014 these socks are STILL going strong. Well, all except the one that disappeared, but I'm guessing it's fine, wherever it is, too. They have worn really well, but they are getting to the point that some are wearing thin at the heels. I discovered that using enzymatic booster with the laundry detergent keeps them WHITE - chlorine bleach is a no go, but any of the "oxy" boost products seems to make a big improvement. This year it's new socks for the holidays for my dear hubby (shhh!) and for me.Having been diagnosed with Lymphedema due to cancer and radiation, I was dreading having to wear compression stockings in the summer. I tried these on a whim and WOW, I'm so glad I did! They were very comfortable, reasonably cool and - while not fashionable (lol!) - at least didn't look completely ridiculous. I've just ordered 4 more pairs. In all likelihood, I will order still more as my budget allows. These made such a difference in the swelling of my calves, ankles and feet! And my legs & feet felt MUCH less tired at the end of the day! They also stayed up well, didn't cause any discomfort around the top band, nor any "bulge" above it, just below the knee. The only reason I didn't give them 5 stars is because they're a bit of a workout to put on. Now, this could change as I gain more experience with them, or figure out a workaround, but I wanted to be completely open about the experience. Overall, I would highly recommend these to anyone in need of medium to strong compression, or even just to someone on his/her feet all day and in need of some support. Thank heavens I don't have to wear hosiery in the summertime!! =DI have really poor circulation in my right leg due to complications from surgery when I was in my teens. After ten years of working a desk job, I started working at a job recently where I stand up all day and I found that my legs got more and more tired and exhausted. At the end of the day my legs felt swollen and bloated. I also love to cycle and started to find that I couldn't cycle as much after standing all day.When I wear these socks my legs feel much better, the swelling is less, and I have a lot more energy. Total win!I avoided getting compression socks for years because I thought they would be uncomfortable and itchy. On hot days, they can be a little uncomfortable, but you get used to it after a few hours. Also, the positive/medical benefits more than outweigh the itchy feeling for me.Compression socks also tend to look like grandpa socks. These Activa ones are at least white and look kind of like athletic socks. However, nobody will mistake them for anything other than compression socks. Again, you have to decide what matters to you: fashion or health.If you have circulation issues like I do, compression socks will change your mood, your fitness and your life. Get a few pairs and wear them for a week and see for yourself.I was very pleased with these support socks. You cannot seem to get them in white in this country you are only able to obtain black or natural ones.