The easiest way to learn how to put on compression socks is to stop treating them like ordinary socks. Turn the sock inside out down to the heel, slide your foot in, then ease the fabric up your leg a little at a time. If bending down is hard, sit down, wear rubber gloves for grip, try a sock aid, or choose a pair that opens with a zip so you never have to stretch the fabric over your heel.
This guide covers how to put on compression socks with each of these options, using tips from Australian hospital and university patient information sheets.
Why are compression socks so hard to put on?
Compression socks are meant to fit snugly. Graduated designs are firmest at the ankle, which is also the narrowest part of the sock, and that tight opening has to pass over your heel, the widest part of your foot. Pull on them like a normal sock and the fabric bunches up at the ankle and refuses to move.
Add stiff hips, a sore back, a knee that doesn't bend fully, or weaker grip in your hands, and simply reaching your toes becomes the hardest part of the job. The good news is that technique matters more than strength.
How to put on compression socks, step by step
The inside-out method below follows the instructions in the patient information sheet from St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne. It works for knee-high socks and for longer stockings.
- Sit down first. Use the edge of a bed or a sturdy chair, with your foot flat on the floor or the bed.
- Turn the sock inside out to the heel. Reach inside, grip the heel pocket and pull the sock inside out until the heel shows.
- Slide your foot in. Pull the foot section on until the heel of the sock sits at the back of your heel.
- Bring the rest up over your ankle. Take hold of the top edge and draw it up over your foot so the sock turns right side out, then work it over your ankle.
- Ease it up in small sections. Move the fabric up your leg a few centimetres at a time rather than yanking on the top band.
- Smooth out any wrinkles. The fabric should lie flat with no creases or bunching.
If the sock looks too long, don't fold the top band over to shorten it. Check the size chart instead, as the length may simply be wrong for your leg.
How to take compression socks off
Sit down again. Turn the sock inside out from the top and roll it gently down your leg, then ease it off over the heel.
How to put on compression socks when bending down is hard
A few small changes make a big difference. Most of these come from the St Vincent's sheet and from a compression tip sheet published by Queensland University of Technology's School of Nursing.
- Do it first thing in the morning. St Vincent's suggests putting stockings on first thing, before you get out of bed.
- Keep your skin dry. Damp skin makes the fabric drag. If you shower in the morning, dry off completely before you start.
- Take off rings and watches. Both sheets suggest removing jewellery that could catch or snag the fabric.
- Wear rubber dishwashing gloves. They give you far more grip on the knit, so you can smooth the sock up your leg instead of pinching and pulling.
- Try a sock aid. The QUT sheet recommends using an applicator. A sock aid holds the sock open so you can slide your foot in without folding forward.
- Bring your foot closer to you. Rest your foot on a footstool, or, if it is comfortable, cross one ankle over the opposite knee while seated.
- Ask for help. A partner, family member or carer can do the heel part while you do the rest.
If you still struggle, a pharmacist or an occupational therapist can show you different donning aids and help you find a routine that suits your body.
Do zip up compression socks make it easier?
For many people, yes. Zip up compression socks have a zip along the side, so the sock opens out. You put your foot in, line up the heel, then close the zip up your leg. Because the sock is open while your foot goes in, there is no tight ankle opening to drag over your heel. Zipper compression socks are not perfect, though, so it helps to know both sides.
What they make easier:
- No stretching the ankle opening over your heel.
- Less grip strength needed, because the zip does most of the work.
- Quick to take off: unzip and slip your foot out.
What to keep in mind:
- You still need to reach your ankle to start the zip. Sitting down with your foot on a stool usually helps; if you can't reach your feet at all, a sock aid or a helper may suit you better.
- Pull the zip up slowly and keep the fabric flat underneath it, so it doesn't catch your skin.
- Line the zip up along the side of your leg before you close it, so the sock doesn't twist.
- A zip adds a seam you may notice at first. Some people stop noticing it; others prefer a seamless sock.
- Close the zip before washing, so it doesn't snag the knit.
Compression socks with zip: what to look for
- Zip length: a zip that runs the full length from ankle to knee opens the sock completely; a short zip only helps at the ankle.
- Closed or open toe: a closed toe feels like a normal sock; an open toe can be easier to check and adjust.
- A flat zip tab sits more comfortably under trousers.
- Compression level: it should be stated in mmHg. If a doctor has advised you to wear a particular compression class, follow that advice rather than a shop label.
- Sizing: check the size chart against your own measurements, not your shoe size alone.
As one example, the Calmyo zip-up compression socks have a full-length zip from ankle to knee, a closed toe, a flat zip tab and graduated 15–20 mmHg support. They come in black or beige, in sizes S/M, L/XL and XXL, in packs of 2, 3 or 6 pairs.
When to check with a doctor or pharmacist
Over-the-counter compression socks are generally snug but should not hurt. Healthdirect's page on reducing your risk of developing a blood clot says stockings given after surgery should be fitted correctly, and that you should take them off every day and check the skin on your legs. It also advises telling your healthcare team about any discomfort or blisters.
The QUT tip sheet lists signs that mean you should take the stockings off straight away and seek advice: toes that turn purple or blue, severe pain, or pins and needles.
If you have a health condition that affects your legs, or you've been told to wear a specific type of stocking, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before choosing a pair, and follow their fitting instructions.
How to put on compression socks before a flight
An aeroplane seat is about the worst place to wrestle with a snug sock. Put your socks on at home on the morning you leave, or in the airport before boarding, while you have room to sit and bend. If you'd rather change on board, choose a style you find easy to manage in a small space, and practise at home first so you know your routine.
Pack a spare pair in your carry-on, along with a pair of thin rubber gloves if they help your grip.
Frequently asked questions
What is the easiest way to put on compression socks?
Sit down, turn the sock inside out to the heel, slide your foot in, then ease the fabric up your leg in small sections. Rubber gloves and a sock aid make each step easier. A zip-up design avoids stretching the sock over your heel altogether.
Should I put compression socks on in the morning?
St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne's patient instructions suggest putting stockings on first thing in the morning, before getting out of bed.
Can I use a sock aid with compression socks?
Yes. The QUT compression tip sheet recommends using an applicator to help get compression garments on. Ask a pharmacist or occupational therapist which type suits your socks and your mobility.
Is it normal for compression socks to feel tight?
They should feel firm and snug, especially around the ankle, but not painful. If your toes change colour, or you feel severe pain or pins and needles, take them off and seek medical advice.