Some products show up everywhere — subway ads, Instagram, celeb endorsements. With this series, we're testing such products to conclude one thing: Does it live up to the hype?
What's everyone talking about?
Comrad, a brand making compression socks in a variety of styles and colors that are meant to help tired legs and swollen feet.
What's the buzz about?
If you've ever searched for compression socks before, you've probably noticed that the selection out there is ... not great. While they help alleviate stress on the lower extremities, compression socks traditionally aren't the sexiest accessory — they're usually bulky and itchy, and not something you'd opt to wear if you didn't absolutely have to.
Comrad is filling the need for wearable wellness products that help un-cramp and de-swell legs and feet, and they're too stylish not to show off!
Where's all the hype coming from?
- Reviews from Self, Conde Nast Traveler, and Business Insider
- Over 25K followers on Instagram
- Billboards and transit ads
So does it live up to the hype?
How'd we come to this conclusion?
In general, graduated compression socks work by gently compressing the muscles of your legs and feet, so that arteries are less strained and blood can circulate freely. If you've never had a medical reason to be prescribed compression socks by a doctor to reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis, you might be most familiar with these as a tool that many frequent travelers use to prevent their legs from getting numb feeling on long flights.
While I don't have any of the underlying conditions that would necessitate wearing compression socks daily, testing out Comrad's knee-high socks has led me to understand how they could be helpful in my life and for others as well.
Each workday, I sit at my computer desk for long stretches of time, which I know isn't great for my back or eyesight, but my legs were something I'd neglected to pay much attention to. My legs get pretty antsy and I usually have to walk around, shift positions, even sit with one leg tucked under me sometimes in order to feel comfortable.
Wearing these compression socks while I work may not make a noticeable difference in my energy levels, even if they are helping to increase blood flow, but they do provide a nice, secure, "strapped-in" feeling that keeps me from having to cross and uncross my legs every 5 minutes.
While Comrad's compression socks are snug, once they're on, I quickly forget that I'm even wearing them. They apply gentle pressure around the arches of my feet, my shins, and my calves, but they never feel too tight or like I need to stretch them out. I wear their medium size, which is just right for my size 7 shoe. I also like that Comrad puts comfort first, as the socks have a little extra padding in the toe and heel areas, and their knee-high styles come in wide-calf sizes as well.
The sock fabric, along with its compressing properties, is extremely breathable. I have yet to experience sweaty feet while wearing them. Its material is also enhanced with anti-microbial fibers that eliminate odor.
For serving such a practical purpose, Comrad's socks are also pretty damn stylish! All of their designs, both knee- and ankle-high, are unisex and range from tasteful colorblocking to preppy stripes to even a delightful ombre colorway. I like that they all have personality without being too loud.
And in the wake of the current global health crisis, Comrad is also giving back, too. The brand is working to donate their compression socks to California-based healthcare workers who are on their feet working tirelessly to help their communities.
What's the bottom line?
Whether you're experiencing sore calves from long runs, protruding varicose veins, swollen feet from pregnancy, or just tired, antsy legs from sitting for long stretches of time, Comrad's compression socks offer a gentle, supportive reprieve, with a nice hint of stylish swagger!
