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About COMRAD
COMRAD has reinvented compression socks to be fun, modern, and surprisingly comfortable. Its thoughtful line of knee-high and ankle socks features spirited colors and patterns, soft and breathable fabric, and smart details for added support.
Thanks to its ability to add some life into a traditionally boring product, the brand has generated quite the buzz. It has been featured in some of the hottest publications, including Cosmopolitan, Self, Esquire, Forbes, Business Insider, BuzzFeed, Popular Science, Refinery29, The Washington Post, and many others.
The COMRAD Socks Instagram page boasts a steadily growing following of 31k, thanks to the testimonials of mega-star fans like supermodel Karlie Kloss. And, in 2020, its products were given the Best Compression Socks award from Best Products.
Ready to replace your boring, traditional compression knee-high and ankle socks? Stay tuned as this COMRAD socks review takes you through the brand, its bestsellers, customer reviews, and more so you can decide if its products are worth adding to your collection.
Overview of COMRAD
Just thinking about compression socks might make you cringe. Traditionally regarded as hot, itchy, and uncomfortable, compression socks were anything but a joy to wear. COMRAD set out to shake up the industry by providing an alternative that people wouldn’t dread putting on in the morning.
The brand officially launched after COMRAD founder Andrew Ferenci’s doctor recommended he wear compression socks. They did what they needed to do, but he hated wearing them. So, in 2018, Anthony asked, why isn’t there another option?
Andrew’s brand became that alternative. Finally fusing trendy styles with medical benefits, it offers a variety of socks in varying lengths. From pastel pinks to contrasting stripes or whimsical ombre, the brand’s socks don’t look like compression socks, which is exactly the point!
COMRAD is very upfront about its morals and practices, and it discloses exactly where, why, and how its socks are made. The company is based out of California, but its products are made in a family-run manufacturing facility in China.
Now that you know a little more about the brand’s roots, this COMRAD socks review will move on to its pros and cons.
Pros
- Offers knee-high and ankle socks in a slew of vibrant colors and patterns
- Provides multiple size options, such as the COMRAD wide calf compression socks
- Products are made in a family-run factory
- Smart features like mesh panels to keep your feet cool and help them breathe
- Soft, wide cuff that won’t cut off circulation at the knee
- Customers say these socks are so comfortable they do not notice them throughout the day
- Multiple promotions and discounts available for first-time customers
- 30-Day Happiness Guarantee
- If you live outside of the USA, the brand’s products are available through other retailers
Cons
- May not be safe for people with delicate skin (those who may need them the most), causing irritation and redness
- Some customers report that the socks are too tight and difficult to get on
- Only ships within the USA
What are the benefits of compression socks?
Compression socks put good pressure on your feet, ankles, and calves. This encourages blood flow to the area, resulting in less swelling (due to fluid retention) and more comfort (due to the reduced swelling).
You may also be experiencing numbness in your legs and feet. Compression socks can help with this too, by helping blood circulate into those areas, which brings back sensations. They can benefit people with multiple conditions, or for reasons such as:
- Lymphoedema
- Varicose veins
- Working on their feet all day (waiters, nurses, construction workers)
- Runners (especially long distance)
Can wearing compression socks be harmful?
Compression socks are something that might be prescribed by a doctor. When we look at them in that way, we begin to understand why they aren’t for everyone.
With that said, compression socks are generally considered as safe if they are worn the right way. You should consult a healthcare professional before you use them, or do your own research to understand the potential risks they carry.
For compression socks to do their job, they need to be fitted correctly. Socks that are too loose won’t give you the benefits you’re looking for. But socks that are too tight come with a slew of potential risks.
Do not use compression socks if your skin damages easily. The tightness at the top of the sock can dig into skin and do more harm than good. Three dangers to look out for include:
- Constricting circulation. Compression can be good, but too much of it can cut off circulation altogether.
- Damage. Socks that are too tight can dig into your legs, causing bruising or even cutting into skin.
- Irritation. Too-tight socks may lead to red and itchy skin.
COMRAD Socks not only help wearers’ bodies feel better, but they give them a little lift in mood, too. The company does this by offering fun colors and patterns, as well as ensuring its socks are breathable and allow for airflow.
All of COMRAD’s compression socks (aside from the ankle socks) feature:
- 15-20 mmHg True Graduated Compression™
- An enlarged footbed for comfort
- Soft and wide cuffs to reduce pinching
In the next section of this COMRAD socks review, we’ll fill you in on the details of the brand’s knee-high compression socks, ankle compression socks, and beneficial accessories that were designed to make your life a little easier.
COMRAD Knee High Compression Socks Review
Knee-high compression socks provide compression all the way up your calf, support your ankle, and ensure blood gets to the tips of your toes for a comfortable, effective all-day wear. This COMRAD socks review will now feature the brand’s best-selling knee-high s in recycled, patterned, and solid styles.
COMRAD Recycled Cotton Compression Socks Review
Recycled is the new black. Help save the earth while you help your legs feel better. The Recycled Cotton Compression Socks are made from recycled cotton so you can feel good about your choices and the difference you’re making for the planet.
Available in Galaxy, Stargazer, and Mars patterns, these intergalactic-inspired knee-highs feature subtle multi-colored specs. Key comfort-enhancing details include the brand’s signature anti-pinch technology, as well as a curved design that makes them easier to put on. Feel the difference as you make a difference with the Recycled Cotton Compression Socks for $29.
COMRAD Knee-High Compression Socks Review
These 1970s gym sock-style Knee-High Compression Socks will help you reach your PRs around the track. Made with SmartSilver Ions, these socks fight bacteria to help your feet stay fresh and clean throughout the day.
Made from a mix of nylon and spandex, they are mostly white, but feature three yellow stripes across the top of the calf for a pop of color. These vintage-looking COMRAD compression socks are available for men and women and retail for $16.
COMRAD Solid Knee-High Compression Socks Review
Available in eight solid colors, including earthy neutrals and soft pastels, the Solid Knee-High Compression Socks go with whatever outfit you’re wearing—even if that outfit is your skivvies. Many people like to lounge around their houses in these socks, especially after a particularly long day on their feet.
Throw on some comfy shorts, a loose tee, your compression socks, and pour yourself a hot cup of tea. You won’t have to worry about stinky feet as you kick back, thanks to the inclusion of antibacterial SmartSilver Ions. Enjoy these versatile Solid Knee-High Compression Socks for $23.
COMRAD PxU TEST Knee-High Compression Socks Review
With compression socks that look like this, you may find that you’re more motivated to pull them on each morning. The PxU TEST Knee-High Compression Socks add pizazz. Choose from any of the 11 striped patterns, such as vibrant purple, delicate pink, or industrial grey, to jazz up any outfit.
Wear these COMRAD compression socks for edema under your pants to work or show them off when out for a run. With a school-girl (or boy) feel to them, these socks are youthful and spunky. Kick things up a notch with these snazzy essentials for $23.
COMRAD Knee-High Compression Sock – 3 Pack Review
If you’re someone who wears compression socks daily, then you’ve probably found it handy to have a couple of extra pairs on hand to avoid doing laundry every day. The Knee-High Compression Sock – 3 Pack keeps you stocked up on the essentials.
We love that the COMRAD men’s compression socks are varied and give your wardrobe some personality. But don’t worry, these are available for women, too! Each pack includes three different colored pairs that are curated into complementary Daily, Classic, and Bold sets. Featuring antibacterial SmartSilver Ion fibers, these multi-packs retail for $62.
COMRAD Ankle Compression Socks Review
Compression socks aren’t just for your calves. They also give support to your ankles and help blood to reach your toes to reduce swelling and pain. With a supportive arch feature and reinforced heel pads, these socks are perfect for clocking the miles—whether that’s running a marathon or running around your living room chasing your kids.
Available in 9 colors (we’re digging Sky Blue and Pear), these socks will brighten up your toes, adding vibrant color to each stride you make. Get moving with the Ankle Compression Socks for $16.
COMRAD Sock Bag Review
There’s nothing worse than peeling off stinky, sweaty socks and having them mingle with your clean clothes, wallet, lunch, and other personal items in your backpack or gym bag. The Sock Bag ensures your compression socks are safe and separate from the items around them.
It features a drawstring close so that your socks remain secure, but can be accessed easily when you need them. Made from 100% recycled polyester, the Sock Bag can hold up to 3 pairs of socks and is available for $3.
COMRAD Compressible 24oz Water Bottle Review
With movement comes thirst. Stay properly hydrated throughout your day with the Compressible 24oz Water Bottle. This bottle was made in a COMRAD collab with Vapur, a reusable water bottle company. When empty, simply squeeze the air out of this bottle, roll it up, and stick it in your pocket. It has a handy clip that can be attached to your backpack or belt loop for easy carrying.
This BPA-free and dishwasher-safe bottle is also freezer-friendly, so you can fill it up and chuck in the freezer the night before a big event. Hydrate with the convenient Compressible 24oz Water Bottle for $7.
COMRAD Compressible Packing Cube Review
Because compression socks and traveling go hand in hand, COMRAD offers a Compressible Packing Cube to make your jet-setting experiences all the more enjoyable. The cube compresses seven pairs of underwear and seven pairs of socks into one compact and classy little cube. This navy blue and orange bag also features a handy handle.
To sweeten the deal, COMRAD has included an ultra-soft sleeping mask (for the plane), earplugs, and a headphone splitter (the thing we don’t think about packing until we’re already mid-flight). Let the Compressible Packing Cube help you travel with ease and comfort for $10.
COMRAD Reviews: What Do Customers Think?
To give you a better understanding of the brand and its products, this COMRAD Socks review turned to the internet to find out what customers really think. Ahead, you’ll find comments sourced from the company’s website, Amazon, and Tools of Men. Spoiler alert: customers seem to love its products!
On the brand’s website, most products have been rated dozens of times. Its socks score particularly high scores, with an impressive average of 4.9/5 stars or higher:
- Recycled Compression Socks: 4.9/5 stars from 69 ratings
- Ankle Compression Socks: 5/5 stars from 64 ratings
- Knee-High Compression Socks: 4.9/5 stars from 77 ratings
- Silver Mask: 4.7/5 stars from 13 ratings
- Sock Bag: 4.9/5 stars from 8 ratings
This COMRAD Socks review notes that the brand only carries three types (not styles) of compression socks (the ones listed above). Each type is then offered in a slew of fun prints, but are all rated collectively. Let’s take a closer look at its biggest seller, the Knee-High Compression Socks.
Customers appreciate these socks because they stay up, are comfortable, and, as one reviewer puts it, your “circulation isn’t cut off at your knee.” Another user who struggles with arthritis, loves that the colorblock option serves as a vibrant statement piece while still performing its main functions:
“When I wear this Colorblock compression stocking I feel like I am making a fashion statement that’s actually good for me. They are fun to wear, but do what they are meant to do. And I don’t swear quite so much when I put them on and take them off. But most of that is arthritis and not the stocking.”
One of the minor issues a customer noticed is that “there is extra fabric on the fifth and first toe.” The review continued, that it “is not a deal breaker but I’m disappointed when it happens for the sock with the price range.” A tiny detail that we believe is supposed to be for added comfort, though we understand that not everyone will be happy with it.
Swiftly switching to Amazon, we were pleasantly surprised to find an average rating of 4.4/5 stars for COMRAD’s Knee-High Compression Socks, given by 484 customers around the world. The breakdown for ratings go like this:
- 5 stars: 70%
- 4 stars: 12%
- 3 stars: 8%
- 2 stars: 4%
- 1 star: 5%
Amongst the 5-star COMRAD Socks Amazon reviews, customers express their gratitude for how these socks look and feel. Commenters call them “attractive” and “super soft and comfortable,” while one user noted they have a “barely noticeable feel.” It’s also a common opinion that this company’s socks are better than other popular brands on the market.
1-star reviews tell a different story. One buyer said the Knee-High Compression Socks were “hot and itchy,” where others said they were just too tight and uncomfortable. One elderly customer argued that the socks are too difficult to put on:
“I am not strong and it took me a full 30 minutes to work these socks on and longer to take them off. These are not for elderly people with weak fingers and bad backs.” An important aspect to note, as elderly folks make up a huge percentage of buyers in the compression sock market.
An in-depth COMRAD socks review on Tools of Men divulged details of the Ankle Compression Socks and the Knee-High Compression Socks. Noting the mesh feature on the ankle socks, the reviewer wrote after running 3.6 miles in them that the “socks felt very comfortable when it came to heat and sweat management.” Cool feet are important to performance and comfort when working out, so these socks would be an asset.
After running an additional mile in the knee-highs, the reviewer revealed that, “one of the best features of these socks was a slight increase in comfort and perhaps performance.” An uptick in performance never hurts—especially in a race.
The reviewer noted that both the ankle and the knee-high socks were difficult to put on: “they were a bit tight and required moderate effort to pull up.” As mentioned in the Amazon review, difficulty in putting something on may be a dealbreaker for certain customers—especially if they have skin that damages easily.
From these reviews, it’s clear that there are a lot more pros than cons. Customers are ecstatic about the fun prints, effective compression, breathability, and all-day comfort. But, this COMRAD socks review hopes the company finds a solution to help shoppers with mobility issues use its socks, as they might deeply benefit from them.
Is COMRAD Worth It?
COMRAD does compression socks differently. Though its products provide the same support as other brands, the company kicks it up a notch by offering fun patterns and colors. The vibrant prints, coupled with the breathable material, goes a long way for people who need to wear compression socks daily.
We love how transparent the brand is. On COMRAD’s website, there is detailed information about its sustainable factories and ethical labor practices. Plus, it uses 100% recycled packaging. The company also provides a way for shoppers to donate its socks to front-line medical workers who are on their feet all day, saving lives. These missions are definitely ones we can get behind!
So, are COMRAD socks worth it? Whether you’re traveling, pregnant, or suffering from conditions like edema, compression socks might be a solution for you. This COMRAD socks review loves that the brand fuses fun into a product that is traditionally boring. Plus, there are hundreds of positive customer testimonials that swear by its socks. For all of these reasons, we think the company is definitely worth checking out.
COMRAD Promotions & Discounts
We found the following promotions available on the company’s website to help you save a few bucks:
- Free shipping on orders over $60
- Discount for essential workers & military (must email to verify)
- Refer a friend and get a $20 COMRAD Socks coupon to use on your next purchase—they get 25% off their first order
Where to Buy COMRAD
For the best selection of products, you can shop directly from COMRADsocks.com. They’re also available at select retailers, including Amazon and NineLife.
FAQ
Where are COMRAD Socks made?
COMRAD Socks’s products are made in China. Its website is very specific about where, revealing that its factory is just two hours from Shanghai. The brand also includes a ton of other information about its factories and the ethic standards they follow.
How do you wash COMRAD Socks?
To wash your COMRAD Socks, stick to these basic guidelines:
- Machine or hand wash with cold water
- Wash with like colors
- Do not use bleach or fabric softener
- The brand recommends hang or air drying so they don’t shrink
What sizes does COMRAD have?
The company offers standard sizes for both men and women, in addition to the COMRAD Socks wide calf sizes, which offer 2-4 inches of extra calf space.
Its sizes include: S, M, M Wide, L, L Wide, and XL. For more information, check out the COMRAD Socks size chart on the brand’s website.
What is COMRAD’s Shipping Policy?
COMRAD Socks ships to all 50 states but not internationally. If you live outside of the US, consider a forwarding service or finding an international partner that carries the brand’s socks.
All orders over $60 ship for free. If your order is under that amount, you’ll be shown shipping costs at checkout. Delivery usually takes about 2-3 business days.
If you’d like to track your order, click on the link provided in the shipping confirmation email.
How do you make a COMRAD socks return?
COMRAD Socks offers what it calls a Wellness Guarantee. Essentially, customers can return or exchange a product within 30 days of purchase. To make a return or exchange, you have two options:
- Email [email protected]
- Use the Return Portal on the company’s website
If your return request is accepted, COMRAD will email you a prepaid shipping return label that you can print and attach to the outside of your return package. Follow the instructions outlined in the email on what to do next.
How to Contact COMRAD
We hope you found all of the information you needed in this COMRAD socks review. If you have any more questions, you can contact the brand Monday through Friday, 9 am to 5 pm by:
- Email: [email protected]
- Contact form: Available on the brand’s website
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