Figs 100% Awesome Compression Socks: do they make a real difference?
Some nurses swear by compression socks, but is the extra cost worth it for the average nurse?
FIGS is an American online medical apparel retailer based in Los Angeles, California. Although they primarily sell scrubs, they also have a pretty good variety of accessories aimed at all healthcare providers. Anyone who has worked in the hospital for more than a day has heard of the potential benefits of wearing compression socks during a long shift. They tout improved blood flow, comfort, moisture wicking, shock absorption, etc. How do these FIGS perform in the real world? Read the review below to see and check our link to buy them today!
First Impression
I received my FIGS “100% Awesome Compression Socks” a couple weeks ago in the mail and was excited to try them out. I typically wear cheap off-brand socks from Walmart that I can buy in bulk and for pretty cheap. Why did I buy these relatively expensive socks then? Well, it was a impulse buy. I didn’t necessarily need them, as I have roughly 30 pairs of socks in my drawer at this moment. I had never tried compression socks and didn’t really have a reason to either. But I was buying a FIGS mask (see my review here) and I came across this pair of socks. I had always wanted to try out compression socks to see if they really make a difference and this seemed like a good opportunity. Upon receiving them, I was immediately impressed by the high quality feel of the sock. They are a very nice bright white color, and the 75% Nylon, 25% Lyrca feels nice and smooth. Definitely an upgrade over my aging black cotton socks.
Comfort & Fit
FIGS offers 3 sizes (S, M, L) and includes a detailed sizing chart on their website. Rather than just giving shoes sizes for each sock size, FIGS gives you 2 measurements, ankle and calf. I took measurements and ended up in the Medium range. AS you probably know, sock sizes can vary wildly between manufacturers, so I held my breath while putting them on. To my pleasant surprise, they fit perfectly. By design, the socks extend all the way up the calf and end just before the knee. The compression felt even from my toes all the way to the top of the sock. They felt tight enough that it wasn’t uncomfortable but also enough so that I didn’t think they would roll down as my shift went on and my movement increased. I have worn them for 4-5 shifts so far and the fit hasn’t changed as of yet. As for the moisture wicking benefit that FIGS advertises, I was equally impressed. I typically sweat a good amount during a shift, and my usually cotton socks can become uncomfortable as a result. The FIGS seemed to all but solve that problem, most likely due to the thinner Nylon/Lycra composition. So if you too suffer from sweaty feet during your shifts, you will likely benefit from these socks.
Durability
As I mentioned above, I have only wore these socks for 4-5 shifts so far. My normal off-brand socks typically develop holes in the heel before anywhere else, so I’m acutely aware of this in any sock I wear. In a review listed on their own website, a customer states that she buys these FIGS specifically because other brands suffer this same fate of holes in the heel. So far, I don’t notice any breakdown or wear in the heels. I do notice some discoloration on the sole of the sock, but I attribute this to my footwear of choice at work, the Dansko Professional Clog, which is made of a dark leather and has caused discoloration in any light colored sock that I’ve worn before. Only time will tell how these hold up over the long run but I am optimistic based on what I’ve read online and heard from some co-workers who swear by FIGS socks.
Price
If they are so comfortable and amazing, why isn’t everyone wearing FIGS compression socks to work? Well, they are pretty expensive. Like $28 a pair expensive. Coming from socks that cost ~$7 for 6 pairs, I had a lot of sticker shock when I learned that these socks are about 24x more expensive per pair. Can it possibly be worth that much more money? This is a tough question. They definitely blow away those other socks in every category. But if you are a nursing student preparing for clinicals on a tight student budget, you might not be able to justify the cost. I would suggest sticking to whatever socks you have and venturing out into these “higher quality” socks once you realize what you like and dislike about the socks you have, or if you are having issues with leg pain, sweat, etc.
Conclusion
So far, I am in love with these socks and will be wearing them everyday to help continue gauge their long term durability (and of course because they are so much more comfortable than anything I’ve worn before!). I love the “lighter” feel of this sock compared to a cotton sock and it’s a joy to slip on my shoes before each shift. I am still skeptical of the claims about increased blood flow and “shock absorption”, but I honestly don’t care if those things are true or not if they continue to be this comfortable. I don’t think I’ll ever feel totally comfortable spending $28 for a pair of socks. But I will definitely put these on a future birthday or Christmas list for myself and any healthcare professionals I know.
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