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Open toe compression socks
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- JOBST Relief open toe stockings. Best for: People whose provider has recommended a specific compression level. See options on Amazon
- Truform open toe knee high stockings. Best for: Easy toe checks and a range of foot lengths. See options on Amazon
- Open toe compression sock multi-pack. Best for: Having a spare pair to wear while one is washed. See options on Amazon
What makes a sock open toe
An open toe compression sock or stocking has a toe box that is open at the end, so your toes stick out while the foot, ankle and leg are still covered. MedlinePlus explains that compression stockings gently squeeze your legs to move blood up your legs, which helps prevent leg swelling and, to a lesser extent, blood clots.
Truform describes its open toe box as accommodating a variety of foot lengths and allowing easy toe inspection. Its stockings are graduated, with the compression greatest at the ankle and reducing upwards toward the heart.
Open toe vs closed toe
| Question | Open toe | Closed toe |
|---|---|---|
| See your toes | Yes, easy toe inspection | Toes covered |
| Foot length fit | One size fits a variety of foot lengths, per Truform | Check the maker's size chart |
| Compression level | Set by the level you choose | Set by the level you choose |
| Wear with sandals | Toes show | Fully covered |
JOBST lists closed toe and open toe as toe options on the same Relief stocking, with the same compression levels, so toe style is a fit and comfort choice rather than a medical one.
Who an open toe may suit
- People who need to watch their toes. Truform says the open toe allows easy toe inspection, which helps you notice color changes or sores.
- Longer or shorter feet. Truform says the open toe lets one standard size fit a variety of foot dimensions.
- People who wear a separate toe cover or sock. An open toe stocking can be worn under a regular sock if you prefer covered toes.
- People who struggle to pull stockings on. Truform makes an open toe knee high sock with a zipper and a protective sleeve next to the skin to keep the zipper from pinching. Donning aids can also help; see our compression sock aid guide.
Compression levels and lengths
Truform lists its knee high open toe stockings in 15-20 mmHg, 20-30 mmHg and 30-40 mmHg, with a soft top or a silicone dot top. JOBST lists its Relief stockings in 15-20 mmHg, 20-30 mmHg and 30-40 mmHg, in knee high, thigh high, panty and chap styles.
JOBST says healthcare professionals make individual decisions on the right compression level for each patient, based on the condition, how well you tolerate compression and other needs. MedlinePlus says to talk to your provider about which kind of stocking is right for you. Truform marks its 20-30 mmHg level as prescription recommended.
For more on lengths, see our knee high compression socks and thigh high compression socks guides.
Sizing and putting them on
- Measure early. Truform says to measure as soon as possible after waking, when swelling is at its minimum, against bare skin.
- Check calf and length options. JOBST lists Relief sizes S, M, L, L Full calf, XL and XL Full calf, plus a Petite length.
- Put them on in the morning. MedlinePlus says to put stockings on first thing in the morning, when your legs have the least swelling.
- Turn inside out to the heel. Truform and JOBST both describe turning the stocking inside out to the heel, sliding it over the foot, then working it up the leg.
- Smooth out wrinkles. MedlinePlus says not to let stockings bunch up, and that knee length stockings should come to 2 fingers below the knee bend.
MedlinePlus adds that lotion allowed to dry, rubber dishwashing gloves or a stocking donner can help if they are hard to put on.
Care and when to replace
MedlinePlus says to wash compression stockings each day with mild soap and water, rinse and air dry, and to keep 2 pairs if you can so one is clean. It says to replace them every 3 to 6 months so they keep their compression. JOBST says not to use fabric softener, optical brightener or stain remover, and Truform says not to wring or twist and to dry flat away from heat and sunlight.
If your stockings feel too uncomfortable, MedlinePlus says to contact your provider rather than stop wearing them on your own.
What to look for when you buy
JOBST Relief open toe stockings
Best for: People whose provider has recommended a specific compression level
JOBST lists Relief in 15-20, 20-30 and 30-40 mmHg, with open toe and closed toe options and full calf sizes.
Watch out: Ask your provider which level and length you need before buying.
See options on AmazonTruform open toe knee high stockings
Best for: Easy toe checks and a range of foot lengths
Truform says its open toe allows easy toe inspection and lets one standard size fit a variety of foot dimensions; it lists soft top and silicone dot top options.
Watch out: Measure in the morning against bare skin using Truform's size chart.
See options on AmazonOpen toe compression sock multi-pack
Best for: Having a spare pair to wear while one is washed
Open toe compression socks in multi-pair packs are widely sold, and MedlinePlus suggests keeping 2 pairs.
Watch out: Check the listed mmHg level and size chart; ask your provider if you are unsure.
See options on AmazonQuestions people ask
- Why do compression socks have open toes?
- Truform says the open toe allows easy toe inspection and lets one standard size fit a variety of foot lengths.
- Is open toe compression less effective?
- Toe style does not set the level. JOBST offers the same Relief levels in open and closed toe.
- Can I wear a regular sock over open toe compression stockings?
- Yes, many people do for warmth or to cover their toes.
- How often should I replace them?
- MedlinePlus says every 3 to 6 months so they keep their compression.
- Do I need a prescription?
- MedlinePlus suggests getting one from your provider; Truform marks 20-30 mmHg as prescription recommended.
Sources
- Compression stockings (medlineplus.gov), MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine
- Knee High Open Toe Stockings / Unisex (truform.com), Truform
- JOBST Relief (jobst-usa.com), JOBST
- 0675 / Knee High / Zipper Compression Socks / Unisex (truform.com), Truform