Ultra 8 Compression Foot/Ankle Sleeve (S/M)

Really tight compression (which is good), but I bought the largest size and I wear a size 10 shoe. If my foot were larger, the socks would probably feel too tight. The graduated compression makes them comfortable to wear for a few hours at a time, but I wouldn't want to wear these for more than three or four hours without taking a break. They are heavy and durable and look pretty snazzy. The heavily reinforced heel should contribute to the durability of the product. They're great for people with DVTs (blood clots) which can cause the feet to swell. But I would recommend a different approach for plantar fasciitis. PF is caused by the Achilles tendon (which runs down the calf) being too tight. The Achilles tendon (AT) is anchored to the ankle bone, which also anchors the plantar fascia (the thing that hurts). The AT is much stronger than the PF, so the ankle is pulled backwards and upwards, stretching the PF and causing heel/arch pain. These socks will lift and support the PF, countering the pull of the AT, which will give relief from heel pain, but it's just treating the symptom (pain) and not treating the problem (the overly-tight AT). The preferred approach for PT is to stretch out the Achilles tendon to relieve pressure on the ankle. This is simple to do - if you have stairs nearby, stand on a step and hold the handrail (if you don't have stairs, make do with something you can stand on like s step). Stand on the front part of your foot, allowing your arch and ankle to hang over the edge. Slowly allow your heel to drop down and hold it there for three or four minutes. Do not bounce up and down - keep steady pressure. This will stretch the Achilles tendon (you will feel a mild burning sensation in your calf). Discontinue or reduce pressure if you feel pain or burning at the back of your ankle (which tells you you're overdoing it). Do this two or three times a day and you should experience relief.

These work well, but I find them almost impossible to put on, and they leave an indentation around my ankle when I take them off. They're certainly sturdy, considering what I go through to get them on. I'm using them for swollen feet. I think another product might suit me better, so I'll be looking around.

Thought I was getting a pair but it's only one sleeve. Comfortable enough to wear at night. I'm not sure it works better than the cheaper model though.

I have what amounts to a chronic high ankle sprain, which causes soreness and swelling in the ankle and knee (weird, I know. It's a long story). I wanted something which would help compress the ankle and keep the joint tighter, but that wouldn't be bulky or unusable in my day to day shoes. This fits the bill. It compresses, but not so tight as to cut off circulation. The heel cup is nice, because it helps prevent twisting of the support, and makes it easy to position it correctly. I can adjust it so that it goes right to the base of my toes (like in the photo), or pulled back so it ends in the arch -- just stretch or don't stretch to where you want it. When I'm wearing this, I feel much more confident that my ankle won't swell or twist or crack, and I don't have to wear my knee strap, which is rather bugly. I'm buying 2 more (for a total of 3), so that I can rotate them through the wash and have them ready to wear.

I have a small foot and, when I ordered the S/M, it was tight, so be aware when this sock is "compressive", it means it. That having been stated, I couldn't believe the relief I immediately received from putting the sock on my foot. There was not only great support, but holding the tendons and connective tissue in place so the body could mend itself more easily is what this sock is all about. I have learned a valuable lesson about feet, if you don't take care of them, you will end up regretting it. Great sock.

I am glad these supports helped other people but they hurt my feet. I have pf in both feet for 2 years now. I have tryed everything, not just once but long periods of time. My doctor says I am a expert. I did find one thing that allows me to stand, walk, and bike. That one thing is to tape both feet. I wanted these socks to work and maybe relieve me from taping my feet. But they made my pf hurt more. They are now in my closet next to numerous other items that failed.

It appears to be well designed EXCEPT for the heel material. The heel material is like pantyhose, and it developed a run as I was putting it on for the first time. The rest of the support is of good quality material, I am disappointed that they used such flimsy material on the heel. One look at the product out of the package and you will see where it is going to fail. Sad. I doubt I'll get much use from this one. I am 4 months post surgery repairing a tendon in my ankle, and have 2 other brands of ankle supports besides this one that I am wearing as I transition from a brace. The other two, (one from a major chain pharmacy, one from Amazon), both provide excellent support with quality materials throughout. I've worn them both for weeks and had no problems. If you are shopping for ankle support- skip this one in favor of better designs/ materials.

A little bit too tight on the top of ankle but good support. It could be tighter by the toes as it rolls up away from the toes a bit too easily. It really does help with my plantar fasciitis pain though.