How Compression Socks Can Make Your Disney Trip Better! (And how not to feel Stupid wearing them)

Until our 2019 Disney Trip, I had NO IDEA how huge of a difference compression socks made when you are treking across Magic Kingdom or Epcot! I had always thought I handled the walking just fine, but ya'll, I just upped my game, and actually had the others asking me to wait so they could catch up! 

In 2018, I had a blood clot scare, and was told compression socks were my new normal. Of course, I was upset, who wants to be stuck in dorky looking old person socks?! But instead of taking the pharmacy socks the doctor's office wanted to offer me, I visited Amazon, and couldn't believe my eyes. The most amazing array of fun socks, cute socks, and also different styles, like toeless, footless, low, medium, high length...Amazon has it all, and at incredible prices. Took a few tries to find the brand and size that worked for me, but do you know what happened? The most amazing thing! 

The Plantar Fascias in my right foot pretty much cleared up, my legs were NEVER tired or achy, and I could stand all day, feeling much more energized! They were really put to the test at Disney, and I have to say, at the end of the day, I felt like I could go a few more laps around the park, that's how big of a difference they make! 

So what are compression socks? 

If you are a medical professional, or an athlete, chances are you already know about compression socks. They are snug fitting socks that reduce swelling in your legs and feet. They help prevent varicose veins, and in some cases, help to shrink them. (I'm proof of that!) 

The socks some in different lengths, they can be ankle length, mid calf, under the knee, or even thigh high. If you DON'T get them from the pharmacy, or Walmart, you are going to be able to get such cute styles and colors, no one will even know the magic ability of these socks! 

How do compression socks work? 

By applying pressure (a gentle hug to your legs, anything more, you've bought too small!) these socks make sure that your blood flows properly, and the valves function well. No more blood pooling when you sit, or stand for too long. Your legs work as they were designed to, before every day use and wear started wearing the functionality down. 

Aren't people going to laugh at me for wearing these?  

Before we went to Disney, I spent a lot of time googling, worried about wearing them at Disney. Would people notice? Would they point at me? Could I wear them with skirts or shorts and not look like a dork?! I was definitely worried. While there, I can honestly report, that the guy, just wearing one compression sleeve on his leg in front of me in line (pretty neat pattern) didn't even have anyone notice, so what me? With my nude colored ones under my capris? While waiting to meet Chip and Dale, a preschooler pointed them out to his mom, and she shrugged, and said "Why in the world are you looking at peoples socks?" Truthfully, I only had the one person notice, and when on me, the nude ones looked like tights. Since then, I've bought some colored ones, and some stripes, and don't think twice about wearing them because they come in so many cute styles. If you are worried...don't be. It's Disney. When was the last time you stared at someone's socks, unless they were in front of you in the line and you were mentally trying to make them scooch further up the line? 

Compression socks have an added bonus?

They do. They really do. Besides the amazing leg energizing benefits, I also didn't have to wear sunscreen on my legs. I usually burn just looking at the sun, but with these, I didn't have to wear sun block on my legs! A total win and time saver! 

I'm a believer. now what? 

If you want to try some for yourself, I suggest going to Amazon. There are a LOT of different brands, but my personal favorite are the Doc Miller brand. Since I like to wear my regular socks, and I do have varicose veins to protect I bought the footless type, but Mr. Disney Magic prefers the ankle style. You can get the same style as what you already wear, and in plain colors, or fun ones or patterns. They run about the same price as socks, maybe a little more, but if you get a few pairs to rotate through, I can attest they will last a LONG time. My original compression calf sleeves I bought a year and a half ago, are still going strong. My Hanes socks? Not quite as good of shape! 

If you have never tried these, do it, I think you'll be amazed at the difference, and next trip, it will be YOU that people can't keep up with!