The number that matters on a compression sock package is the mmHg range, and most people ignore it in favor of the color. Don’t. That number is the actual dose of compression, and getting it right is the difference between a sock you wear every shift and one that lives in your locker.
8–15 mmHg is light support — fine for everyday wear, but on the gentle side for a twelve-hour clinical shift. It helps a little; it won’t do much for serious end-of-shift swelling.
15–20 mmHg is the sweet spot for most healthy nurses on their feet all day. It’s enough graduated pressure to meaningfully cut pooling and fatigue, and still comfortable enough that you’ll actually keep it on through hour twelve. This is the default we recommend.
20–30 mmHg is medical-grade. It’s the right call if a clinician diagnosed you with a venous condition, but it’s overkill and uncomfortable for plain prevention. Tighter is not better — the best pair is the one you wear, so start at 15–20 unless told otherwise.
For the full breakdown, read our nursing compression socks buyer’s guide — it goes deeper than we can here.