Sockwell Women's Elevation Firm Graduated Compression Socks - 20-30 mmHg for Circulation & Recovery - Perfect for Travel, Running & Nursing

this is my favorite pattern of sockwell compression socks. i judge all others by how much i love the feel of this pair. it's my second pair of the same color and i have the same model of socks in two other shades (black multi, oyster) as well. i wear a size 7 shoe, although sometimes shoe salespeople measure me as a 6.5. sometimes i have trouble with regular (non-compression) socks of the standard size fitting me properly. when they don't fit properly the tendency for them is to be too long in the foot. i ordered the size recommended for my shoe size and they fit me great. (from memory i think the size is listed as small/medium.)i am only 5'4" and my legs are chunky compared to most ppl. these socks do not fit me as shown on the model image. on me, they easily pull up to where my knee creases at the top of my calf. if i get them pulled up quite that high the elastic can be a bit uncomfortable if i've been sitting for a while bc bending my knees puts a bit of pressure on it (and it leaves a top of socks mark on my skin.) i don't notice this if i'm careful to not pull them up quite so high.i like the colorful design on these. i appreciate that unlike the dots and shadow dots patterned sockwell socks, this design has far less little strands that want to poke thru the front. i wish this particular design was offered in more colors. particularly i'd like to see it done with the main body color (the purple part in this one) in red, blue, green, turquoise, also plum, and tan/taupe. i've considered ordering it in black, but i'd much rather have the lively design.pay attention - the easiest way to put compression socks on yourself or others is to think of them as fitting over a tall L shape, as if you can't point your toes away from your body. start with the sock right side out as you usually would have your socks. now, even tho it's about knee high, you need to reach into the sock and grab the heel portion from the inside. pull inside out, holding onto the heel section. this means you're looking at and inside out tube that the foot of the sock is concealed inside. not to worry, tho, bc you have the heel of the sock in your fingers. bc you know and can see where the heel goes, you can get your toes in exactly the right place. so pull on the sock so that the heel portion is in the right place at the back of your foot. the heel is the biggest aggravator against pulling tall socks or hose on bc everyone's heel is so bulky compared to the foot or the ankle. but since you have already gotten to the thickest part of the foot, you've done or eliminated the hard work. now all you have to do is reach to the open end of your sock (that's inside out) and pull it right side out as you bring the top all the way up toward your knees. reversing the fabric of the sock as you pull it right side out is very easy since the heel is already in place and this widest bottom part is not dragging against the full length of the leg of the sock. ta-da!