www.dahlgrenfootwear.com
These socks prove, once and for all, that today’s gear ain’t the same as your grandfather’s. Crafted for all-day comfort, the Compression Socks pack an impressive amount of fabric engineering into pretty svelte package.  A mix of merino wool and alpaca gives ‘em a truly plush feel, with all the high-tech advantages (wicking, warm-when-wet, natural odor resistance—and you can hand-wash ‘em in a hotel sink). But the application of these high-end fabrics is truly inspired. The body of the sock breaks down into distinct regions: the absorption zone blends merino and alpaca fibers, the transfer zone—with alternating rings and channels of the same fibers—moves moisture up to the evaporation zone, which works to dissipate that wetness.  This near-sci-fi composition is the same tech used in most of Dahlgren’s socks, but the compression models also boast a medium-cushioned underfoot and graduated compression (the highest available without a prescription) to drastically aid blood circulation (that’s also why they ride so high on your leg). Translation? Greater all-day comfort and a serious barrier to deep vein thrombosis, a potential hazard of long-haul flights.  They might even generate a comment from otherwise placid TSA agents when you’re asked to take off your shoes.  Just don’t waste time explaining all of the sock’s unique features—you could miss your flight.