XL

Excelente calidad

I like these. I will likely purchase a second pair, despite a few issues (none of them are deal breakers). Details follow ...I'm no stranger to compression stockings. I was diagnosed a few years ago with chronic venous insufficiency. No varicose veins, no DVT -- just faulty valves that result in reflux that can (and has) caused tissue breakdown, stasis ulcers, and other unpleasantness.I was prescribed stockings by my vascular specialist, and at the encouragement of the tech at the medical supply place where I ordered my *exorbitantly* expensive custom zipper knee highs, I tried several "over the counter" brands in the same strength as my prescription, including some non-zipper ones as well as 2 different zipper brands.I like these the best as they seem to fit the best of the two brands I tried. I really prefer closed toe socks, but I can wear "regular" socks over these if needed. But the material is excellent quality and the zipper is definitely sturdy enough to withstand the effort needed to get into these.A few tips:1. They run a little small. My calves measure 19.5" and ankles measure just a hair over 12". I *should* be able to fit in the XL. I ordered 2XL, and I'm glad I did. There's no way I could have gotten myself into the smaller size. I would say that unless you're at the *bottom* of the size range in calf measurement, GO UP A SIZE. You won't be sorry. These fit nicely and come up to just below my knee without binding.2. They are REALLY tough to get on. I'm single, live alone, and let's just say I have a bit more real estate and tonnage than I should, so I'm not terribly lithe and flexible. Add in some rather severe arthritis (hands and shoulders) and things kind of go downhill from there. That said, I was able to get myself into these with no help. Pay no attention to the photo above showing the slim young thing easily pulling up the zipper with two fingers. Ain't gonna happen. You first have to get your foot inserted, and you need to make sure you have the heel in the right place. Then you have to pull the sides of the zipper together as best you can and HOLD them together as you zip a bit. Then HOLD the zipper tab in place while you again pull the sides of the zipper together and do the next bit. Keep going until you reach the top, pulling "up" as you move along. I can do about 3"-4" at a time, and the tab does occasionally "escape" so I have to repeat a section or two. Patience will help. I'm hoping this will get easier over time (I'm on day 5 with these).3. The foot section below the heel tends to "bunch" and that can cause some finding around your arch. Be careful when slipping into shoes/socks to keep that section smooth. You will thank me later.A word about the zipper. I'm always a little nervous about whether or not the zippers in compression socks can take the daily assault involved in getting these suckers on -- the pulling, stretching, etc. So far, I've had no problems or noticed any issues with the zippers in these. They seem to be VERY strong -- so don't be afraid to give it a tug if needed to get the sock over your heel, or whatever.So that's it -- be prepared for a real physical workout getting into these, and do be careful with sizing -- order up a size if in doubt. I like them, and will likely order a second pair. They'll be great for travel when I can't take my "sock donner" to help me get​ into non-zip socks.

Okay, the legs in the product photo are a woman's, and the color isn't a macho black, but if you're a man who's squeamish about appearances, you'll regret not checking these out. Since you're looking for modest support with easy application, you should consider this as well as any other normal human being. The side zipper saves a lot of huffing and puffing compared to pulling on a leg and ankle compression sock/stocking (even the word "stocking" connotes female, but a stocking is what it is). Unlike the highly priced brand-name unzippered kinds that I have languishing in a drawer now, this pair doesn't flaunt its brand name, or have any fancy decorative knits. During the summer I've worn it on the leg that has dramatic edema from vein harvesting for bypass surgery. No stares, no surreptitious glances. They can be put on either leg, with zipper outside or zipper inside the calf. Since I only use one at a time, I alternate zipper out and in. You could arrange the zipper to be straight up the back of the leg, but that would mean that the reinforced heel would have to be twisted somewhat. The whole stocking is comfortably flexible and snug, so when I tried that position I did not find it discomfiting. All my pairs of brand-name emblazoned stockings do not now see the light of day. The only concession to fashion I'd like to see in this model is a range of bright colors, including neon ones. If you need the support and you know that people will see the stockings anyway, why not in red or orange or green or yellow or pink?

My mother doctor recommended her wear compression sock for her swollen ankles. I bought this thinking it would be easier for her to put on her foot with zipper it was even harder to put on. I don’t think it worked better with zipper it was harder to put on.

Helps at times

I ordered these for my husband. We both have medical issues and I was fearful neither of us would be able to pull them up. He wasn't crazy about having to wear these, so I knew it would be up to me to get them on for him. As it turned out, it went much better than anticipated, even with my arthritic fingers. I had him lying down on his back. Once his heel was in position, I was able to pull up the rest of the stocking, and while pulling the stocking together with one hand, I was able to zip up the stockings with the other ... a few inches at a time. The zipper was an added bonus compared to when I would put them on for my clients 20 years ago. The zipper seems to be a high quality and one that will stand up to the tugging that is necessary when putting on compression stockings. I find these an excellent quality and value at a reasonable price.

Sadly, my friend for who I purchased the compression stockings forcwas unable to wear them. Her legs were just too, too swollen. I emailed the company asking for an address to return them and get her money refunded. I received an immediate response refunding her money and a very nice message indicating that I should keep the stockings. My husband tried them on and loved them. So easy to put on. We both wear compression stockings when we fly. His calves are large and he has always struggled with putting his on.The stockings are very well made and work beautifully. I would recommend them to others. Even my elderly friend who has severe back problems was able to get the on by herself. She was disappointed that they were not able to help her with the pain associated with her PAD. But the company could not have been more prompt, professional and helpful.