My husband loves these socks!  He had ankle surgery about 20 years ago and in the last 6 months or so it has been swelling and hurting at times.  I thought I would get him these socks to try out to see if it helped any.  He was leery about the socks coming all the way to his knee but he said once he had them on they didn't bother him at all.  The compression of the socks is firm and right where it needs to be on his ankle.  He stated he definitely felt that they gave him adequate support and now he wants more pairs so  he can wear them everyday!  He did stated that the socks made his shoes almost too big, that they were that firm.  If you need extra support in the ankles, this one with help you would without it being a big bulky brace.