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Travel should change your life — not risk it.
I’ve been to more than 75 countries and logged hundreds of thousands of flight miles. But one long-haul flight nearly stopped me in my tracks — and not in the “this view is amazing” way.
I developed Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) after a long flight from Newark to Delhi. Blood clots formed in my leg and later traveled to my lungs while I was exploring India. I was lucky to get treatment in time — but I also learned that DVT is serious, preventable, and especially dangerous for women travelers.
That’s why I partnered with Vim & Vigr to design the Go Explore merino wool compression socks — built for travelers like us. They’re not just socks. They’re peace of mind with a little fun travel style.
“I wanted a sock design that celebrated travel and didn’t want to design something clinical and forgettable. This is a sock I would reach for — one I’d actually wear on a plane, train, or road trip. I wanted comfort, performance, and a little fun style.”
Sherry Ott
So I reached out to Vim & Vigr. Together we created the Go Explore merino wool compression sock: medical-grade compression with Ottsworld colors that actually look good with your travel clothes.
Use promo code OTTSWORLD for 15% off your entire order at VIM & VIGR
Why Compression Socks Matter When You Travel
Long flights, road trips, train trips, and even standing tours can reduce circulation in your legs. This increases the risk of DVT, swelling, and fatigue. DVT is more than swollen ankles and sore calves. It is a medical condition where clots form in the deep veins of the legs. When a clot breaks loose it can lodge in the lungs and cause a pulmonary embolism, which can be fatal.
Compression socks gently squeeze your legs to help blood flow — reducing swelling, energizing your feet, and lowering your risk of blood clots.
For me, they’re now non-negotiable on any flight over 4 hours. And not just flights — I wear them hiking, cycling, and even for recovery days after big adventures.
Why women are particularly vulnerable
- Hormonal contraception and hormone replacement therapy can increase clotting risk.
- Pregnancy and the postpartum period are high-risk times.
- Women over 40 have a higher baseline risk due to age-related changes.
You don’t have to be bedridden or have a chronic illness to be vulnerable. I was active, fit, and traveling when this happened. That’s why I want every traveler — women in particular — to take one small, proactive step: wear compression when you know you’ll be sitting for hours.
Wearing compression socks is one of the simplest, most effective steps you can take to reduce the risk of contracting DVT.
How Graduated Compression Helps
Graduated compression applies more pressure at the ankle and less toward the calf. That gradient encourages blood to flow back toward the heart, fights pooling and swelling, reduces muscle vibration during activity, and helps speed recovery.
Boosts Circulation
Graduated pressure improves venous return and reduces the chance of blood pooling.
Reduces Swelling
Keep ankles and calves less puffy after long flights or all-day walking.
Speeds Recovery
Great for post-hike muscle recovery, multi-stage rides, and jet-lagged legs.
Note: Compression socks are a preventive tool. If you have a history of blood clots or serious medical conditions, consult your healthcare provider.
Why These Compression Socks Are Different
I’ve tried dozens of compression socks — but none checked all the boxes for travelers. So I created them.
- Merino Wool Comfort – Breathable, moisture-wicking, temperature-regulating. Keeps you cool in summer and warm in winter. And the best part – unlike synthetic fabrics, merino wool doesn’t readily absorb and trap odors, allowing it to stay fresh longer and require less frequent washing.
- Stylish Travel Design – No more of those boring tan compression socks that look like you belong in a hospital. The Go Explore socks have cute planes that say…”I love traveling!” for a travel look that’s not boring. Warning: Fun airplane graphics may lead to unexpected smiles and conversations with fellow passengers.
- True Graduated Compression – 15–20 mmHg to support healthy circulation without feeling tight. Or medical grade compression options if you are at higher risk (like me!)
- Snug but comfortable for all-day wear — available in multiple calf sizes.
- Built for Miles – Durable yarn blend stands up to long wear, hikes, and hand-washing on the road.
This commemorative Ottsworld release is a limited first run. When they sell out this design may not return.
Use Promo Code OTTSWORLD for 15% off your entire order!
“Go Explore. It’s more than a motto—it’s how I move through the world.”
The Sole of the Sock – Go Explore
My favorite part about these socks, besides them being merino, is the words at the bottom. Go Explore.
They are so much a part of who I am. For years I’ve been talking about travel as exploration. I always want to try to encourage people to go to new places, to not follow the crowds, to feel like an explorer. To me, these two words just wrap that all up and they say move, go someplace new, be a leader – be an explorer.
Yes – it’s technically the sole of the sock…but in reality – it’s the SOUL of the sock.
Not Just for Planes!
I wear my Go Explore socks:
- On long travel days — planes, trains, buses
- While hiking — keeps legs fresh for more miles
- For recovery — after a day of exploring cobblestone streets, cycling, or hiking.
- At home — working at a desk to keep blood moving
See them in Action
Photo gallery
Your Travel Health is Worth It
DVT prevention isn’t scary — it’s smart. I made these socks to keep you exploring longer, safer, and more comfortably.
Don’t wait for a close call like mine.