Question:
I'd like to wear a support hose to help my varicose veins. Would just the pantyhose alone be too slippery? I am assuming there is no such thing as footless support hose?

Answer: Panty hose are just about the worst thing in the world for varicose veins. They constrict the blood flow rather than supporting the leg. And regular fashion support hose just support the hip, tummy and thigh area, which only worsens the constriction (if the blood can't circulate back UP the leg because the top of the leg and hips are relatively constricted, then the veins grow). Prescription support hose are a very different thing (not pretty) and are much more like super tight yet stretchy tights. That is what helps people with swelling in the lower leg and varicose veins. I'm pretty sure they come without feet as an option. The ones they give you in the hospital after surgery don't have toes in them. I think the closer fitting and more slippery the better for skating socks, but I think the knit of panty hose is all wrong. They tend to grate at my feet and produce blisters, even when my feet aren't in skate boots. I much prefer microfiber tight fabric, which can be either tights or knee high socks, and is basically the same as the fabric of skating tights (though skating tights come in a variety of options of fabric and including knee-high -- don't know why you'd pay the premium price, however, unless the beige color was that important to you). I don't believe in knee-highs for prolonged usage. I don't have varicose veins and I don't intend to get them. Unfortunately, most mothers have that option. I pull my socks down as soon as I leave the ice, or I change into a different type of sock. If you are still interested in panty hose for skating you'll be happy to know that they do come footless!!! I saw this on Oprah (I never wear panty hose except when going out at night someplace fancy). I know a lot of women who always wear a pair of panty hose under their pants for "support" and the smooth line it gives them. I know women who wear more than one pair at a time (yikes!). If you go to a finer department store I'm sure you'll find a nice selection of footless hose to try. But honestly, if you're worried about the veins, I'd stay away from pantyhose. Far, far away.