Wearing compression stockings is vital for me to keep the swelling in my legs to a minimum. However, as an old woman dependent on a wheelchair, I have very large legs that swell at differing levels [shocking to me, like I don't even recognize them!] %26 getting the tight stockings is such a struggle. But the zipper %26 stretchable fabric are miraculous. I have some with the toe in %26 those without %26 I prefer without. But these stockings are wonderful. If my legs are very swollen, I put a piece of soft fabric under the zipper as they can have a stronger imprint on my leg %26 can feel pinchy. But these stockings are a miracle for me. I used to dread shower time, to remove %26 replace the stockings but it 's easy-peasy no matter how swollen my legs.