Mel,
Tell him to wear both and buy a pair of black pumps to go with 'em


My son wears "TEDS" when he's out of bed in the wheelchair- prevents clots.
Not too tight, comfortable. any drug store should have them with the support hose. Knee high (or higher). Have a stitched hole at the underside between the toes & pad of the foot.
Tell Alan to try those too.

(He'd prolly look real nice in a pair of black pumps,
.........at the gym.)