I have a friend who is tall and large but not fat. Lymphedema is the problem. They are up the whole leg. If they are fit right, they should not be a problem. A pain to have to wear them but not a problem. I myself have had to wear some now and then, that were kind of cut out at the toe but went up to just below the knee. They were not uncomfortable and they did help They do need to be the right fit for the problem and the size for the person's leg. There are many kinds out there as we know for different problems. It has to be the right fit for the problem.