Compression Stockings
This is a very interesting discussion. Oddly enough, my father who had circulation problems in his feet wore compression stockings. But his issue was fluid building up, and the compression stockings were to help with the return circulation. If compression stockings are prescribed for people with poor circulation, perhaps they aren't cutting off flow to the extremity which is downhill, but helping with the return up through the veins and against gravity? Any doctors out there who want to weigh in are welcome! Has the military researched this? They'll try anything on their troops.
In any case, tight shoes crammed with too many layers of thick socks are not a great idea based upon my own experience.