Swiftwick was at this year’s Interbike promoting their compression socks and gear. Based out of Tennessee, Swiftwick’s makes all of its products right here in the U.S.A. They offer seven product lines, each with slight variation in use and features, but they all have three things in common: compression, moisture-wicking capabilities, and blister-free wear. Swiftwick’s offers several different cuff lengths in each of their sock lines to satisfy the needs and preferences of each athlete, from the Zero, which sits just below the ankle up to their knee-high Twelve.
Compression
Compression is a hot topic these days, and Swiftwick uses compression technology in all of their socks. Swiftwick’s website lists some of the claimed advantages of compression technology, “Compression improves blood flow and circulation, extending your endurance and peak performance. ”
The shorter cuff length socks offer compression footbeds while the full-length Twelve offers compression for the footbed up through the calf using their Managed Compression Concept.
According to Swiftwick, Managed Compression allows for a more comfortable fit while providing the benefit of compression technology. The compression technology offers socks that are not so tight that they constrict, but they offer a snug fit without sliding down the calf or over-compressing the leg and foot.
Moisture Wicking Without Chemicals
Moisture-wicking performance wear has been around for a while now. Swiftwick provides moisture-wicking capabilities without the use of chemicals to attain this feature. Instead, they use Olefin, a hollow fiber that naturally wicks moisture away from the body, “This is something else that we do that is very environmentally friendly. The biggest problem with garments that use moisture wicking chemicals is that the chemicals will eventually get washed out in the washing machine, both polluting the run off from your washing machine and losing its moisture wicking properties at the same time.”
Blister-Free
Swiftwick socks’ moisture-wicking properties, 200 needle count construction, and linked-toe construction all go into creating, as Swiftwick claims, a blister-free sock.
Their 200 needle construction creates a tighter, stronger design that helps to prevent small foreign matter from working its way through the sock where it can become abrasive against the skin and cause irritation and blistering, “”The higher the needle count, the tighter the knit. Our socks are so tightly knitted that trail debris or foreign material can’t penetrate your sock to cause irritation and blistering. This structure creates a second-skin feel, prevents shifting or bunching and eliminates the risk of friction blisters while making your shoes fit more comfortably.””
The moisture-wicking fibers keep your feet drier which also helps to prevent blisters. Linked-toe construction helps to prevent bunching and hot-spots that could end up causing blisters and discomfort.
Sustainability
Those with a penchant towards environmentalism will appreciate Swiftwick’s commitment to sustainability. This commitment can be seen throughout their product lines, production process, and materials. The company strives to be carbon neutral and maintains a philosophy of conserve and recycle.
Swiftwick’s Sustain line of socks is, according to them, “The only sock on the market created from post-industrial recycled nylon.”
We are inundated on a daily basis with more than our fair share of chemicals, their socks contain moisture wicking properties, sans chemicals. The very material their socks are made from are what give them the moisture wicking properties which has, in the past, been accomplished with chemicals.
Swiftwick discussed their use of fabrics that are already made with the colors that will be used in their end-products, “There are quite a few other processes that we use that are more environmentally friendly than most manufacturers. First, we don’t do any post-production dyeing. Most fabrics, garments, etc. are fully made, then dyed the color that they end up. The run-off from this process is one of the biggest polluters of any industry. We do not do this. We make all of our socks with fibers that are already colored so that the socks do not have to be dyed afterwards.”
The quality of the materials used in the construction of the socks also goes a long way to help reduce waste, “Our high-gauge construction produces a softer, denser, and more durable garment.” In other words, these socks should last longer than other socks so you will have to buy fewer socks and throw less away.
Custom Socks
Swiftwick also offers custom sock options as well. A minimum order of around 120 pairs of socks is required.
Swiftwick Guarantee
It today’s world we are all too used to products that of substandard quality with the lifespan of a house fly . It is nice to see companies that stand behind their products. Swiftwick offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee as outlined on their website, ” We unconditionally guarantee every Swiftwick product to be the best performance product you have ever worn, or we invite you to mail us the laundered socks and a request for a competitor’s replacement pair of equal value.”
Product Lines
The prices vary between the products and cuff heights but generally run in the $10 to $36 range. Swiftwick provided the following run-down of their product lines:
The VIBE sock line is a little more plush, and a lot more colorful! The VIBE is great for runners or cyclists who prefer a slightly padded footbed with major moisture-wicking technology. Its linked toe provides a great fit that is smooth and snug.
The SUSTAIN sock line is the only sock on the market created from post-industrial recycled nylon. No chemicals are used to wick away moisture, yet the Sustain still offers great compression and moisture-wicking capabilities.
Swiftwick’s VALOR liner sock for amputees addresses the 150 year old issue amputees face – sweat build up inside the prosthesis. Infused with Swiftwick’s patented active antimicrobial treatment, this is the softest, most technologically-advanced moisture managing liner sock on the planet.
Constructed from Australian Merino Wool, the PURSUIT sock line offers natural moisture-wicking and compression capabilities and is the only 200-needle compression wool sock on the market. With a slightly padded footbed, this is a great sock for people who enjoy extra comfort!
The PERFORMANCE sock line is a favorite of golfers and those who are on their feet for long periods of time. To deliver top performance, this sock uses Olefin fibers to produce a fast-drying, lightweight sock with abrasion resistance and long-lasting durability.
The PULSE compression sock is crafted for the skin-tight environment of your track spikes, or the highly formed cycling shoe, ski boots and skates –there is no compression sock thinner than the PULSE.
Perfect for narrow feet, the ASPIRE compression sock provides unmatched comfort, moisture management and an optimal fit. It’s thin and light—perfect for minimalist running shoes, tight cycling shoes and the form fit hockey skate or ski boot.
Review
We have three pairs of Swiftwick socks that we have been testing out and we will provide you with a complete review of the products very soon.
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