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A while back Swiftwick sent us a care package of plain black cycling socks. Like most marketing departments, they weren’t shy about their product, calling the socks, “The best socks you may have never worn.”
Swiftwick make their socks in three different heights (no-show cuff, 1″ cuff and 4″ cuff) and they use two different materials. One is good old fashioned Merino wool. The other is Olefin, a synthetic technical fiber. We’re not sure if we tested the Merino or Olefin variety, but we certainly liked them. A lot.
Right off the bat, it’s nice to see cycling socks without a silly graphic on the cuff. Not that I don’t wear my Impeach Bush socks with pride, but I don’t always want to be a walking billboard. Second, and more importantly, the Swiftwick socks are a good bit thicker than most cycling socks. But not everywhere, just where you need it. The toebox and footbed are nicely padded like running socks and the top is thin and breathable. The collar holds the socks up nicely without leaving red marks on your leg, and hasn’t noticeably stretched after several months.
Swiftwick’s socks are made in Tennessee and, depending on the model, retail for $10.95 to $16.95. Visit www.swiftwick.com for more information.
A pair of these were obligatory swag at SSWC08 in Napa. I think they are the olefin type. Nice, but I like natural fibers, so I may seek out their wool brethren.
Oh good. More plain black socks. They may feel good, but they look like uniform socks.
I’m a refugee from plain socks. I’ll wear plain socks when the undertaker peels the DeFeet Godzilla socks off of my cold dead feet…
I have been using Swiftwick socks since their early prototypes and have yet to find a sock that has held up as well, not to mention the outstanding comfort. We have used them to create some outstanding custom pairs and their ability to handle artwork and logos far exceeds anyone else in the sock market. The rest of the cycling sock manufacturers had better step it up if they want to compete with what Swiftwick has to offer.
Wow JPills, you must work for them, that sounds like a sales pitch to me. Has anyone actually payed to $16.95 for these lame socks? For one thing all I could think about on the few rides I did with them is hoe tignt on my ankles they were! I couldnt fully concentrate on the trail! Lame… compression socks are good my ass.
They do look good, but upon further investigation they are are only 15% olifin??? whats up with that? 80% nylon sock, nylon does not wick at all! Defeet has like 50% coolmax and Sockguy has like 75%!
My review is these socks are overpiced under preforming junk! Dont wasted your good money or time.
Actually, these socks are adequately priced compared to some out there. Olefin, as a fiber, can get hot when used too much in the weave. So those other sock brands that have upwards of 50% of Olefin will get hot and make you produce even more sweat. Olefin is hydrophobic, meaning that it will repel water. It will actually trap it and sweat will have nowhere to go. It also doesn’t particularly feel good either. I work in textiles and have an affinity for fibers:)