Swiftwick offer a wide range of high performance socks for trail runners and hikers. They are aimed at high sweat and moisture wicking to keep feet dry, a close compression fit and seamless construction all with the aim to minimize the chance of blisters. With a wide range of options there is a sock for everything from hot to cold, wet to dry and short walks to through hikes.
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In Depth Review
Although swiftwick have a rather wide range of different options there for their socks there are a number of things they all have in common. Firstly they all use fabrics to manage moisture and wick sweat away from your skin to minimize blisters. Secondly they use a contoured compression fit to give your socks security so they don’t slip. There are various ankle height options for each type depending on whether you intend to hike in boots in the winter or run on a hot Summer day. I’ve taken a look at a few in their range that will best suit trail runners and hikers and given you the breakdown of which sock is best for what on trails year round.
Swiftwick VIBE Trail Endurance Sock
The Swiftwick Vibe Trail has a super dense weave fiber that adapts better to uneven terrain. The density of the weave also means that its less likely that any dust or dirt will get to your skin through the socks.
I chose the higher ankle version on these as I think these would make a great sock for hiking in the summer.
Swiftwick Maxus Sock
I chose to look at the no show maxus sock because this sock is best for people likely to spend the whole day on their feet hiking or running and need maximal cushioning underneath, while being as cool as possible.
Swiftwick ASPIRE Sock
The Aspire sock is stripped down to be as light as possible for maximum moisture wicking and coolness. There is less cushioning under foot that than maxus, with firmer compression round your feet for less fatigue.
They are super breathable and I think would make a great sock for long journeys on aircraft as much as they are great for trails.
The higher ankle ASPIRE socks such as the Quarter Crew Four are also popular with me for running on trails because of the extra protection offered.
Swiftwick Flite XT Sock
The Flite XT sock is built for speedy shorter runs. They have ankle and heel support and a fiber called ‘gripdry’ in the heel and ball of your foot to give you excellent traction within your shoe to keep your feet more stable.
These are best for times when you need really good control on uneven ground or when you dont want to feel any ‘slip’ between your shoes and your feet.
Swiftwick Pursuit Sock
The Pursuit Sock us made from a blend of merino wool and synthetic Olefin. Merino is a breed of sheep known for its soft and finely crimped wool. The diameter of wool is measured in microns – the lower the micron the finer it is. Regular coarse wool can be over 40, but merino is much finer, from about 15 to 24 micron. Merino isn’t itchy or rough like thicker wools but still offers impressive warmth and moisture-wicking capabilities as well as being very resistant to ‘that foot smell’.
These socks will keep you warm in the winter and cool in the summer and are probably the most suitable for hikers on trail.
They come in two variations, the Pursuit HIKE and Pursuit.
Swiftwick VISION Sock
The Swiftwick Vision socks are the best choice to wear on and off the trail. They come in more fun colorful designs so you can wear them anywhere without looking ‘too sporty’. They have the usual moisture wicking and seamless features, but work just as well out for hike as they would visiting a Tap House for a well deserved beer afterwards.
A donation to a charitable causes is made with every sale of this sock too.
Verdict
Swiftwick offer a wide range of high performance socks for trail runners and hikers. They are aimed at high sweat and moisture wicking to keep feet dry, a close compression fit and seamless construction all with the aim to minimize the chance of blisters. With a wide range of options there is a sock for everything from hot to cold, wet to dry and short walks to through hikes.
All of the range have impressive specs but my overall favourite as a trail runner that spends a lot of time on my feet would be the Swiftwick maxus sock.
About Swiftwick
We’re a passionate group of athletes serving athletes. We started when a mountain bike racer saw the need for high-performance socks with superior moisture-wicking and incredible fit. Today, we’re an international brand developing performance socks for running, cycling, hiking and other adventures. We share your passion for an active lifestyle and are committed to making the best socks you will ever wear. Wherever you chase adventure, our goal is to help you get there.
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