A pair of socks is not exactly the most oft discussed component of a cyclists wardrobe.  What shoes?   Sure.  Shorts?  Absolutely!  But socks?  Meh!  Any old cycling sock will do, in fact I have seen it all being worn on the trail; from dress socks to white cotton gym socks.  Big mistake!  How big a mistake was only recently made clear to me after wearing some product from Swiftwick, an athletic sock company based in Tennessee, US of A.  First, who is Swiftwick?  Selections from the Swiftwick product brochure tell the tale:

Company Culture 

Swiftwick’s vision is to be the leader in sock technology while  

creating a culture focused on manufacturing the best socks through  

environmentally friendly means, social responsibility, and superior  

customer service. We create an environment where every employee,  

customer, and retailer are not only respected, but are essential in  

furthering the education of the world in proper foot health. 

Made in the USA 

Domestic production affords us improved quality control. We keep a  

close eye on the sources of out materials and the integrity of out  

finished product. Swiftwick is proud to employ the American workforce  

in both manufacturing and at out headquarters located in Tennessee.  

When you buy Swiftwick, you positively influence our nation’s economy. 

Sustainable Approach 

 From the fibers in our socks, to minimal packaging, to our everyday  

approach, our company strives to be carbon neutral by creating  

products with environmental sensitivity. Our philosophy is to conserve  

first, recycle, and use carbon-offsets to balance our impact. We’ve  

implemented an incentive-based recycling option for our retailers to  

encourage the reduction and reuse of packaging. Locally and  

nationally, we support eco-friendly programs to encourage our  

retailers to do the same. 

Stronger, Softer, Longer Wear 

Our socks are knitted at 200 needles, the highest density you’ll find  

in socks. The higher the needle count, the tighter the knit. Our socks  

are so tightly knitted that no trail debris or foreign material can  

penetrate your sock causing 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. Our high-gauge construction produces a softer,  

denser, and more durable garment with outstanding graphic detail. Wear  

Swiftwick and you’ll buy fewer socks. It’s that simple. 

Superior Climate Control 

Swiftwick socks are named for their outstanding thermal properties and  

are available in two distinctly different blends — Merino Wool and  

Olefin. Both fibers have advanced wicking properties that manage  

moisture, allowing easy evaporation of the sweat that travels along  

the surface of the fiber. Swiftwick’s combination of synthetic and  

natural fibers is 10 times more hydrophobic that cotton so it prevents  

water absorption and moisture retention in the sock’s fibers. Optimal  

foot health requires keeping feet dry and blister-free in all weather  

conditions. 

Swiftwick is the best you’ll ever wear… GUARANTEED. 

From left to right: #4 Merino, #1 Olefin, #1 Merino, #4 Olefin.I had read of Swiftwick before, mostly on forums that were more endurance riding focused.  Folks that spend hours and hours in the saddle tend to figure out what works and what does not.  Swiftwick was one of those names that would come up more often then not as what worked.  So, when I was cruising the aisles of Interbike, I swung into the Swiftwick booth and honestly asked, “What is the deal with your socks?  What makes them so special?”  What followed was a bit of an education about Olefin, needle count, compression, and Merino wool.  Wool I knew about, but Olefin?  It sounds like a butter substitute.  “It’s not butter!  It’s Olefin!”  I thanked them for the time and off I went.  A bit later the good folks there offered me a chance to try some samples and I agreed.  So, soon enough I was looking at 4 pair of socks, some short, some longer, some wool, some Olefin, which, to my mind, feels much like a very high quality dress sock, only much more supportive and thick.

Swiftwick offers several lengths, from just at the ankle to over the calf.  The construction is unique and I have to say I have never pulled on a sock that felt the way they do.  This You Tube video goes into that better than I could, so check it out:

I have worn them now for most of my rides since Interbike.  I have not gotten into very cold weather or very wet weather.  It is So Cal after all, is nearly Halloween, and is 90 degrees today.  But I have ridden with them in temps into the 90s and as low as the mid 40s so I think I have a pretty good feel for how they perform. They provide a cushy, supportive, and just comfy feeling on the little piggies.  It takes a bit of work to get them over the foot as the cuff is quite compressive.  Once on, they are the antithesis of the ‘tube’ sock.  During the rides, the Olefin just disappears and you get to the biz of pedaling.  What really struck me was how my feet felt after a hot ride in my ‘well seasoned’ Specialized shoes:  fresher.  Typically, after I remove my shoes, I can feel the heat and moisture build up and I want to get the socks off to let my feet breathe.  I do not feel this ‘need for escape’ nearly as much with the Olefin.  Nice!

The Merino wool is something I like to wear around the house on cool mornings.  Very snuggly.  I have ridden in them less due to the warmer temps so far, but it is hard to beat a good wool blend for use in cold or wet conditions.

 #4 length shown n the Olefin version. Yeah, I need to shave.

A few things worth mentioning:  I did not care for the shorter length socks, but that is a mtn biker thing.  The +4 length is about perfect for me.  They are not cheap at $12.00 or so a pair but neither is any high quality cycling gear.  You really should not just throw them in the wash with all your other clothes, especially the Merino wool, unless you want your pricy wool socks to fit your toddlers.  I have been hand washing them in cold water with mild detergent and I will shop for some wool specific detergent next time I am at the store.  Over the top?  Maybe, but a $12.00 pair of socks is an investment.

How has this worked out?  I am, in a word, ‘spoiled’.  I have a drawer of cycling socks from other companies that I always thought were just fine, and they are, but I have tasted excellence and now I am ruined.  Who wants to go backwards in comfort and performance?  Well, as a singlespeed rider, I guess I do for some things, but not for my feet. I think I am a fan and I know what will be on my Christmas list this year.

Since I have been corrupted by the ‘good life’ and never will be the same, I wanted to hear from Swiftwick and see what they had to say for themselves.  How can they sleep at night knowing they may be  ruining cyclists and athletes all around the globe by spoiling their feet?  Hmmm?  This was their response:

"We understand this to be a big concern for all Swiftwick wearers, newbies and seasoned supporters. We also caution that this sock will change your life.  Never again will you reach for the cotton,  Dewool or Smartfeet type of socks that fill your drawer.  To answer the question, how do we sleep? Quite comfortably in my Swiftwick Compression socks.  But that's another product test down the road...."

"If you have any questions or comments, we'd love to hear it.  Email me at rscott@swiftwick.com.  And if Granny Gear's review was enough to make you question your current socks's integrity, then enjoy 20% off your first purchase of Swiftwick socks with the coupon code below.  We also have over 200 retailer locations.  To see if Swiftwick is in your LBS, visit our website for a list of dealers in your area."

Swiftwick Socks.

Note:  This offer applies only to internet purchases at the Swiftwick Store and not in a retail outlet....click on the offer below for a direct shopping link and enter the code at checkout. Offer ends on Nov 28, 2009

The Editors

Click on the pic for the Swiftwick Store and use the promo code at checkout!