Swiftwick Aspire Zero And Pursuit Four

Eventually, we will review every option offered by Swiftwick. And we’re ok with that. So far, none of our contributors or testers have been disappointed in the variety that have been made available for our testing. The Swiftwick line runs the gamut from full synthetic to Merino blends, as well as their SUSTAIN line, which are constructed from Repreve‘s eco-friendly post-industrial recycled nylon. In addition to offering different blends, Swiftwick also makes a wide range of heights, from the nearly invisible Zero, to an over-the-calf Twelve. And all of them are made right here in the United States, which helps keep our economy moving, our friends and neighbors employed, and lowers their environmental toll by minimizing the side effects of international manufacture and transport. ‘Merica!

First up is the Aspire Zero. In some ways, they are like the chef in your favorite restaurant. No one sees them, but you know they’re there, and you can count on them to do a great job. Padding is minimal on the underside, and the top is highly ventilated. Content is 55% nylon for durability, 40% olefin for excellent wicking properties, and 5% Spandex, which combines with the seamless toe and sculpted footbed for a perfect fit. Color choices for this lightweight 24 gram are black, white, or gray.  A Large is intended for shoe sizes 10-13, and fit my size 12 feet with just enough compression that it’s noticeable when they first go on, but the sensation (not the actual compression) quickly dissipates. If you’re trying some for the first time, this may be a bit disconcerting, but if you stick with them for a little bit you’ll realize it’s just new, not bad. Of course, a sock that doesn’t go above the ankle isn’t go to prove the kind of compression that’s truly beneficial, but after wearing them for our usual variety of activities – walking, cycling, running, and casual day at work, they still leave feet dry and blister-free at the end of the day. Can’t ask for much more than that.

For those that prefer their socks made from more natural materials, the Pursuit Four is 67% Merino, 29% nylon, and 4% Spandex. Long Staple 23.5 gauge Merino wool keeps them soft yet durable, and never itchy. It also bears repeating that Merino is naturally anti-microbial, so stinky bacteria has a hard time gaining a foothold (pardon the pun) in your shoes. I’m not aware of any synthetics that can match Merino’s temperature regulation for both hot and cold conditions either. Combine that with Merino’s ability to wick away moisture, and this sustainable fiber is always a win. With a four inch cuff, the Pursuit Four should be popular with cyclists. Hardcore roadies will get their ever-important tan line, mountain biking fans gain a bit of ankle protection, and both will enjoy all the benefits of Merino, in their choice of black, charcoal, or a lighter gray. Curiously, the charcoal pair measured closer to five inches at the cuff, and had a weight of 68 grams/pair (vs 55 for the black ones) listed on the package. I’ll post a follow-up after contacting Swiftwick about that discrepancy. As far as the socks themselves, they performed exactly as expected, which is to say, perfectly. Long days, which hit 100+ degrees recently, never left my feet damp or stinky.

Some people may balk at paying $13-$20 for a pair of socks. But if you’ve ever finished a long day outdoors with blisters, or worse, not completed an event or competition because of blisters, they’re actually cheap insurance. Swiftwick’s packaging mentions that feet have 60 joints, 200 ligaments, and 35 muscles. We count on them to support our body weight over a variety of activities, across huge temperature ranges. Quality socks are probably the least expensive sports equipment we can invest in, with an excellent rate of return, so treat your feet right. swiftwick.com

– Brian