Swiftwick performance socks keep my feet dry and comfortable on runs — and they're offered in extended sizes that actually fit my size 15 feet
- High-quality socks should be easy to put on and fit your feet perfectly, are comfortable to wear all day long, and stay in place no matter how active you are.
- I like Swiftwick's line because they come in an extra-large fit that's perfect for my size 15 feet, feature materials that keep my feet free of moisture, and are designed for an active lifestyle.
- Though they're more expensive than most socks (currently starting at $9.25 a pair on Amazon), Swiftwick socks are made of high-quality materials and backed by the brand's "Best Sock Guarantee."
Updated on 8/28/2020 by Rick Stella: Updated the review copy for each reviewed sock style, added links to relevant Insider Reviews fitness coverage, checked the availability of each sock, and updated the prices and links where necessary.
When you're regularly mistaken for Bigfoot, there are few footwear options you're able to rely on. This is especially true with socks. For my size 15 feet, I usually go with the biggest knee-high socks I can find and live with the heel flap resting bunched up on the bottom of my foot. There's no point in splurging on nice socks since they're usually too small and don't live up to their potential.
So, when Swiftwick contacted me to test its active socks, I was overjoyed that I'd found a company that takes us sasquatches into consideration. The Tennessee-based company makes socks for men and women ranging in sizes from XS (12 youth to 2.5 men) to XL (size 12 to 15 men). Swiftwick has nine different product lines that each emphasize different activities — from running and cycling to golf and business — yet all have a focus on superior moisture-wicking, a comfortable fit, and high performance.
The brand offers socks in all cuff heights and makes it easy to identify as the number in the name tells you the specific cuff height of that sock. It offers an array of cuff options, too, from zero (no-show) to twelve (knee-high).
Swiftwick sent me six pairs of socks that ran the gamut of the brand's offerings, and I ran, walked, and essentially lived in them for three months straight. Below is what I thought of the socks in the order of those I liked most to those that didn't particularly suit me.
Aspire Twelve (Knee High) Compression Socks
Sizes: S, M, L, XL
Colors: Black and Red
Fabric blend: 43% nylon, 11% spandex, and 46% olefin
What I liked about the socks: I love the feel of knee-high compression socks in general, but I can't stand it if they keep sliding down. This was never a problem with Swiftwick's Aspire Twelves. The sock is made with olefin, which is found in most Swiftwick socks and is a lightweight fiber that wicks away moisture and dries quickly.
When running with the Aspire Twelve socks on, I felt excellent, responsive lower leg support, and thanks to the minimal cushioning, I felt more attuned to the track. I also liked to slip these on when recovering from workouts. It felt like they helped ease post-workout pain and soreness. During the testing period, I didn't experience any blistering, even when I went on six-mile hikes.
The biggest challenge with these socks — and any knee-high compression socks — was getting them on. Since they are designed to really squeeze your lower leg, you can't put them on like normal socks. Instead, you need to reach in, pull out the heel, put your foot in all the way, and pull the rest of the sock on. This video is incredibly helpful.
Who I would recommend these socks to: Runners who like supportive, knee-high socks
Aspire Seven (Crew) Compression Socks
Sizes: S, M, L, XL
Colors: Black, White, Black/Red
Fabric blend: 65% nylon, 29% olefin, and 6% spandex
What I liked about the socks: These firm compression socks are geared toward cyclists. Although I focused my tests mostly on running, I wore the socks on a 30-mile ride, and they worked great. I was surprised by how little fatigue I felt after the workout even though I was out of cycling shape.
The bulk of my testing time was spent running and the Aspire Seven provided comparable support to the Aspire Twelve — there was just less coverage. The socks didn't show any noticeable wear over the course of testing despite at least a dozen trips through the laundry. I never had trouble with them rolling down on me, either.
Putting the socks on and taking them off is easier than it is with the Aspire Twelve, but I still need to pull the heel out first and use the trick mentioned above rather than just pulling the socks on.
Who I would recommend these socks to: Cyclists who like supportive socks
Flite XT Five (Crew) Socks
Sizes: S, M, L, XL
Colors: Black, Pink, Red, Loden
Fabric blend: 66% nylon, 17% polyester, 14% olefin, and 3% spandex
What I liked about the socks: The Flite XT sock line is designed to provide stability when golfing, running, playing tennis, or engaging in other fitness activities. The socks feature special fibers that are meant to offer optimal gripping power in your shoes. There's also added support around the ankle. I tested both of the socks in this line: the Flite XT Five and Zero. The Flite XT Five is made with olefin for increased moisture wicking.
I found the grip and medium cushion were ideal for around the house, where the hardwood floors sometimes cause me to slip and slide. Though the fit was perfect, I would have liked it if the socks came up higher on my calf, but that's a matter of personal preference. Regardless, these felt nice and dry when I went on long hikes on hot days.
Who I would recommend these socks to: Runners, walkers, and hikers
Pursuit Business Eight (Tall Crew) Compression Socks
Sizes: M, L, XL
Colors: Navy/Gray Dots, Black, Black/Gray Dots, Brown, Coal, Coal/Gray Dots, Heather, Khaki, Navy
Fabric blend: 58% merino wool, 34% nylon, and 8% spandex
What I liked about the socks: The Pursuit product line features durable merino wool and is geared toward hikers, cyclists, and runners. The Pursuit Business Eight is unique in that it's geared toward the office environment with color options that exude professionalism while offering moderate compression and cushioning. The Business Eight doesn't feature olefin. Instead, the merino wool helps with moisture absorption.
I have limited experience with the Business Eight socks since they arrived right before sitting down to write this article. But, I like that they keep my normally cold feet warmer than the other socks, which tend to offer more airflow. They also felt good when I ran in them, though I wished they had firmer compression.
Who I would recommend these socks to: Active professionals
Vision Six Sprint (Crew) Socks
Sizes: S, M, L, XL
Colors: Black, Gray
Fabric blend: 74% nylon, 17% olefin, and 8% spandex
What I liked about the socks: Swiftwick's Vision series socks are designed for high-performance, durability, and optimal protection. The socks have medium compression and moderate cushioning.
I found the fabric offered good support and kept my feet dry even during especially hot and sweaty runs. I particularly liked how lightweight yet durable the socks felt. Of the Swiftwick socks I tested, these were the most attractive. I liked the green, blue, black, and white stripes around the cuff.
Who I would recommend these socks to: Runners
Flite XT Zero (No Show) Socks
Sizes: S, M, L, XL
Colors: Slate Blue, Black, White, Gray, Mint, Red, Royal, Soft Coral, Pink
Fabric blend: 54% nylon, 24% polyester, 19% olefin, and 3% spandex
What I liked about the socks: I've never been brave enough to venture into the world of no-show socks. This is mostly because I'm used to socks not fitting right, and I figure there's a good chance my heel will end up hanging out the back of the largest size I can find.
This was not the case with Swiftwick's Flite XT Zero in XL. It fit my foot perfectly. Still, since I'm not used to cuff-less socks, it felt a bit weird, almost like I was barefoot. The cushioning felt good, and my feet never felt swampy in my running or walking shoes. If you're a fan of no-show socks, these are worth checking out.
Who I would recommend these socks to: Active people who like no-show socks
The bottom line
Overall, though I liked the Aspire Twelve Compression Socks the most, I found them all to be of high-quality and enjoyable to wear. The airflow is simply outstanding, which helps a lot when running. I never experienced athlete's foot during my testing, and my feet never felt swampy (even when it got extremely hot out).
If you're an active person, you're sure to appreciate Swiftwick socks, especially if you have bigger feet that tend to sweat a lot. Swiftwick also offers a Best Sock Guarantee, so if you dislike the socks, you can get them exchanged for a different style or size or get a refund.
Pros: Superior moisture-wicking abilities, broad size range, variety of sock styles designed for specific activities, backed by the Best Sock Guarantee
Cons: Not ideal for colder climates