Date: Monday October 28, 2013Gear Review: Swiftwick Sock Review by Timothy Pitt
Product: New Sustain Line
Details: Made with Repreve, a post-industrial recycled nylon.
Technology Information: The new Sustain line from Swiftwick is a sock collection made with Repreve fiber. The Repreve fiber is made from recycled materials, including plastic bottles.
Pricing: $11.99 for the zero (no show) to $16.99 for the seven (mid-calf) from www.swiftwick.com
Impressions: Have you ever felt like you just won the lottery? That is exactly how I felt when a Swiftwick representative sent me two pair of their new Sustain line sock for review!! I will have to admit that when I learned about this new recycled fiber material being used in Swiftwick socks, the notion of wearing pieces of plastic on my feet was not very appealing. I joke of course, however I confess that I have some prejudice when it comes to recycled materials. After all you can’t have a product that is environmentally friendly and performs superior. Or can you?? I have well over 20 pairs of Swiftwick socks that I have run many miles in over the past few years. These Sustain socks live up to the high standard that all socks from Swiftwick are held to. They offer a plush cushion for your foot bed and ample compression for your calves. They stay in place while you run and work hard to keep your foot dry and blister free. Like all other Swiftwick socks, they are one less thing you have to worry about when you run. And, here is the home run; they are environmentally friendly. They are a testament to Swiftwick's commitment to provide a far superior product while maintaining a corporate reputation of social responsibility. This Sustain line follows the path of another line that enforces that reputation, the Valor line, liner socks made for amputees. What is not to love about this company that calls Tennessee its home?
Suggestion: I have shared my passion for these socks with many other runners. The product and the company are exceptional. With the current clothing industry coming under fire for its terrible manufacturing practices in foreign countries, Swiftwick is a standout, whose product line is made in the USA, and has set the example for the entire industry.
Summary: Swiftwick builds the best socks on the market. Do your feet and lower legs a favor and buy a pair to try out. Then be proud that you are supporting such a great company.
Tim started running in the spring of 2006 to get fit and healthy and since then has run every distance from 5km to 50km. He is heavily involved with Fleet Feet Racing and in the promotion of running in his hometown of Arab, Alabama where he holds the distinction of being the fastest man in Arab. His team biography can be found here.
Photo courtesy of AL.com