Socks might not be the most glamorous part of your kit, but I invite you to head out for a ride without them, especially when it comes to cyclocross. With running and riding in cold temps and nasty weather, socks are what save our feet.
Swiftwick has been hard at work to create the world’s first environmentally friendly performance sock line, the Sustain, using REPREVE recycled nylon. REPREVE is a postindustrial recycled nylon, which means the material comes from items like plastic water bottles and other material left behind during manufacturing, and recycle it all to make nylon fibers. By recycling material, the Sustain line using REPREVE, is able to reduce energy and water use, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and offsets the need to refine new crude oil. Compared to foreign made nylon fibers, there is also a smaller total carbon footprint when you take into consideration that REPREVE is made in the USA and there is much less transportation needed to get the materials to Swiftwick in Tennessee. While other socks might be made out of other recycled material, chances are they use more water and release more toxic material into the environment than would be during the production of new nylon.
So you are doing something for the environment by buying these socks, but what good are they if they are not comfortable? By providing a softer, more cushioned foot bed, seamless toe, 200-needle construction, and a little bit of compression, the Sustain is a comfortable and versatile sock. For those that do not know what 200-needle construction is, think about the tires on our bikes. Manufacturers love to boast about the thread per inch, or TPI, of their tires. The higher the thread count, more threads will be used to make up the sidewall, and the more supple the tires will be. 200-needle construction means that you are getting a denser thread count, without being bulky. The higher the needle count, the softer, and more form fitting the socks will be on your feet. The seamless toe means you will not have an annoying, bulky seam rubbing on the front of your toes as you are riding, letting you concentrate on the course, not what’s rubbing your toes.
Swiftwick was nice enough to send a pair over to test out, and I have to say, they are one of the more comfortable socks I have worn. The 4″ sock will please most cyclists that prefer a tall sock without going too high. Personally, I could go about an inch higher, but I tend go for a sock that is a little taller than what most others prefer. The socks come in white with black logos, or black with white logos, both of which are plain, yet classy, and will go with any kit. The compression around the foot and ankle is enough to comfortably hold your foot, without being tight and constricting. The material feels durable, yet soft and supportive.
So far, the Sustain 4″ have been holding up well after multiple cyclocross races and training and are my go to socks for muddy and wet days. On warm days, they breath well and keep my feet from over heating. In the cool, they are not as warm as wool socks, but would work well under a pair of waterproof neoprene socks. The body of the Sustain has a few different zones that use different weave patterns to provide specific benefits. The sole has a dense weave that provides a thicker material and adds a little bit of cushion without bulk. Unless you prefer the absolute thinnest of socks, these should fit well in your shoes without a change in fit. The toe and heel are reinforced for added durability and the area that covers the top of your foot has more of an open weave to aid in ventilation. The ankle portion before you get to the upper cuff, uses the same weave as the sole, but without the cushioning. All of this provides some compression, without being overly constricting. The cuff also adds some compression, and helps the sock stay in place, even during the nastiest conditions.
Swiftwick takes their socks seriously, and they are sure you will love them. If you are not completely satisfied, wash and send them back with a request for a competitors sock of equal value. Chances are though, you’ll wear them again and again, knowing you have on some great socks and are doing something good for the environment.
Switfwick Sustain 4″ – $15.99
Heckling Editor, Image Taker, Crash Test Dummy, and Beard Master at Bikeworldnews.com
~Veggie Powered Athlete~
Location – Lancaster, PA
Current Testing Rigs – 2024 Van Dessel Arch65, 2019 Van Dessel Full Tilt Boogie, 2018 Van Dessel Motivus Maximus LTD, 2016 Van Dessel Whiskey Tango Foxtrot, 2015 Bianchi Sempre Pro, 1978 Trek TX900
Dream Bike – I’ll tell you when they make it
Discipline – Cyclocross, gravel, road and duathlons (ride/run)
Favorite Rides – Quiet country roads of Amish Country, some of the best roads around.
Food of Choice – Sweet potato roll
Beer of Choice – Unibroue Grand Reserve 17, aged four years
Bourbon of Choice – Widow Jane 10 Year
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