Swiftwick ASPIRE TWELVE Running Socks, Knee High Compression Fit

These Aspire 12 are the best running investment I've made. My feet are always dry after long trail runs (10 - 20 miles) and well supported. I've not had any blisters either. They are extremely durable but are not very thick and have great feel if you like a closer to minimal running shoe. Rather than wearing separate compression sleeves for my calves, I wear these 12 inch socks. The compression is more even and natural... no cutting or binding. I also wear them on my winter runs... they are all the warmth I need for my lower legs. I own several different pair of Swiftwick socks, including a fantastic Merino wool product that just never wears out and stays just as dry and odor free as the Aspire. I highly recommend Swiftwick.

Since they offer a extra firm support they are on the tougher side to get on/off for me. I can do longer bike rides with them, so they are worth the effort to put on. It’s great that they are good for dissipating just enough heat from my feet and calfs. No hot spots to contend with, and that’s important for a long distance ride. If I could still run I’d put them on, in a heartbeat.

I really like the look and compression level of these socks, but they only go up 3/4 of my calf (I'm 5' 10" and ordered the XL), so they constrict really tightly around my calf and make a muffin top calf when I sit. I wish these socks had an extra 2" in length. I'll probably keep these and wear them when I run, but I'll need to keep searching for that elusive perfect compression sock. Anyone have any recommendations? **Update** so Swiftwick has the greatest customer service I've ever encountered. When I contacted them and told them about my issue with the sock, they fulfilled their promise to buy a competitors sock. I asked for the Vitalsox Graduated Compression Performance Patented Recovery Socks with Dry Stat, size L, lime green, ASIN: B0089T6ZX0, and it arrived the next day. The Vitalsox goes up to my knee, but doesn't have the same compression, construction, or support as the Swiftwick Aspire. I hope they make this sock in a longer version in the future; I will definitely try out other Swiftwick aspire once my injury has healed and I don't need a full calf/ankle compression sock. I'm giving another star for their superior customer service.

Excellent socks. I already own 2 other pairs of the Swiftwick Aspire socks; the zero and the seven. I love them both, but have been wanting something taller for work since I spend a lot of time sitting. I purchased these as well as a pair of calf compression sleeves. While the sleeves provided the same relief, they also bunched up at the base of the ankle and put too much pressure there, hindering circulation instead of helping it. Meanwhile the sock's natural transition up the foot and to the ankle kept compression consistent. No bunching, just a lot of support. I'll keep buying these, they're well made and do their job perfectly.

UPDATE: As you can see from my original review, I love Swiftwick, I sing their praises to everyone. However, after only 4 uses and washes, these socks have developed a hole. I have many pairs of Swiftwick socks including the 12's in white, that I have put through the wringer with no issues. Hopefully Swiftwick hasn't decreased in quality to save manufacturing costs. Very disappointed :( Swiftwick are the only socks I trust for my long runs. I'm glad the finally came out with some other colors in the 12's. For reference, I have worn Swiftwick 12's in multiple 50k, 50M races, and 1 100 mile race. I like the 12's for trail races to protect my legs from brush, but I use the shorter ones for road races. My boyfriend is a convert too, and he really only does short road races. These are not thick socks, but that's good for me since I typically run in Florida. I know they make other, thicker styles that might be more appropriate for you Northern folks. I never feel like these socks are constricting or making me overly hot. I'm not sure if the slight compression aspect does anything, and I have never worn them for recovery purposes, but they protect my legs, do not move, and do not promote blisters. Swiftwick for life!

Ok, these are compression socks so they are going to fit tight! I have some significant knee issues and also have pain issues in one calf. I were these in colder weather and when traveling on a plane. They reduce my pain and make my legs/calves feel much better - and helps avoid issues associated with sitting on a plane for long periods. I did have a couple pairs that wore a hole through in the toe area - that happens with many of my socks but given the price I felt these needed to last a little longer than they did. Swiftwick did replace them and I haven't had the same problem with replacements so overall very happy with these.

These socks are the ultimate best! I have this brand in a “no show” style (Swiftwick - PERFORMANCE ZERO) for running and they save my feet. So when I saw these I knew they would be awesome for my roller skates and after several wears I can attest this is true! They wick sweat so I don’t get blisters and no seams to roll and make lumps in the boot. Highly recommend.

These socks are not worth the price. I've bought compression socks by the set which worked better for less money .

Nice support on steep declines and I've noticed less fatigue during hill runs. I had trouble with calf cramping, but haven't had it since wearing these. The only thing is that grass and debris stick to the bottom of the sock and it's not easy to take it out. They are a bit hard to take off, but that shows the support around the ankle it provides.