Swiftwick ASPIRE TWELVE Running Socks, Knee High Compression Fit

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.

These are a treat for my feet and legs at work. As active as I am, standing long hours at work on a 12 hr shift can really wear out my legs. Love the texture of the sock, weight and compression are just right…..feels like a little leg massage all shift long!

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.

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!

Please note that Swiftwick socks are flat out the best in the world, that is why I have to be a little critical on these. I own a pair of the white aspire 12 bought a couple of years ago, and these do not seem to be exactly the same sock. My feeling is exactly what another reviewer said: these just seem slightly thinner in the toe, a little bit looser, and perhaps a "cheaper" feel overall. I am worried they will wear a hole in the toe. Also note that while these are great for athletes and other people my impression is that the compression is not actually graduated from the ankle to the top of the sock, (and Swiftwick does not claim these are medical grade graduated compression either). Just something for buyers to be aware of. I am very interested to trying the Swiftwick "travel" socks specifically for graduated compression.

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.

I use medical grade 20-30 mm hg rated compression knee socks, and I was looking for something sportier looking than the standard drab colors of medical socks. While athletic compression socks are not rated and labeled like medical grade socks, I believe because of certification standards and such, I inquired with the manufacturer about the rating of these socks and they were helpful in explaining that these used similar technologies, but were not labeled like their medical-grade cousins. After purchasing and using these now on several bike rides, I'm totally pleased with both their function, appearance and comfort. I will be buying more pairs simply because I don't have all the available colors yet.

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.