The hallmark of good equipment or gear is forgetting that it’s there. You don’t want to be nagged by an ill-fitting vest or something that chafes elsewhere. Put it on, lace it up, go and forget about it while you enjoy your activity. That’s what you’ll get with the new Swiftwick Flite XT Trail socks.
These new Flite XT Trail socks have been upgraded from previous trail models. They combine natural Merino wool, which is cool in summer and warm in winter, with Swiftwick’s proprietary GripDry Fiber in the heel and forefoot. These fibers reportedly have little micro treads for better traction inside your shoe. If you’ve ever had sweaty or wet feet that slide or slip around while you’re running, you know this causes hot spots or blisters. It’s not good. So far during runs with the Flite XT Trail, I haven’t experienced anything like this. No slipping, no sliding.
Two other features of the Flite XT Trail include the elastic AnkleLock design around the ankles. I prefer this with my socks instead of anything loose. I already tape my left ankle for support and wear CEP compression sleeves, so the addition of the AnkleLock is yet another nice bit of support. Plus, it keeps rocks, gravel, grit and other crap from getting inside the socks, which have a compression band around the midsole, too.
I have a slew of poly socks that I wear but also enjoy Merino wool socks, even in summer. I go with the thin version, of course. The wool helps regulate temperatures and wicks moisture. With the Flite XT Trail, a hydrophobic Olefin fiber footbed combined with the Merino further helps with wicking. Less moisture, less chance of blisters.
“After the release of our original Flite XT socks, designed with advanced stability technology, we heard growing feedback from our hike and trail running customers on their love for the line’s performance features,” said Joanna Mariani, Chief Marketing Officer of Swiftwick, in a press release. “Using that feedback, we set out to combine the FLITE XT’s signature stability features with the natural wonders of Merino wool to provide the best-performing outdoor sock on the market. FLITE XT TRAIL was inspired by our customers and ardently crafted by our team – we’re excited to see what adventures our customers take these socks on.”
Immediately Comfortable
As I said earlier, socks are like other gear in that you don’t want to have to worry or think about them. Football players don’t want to be concerned with how a helmet fits during a game. Golfers don’t want to deal with bad grips on clubs. Runners shouldn’t be worrying about whether their shoelaces will stay tied or socks will slip and cause blisters.
Probably like many trail runners, my first outings were learning experiences. They occurred in summer, five years ago, and in Alabama that means heat and humidity. I wore running shoes and cotton socks the first couple of times. The socks were comfortable aorund the house. On the trail, not as good. After squeezing out sweat from the shoes and socks, I learned about trail shoes and poly socks that wick better.
My collection includes Swiftwick Aspire, Vision, Pursuit, Maxus and Vibe, along with Balega, Smartwool, Darn Tough and some others of unknown brand. When you’re on a trip and forget something, you shop at discount stores to tide you over for the trip. Some of those socks, remarkably, have been decent for everyday training runs and trail outings. I usually stick with Merino, though, for everything from trail and road running to biking, hiking and my hunting and fishing outings. The versatility is wonderful.
I slipped on the Flite XT Trail socks and was immediately pleased with the cushioning. The ankle fit was snug without being binding. No issues around the toes, and the heel fit fine. They felt thick and cushy. That gave me a bit of pause. I wondered how the thickness would translate on the road with my Hoka Cliftons.
It wasn’t an issue. It was as if I didn’t have socks on at all. I love that feeling. The weather was in the mid-70s with mild humidity, fortunately, so it wasn’t like I was dripping in sweat. I had no issues with my feet slipping around in side my shoe. After a run on puddle-dotted sidewalks, still no issues. The no-slip grip is solid.
Another great thing: Merino wool doesn’t smell like 4 a.m. at a college bar. I’ve worn the Flite XT Trail for four days and they’re still not stinky. They may not smell like a spring daisy or when I pulled them out of the plastic pack. But they also aren’t curling nose hairs or making my wife run shrieking in horror. That’s one of the best things about Merino wool.
The launch of the Flite XT Trail was limited in the Coal color (black) due to some supply issues. What else is new, eh? It’s part of the times. For now the Heather color is offered, and as of midday on March 7 they were selling briskly on the Swiftwick site. I already have bought two more pair of the Five. More options are coming for cuff heights and colors, too, including stripes by mid-summer. Look for them online or in your favorite running store.
