The new Swiftwick Maxus Repreve combines comfort and durability with a recycled polyester footbed for top performance with a nod to sustainability.
Each pair of Maxus Repreve socks will use at least one post-consumer water bottle in the polyester footbed. This helps keep more plastic in use, and out of waterways and landfills. The Maxus has a plush, high-cushion footbed and arch support that snugs your foot like a second skin. I’ve worn the Maxus for a while for road running events and never have had an issue, even in humid and sweaty summer conditions. Some socks get goopy or slippery, but I’ve not experienced that with the Maxus.
The recycled footbed keeps the same features of the Maxus: an ultra-soft feel and wicking properties. With the release of the Maxus Repreve, 100 percent of Swiftwick socks are produced with “Responsible, Renewable or Recycled” materials.
“Sustainability across our business practices and finished goods is important to our company and top of mind for our customers,” Joanna Mariani, Chief Marketing Officer at Swiftwick, said in a press release. “We continuously work to reduce our environmental impact across our manufacturing processes. This new release helps to close the gap in our sustainable product offerings.”
Reliable Features
Like other Swiftwick socks I’ve used, the Maxus have been part of my rotation in all kinds of weather and through various seasons. Sometimes I’ll go with the Aspire, Vision or Maxus, and other times it’ll be the wool Pursuit that keeps my feet comfy and warm even in wet and sweaty conditions. I’ve worn these for hunting and fishing, too, in cold and hot climates, along with everyday wear.
After badly spraining my ankle a few times last year, I now wear an Aryse iFast brace when I’m doing trail runs. It provides support without bulk, but because of its design I need an ankle-height sock to avoid blisters. Swiftwick’s Flite XT Five gets the nod, with its grippy footbed, form-fit comfort and reliability.
On the road, though, the Maxus has been great for my 5K and 10K toodling, with zero issues. Now I can add the Swiftwick Maxus Repreve to the mix and feel a little better about the recycling efforts to create the socks. “Every little bit helps” may sound trite or idealistic, but it’s true. There’s too much crap in the landfills and waterways already. Removing, recycling and reusing as much as possible is a good thing.
Some of the best features of the Maxus Repreve include:
- Arch Band Support that hugs your foot and keeps the sock from moving around;
- A channeled, breathable upper that promotes airflow to the top of the foot to prevent overheating;
- A seamless toebox, which eliminates friction around your toes;
- The heel tab eliminates contact between your skin and your shoes.
Sustainablity Efforts
In addition to launching the Maxus with Repreve, Swiftwick also is committing to sourcing 80 percent of its Merino wool raw materials from RWS (Responsible Wool Standard) certified sources by the end of 2024, working towards 100 percent by 2027.
RWS aims to improve the welfare of sheep and the land that they graze. It independently certifies animal welfare and land management practices in wool production, and tracks certified material from farm to final product.
Each year, Swiftwick is taking steps to make a more positive impact on the planet. In 2019, it removed all single-use plastic from consumer packaging. It currently is working to increase its total percentage of sustainable fibers.
Swiftwick continues to support key community organizations that place a focus on connecting underserved youth with the outdoors. This helps foster love and respect for chasing adventure and keeping our environment clean and safe for all to enjoy. Swiftwick also partners with organizations in need of socks, donating more than 13,000 pairs in 2022.
