These socks are next level! I was a long-time Balega guy for the fit and blister resistence. Swiftwick brings that and a level of compression that puts them several notches above. I wear them now exclusively when I run or cycle. My running distance is on the longer side (50 mile a week) and I cycle about 40 miles a week to cross-train. Swiftwick not only supports me during the activity, but also noticably reduces my post-activity fatigue and shortens my recovery time. Think of these as 'high tech equipnent for the endurance athlete' vs just low-tech socks. You have to experience them.