A downhole pump is used for a reciprocating pump system having a rod string disposed in a tubing string. A barrel of the pump is disposed, and a plunger of the pump coupled to the rod string is movably disposed in the barrel. The plunger has an external surface disposed at an annular gap relative to the barrel's internal surface. The external surface has circumferential grooves defined thereabout that hold wipers. An inner ring of the wipers composed of a swellable material is engaged in the one or more circumferential grooves, while an outer ring composed of a second material is disposed about the inner ring. The swellable material of the inner ring energizes the outer ring in slideable engagement with the internal surface of the barrel.