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Wondering if Bombas socks are worth the hype? You’ve come to right the place.
Bombas has built a reputation as some of the most comfortable socks you can buy. They are also some of the most charitable socks you can buy! Bombas matches every purchase you make from their site with a homeless shelter donation.
Socks for you mean a pair of socks for someone in need. A wonderful gift that gives back.
In this post, we’ll not just give you an overview of Bombas as a company, but we’ll give you a complete picture of Bombas’ socks: the different styles, pros and cons, and performance.
We’ll as well go on to review many of the different Bombas sock styles for their specific function, durability, and value.
About Bombas: The Company Behind the Socks
A treasure of a company that sells kindness as much as it does comfort, Bombas uses their platform to fill a need in homeless shelters everywhere and reminds us that even small decisions—like the socks on your feet—can make a huge positive impact.
As far as socks go, Bombas has a pretty sweet origin story. What started as a humble crowdfunding campaign eventually made its way to Shark Tank, where investor Daymond John offered them a deal.
Heath (right)
Bombas was founded by entrepreneurs David Heath and Randy Goldberg after they discovered that socks were the most requested item at homeless shelters.
Much later they found out that underwear and t-shirts are the #2 and #3 requested items (which explains why they’ve added underwear and t-shirts to their product line).
The mission, the shark, and the promise of a be-all-end-all sock created quite a bit of hype around the Bombas brand.
Bombas is also a Certified B Corporation, which means that their company meets a high level of environmental and social performance standards, and is regularly audited by a third-party to verify so.
Bombas Socks Review: Pros, Cons, & Key Questions Answered
PROS
- Extremely comfortable socks
- Variety of styles, colors, and designs
- Perform well for the function (hiking, dress, compression, etc.)
- One Purchased = One Donated model
- Refer-a-Friend and Free Shipping bonuses
- Excellent customer service (100% Happiness Guarantee)
- Certified B Corporation
CONS
- Premium price point for a sock
- Socks can wear early (although customer support takes care of you)
- Lacking information about supply chain and environmental impact
Are Bombas Socks Worth It?
Wondering what’s so special about Bombas socks?
In addition to their generous giving model and wonderful customer service, the sock quality is well above that inexpensive, bulk purchase tube sock (I know you know the one), which means you’ll probably need to buy fewer socks, less often.
That alone makes Bombas a sock-appropriate investment. You’re getting the quality and lifespan of a few pairs of socks with a single purchase of a Bombas pair.
They put a lot of thought and care into their sock construction as well, it seems. Here are the main features that make their socks stand out and feel worth the investment:
- Seamless Toe: Their innovative toe seam makes sure there is no toe seam at all. They’ve eliminated that irritating seam putting pressure on your toes.
- Honeycomb Arch Support System: The honeycomb support is my favorite part about Bombas. It gently squeezes the arch of your foot, offering much-needed support and boosting the shape and fit of the sock.
- Y-Stitched Heel: Similar to the seamless toe and honeycomb support, the y-stitched heel is all about maximizing comfort. By reducing the number of seams in high-friction areas, they can boost the barely-there feel.
- Stay-Up Technology: Sometimes this manifests in the right amount of tension, sometimes it’s a subtle heel grip. But in both cases, it’s an essential tool in keeping your sock exactly where it’s supposed to be.
- Blister Tab: Remember the days when the back of your shoe would rub on your ankle? No matter how far you run, Bombas’ innovative blister tab will keep your ankles safe from friction.
- Hex-Tec: In the Bombas world, hex-tec is basically another word for high-performance. Reserved for their most athletic designs, hex-tec technology means more durability, breathability, and moisture-wicking power.
- Merino Wool: A super-soft natural fiber, merino wool is naturally moisture-wicking, eliminating sweat and smell like it’s its job.
- Purchase-Matched Donations: Yeah, we’re going there again because it’s the superlative of all features and benefits. Bombas matches every purchase with a donation to someone in need. As of today, Bombas has donated over 50 million items, and that number just keeps going up and up and up.
- 100% Happiness Guarantee: Don’t like it? Slips a lot? Ordered the wrong size? Holes in toes or heels? Talk to their Happiness Team. They are big on happiness. Yours in particular.
Speaking from personal experience: my favorite aspects are the honeycomb arch support (feels like a little hug for my feet), they’ve never given me a blister, and I love knowing that I’ve voted with my dollar well. Plus, that Happiness Guarantee adds an extra layer of confidence in making my Bombas purchases.
Why Are Bombas Socks So Expensive?
Let’s be practical here. Socks are socks, right? Wrong.
Comparatively, with cheaper sock brands (and apparel in general), the lower price typically comes at the cost of other expenses, such as exploiting workers by not paying them a living wage, or compromising and cutting corners in materials and construction.
Bombas have built their socks to “bee better,” taking the time and effort to engineer their socks to be a high-quality choice, and the price reflects that. Being a Certified B Corporation, we know they are held to very high standards when it comes to their workers’ pay, benefits, and the health and safety of their working environment.
PLUS, lest we forget—every pair actually has a buy-one-give-one thing going on. You can feel even better about your investment knowing the second pair will be going to someone in need.
How Long Do Bombas Socks Last?
While this largely depends on how you use them (say, chillin’ on the couch vs. long-distance running), the bottom line is that Bombas products are built to last longer than your average sock. Most reviewers report a one-to-three-year window before you start to notice normal wear. For some, this window might seem short for a premium sock brand.
But remember that happiness guarantee? Bombas will ship you a pair of new socks if yours turn up with holes or other structural damage.
What Are Bombas Socks Made Of?
Each sock style lists the materials used under the ‘Full Product Details’ link in each product description. They also display this information with each product you receive.
The variety of materials used most often includes extra-long-staple cotton, merino wool, polyester, nylon, spandex, and small amounts of rubber or latex in some styles. The Grippers are made of 100% silicone.
If you’re highly allergic to latex, this is important to note! All Bombas socks are made in factories that also use latex, so for those who are allergic or highly sensitive to it, they recommended you go with another awesome sock brand (see some fantastic alternatives below). No hard feelings.
Of course, if you’re unsure and you want to give them a shot, by all means. Just be mindful. The Happiness Team will take care of the refund if you experience any issues.
Where are Bombas Socks Made?
Bombas socks are made “all over the world, including the US, Taiwan, China, and Peru,” to quote one of their FAQs. However, they don’t seem to have any more information than that available as it relates to the locations and conditions of their manufacturing and supply chains.
Are Bombas Socks Ethically Made?
Bombas proudly claims their socks are made “at the most technical and highest-rated manufacturers,” which “all have passed audits with very strict standards for health, safety, and social compliance.”
Sadly, I’m not sure what audits or standards they are referring to for these manufacturers. I looked for more specific information and couldn’t find any certifications, checklists, or mention of which factories or where they are located.
It’s encouraging that Bombas itself is a Certified B Corporation with a high impact score. B Corps are required to adhere to more rigorous sets of social and environmental standards. It would be great if Bombas could provide a little more information about an ethical manufacturing process and supply chain as well.
Here at Grow Ensemble, we appreciate transparency and believe that brands should be extremely open with how they make their products.
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Bombas Sock Styles
BROWSE BY CATEGORY
Bombas Performance Collection
Bombas Ski & Snowboard Socks
All made with Merino Wool, these knee-high socks come in a full cushion or lightweight version and feature Strategic Zone Cushioning, Airflow Venting, and some include extra Achilles Cushion as well as Left-Right Contouring. That means they are ergonomically designed to fit your left and right feet for extra comfort.
Bombas Hiking Socks
For me, the perfect hiking sock is calf height, cushion-y enough to soften the blow of miles upon miles afoot yet still breathable enough that my feet don’t overheat.
Bombas ticks these boxes for me. They’ve boosted the airflow venting on their hiking socks to promote cool, dry feet as well the cushioning along both the footbed and leg. You can opt for cotton blend or merino wool.
Bombas Running Socks
Similar to their hiking socks, Bombas’ running socks feature added breathability to keep your feet dry and cool. They made waves in the sock world with an innovative blister tab that prevents the heel of your shoe from making contact with your skin.
Unfortunately for me, the ankle socks I pounded pavement in kept slipping below the edge of my dang shoe. I prefer calf socks anyway, where this problem is never even a possibility.
Bombas Gripper Socks
Featuring silicone Stay-Put Grippers, these are an upgrade from bare feet, making them great for yoga, pilates, or just around the house. You can get the grippers in ankle or calf, and they also have a performance gripper option that offers the same Stay-Put technology with a little extra in the airflow and cushion department.
Other Sport Socks
Bombas offers sock options designed for all your Tennis, Cycling, and Golfing needs. These performance styles are constructed with strategic zone cushioning, extra breathability, and moisture-wicking properties.
Check out all of Bombas’ Performance Socks (Women, Men)
Bombas Dress Socks
Bombas invites you to dress up (or down) any of their socks. For men, there are some particularly good options for a more professional-looking sock.
Ultra sleek and lightweight, their dress socks sport a streamlined take on the features behind Bombas’ more athletic socks. You still get the honeycomb arch support and achilles cushion, but with the classic dress sock fit and look.
Most of these options feature a Sure-Fit Cuff (stretches in all directions for comfort and stay-ability), Stay-Up Technology (tight enough not to slip, free enough to avoid imprints), Flat-Knit Leg Construction (smoother look), and a special Achilles Cushion that absorbs shock while reducing pressure and uncomfortable rubbing on your heel.
Check out Bombas’ Dress Socks (Women, Men)
Bombas No Show Socks
This style features Stay-Put Heel Grips (three silicone strips), engineered to keep the heels in place rather than falling down into your shoes.
A lightweight fabric blend and seamless toe lend to the “did I put socks on this morning?” feel that a no-show should have. They pair great with our mutual friend—the Allbird Wool Runners.
The one thing to take note of here is that all Bombas socks will shrink a little the first time they’re washed. This can be a bit more impactful with a delicate fit like a no-show, so it’s recommended to go up a size if this might be a concern.
No Show options include:
- Lightweight – ultra-light and still covers the top of the foot
- Cushioned – more support with extra cushioning of the foot bed
- Merino Wool – lightweight and made with Merino Wool
- Low Cut – an even lower-cut version of the Lightweight No Show
Bombas Ankle Socks
Featuring cushioned footbeds (most styles), seamless toe, and Honeycomb Arch Support, you can find an ankle sock in just about every style: performance, gripper, lightweight, Merino Wool, and even Kind Knit – a blend of organic cotton, recycled cotton leftover from the production process, as well as other supportive yarns.
As mentioned in the Running Socks section, however, I didn’t have the best of luck with them staying up around my ankle while running.
Bombas Calf Socks
These come up the calf a bit, and with their Stay-Up Technology, should remain there—tight enough not to slip down during everyday wear, and free enough to avoid a too-tight feel or leave an imprint.
Options include: lightweight, textured, double-cuff, performance, gripper, and Merino Wool.
Bombas Knee High Socks
Featuring Bombas’ Sure-Fit Cuff, Stay-Up Technology, and Flat Knit Leg Construction, these socks will stay up most comfortably right under the knee with a smoother look, making them easy to dress up or down.
Options include: lightweight, compression, performance, and Merino Wool.
Bombas Compression Socks
Bombas’ compression socks do a great job of mastering the blend of comfort and compression.
The pitfall here is the price. At $18 a pop, you better really, really want some nice compression socks. And if you do, I think you’ll find these will be a pleasant investment.
Compression socks come in different compression levels (mmHg is a unit of pressure) to help with circulation to alleviate aching and swelling, especially when you’re on your feet all day, pregnant, traveling, etc.
- 15-20 mmHg – medium level of compression, just snug enough to give all-day support
- 20-30 mmHg – a little snugger
Bombas Kids Socks
- Baby – These super soft socks are made with a reverse terry cotton and Stay On Technology, keeping them from shifting or slipping off.
- Toddler – Soft, seamless, and should stay up and out of the way for those still learning to walk.
- Youth (ages 5-11) – Ranging from ankle to knee-height, these come in many different styles.
Bombas Sock Sizing Review
Like most high-quality cotton or wool socks, Bombas will shrink a little the first time they’re washed. This shouldn’t affect you much—but if you happen to be in-between sizes, you will likely want to opt for a size up to accommodate a little shrinkage.
As always, remember the Bombas Happiness Guarantee for any pair you aren’t feeling the size, fit, or even style of!
No Show, Ankle, Quarter, Calf, & Knee Highs Sizing
Women’s
Sock Size | S | M | L | XL |
US - Shoe Size | 4-7½ | 8-10½ | 11-13 | 13½-17 |
UK - Shoe Size | 2-5½ | 6-8½ | 9-11 | 11½-15 |
EU - Shoe Size | 34-38 | 38½-42½ | 43-46½ | 47-51 |
Men’s
Sock Size | M | L | XL |
US - Shoe Size | 6-9 | 9½-13 | 13½-16 |
UK - Shoe Size | 5½-8½ | 9-12½ | 13-16 |
EU - Shoe Size | 38½-42½ | 43-46½ | 47-51 |
Lightweight No Show Sizing
Women’s
Sock Size | S | M | L |
US - Shoe Size | 4-6½ | 7-9 | 9½-12½ |
UK - Shoe Size | 2-4½ | 5-7 | 7½-10½ |
EU - Shoe Size | 34-37½ | 38-41 | 41½-45 |
Men’s
Sock Size | M | L | XL |
US - Shoe Size | 6½-8½ | 9-11½ | 12-14 |
UK - Shoe Size | 5-7½ | 8-10½ | 11-13 |
EU - Shoe Size | 38-41 | 41½-45 | 46-49 |
Kids Socks
Sock Size | Toddler | Youth |
Average Age | 1-5 | 5-11 |
US - Shoe Size | 5T-8½T | 9T-3 |
UK- Shoe Size | 4T-7½T | 8T-2 |
EU - Shoe Size | 20-25 | 26-35 |
Alternatives to Bombas Socks
1. Pact
While a bit less performance-focused, Pact makes lovable, fair-trade certified socks (and clothes!) with all organic cotton. There are a few differences—Pact is more of a clothing-first brand, so there are far fewer sock styles and colors. This is a great option for daily use socks, with a one-size-fits-most model and a penchant for neutral, everyday colors.
The biggest contrast to Bombas socks is that a pair of socks from Pact will cost you just $8. The sock-tech is far more simple, but if you want a reliable pair of sustainably-made socks, this could be in the lineup for your new go-to!
2. Boody
If you’re a fan of simple, sustainable basics, then you’ll be a fan of Boody. Let’s start with their ethics—Boody is EcoCert certified, meets Oeko-Tex standards, Forest Stewardship Council certified, and PETA vegan approved. In short, they’re doing everything they can to make sure the product they sell is supremely eco-friendly and ethically made.
Whew. Impressive. In terms of socks, they keep it simple with basic colors and a few well-crafted styles. They strike somewhere in-between Bombas and Pact in terms of sock-tech. Prices range from $9-$15.
What’s extra super cool about these guys is that they work exclusively with bamboo textiles. There are quite a few ecological reasons that they do so. You can read about ’em on their page.
3. Conscious Step
Similar to Bombas, Conscious Step makes socks that give back. Every sock is tied to a different nonprofit organization. There are Socks That Give Water, Socks That Fight Malaria, Socks That Stop Violence, and more.
Mostly a collection of basic crew socks, their product page features fun designs that match the cause you’re supporting. As a Fairtrade, GOTS, Vegan Certified product, and a fellow 1% for the Planet company, you’re bound to feel good about this one—even if your arch gets a little less support than you’d get with Bombas.
Even though their price point is similar to Bombas, we classify these more as a fun sock than a performance sock. They’d make an excellent purpose-driven, eco friendly gift. (My birthday is in July, if, you know, you’re wanting to make someone’s day.)
Bombas Socks FAQ
Where To Buy Bombas Socks?
Bombas.com has all the socks they currently make. Standard shipping within the continental US is free on orders of $50 or more (below that, a flat rate of $4.95 applies). For international orders, see here.
If you’d like to see how they feel in person, though, select styles and colors for local shoppers are available at Dick’s Sporting Goods, Nordstrom, Athleta, Anthropologie, and a handful of other stores. Find the full list here.
How Do You Wash Bombas Socks?
You are free to wash your Bombas like you’d wash your other socks. But if you’re really wanting to give them some good TLC, Bombas recommends washing them on a gentle cycle with cold water, and then tumble drying them on low.
Special note: Like most high-quality cotton or wool socks, Bombas will shrink a little the first time they’re washed. This shouldn’t affect you much—but if you happen to be in-between sizes, you might want to opt for a size up to accommodate a little shrinkage.
What’s Their Return Policy? Do They Have a Warranty?
The 100% Happiness Guarantee covers free returns (including free shipping) and exchanges with no time limit. Just reach out to their Happiness Team if you ever need to make a return.
Received a pair as a gift and need to return or exchange? Reach out to their Happiness Team with the order number, the full name, or email address that was used to place the original order, and they’ll take care of the rest.
What Other Products Does Bombas Carry?
Once the founders had socks covered, they expanded the product line to include the next two items most requested at shelters: underwear and t-shirts.
You can also find slippers, mesh laundry wash bags, and Sock Bags for carrying around socks—or anything you want to keep separated.
Conclusion: The World’s Most Comfortable Socks?
“Most comfortable” would be a lofty claim, but Bombas does a very good job overall—from comfort to business model.
It’s rare that doing something good for yourself also means doing something good for others. But, Bombas is here to help with that.
If a decision as small as the pair of socks on your feet has the power to make a difference in someone else’s life, what else can? (Well, actually, we have a lot of ideas about that in our social good blog). You can even pair your Bombas with your favorite sustainable shoe brand.
Needless to say, I like this concept. I also like the supportive, breathable comfort of all my Bombas socks, and the fact I have a sock team standing by in case I ever need anything. I have a hunch that you will, too.
Rebecca Cruse
Grow Ensemble Contributor
Rebecca writes stuff from her home in South Lake Tahoe, CA. Whether it’s the outdoors or travel, ethical brands or local breweries, Rebecca is always excited to share stories about the things she loves.
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