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The internet's favorite sock brand began with a mission that's easier said than done. Bombas founders David Heath and Randy Goldberg wanted to create quality socks that were better than basic multi-packs, yet more affordable than technical performance pairs. We now consider this mission accomplished, thanks to the glowing Bombas socks reviews that have since poured in from all over.
During their extensive market research phase, the two learned early on that socks were the number one requested item in homeless shelters. When establishing Bombas back in 2013, they set out to achieve a second feat — make the perfect socks for everyday wear, and give back to those in need by donating a pair for every sale.
Two years of detailed research and development — and one fateful episode of Shark Tank later — and Bombas sent a genuinely exciting update to the lowly sock out into the mainstream, with later expansions into trendy dress socks and underwear.
The top 5 pairs of Bombas socks we tested:
These retro-inspired mid-rise socks use Bombas' Honeycomb Arch Support System to cradle the arch of your foot with a gentle hug.
Wear these to yoga or or around the house, and the tiny traction pads will prevent your feet from slipping.
These ankle socks are great if you wear sneakers everyday. The signature blister tab will keep their heels cushioned and prevent any pesky slipping.
Bombas Gripper Slippers are some of the coziest indoor slippers with a Merino wool blend lining and a sock-like fit.
Amir's Bombas review
As a shoe collector with hundreds of pairs of sneakers, socks are one of the most important essentials for me. From finding pairs that match my shoes — whether they're sneakers, dress shoes, or boots — to seeking comfort and durability, I'm definitely more particular about socks than the average person, and Bombas has always met my expectations.
The new Chunky Ragg Half Calf Socks look great with classic low-top sneakers that allow the socks to be seen. I also love that the Vintage Stripe Calf Socks have an old-school look, while still having all of the modern components that make Bombas so great.
My favorite feature on almost every pair of Bombas socks is the cushioned footbeds in its ankle socks and thicker hiking pairs. They're a lot more plush and padded than socks you'd typically find in a multi-pack. Not only is there an immediate difference in comfort with no shoes on, but I've noticed that my feet are more comfortable in my shoes, too.
I'm also a fan of its socks for lounging around the house. The Gripper Socks are a particular favorite because the bottoms keep me from sliding around on slick floors. And when it's a bit colder, I enjoy wearing the Bombas Gripper Slippers, which combines everything people rave about in their Bombas socks reviews with the added warmth of slippers.
Bombas socks also last for years. Some of the original pairs from my first Bombas reviews are more than three years old and still wearable today, even after countless cycles through the washer and dryer. — Amir Ismael, style editor
Read more in our full Bombas Gripper Slipper review.
Gabrielle's Bombas review
Bombas' women's dress socks are perfect for wearing with Mary Janes. These new summery socks are thin and stretchy, with an extra protective layer right where the straps of my shoes lay. I like that the seamless toes have a similar feel to wearing stockings. I'm a size 8 and found the size M slightly tight after going through the wash, but in any case I'd rather they be too tight than too loose.
I also tested out Bombas' retro-inspired half-calf socks, which are the softest socks I own. I especially love to wear to them to dance practice because they cushion my arches with a supportive squeeze and retain their shape even after I've sweat in them. You can use Bombas socks to accessorize your athleisure look, or pair them with slides around the house. — Gabrielle Chase, associate style editor
Sally's Bombas review
I've tested a lot of brands over the years, but my Bombas socks reviews consistently come with high praise. In fact, about a year ago, I cleared out my entire sock drawer and filled it exclusively with Bombas because all my other socks had been shoved to the back of the drawer anyway!
The ankle socks are probably my favorite style because I wear sneakers almost every day. The back of the heel features a cushioned rim that sits just above the sneaker heel and doesn't slip down. The Honeycomb technology in the arch also supports my feet for long days of walking or running errands.
Bombas also makes specialty socks for different types of athletic activities, and they're all better than anything I've tried even from brands that specialize in specific sock categories. For example, I prefer Bombas hiking socks to brands like Smartwool for long days on the trail because they're rugged enough to hold their shape, they never slip down in my hiking boots, and they keep my feet insulated when it's cold. For another one of my Bombas socks reviews, I tested their Gripper socks by wearing them to yoga class, where they keep me from sliding on my mat.
All of this to say, Bombas socks are the only ones I buy anymore because they're simply the best in quality and design. — Sally Kaplan, executive editor
You can read my full Bombas Gripper socks review here if you want to see more close-up photos.
Kayla's Bombas review
The Merino Wool Calf Socks (pictured at right) are my go-to sock when I wear chunky sneakers or boots.
I lose a lot of socks, which means I often just resort to finding two similarly colored socks and calling it a day. My Bombas, however, are socks I've worked overtime not to lose. My Merino Wool Calf Socks are moisture-wicking, and the tall calves allow me to fold them down a bit and scrunch them up so they peek out of my Nike Dunks or Chuck Taylors. — Kayla Bickham, former fellow
What makes Bombas different from other socks?
High quality construction and detailed design are the two major factors that are markedly different when reading the average Bombas socks review. While the brand has common styles like crew, calf, and ankle socks, you'll also find heavyweight wool hiking socks, lightweight running socks, dress socks, tennis socks, grippy socks, and so much more.
Regardless of which style you choose, Bombas is known for its proprietary Honeycomb Arch Support System. The technology cradles the arch of your foot for a snug, yet comfortable fit. It also helps to prevent your socks from losing shape after a few wears and washes. Every pair of Bombas socks also has a seamless toe and a Y-Stitched Heel, which creates a natural cup around your heel to prevent slippage.
Other useful design features include blister tabs on its ankle socks, thoughtfully placed tension, or "Stay-Up technology" on calf socks, and a combination of heel grips and contoured seams on no-shows. These features are what makes Bombas socks a little more expensive than your average pair from Target, but we think the price is well worth it because of how long they last.
For every pair of socks you purchase, Bombas also donates another pair to someone in need. The same goes for Bombas underwear and T-shirts. To date, the company is responsible for donating more than 75 million items, all of which are specially designed to meet the needs of people experiencing homelessness.
Bombas is also a certified B-Corp, meaning it has volunteered to be graded by the nonprofit B Lab each year to ensure they're meeting the highest standards of social and environmental performance, public transparency, and legal accountability. You can find more of our favorite B-Corps brands here.
Bombas sock styles: Which ones should you buy?
Bombas categorizes it's socks for men and women, but it's worth noting that the designs are essentially unisex and that anyone can wear any of the socks. Just pay attention to the size chart and you'll find pairs that fit your feet in both sections. Bombas also offers tons of seasonal designs and collaborations, and most recently partnered with Cotopaxi on a hiking gear collection.
Here's a breakdown of even more Bombas socks we love, and what they're good for:
- Men's Quarter Socks and Women's Quarter Socks — "Stay-Up" technology
- Men's No-Show Socks and Women's No-Show Socks — silicone Stay-Put Heel Grips to prevent them from slipping down into your shoes
- Men's Performance Socks and Women's Performance Socks — for training, hiking, biking, tennis, and golf
- Men's Compression Socks and Women's Compression Socks — for reducing inflammation
- Men's Dress Socks and Women's Dress Socks — ribbed knee-highs to classic solid colors for pairing with dress shoes and heels
- Kids Socks — infant to youth sized socks, with colorful patterns for kids to mix and match
The bottom line
Bombas might be more expensive than most socks brands, but between the quality, comfort, durability, and the philanthropic efforts of the company, they're well worth adding to your drawer.
We completely understand that completely replacing all of your socks at once with Bombas could be very costly, but after convening on our Bombas socks reviews, we're positive that after adding one or two pairs to collection, you'll want to buy more.
Insider readers can save 20% on Bombas socks by using the exclusive promo code "INSIDER20" at checkout.
You can purchase logo and accolade licensing to this story here.
Disclosure: Written and researched by the Insider Reviews team. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our partners. We may receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We operate independently from our advertising team. We welcome your feedback. Email us at reviews@businessinsider.com.
