Bombas socks review: The most comfortable and durable socks we've tested for 6 years and counting (2024)

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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 collaborations and underwear.

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.

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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.

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.

I 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.

Sally's Bombas review

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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!

Sally Kaplan/Business Insider

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.

Kayla's Bombas review

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.

The Merino Wool Gripper House Socks have officially replaced my house shoes, thanks to the cozy, thick material that holds its shape and keeps my feet insulated against my cool wooden floors. They're almost like a slipper sock, but not quite as heavy, making them perfect for in-between days when it's too cold for thin socks but a little warm for shearling slippers. They also have grippy dots on the bottom that prevent sliding.

While the Gripper House Socks have never seen the sole of any of my shoes, my Merino Wool Calf Socks certainly have.The inclusion of wool makes them 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.

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 they've recently partnered with Venus Williams and Pixar on new limited-edition pairs.

There's a style for nearly every use, so what you buy should depend on how you're going to wear them.

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 — ribbed knee-highs to classic solid colors for pairing with suits or dress pants
• Kids Socks — from infant to youth, you'll find cool socks for your little ones

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.

Shop all Bombas socks here.