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Bombas sells dress, sport, non-slip, no-show and so many other socks that range from $12.50 to $24 a pair.
By Evan Malachosky
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Socks are a touchy subject. They should be an easy buy — something you wear until they’re worn out and restock without doing much research. However, times have changed. Socks have gone from a stale department store product (and a cop out Christmas gift) to a category rife with direct-to-consumer disruptors. It’s fair to wonder whether or not these newcomers are really offering anything new. Can their socks, which often cost as much for one pair as the packs used to, really be worth it?
About Bombas’ Socks
Bombas, for one, promises not only upgrades in aesthetics and performance but also business practices. They pledge to donate an item to someone in need for every item bought. With this model, they say they’ve donated “more than 50 million items to more than 3,500 community organizations” since 2013. In doing so, they’ve fulfilled on a promise founder Randy Goldberg set forth in the business’ original Indiegogo campaign (which raised 949 percent, aka $143,000, of its original $15,000 goal).
As for which organizations Bombas give socks to, Goldberg told Glossy they “are anything from a small shelter in a small town to big organizations like the VA and the Special Olympics. We’re in all 50 states. And we send out boxes of socks that are specially designed to meet the needs of those living on the streets, or who aren’t able to change their clothes as frequently.” They followed similar initiatives brands like Warby Parker and Toms promised — which were both one for one, but for glasses and shoes, respectively — in hopes of not only bettering the category but the situations of those less fortunate, too.
Are Their Socks Any Better?
Their charitable contributions are hard to contest. 50 million items is a massive number, and one that will only grow as the business does. But is this promise hinged on a faulty, slightly expensive product? No. In my opinion, Bombas has definitely bettered the category. Their socks, which come in five heights (no show, ankle, quarter, calf, knee high) designed for three different activities (casual, performance, dress), stand up to repeated washing, wear in without ripping or loosing their elasticity and rarely, if ever, slouch at the toe or heel or slide down your leg.
This hold, which a wearer will feel up on the shaft of the sock (the part that hugs your ankle and above) and across the arch, comes courtesy of Bombas’ signature “honeycomb” stretch. The honeycombs link together to form a thick band that nearly spans the length of your arch, wrapping all the way around the top of your foot, too. This helps distribute your weight as you step, preventing pressure points or the dreaded bunch up. But Bombas socks also stay up: the cinch around your calf is tight but not too tight, meaning you won’t be pulling your socks up during the work day or as you walk. I, for one, love the simplicity of Uniqlo’s super-cheap socks but they fall down every 10 minutes without fail.
Bombas socks also come with a seamless toe — you know the line where socks are usually finished? That stitch line typically rubs across the tops of your toes, creating enough tension to irritate but rarely blister. On the back, there is a tab dedicated to blisters specifically. Addressing the spot where your heel rubs on the back of your sneaker or boot, their socks offer cushion between your skin and the shoe.
And although, yes, spending between $12.50 and $24 dollars for a single pair seems insane at first, buying fewer but nicer socks is better for your bank account (and the planet) than restocking your entire top drawer every few weeks. I’ve found few very few socks that stand up to usual wear and tear like these do. Most wear out beyond repair — but not Bombas’.
Shop Bombas’ Socks
BombasBombas Cushioned No Show Sock (8-Pack)
$94.00 at Bombas
Although the 12-pack is the best value because of the larger discount, this 8-pack is one of Bombas’ best sellers. They offer these in eight different assortments — all-white, gray, black, a mix of colors, and so on and so forth — but this understated, albeit classic assortment is the best bet, even if black matches best (and most often).
BombasBombas Tri-Block Marl Ankle Sock (6-Pack)
$78.00 at Bombas
If you’re a fan of fun, colorful socks, this ankle-height 6-pack will surely suit. You get one of each of a handful of colors, and they come with a collar at the heel to prevent rubbing (which causes blisters). With these, unlike on the no shows, you get the low profile but also the honeycomb arch.
BombasBombas Quarter Sock (4-Pack)
$53.00 at Bombas
Quarter-height socks will show when you’re wearing most low-top sneakers or shoes, but they offer nice in-between protection when you’re wearing high-top options like Chuck Taylor All-Stars. Plus, these come with Bombas’ signature cushioned arch support.
BombasBombas Merino Wool Calf Sock (4-Pack)
$76.00 at Bombas
These are exactly like Bombas’ cotton calf-height socks except they’re made from merino wool. Merino wool excels at temperature regulation and keeping your feet dry (and thus smell-free). They’ve been mixed with both spandex and polyester, too, so they stay stretchy and pulled up.
MORE WOOL SOCKS
BombasBombas Solids Calf Sock (4-Pack)
$53.00 at Bombas
If you’re not up for spending the extra $30 bucks for merino wool, you’ll wind up here: with the cotton-based solid calf socks. They have the same cushioned footbed, proprietary arch support and non-slouchy shaft.
BombasBombas Merino Wool Dress Knee High Sock (5-Pack)
$114.00 at Bombas
Dress socks, because they’re usually made from luxe materials like silk or soft wool, are naturally pretty bad at staying pulled up. Height helps, but so does the perfect elasticity. Bombas’ are made from merino wool, but they’re blended with spandex and polyester so they have better grip. These come without the honeycomb arch, though.
BombasBombas All-Purpose Performance Heavy Duty Calf Sock (3-Pack)
$66.00 at Bombas
Flip these inside out and you’ll find some hefty yarns. They’re meant to keep your feet warm in winter, but cool when warmer weather comes (if you feel the need to wear a sock this thick when summer hits). They also have built-in features that prevent bunching up and blisters.
MORE BOOT SOCKS
BombasBombas Merino Wool Running Calf Socks (Single)
$24.00 at Bombas
If you’re a runner, you know the importance of the proper sock. It’s vital to making sure a few miles isn’t a death sentence to your arches or heels. These are contoured to the shape of both feet — meaning the left can only go on the left and the right can only go on the right — and vented for maximum airflow.
MORE RUNNING SOCKS
BombasBombas Everyday Compression Socks (15-20mmHg, Single)
$28.00 at Bombas
If you need compression socks, it’s important to know what kind of pressure the socks apply. Bombas is transparent about this measurement, and offers this style in several colors. They make comfort look cool.
MORE COMPRESSIONS SOCKS
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