Bombas socks review: Our honest take after 9 years of wear

The only creature who appreciates great socks more than I do is my 13-pound chihuahua mix, who wads them in her mouth and parades them around our apartment all day long. But my foot comfort is extremely important to me, especially as my body has become generally achier.

Since going from the cheapest Amazon option to Bombas socks, I've started to enjoy daily activities —from lounging to walking the dog to cycling — in total comfort. The quality also means I'm now spending less money on replacement pairs.

The comfort aspect is a credit to Bombas' soft, moisture-wicking fibers but also the smart design, with strategic padding in blister-prone spots and just the right amount of stretch. Impressively, my chihuahua's teeth have yet to destroy or fray them, nor has the washing machine. But even if she were to, Bombas "100% Happiness Guarantee" means I can replace them easily.

Members of the Insider Reviews team say their Bombas socks have lasted over 9 years, and now I actually believe it. Mine have held up beautifully after multiple trips to the laundromat. Even better: As of 2026, the brand stated it has donated over 200,000,000 pieces of essential clothing items to people experiencing homelessness.

• Use our exclusive promo code "INSIDER20" at checkout to save 20% on your Bombas socks order.

Bombas Triblock Ankle Socks

Key features: Midweight knit, cushioned footbed, soft heel blister tab, Y-stitched heel for secure fit, honeycombed arch support.

Wear with: Everyday sneakers and walking shoes.

Even after lots of wear and two washes, these cushion-y socks feel as plush and soft as when I first received them. With the arch support and soft heel blister tab, they're really the ideal everyday sock for any kind of sneaker or walking shoe—I don't think I've ever worn an ankle sock this comfortable and pleasantly snug.

"The ankle socks are probably my favorite style because I wear sneakers almost every day," adds executive editor Sally Kaplan. "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," she says.

The mid-weight fabric is breathable yet cozy (73% cotton, 17% polyester, 7% nylon, 3% elastane), and the fit is quite secure so they never roll down. The sporty color block design feels fun in a way that socks so rarely do. This is the go-to pair I find myself always reaching for.

Bombas Everyday Compression Socks

Key features: 15—20mmHg graduated compression, seamless toe, cushioned

Wear with/best for: Air travel, recovery, pregnancy

My legs have been getting achier these days, so I was eager to test these popular midweight compression pairs, which promise to soothe and energize tired legs. I wouldn't say they energized me, but they did relieve some of the persistent fatigue and felt like a soft, cushion-y, warm hug. (Firmest support is at the ankle, then gradually decreases up the leg.)

The dusty pink "coco plum" Everyday Compression Socks with little flower designs made me happy every time I slipped them on. So whimsical. These hit below the knees, which I appreciate because so many other compression styles hug the knees quite tightly, which is not for me. The cotton blend holds up beautifully after a wash. I'm looking forward to testing these on my next flight.

Bombas Performance Compression Socks

Key features: Knee-high shaft with 20-30 mmHg of graduated compression

Best for: Airplane travel, pregnancy, or exercise recovery

Our fitness gear expert Rachael Schultz tested the best compression socks and found this pair to be highly breathable and durable after multiple washes. "I wore the Performance Compression Socks for over 8 hours of travel and found they were still comfortable at the end of the day without feeling overly constricted," she says. "My feet weren't sweaty or smelly, thanks to the breathable Hex Tec yarn and strategic airflow vents."

Bombas Ruffle Rib Quarter Socks

Key features: Lightweight ribbed knit, frilly cuff, arch support

Wear with: Mary Janes, ballet flats, dressy sneakers, loafers

Gosh, the feminine frill on these ultra-soft quarter socks is so pretty it can dress up just about any kind of shoe. (I ordered white for versatility purposes, but now I'm kicking myself for not getting the adorable cherry-topped pair.) It's rare that socks can elevate an outfit, and these feel as premium as they look with the plush-but-lightweight fabric. The fit is tight enough so you can wear these with flats or dress shoes, without feeling restrictive. I wore these to the office and back and to dinner on a very warm day, and my feet felt so supported and comfy, whereas they usually suffocate in their own sweat.

Bombas Run Ankle Socks

Key features: Lightweight knit, mesh ventilation, cushioning in heel and toe, seamless toe, honeycombed arch compression. Sweat-wicking and breathable. Left and right foot-specific. Double blister tabs at front and back

Wear with/best for: Running sneakers or any athletic shoes you'd wear during high-impact workouts

The tension in these Run Socks secures them in place during my higher-impact activities, which also helps with blisters because everything stays where it's supposed to.

Soft and sweat-wicking with "mesh ventilation," these lightweight run socks check every box for me when it comes to remaining comfortable during high-impact activities. My favorite part is the fact that the designs are left and right foot-specific, which makes the fit feel way more secure. The cushiony blister tabs (at the front and back!) feel so luxurious against my most vulnerable bits of skin, and the socks never roll down when I'm running. The support and second-skin fit is God tier. I now wear these beyond workouts when I know I'm going to be on my feet all day. Note that they're on the tighter side, so if you like a little roominess in your sock, I'd look elsewhere.

Bombas Vintage Stripes Half Calf Socks

Key features: Retro stripes, arch support, reinforced toecap

Best for: Everyday, workouts

"Bombas' Vintage Stripes Half Calf Socks are the softest socks I own. I especially love to wear to them to dance practice because they cushion the Honeycomb Arch Support System gives my high arches a supportive squeeze, and the socks retain their shape even after I've sweat in them. While they look old-school, this pair combines all my favorite things from Bombas' modern sock technology." —Gabrielle Chase, style editor, Insider Reviews

Bombas Slippers

Sunday Slipper

Key features: Faux sherpa lining, memory foam midsole, rubber outsole, closed back

Best for: Lounging at home, quick trips outside

Style editor Gabrielle Chase tested these memory foam Sunday Slippers and loved the faux sherpa lining, which she says "feels as cozy as it looks and keeps my feet insulated." She prefers these to the Sunday Mule Slippers because they hold your feet in more securely thanks to raised backs. Read more in our full Bombas slippers review.

Sunday Mule Slipper

Key features: Faux sherpa lining, memory foam midsole, rubber outsole, open back

Best for: Indoor wear only

Without the raised backs in Bombas Sunday slipper, these cozy faux sherpa Mule Slippers are "a bit more breathable, " says executive editor Sally Kaplan. When she tested the pair, she found the memory foam insole to be "pillowy soft" and appreciated that "the rubber outsole is just sturdy enough that you can check your mail outside."

Gripper Slipper

Key features: Thick footbed, rubber traction on soles, soft-brushed lining

Wear with/best for: WFH, chores around the house, lounging

Chase wears the Grippers while working from home in mild temperatures because they're lightweight and feel "exactly halfway between a sock and a slipper." The rubber traction pads on the soles prevent your feet from sliding around on the floor. Read more in our full Bombas Gripper Slipper review.

Why are Bombas socks expensive?

"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." — Amir Ismael, former men's style editor, Insider Reviews

The bottom line

At a time when brands are slashing quality hoping we won't notice, it's refreshing to see a brand actually sticking to its original promises. Bombas Tri-Color Ankle Socks have become a wardrobe staple that I wear for just about any occasion, from hanging around at home to cycling. While the price is much higher than what I'm accustomed to paying for socks, the exceptional durability means I won't have to keep buying new pairs so regularly. And, I'll just generally feel more comfortable on a day to day basis.

The post Bombas socks review: Our honest take after 9 years of wear appeared first on Business Insider