One of Shark Tank's most successful companies, Bombas began with a game-changing design to elevate the basic sock and a promise to donate a pair to those in need for every pair sold. Since its launch in 2013, the brand now offers underwear and undershirts for men and women.
As a reviews analyst in the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab, I've tested over 100 styles of socks in the past few years, putting them through the wringer in Lab evaluations assessing everything from shrinkage to abrasion resistance. I have also worked with over 400 different consumer testers who provided feedback on factors like comfort and appearance.
From analyzing testing data to owning a few pairs myself, the results speak for themselves: Bombas makes some of the best socks we've ever tested. Its no-show socks are specifically designed to stay on your feet, while its everyday socks offer cushioning, comfort and support. Plus, each style has standout features like a seamless toe, honeycomb arch support system and Y-stitched heel.
Bombas Original Socks
The Original is the brand's first style of socks, available in both ankle and crew height, and they're perfect for everyday wear year-round. They've got all the features Bombas are known for, like a seamless toe to minimize chaffing as well as their proprietary honeycomb arch support system and signature Y-stitched heel, which helps provide a snug fit with minimal slippage.
In our tests, they were a favorite of our consumer testers and product experts alike. One tester even said, "These are the most comfortable socks I've ever worn." Plus, they're a wardrobe staple of our Textiles Lab analysts, who swear by these for both personal wear and as gifts for family and friends.
While the cushioning on the soles adds support, these types of socks are more prone to visible signs of wear and tear. We found that the brand's lightweight socks fared a bit better, lasting over 3,000 rubs on our Martindale Abrasion Resistance Tester before it began to show signs of pilling. The Original socks also showed minimal shrinkage after multiple washes.
Both ankle and calf sizes are also available in solid colors if you would prefer to skip the color blocking and stripe details.
Bombas No-Show Socks
Bombas aced our tests in the no-show sock category, outscoring every other pair we tested (both lightweight and cushioned offerings) based on consumer feedback. Made of cotton and polyester with a bit of spandex, these styles have the same seamless toe with added silicone grippers in the back and a thick elastic band around the ankle to help the sock stay in place during wear.
Testers highlighted the effectiveness of the design and none experienced any slippage during wear. Some praised the simple comfort, with one calling the lightweight version "the perfect no-show sock," noting how "thin and breathable, yet substantial enough to stay put" the socks felt.
Note that we observed more shrinkage in the no-show socks compared to other styles during Lab testing. If you're on the edge of a size range for those, I'd recommend sizing up to ensure the fit isn't too snug.
Bombas Performance Socks
In the world of athletic socks, the brand's signature honeycomb-style compression around the arch sets these socks apart. Our Registered NASM-certified Personal Trainer Stefani Sassos praised the balance of support and comfort of its running socks and called them "great for workouts and everyday wear."
Testers gave the running socks high scores across the board, with one saying, "my feet never overheated and they were never too sweaty." Another tester noted that while she's gotten blisters and cuts from running in different socks in the past, she didn't when wearing Bombas.
If you prefer Pilates, yoga or barre to running, Bombas also offers gripper ankle socks that we found performed best at staying in place during our evaluation of the best grip socks.
Bombas Merino Wool Socks
If you're after a little extra warmth as the weather gets colder, the brand's Merino wool socks felt soft and warm in our evaluations. There's everything from standard calf socks to no-show socks that felt "super soft," according to testers. We even named the calf socks the most comfortable pair in our round-up of the best warm socks, and one tester said they're "perfect for when it's frigid and you want to keep your feet warm."
Gripper Slipper
While this style is more of a slipper-sock hybrid than a true lounge sock or slipper, it's undeniably comfy. The most popular version features a variety of fun knit exteriors with soft, brushed lining to keep you warm during chillier seasons.
Testers reported back that they felt safe while walking on hardwood floors in the Gripper Slipper and several highlighted the cushioning on the soles. One even described this pair as a "special treat to try." It's the most expensive style in our round-up, but it is more substantial and versatile.
Are Bombas Socks worth it?
The short answer is yes, they're more than worth it, but it depends on what you're willing to pay for this elevated closet essential. While they certainly come at a premium, if there's one thing Bombas does best, it's comfort. Even if you think your current socks are perfectly fine, these socks stood out from the rest in our tests. Plus, for every pair you buy, the brand will donate another to someone in need.
Although select styles exhibited more shrinkages or signs of wear and tear, GH analysts and editors have been wearing Bombas for years without any issues. As long as you aren't subjecting the socks to extremely abrasive surfaces, they should last.
And if you have ever struggled to find a sock that fits, Bombas has you covered with three to four sizes for any of their styles. I'm a Women's size 6.5 and have dealt with too-big socks my entire life. Once you find a pair that perfectly fits you, there's no going back.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Grace Wu is a textiles product review analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute who oversees Lab and consumer tests for almost all types of socks, including many Bombas socks featured in this guide. Prior to joining the GH Institute, Wu earned a Master of Engineering degree in materials science and engineering and a Bachelor of Science degree in fiber science from Cornell University. She currently owns around a dozen pairs of Bombas and almost exclusively wears the brand these days.
Elizabeth Berry most recently updated this review guide to replace out-of-stock picks and incorporate new testing stats. She has reported on a variety of sock and shoe content for the GH Institute and believes socks to be an underrated statement piece in an outfit.
Grace Wu (she/her) is a product reviews analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab, where she evaluates fabric-based products using specialized equipment and consumer tester data. Prior to starting at Good Housekeeping in 2022, she earned a master of engineering in materials science and engineering and a bachelor of science in fiber science from Cornell University. While earning her degrees, Grace worked in research laboratories for smart textiles and nanotechnology and held internships at Open Style Lab and Rent the Runway.
