Long before I got pairs of Bombas Socks in hand, their socks were recommended to me by a few trusted friends. The recommendations centered around all-day comfort and durability. That, of course, piqued my interest. Afterward, I discovered Bombas’ pledge to donate one pair of socks for every pair purchased. It’s always a nice bonus to be able to support mission-driven brands so I was again attracted to them. Finally, browsing their website revealed a focus on performance alongside running and tennis-specific socks. And at WearTesters, if you’ve got a performance focus, we’re intrigued. All that convinced me. It was time to try Bombas Socks.
Since Bombas offers a lot of options, I’ve divided my review into sections focused on the versions I’ve tried. My aim is to give the pros, cons, or differences of each so you can make a decision on whether you’d like to purchase a pair.
As always, it’s hard to foresee every potential question so feel free to reach out via Twitter and Instagram or leave a comment below with any follow-up questions on Bombas Socks. Often, audience questions let us know what else is important and help us update our reviews to better serve future readers.
If you’re interested in a particular group of Bombas Socks, use the table of contents below to jump directly to that portion of my review.
Updated 7.15.2022
Bombas Socks Reviews
- Bombas Performance Running Socks
- Bombas Merino Performance Running Socks
- Bombas All-Purpose Performance Socks
- Bombas Compression Socks
- Bombas Performance Tennis Socks Review
- Bombas Performance Gripper Socks Review
- Bombas Performance Cushioned No Show Socks Review
- Bombas Cushioned No Show Socks Review
- Bombas Lightweight No Show Socks Review
- Bombas Lightweight Performance Running Socks Review
- Bombas Casual Socks Review
- Bombas Socks Customer Support
Bombas Performance Running Socks
There are a ton of “performance running socks” on the market. It can be hard to differentiate between them and tell the good from the bad. In my mind, the “need to have items” are extra cushioning at the toe and heel, arch support, and a heel tab to prevent blisters (if it’s an ankle cut sock). Bombas Performance Running Socks check all of those boxes. They also go the extra mile in terms of arch support with their Hex Tec midfoot band. It’s a breathable, lightweight material that provides a really nice arch hug. Since they’ve nailed the basics, let’s dive into the pros and cons:
Pros
- Thickness. Not too thin, not too thick. Will work for wide footers or narrow footers. Usually, running socks go one way or the other. Bombas provide the perfect middle ground of thickness.
- Breathability: The airflow is reminiscent of super thin socks even though Bombas are more substantial. The “vent” beneath the bend in the toes is especially ingenious and helps aerate a normally sweaty area.
- Materials. The polyester/nylon/cotton/spandex blend is super comfortable. It’s a soft sock that you can wear all day (or for a marathon).
- Arch support. As I mentioned above, the Hex Tec band is very effective and comfortable.
- Sporting specific design. Bombas’ running design varies quite a bit from their hiking, cycling, and tennis designs. It’s nice to see sport-specific socks.
- Durability. Bombas has a great reputation in this area. I wore mine a lot and put them through the washer/dryer many times. They still look basically new. Though I haven’t tested long-term durability yet, that’s a good sign of things to come.
- Available in ankle, quarter, and calf heights. In Bombas’ parlance, calf = crew. Depending on where you run and what shoes you use, you may prefer a different height. The calf and quarter socks are only slightly more expensive.
- Blister tabs. With Bombas performance running socks you get both front and back blister tabs. It’s a nice little touch that provides 360° protection from potentially uncomfortable shoe collars.
- Stay-up technology. Not sure exactly what type of elastic Bombas uses, but it works. The calf socks don’t slide down even when soaked with sweat on a hot day. My lower legs are usually remarkably efficient at pushing down any crew height sock during athletic activity but the Bombas stayed in place both when new and after several washes.
Cons
- Slickness. Bombas Performance Running socks are occasionally a little too slippery for some shoes (heavily dependent on insole material) and floors. They’re not crazy slick like dress socks but they’re just a touch slicker than I’d like. I’ve gotten used to it and I think it’s a fair trade-off for the overall comfort and softness.
- Dust. Black colorways dust. Make sure you use dryer sheets. Dryer balls won’t work without some particle cling.
Overall, Bombas Performance Running socks are winners. The $16.50 price point is in line with other performance running socks, there are a ton of fun color options, and they’re super comfortable.
Bombas Merino Performance Running Socks
The Bombas Merino Performance Running Socks look exactly the same as Bombas’ normal performance running socks. Here’s how they’re different:
- Materials. The Merino version is 51% wool, 45% nylon, and 4% spandex vs the original’s 51% polyester, 33% Nylon, 12% cotton, and 4% spandex.
- Warmth and breathability. Due to the wool, they’re warmer. The temperature regulation is good. The Merino version keeps my toes warmer on cold days but isn’t ideal for high heat or humidity.
- Dust. Just like other wool socks I’ve owned, they pick up hair and dust. They pick up a lot less hair and dust than the highly reviewed Darn Tough merino wool running socks. While durable, the Darn Tough socks run a little too hot. I think the build of the Bombas Merino Wool running sock is much better at cooling down sweaty feet.
- Softness. Not quite as soft as Bombas regular performance running socks. That’s normal for merino wool.
- Slickness. The merino performance running socks are slightly more slippery than the regular version. If your house has slick wood or tile floors, be careful.
- Available in ankle, quarter, and calf heights. In Bombas’ parlance, calf = crew. It’s good to have options.
- Price. The merino wool versions cost $6 more. That’s less than I expected. Merino wool clothing is often much more expensive than normal versions.
If you need warmer socks or love the feel of Merino wool, the $6 merino wool “upgrade” will be worth it for you. Otherwise, stick with Bombas regular performance running socks.
Bombas All-Purpose Performance Socks
The Bombas All-Purpose Performance Socks also look very similar to performance running socks but they’re not tuned specifically for one sport, instead taking a more general approach.
At 80% polyester and 20% cotton, the all-purpose socks feel more like an upgraded version of the traditional cotton sock. These socks feel built for all-day use with the occasional run, sport, or gym time thrown in. I prefer the material blend of the performance running socks but others may prefer this mix.
The All-Purpose performance sock is priced the same as the performance running sock but ditches the highly elastic Hex Tec arch support for a thicker, less elastic version (also called Hex Tec on the sock itself). The All-Purpose sock is thicker all around so you get increased padding versus the running-specific version. You also lose the front blister tab. Finally, the all-purpose performance socks feature the Bombas Crowned Bee logo prominently on the top of the foot (ankle version) and the lateral side of the calf height version. I’m not a fan of the bee logo but your mileage may vary.
At the same price as the performance running socks, it’s hard for me to recommend the All-Purpose Performance Socks. The All-Purpose look a little more traditional and less running tech-y, are thicker all around and feel more like a traditional sock. If that’s the kind of feel you prefer, you’ll be happy with them.
Bombas Compression Socks
Bombas makes another sock aimed at performance, specifically recovery. Bombas Compression Socks are knee-high with either medium or strong compression. Both encourage circulation in the lower leg to reduce swelling and aid in recovery.
Bombas doesn’t use as much compression as more expensive brands (want more compression…that’ll be $60 per pair of socks) but for $28 you’re getting more than you’d expect at that price point. They’re also the softest, most comfortable compression socks I’ve owned. Durability-wise they’re holding up just as well as my $60 pair.
In addition, Bombas offers a bunch of fun colors with a clean design. A lot of compression socks have bright colors but no sense of fashion.
There are some cons but they’re relatively small. First, you’re not supposed to put them in the dryer. I don’t dry a large portion of my workout clothes so this wasn’t a big deal for me, but I know a lot of readers dry everything and this may be an annoyance. Second, the calf and arch compression is really good but I wish there was more compression around the Achilles. That’s a trouble area for many runners and could use some extra blood flow to promote healing. Admittingly, that’s a hard area to compress and it’s an area only the more expensive compression socks and ankle sleeves tend to do well.
Bombas Compression Socks are a solid deal at their $28 price point and a great way to try out compression with a good-looking sock that’s comfortable and durable. They come in handy for sore legs and feet so it’s nice to have a pair in your sock drawer.
Bombas Performance Tennis Socks Review
Bombas Performance Tennis Socks utilize a materials mix of 60% Polyester, 22% Nylon, 15% Cotton, and 3% Spandex. Hex Tec offers awesome arch support and the ankle version of the tennis socks has two extra sewn-in elastic stay-up bands behind the arch. I’m guessing this was done to secure the socks against the constant back, front, and side-to-side motion that happens in tennis. In my experience, there was no sliding and the socks stayed in place over hours of outdoor tennis.
However, the cushioning pattern on the ball of the foot is where these socks performed poorly.
No matter what I did in these socks, the divided pattern chewed up the balls of my feet. Whether I was playing tennis, running, or just wearing them casually I felt every one of the seven lines bisecting the padding. I’m not sure why they designed the socks this way (I imagine something to do with the side-to-side motion of tennis) but it absolutely killed their comfort and usability for any athletic activities.
Bombas Performance Tennis Socks are available in both ankle and calf versions and are really comfortable…except for right below the balls of your feet. And that’s a dealbreaker. These are one of the only Bombas Socks I can’t recommend.
Bombas Performance Gripper Socks Review
Stuck inside for long periods of time during the pandemic was the perfect time to review Bombas Performance Gripper Socks. They’re designed to be indoor slippers for houses with slicker wood and tile floors. They can also keep your foot from sliding around inside your shoes. I’ve been told soccer players often use gripper socks.
The material mix is similar to other Bombas socks using 63% Polyester, 24% Nylon, 9% Cotton, and 4% Spandex. They’re definitely comfortable. The sticky dots at the bottom are made of 100% Silicone.
But the use of dots made me not like them inside shoes. I felt like the dots were jabbing the bottom of my feet at all times. It just wasn’t comfortable.
I did like the Bombas Grippers as house slippers and they’d make great socks for trampoline parks. As house slippers, they don’t slip. See what I did there? The silicone is high grade and attached firmly so the little dots don’t fall off after multiple washes or from high wear. At trampoline parks, their comfort is 100 times better than the crappy socks they always give you. If you exercise often at trampoline parks, see if they’ll let you wear Bombas instead of the house socks. Your feet will thank you.
Overall, Bombas Performance Gripper Socks do exactly what they claim and grip like crazy. They’re perfect as house slippers and at trampoline parks. Whether you like them in shoes probably depends on the sensitivity of the bottom of your feet. They’re durable and fun with the great arch support and comfort you’d expect from Bombas. You can feel confident purchasing them for these types of use cases.
Bombas Performance Cushioned No Show Socks Review
Bombas took everything I love about their performance running sock and made it a no show. The Bombas Performance Cushioned No Show Socks are the best no shows available anywhere. Not too thin, not too thick, silicon stay-put heel grips, seamless toe, and fantastic Hex Tec arch support.
They’re also durable, unlike many brands’ no show socks. Since they’re so solidly built and performance-oriented you can easily work out in them (or run if the collar of your shoes doesn’t create any hot spots.
Bombas Performance Cushioned No Show Socks are hands down the best no show socks for athletes. And while the $16.50 per pair price point may seem high for a no show sock, they’ll last over five times as long as cheaper, thinner no show socks. It’s a no show sock without any downsides.
Bombas Cushioned No Show Socks Review
Bombas Cushioned No Show Socks are very similar to the performance no show socks reviewed above but instead of a mostly polyester build, Bombas uses cotton. The Hex Tec arch support is also not included. You still get the not too thin, not too thick build, the silicon stay-put heel grips, and the seamless toe.
The result of changes? A softer version for casual wear that’s built to last. I’ve had one of my pairs for almost two years and it’s a long way from wearing out. And at $13 a pair (less if you buy a pack), they’re exceeding my durability expectations.
Bombas Cushioned No Show Socks are some of the best no show socks on the market. In my ranking, they’re only behind the performance version, also from Bombas Socks. If you live in a climate where no show socks are a necessity for summer casual wear, you need to give these a try.
Bombas Lightweight No Show Socks Review
The Bombas Lightweight No Show Socks are a thinner version of the Cushioned No Show. While they’re thinner than I prefer, others with wider feet and those who prefer thin socks may find them a better option. The Lightweight version still has the mostly cotton build (though it’s not as soft), the seamless toe, and stay-put heel grips. And the thin, lightweight build has only a small effect on durability. They show more wear than my Bombas Cushioned No Show socks of the same age but clearly have plenty of wear and washes left, justifying the $13 price point. If you gravitate towards thinner no show socks, this is the Bombas offering you want.
Bombas Lightweight Performance Running Socks Review
The Bombas Lightweight Performancing Running Sock packs plenty of Bombas best performance features like a seamless toe, Hex Tec arch support, front and back blister tabs, venting beneath the toes, and a similar material build as the regular Performance Running sock. However, they’re thinner, lighter, and use a different knit pattern. The Lightweight version doesn’t have a left/right designation on the sock and isn’t as soft but is priced the same at $16.50 per pair. It’s a different build aimed at runners who prefer minimal socks between their feet and the shoe. While that’s not my preferred sock thickness, I can tell these are quality and include that signature Bombas durability.
Bombas Casual Socks Review
Bombas Vintage Stripe Socks are an example of the awesome casual socks available at Bombas. We covered the casual-focused no show socks above. Bombas also offers ankle, quarter, and crew socks featuring a ton of different patterns and colors.
Each of the casual socks has a comfy cotton/polyester build, cushioned footbeds, Hex Tec arch support, seamless toes, and stay-up technology. Some bring nostalgia, some are collaborations with companies like Sesame Street or Disney, some celebrate Pride, and others just look fashionable or cool. Browse Bombas’ huge selection of fun casual socks and see if there’s something that catches your eye.
Bombas Socks Customer Support
I’ve read numerous accounts that Bombas Socks’ customer support is extremely helpful and accommodating. I didn’t have any reason to get in touch with them myself but looked across the internet for reviews. My search revealed very little criticism of their support system. Their customer focus and good return policy stood out thus making purchasing relatively risk-free. I always like it when that’s the case because you get more peace of mind when buying.
To see current Bombas Socks deals, sales, and promo codes, see our Deals page.
Thanks to Bombas Socks for sending pairs to test. Bombas was not given any editorial control of the review. This review is based on our weartesters’ experiences using the socks for running, basketball, weight training, casual wear, and more.
As a grandmother to 5 little grandbabes, I appreciate these compression socks that I can wear every day and run around with them when they visit. They’ll say, “ Nana, put on your chasing socks and try to catch us!”. Bombas are not too tight and feel better than any that I’ve tried. And the donations to homeless shelters is a bonus.