Bombas Socks Product Review After FIVE YEARS! Like No Other
As with any new product, it’s easy to write a positive review once you use it the first time. With socks, this is particularly true. But I put my Bombas to the test for a year two years three years, and here’s my Bombas sock review. I first saw the socks on a Shark Tank episode where all but one shark, Damon John, rejected the company. I ordered that night. I loved them from the start for their giving-back attitude.
As an urban hiker and walking traveler, I expect a lot from my feet and their footwear. Although I’ve moved from Merrills to Keens for shoes, and I’ve since adopted Korkers for ice traction, the one constant for the past year two three years has been my Bombas. They are as true and fit as the first day I got them, despite over 100 200 300 wearings and washings. Since my first pair, I now have many others, but I keep coming back to them! Even as I trek around Europe and South America in my nomadlife, Bombas are in my pack.
The Bombas Ankle Sock. Fit. Fit. Fit!
I have two types of pairs, the Bombas ankle and the Bombas calfs. Since I don’t wear the calfs that often, this review is strictly about the ankle socks. Let’s start with the fit. Not too tight, not loose, they are the perfect fit with their hive-like arch support. The toe has stayed true as well, not losing its shape nor shredding its seam. The toe box comfortably houses my digits without rubbing across my toe knuckles. The heel stays put, never riding up or slipping down. I love that they have arch support, a seamless toe, and a cushioned foot-bed that’s kept my heels happy. Get your pair of Bombas here!
(By the way, since I wrote this article originally, I’ve worn the calfs at least 100 times and I still love them.) And I now wear the Quarter Socks and love them just as much.
The first wearing, January 2016
The second best part of this sock is certainly the neck. A soft curl protects the back of my heel from the rear lip of my shoe. In addition, the curl is just thick enough to discourage sand and pebbles from sneaking in during my trail walks. Nary a blister has ever appeared while hiking or walking through the streets of Denver in my Bombas.
Socks for Folks Experiencing Homelessness
Homelessness is a tough problem around the world and in every city in the U.S. We’ve also seen people experiencing homelessness all around the world. When the founder of Bombas read that socks were the number one most-requested item at homeless shelters, he put his might to the test and came up with a solution.
What’s the best part of this sock? For every pair of socks that Bombas sells, they donate a pair to homeless shelters. As someone who interacts with homeless every day while I walk the sidewalks, trails, and streets of Denver and the beautiful cities of my nomadlife, I see this need first-hand, and I’m grateful Bombas sees it, too. Bombas, whose mantra is “bee better,” lives and breathes its brand. They’ve donated one pair of socks for every pair purchased since its inception, totally over 25,000,000 pairs. That’s a lot of warm, happy feet! They also volunteer weekly in the shelters handing out their socks and interacting with the communities.
Still look good! February 2017
When Will I Order Again?
I originally ordered a four pack of the ankle socks in January 2016 in turquoise blue. I liked having four pairs of the same colors that I didn’t have to match when they came out of the dryer! Now, a year two three years later, I’m still loving these turquoise blue Bombas, although they are a tad faded. Their form and fit have persisted, and I see no reason to order any more in the near future. But then again, the new super compression socks might have to just show up in my wardrobe. I can barely resist. They’d be great for all the travel that I do.
Update: It’s two years later (January 2018), and here’s the original pair on my feet. Still going strong! One of the socks of the original pack has a hole in its heel, but other than that, they still fit snugly and comfortably.
A three-year update. After three years and over 300 washings, my bright blue ankle socks are finally showing some wear. The neck has started to give, allowing small pebbles and things into my foot. I’m finally going to treat myself and get some new socks as my own stocking stuffers! I think I’ll pick the cute new blue Fair Isle socks, and maybe I’ll branch out and get all the colors!
Update (4 years!): It’s now four years later (Spring 2020), and I’ve finally started to throw away some a few of the original socks. They had finally lost their form, sometimes slipping into my shoe while hiking. So the question is, have I reordered? Yup, and I’m sitting right here dealing with Covid in my bright yellow ankle socks. They make me so happy.
Update (5 years): As I got rid of all the things I owned, including selling my home, I still packed my Bombas. But I changed to the Quarter Sock model so I could wear them with my Keens and my Hokas. I have two pair, now, and I wear them weekly. They are perfect and still perform like the original socks I got in 2016.
PS. Click here to get 20% off on your first Bombas purchase.
Click on the Nomad Life tab above to read about how we sold everything and we’re traveling the world full-time.
I received a pack of Bomba Socks from my daughter for Christmas because she wanted to share the joy of wearing the socks with me. She loves them!
However, I found the socks too tight in the calves of my legs because of my short height. I am only 4’11” tall. My calves are NOT large by any means; and I normally don’t have this problem with other socks I wear.
I’m sorry to hear that. This review, of course, is for the shorter socks. I also have the hiking socks and love them as well. I’m short like you (but a little taller at 5’4″) and don’t have that problem. I love the hiking socks–I wear them with my Hoka One Ones–and always leave the trail happy.
I’ve had my socks for 3-4 months and 1 pair is already developing holes in the toes. Over priced and poor quality.
I’m sorry to hear that. I have had nothing but a positive experience. I’m sure if you reached out to Bombas directly, they’d make it right by you.
I live in Kansas City Missouri and was BLESSED to have gotten some of theses socks for Me and My Family at a food pantry….WOWWW!!! THEY ARE AMAZZZING ? I/WE ARE EXTREMELY GRATEFUL FOR YOUR DONATIONS!!! PLEASE TAKE A MINUTE TO…DUST YOUR WINGS FOR YOUR GENEROSITY!!?
You are so sweet! Good luck to you.
I’m down to just a couple pair after 2 years of wear. ( I bought a 6 pack) All developed holes in the heels. I love the socks, but for the price I want them to last longer than that. I don’t wear my shoes in the house, just socks. I love the socks other than the above problem.
I eventually threw mine out because of holes in the heels too, but it was more like three years. I think three years for a pair of socks is pretty impressive, especially when one pair for each sold goes to folks living with homelessness.
Thanks for your comment.
I am debating purchasing these for myself and myself as some stocking stuffers. After reading your review, I feel better about spreading so much for a pair of socks. Thank you!
Oh, I’m so glad. As I type this, I am wearing the blue ankle socks I mention in the post. They’re a good five years old now and still kicking. Best investment I ever made in a pair of socks (and so glad to give to others who need them when I purchase!)
My sister put a pair in my Christmas gift 3years ago and was raving about them. I put them on, grabbed my gray converse and hit the streets. To my AMAZEMENT my feet including my toes didn’t hurt after 6 hours. Normally I save my converse for cute outfits with a short time frame because they hurt my toes after a few hours. I can wear them and any shoes all day with more comfort than ever before these socks. I bought a four pack immediately and swear by them. I’m going to buy the super low no show style this week
Oh, I’m so glad you love them! What a great story!
Are Bamba socks given to shelters outside the United States?? Just wondering…. I’m a firm believer in charity starting at home.
I’m sorry, Coretta, I don’t know!
Does charity have to have borders? Personally, I would not give based on a cliché about charity starting at home.
I agree with the charity starts at home… (read… United States) thanks for bringing this important point up.
Id be concerned that in 2 years you developed a hole in your sock. My cheap cotton ankle socks from Costco take a lot of abuse and wear on hard surfaces without shoes, and not one has a hole in it after a few years of abuse, and over drying in the dryer regularly.
With the price tag at $18 an ankle sock now, I would definitely say there are competitors with a lifetime guarantee, that make socks that will probably last a few times as long as these seem to last based on your review.
That’s great feedback. To note, Bombas did send me a free pair of socks after seeing my post. I think after wearing them a good 100 plus times, including on concrete to the mailbox, throughout the house, and of course in boots and shoes, I’m more than pleased with their wear. I actually got six pairs at once, and only one got the hole in it. The other five pairs are still kicking, over three years later.
I think my point that it was 2 years and easily 200 washings. That’s substantial. Yes, there are competitors, but these are the ones I love for all the reasons above.
I haven’t heard anything about how warm they are. What percentage of Merino wool are in the socks? What other materials are in the socks? Please do not send me any ads or sell my email address to anyone else.
Thanks, Bob
I have used the merinos when hiking in the Rockies with my waterproof boots. They’ve been nice and toasty. According to their website, the materials are 80% Merino Wool
12% Nylon
5% Lycra
3% Polyester.
I do not sell your email address, ever.
Thanks Bob!
Are their wool socks itchy??
I don’t know. I’m allergic to wool, so I don’t own any of them. Sorry I can’t help.
Bob, there are product descriptions and content definitions on the website. I’m allergic to wool, so I don’t buy the Merinos.
I am wondering if the ankle socks are constructing around the top. Are they comfortable for someone whose ankles swell?
I have a pair of the ankle socks which I wear when I’m walking in gravelly areas or when I think the kick up from my shoes might throw rocks/pebbles into my socks. They do a good job keeping stuff out. I didn’t find them constricting; I have potato picker legs (big calves!), and they are comfortable.
I’ve never been uncomfortable in them after many miles on any hike!
I really appreciate that they donate a pair of socks for every pair that is purchased. I can stand behind the fact that they do donate socks to benefit people in need. I received my first pair from a pantry.
Me too!
That’s so cool to see that you benefitted!
When these first came around, I thought “how cool that they donate a pair for every pair bought”. I liked the gray and turquoise colored ones, so I bought some. LOVED LOVED LOVED them. So much so, that I thought I would purchase some more. I ordered more of my faves, in Turquoise, and some in gray and yellow combo. Again, I was delighted. However, after washing and wearing a few times, the NEWER ones started losing their elastic band around the ankle, so they would tend to slip off my heal. My OLDER ones did not do that. I think perhaps they have found a new manufacturer, which is unfortunate, because all of the NEWER ones I purchased have all lost all elasticity in the ankle part. The rest of the sock is in fabulous condition. The “hive” part is still nice and snug and the fabric is awesome, but if they don’t stay on because they’ve lost the ankle elastic, they are no good anymore. Had to toss them out and that really was a shame. Thank goodness I still have the original four pair left of the OLDER ones.
That’s a bummer Deb. That makes sense. Did you contact Bombas directly? Their customer service is really good. I have always ordered the Brights ankle socks and haven’t had the experience you mentioned.
I’d call them and explain your dilemma. They seem to take care of folks well.
Love these socks!! So comfortable and they do not slip at the heel. Like the idea of buy one donate one.
Liked them so much I ordered socks for my niece and grandson.
Also customer service is great!!
Aren’t they the greatest! I wish they made underwear 🙂
I totally agree!