Bombas Socks Reviews - Are They Worth the Price?
This company has claimed this profile, is getting alerted on any new customer reviews entering this page, and may engage in dialogue with its customers to address their matters.Companies cannot pay money or provide goods in order to remove or alter customer reviews.
Summary
Founded in 2013, Bombas is a sock company that crafts their products from high-quality components and gives a pair to the homeless for each one sold.
Pros
- Variety of sizes, styles, and patterns
- The company donates one pair of socks for every purchase
- Comfortable and versatile, according to many customer reviewers
Cons
- More expensive than many brands
- May not last long before getting holes
- Might not fit true to size
Our Full Review
Buying quality socks that hold up isn’t easy. All too often, we spend money on a pair we expect to last, only to wear holes in the heels. Are Bombas socks the exception?
Bombas is a women’s, men’s, and kid’s sock manufacturer that crafts its products from high-quality extra-long-staple cotton yarns with natural moisture-wicking and antimicrobial properties.
These socks are designed to provide you with “engineered comfort” and long-term durability in each pair. The brand sells socks specialized for a variety of activities, including everything from cardio workouts to corporate meetings.
Another selling point for this brand is that the company donates a pair to the homeless community for every one purchased.
But before handing over your money, take a couple of minutes to read through our analysis so you can make an informed decision about whether Bombos socks are worth buying.
Which Types of Socks Does Bombas Offer?
Bombas sells a variety of socks for women, men, and kids as single pairs and in multi-packs. You can search the site by filtering the options by color, height, and occasion.
All Bombas socks come with extra padding on the footbed. This purportedly adds support and improves its lifespan, and the company claims that this padding isn’t thick enough to cause shoe discomfort.
Bombas also emphasizes their socks “contain a small amount of latex” and “are made in factories that use latex.” If you’re allergic to latex, they recommend choosing another brand. Other materials in their socks include the following:
- 63–78% Extra Long Staple Cotton (Merino options contain 78% wool)
- 13–34% Polyester
- 3–6% Rubber
- 1–7% Spandex
- 1–12% Nylon
Percentages vary by sock type.
Bombas Women’s and Men’s Socks
Women’s socks are available in five heights no show, ankle, quarter, calf, and knee-high/over the calf. Knee-high versions are only available for women, and over the calf for men. Both span three main categories:
- Dress– Lightweight Crew, Marls, Donegal, Dress Solids
- Athletic – Running, Skiing, Hiking, Tennis, Golf, Grippers, Basketball
- Casual – Merino Wool, Lightweight Crew, Cushioned, Marls, Originals
Bombas’ women’s and men’s socks are available in many popular heights, designs (as well as limited editions), and materials, including extra-long-staple cotton and Merino wool.
Bombas Kid’s Socks
Comparatively, Bombas kid’s socks are only available in calf and ankle heights. Options include Grippers, Athletic, Daily Use, and themes like holidays and Sesame Street.
Bombas’ kid’s socks promise to deliver all the comfort, support, and softness found in the adult versions, just in smaller sizes.
How Much Do Bombas’ Socks Cost?
Bombas socks are primarily available directly through the company, though we also saw a few styles listed on Amazon.
Adult women and men’s sizes run between 4 and 16, and kid’s sizes are between 1.5–8.5 (toddler) and 9–3 (youth). Bigger adult sizes are available in select styles.
Women’s & Men’s
- Single pairs: $10.50–$24
- 4 to 12-packs: $30–$172.80
Kid’s Socks
- 3 to 12-packs: $15–$64.80
The company indicates their socks are true to size, although they'll slightly shrink the first time you wash them. After that, they should retain their size.
All Bombas orders come with a Happiness Guarantee that covers free exchanges and returns (including free shipping), at any time, regardless of their condition.
In order to request one, customer support can be reached at (800) 314-0980 or via their site’s contact form.
The Bombas Giveback Program
Bombas donates one pair of socks to a homeless shelter in the United States for every pair donated. This has already totaled over 5 million donated pairs of socks.
The company also operates a Giving Directory with 2,500 partners across the country who have collectively donated more than 25 million clothing items. You can get involved by emailing the company at giving@bombas.com.
Analysis of Customer Reviews
More than 60 customers have left reviews for Bombas on our website, and these reviews average 2.3 stars. Amazon also sells a few pairs of Bombas socks, and most pairs average four stars. Here’s what the main opinions are:
High-Quality Socks
Many reviewers wrote that they loved Bombas socks, especially compared to other brands. They noted that the socks were comfortable, easy to put on, and lasted through lots of use.
Socks Wore Out Quickly
Other reviewers were less happy with Bombas’ quality. They wrote that they wore holes into the heels of the socks quickly—sometimes after just a single use. A few wrote that the socks got beat up in their washing machines and that they shrunk to the point of being uncomfortable to wear.
Some of these users wrote that the quality between pairs seemed inconsistent, as certain pairs deteriorated much faster than others.
Socks Painfully Tight and Not True To Size
According to a few reviewers, Bombas socks don’t always fit true to size. One woman noted that the socks cut off circulation in her calves to the point of being painful.
Others wrote that the socks were a half-inch longer than expected and were uncomfortably bunched around their toys and ankles.
Too Expensive for the Quality
One consistent complaint about Bombas socks seems to be that they are pricy for what you receive. Many reviewers noted that the socks didn’t seem any more special than regular pairs they bought for a fraction of the price and that they expected them to be more comfortable or and last longer.
Key Takeaway
Bombas socks are a big success for many customers, but others are less happy with their quality, sizing, and price tag.
Bombas Socks vs. Smartwool and Darn Tough Vermont
If you’re looking to pay more per pair of sock to ensure you get comfort and great quality, there are several brands up for consideration. Below, we’ve compared what you get from Bombas socks to Smartwool and Darn Tough Vermont.
Bombas | Smartwool | Darn Tough Vermont | |
---|---|---|---|
Cost Per Pair (Calf Length Casual) |
$15–$18 | $21–$30 | $21–$23 |
Main Material | Merino wool, cotton | Merino Wool | Merino Wool |
Types of Socks | Men’s, women’s, children’s socks for casual, sport, and dress use | Men’s, women’s, and children’s socks for all purposes, with an emphasis on sport | Men’s, women’s and children’s socks for sport, hiking, and casual use (all made in Vermont) |
Average Amazon Review | 3.8–4.3 | 4.5–5 | 4.5–5 |
Of these three brands, Bombas is the cheapest option, and the only brand to include cotton in some of its socks. That’s likely one reason why they are cheaper than brands that use only Merlino wool. However, cotton isn’t recommended for sports use as the material absorbs sweat and then drys slowly.
Both Smartwool and Darn Tough Vermont have higher average rankings on Amazon than Bombas. Customer comments show that people praise both of these brands for their quality and durability, which are two things that Bombas was occasionally critiqued of by reviewers.
Our research showed that Bombas seems to offer better-packaged deals than the other companies, which may give it the advantage if you’re looking to buy multiple pairs at once.
Key Takeaways
Bombas socks make sense for those who want to give back with their purchase, those who want to buy specialized socks for specific purposes, and those who want socks made from natural materials. If you want long-lasting, lower-cost socks, you can probably find a brand better suited to your needs.
The Bottom Line
Bombas socks offer a lot of fun wrapped in the feel-good mentality of knowing that your purchase is benefiting charity. There is a wide variety of sock types and styles to choose from, so you’re likely to find a pair that fits your specifications.
However, they earned poor reviews for their overall fit and quality. For the price of these socks, you might expect them to last longer than they will before you wear holes in the heels.
That’s not to say you shouldn’t consider this brand. Just keep your expectations realistic about their longevity, and we think that you’ll find a lot to like from the cute cuts and prints available on Bombas socks.
Customer Reviews
Posted on Mar 20, 2018
Chinese? Shame on you.
I just got them today, $93 for six pairs. That's $12 a pair, only to find out that they are made in CHINA. Shame on you. I don't know how good they are, but for that much, you can hire US workers. I'd have never bought them knowing that you succumb to the cheap overseas labor to make them.
Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend
Posted on Apr 11, 2018
Disappointed
After we paid $120 for ten pairs of socks, delivery took 14 days! Five days of that time the order was sitting less than two hours from our house. The first day I got a hole in one pair and the second day another hole in another pair. The company didn’t seem to care. I also notice that any complaints on their Facebook page are promptly removed. Save your many and frustration and go to Target or Kohls.
Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend
Posted on May 13, 2018
Stay away!
I ordered socks four days ago and got no confirmation or expected shipping date or anything.
Now, I'm on my third customer service rep (I was told originally their "crack team" would have me satisfied in 12 hours) who says (with a lot of inappropriate exclamation points in his email) that he can't find my order, but he "looks forward to my reply!" and asks me for the info I already gave them twice.
Well, my credit card company, sure enough, found it.
This is the worst customer service this side of Hewlett Packard. Complete runaround/stall for time.
Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend
Posted on Nov 12, 2018
Don't buy
My whole experience was awful. The socks are fine. I mean they are expensive cotton socks. Nothing special. They have their name written in huge letters on every pair, so you don't forget it, too. Looks like crap, but whatever.
What is really crappy is their customer service. They make it sound like returns are easy, but it's like pulling teeth. I've emailed at least 5 times, it's been a week, and still have no way of returning them. If I hadn't already worn some of them, I'd return them all.
I am NEVER buying from this company again.
Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend
Posted on Nov 24, 2018
Don't Purchase
Sending the product back if it ever arrives. I ordered twice from Amazon after placing an order with BOMBAS and received both of them and still almost two weeks later still no order from BOMBAS. Reached out to customer service and no reply either. Will have to call credit card company and waste time disputing the charge because it must be a scam.
Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend
Posted on Dec 7, 2018
Terribly customer service, shorted order
I wanted to like this company, but their customer service is terrible. My order was received with missing items. I tried calling, but their message says they are "too busy" to answer. I've emailed several times and no response. I understand someone can make a mistake - but there should be some sort of customer service either by phone or email.
Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend
Posted on Dec 10, 2018
Did not receive what I paid for
I ordered eight pairs of these very expensive socks for Christmas and only received seven pairs. I tried to call them and remained on hold for over 15 minutes and never had anyone pick up. I would not recommend them unless you have nothing better to do with your money.
Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend
Posted on Dec 11, 2018
Poor customer service
They immediately charge your credit card. I have never received the socks, customer service sends an automated reply, and you are unable to speak with anyone should you be lucky enough to find a phone number. I would give this company no stars, they just steal your money.
Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend
Posted on Dec 11, 2018
Don't waste your time or money
The socks are not high quality. I wore them for 18 holes and wished I had brought a backup because they were so thin and they actually bothered my feet. Very, very slow shipping. We will see how their return policy works. I bought four pairs and would not even consider giving them away.
Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend
Posted on Dec 13, 2018
Missing items, wrong items
I used to love Bombas socks because they really are nice socks. But this holiday season I’ve had nothing but problems with multiple orders. They accept orders for out of stock items and don’t even let you know. You think your order is going to arrive and then 9 or 10 days later you realize they haven’t even been shipped.
I contacted customer service and they apologized and said they had warehouse problems and that my items were out of stock. They offered a gift certificate to use on a future order as an apology, which I foolishly decided to use. Once again, I found myself waiting for an order that never arrived. They continue to advertise and accept orders for items that aren’t available. I think that is dishonest. They obviously have grown too fast for management to be able to keep up. I for one will never order from them again.
Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend
Posted on Dec 14, 2018
Problems with customer - unresponsive
I ordered two pairs of socks from Bombas. One was correctly shipped the other pair was replaced with a cheaper item. I emailed the company. The response was a generic email - we are very busy and it will take a while for us to respond. I have waited almost a week. No response, but lots of promotions. No phone number available. They do not take calls. Seems like a scam operation to me.
Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend
Our Promise to You
In order to safeguard you and ensure helpfulness and relevance, our compliance team manually assess every customer review before it goes live.
We have a zero-tolerance policy for fake reviews, and companies cannot control or alter any reviews at any time.