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Few people would consider socks an exciting topic in mainstream fashion. But if you are one of many fortunate enough to have drawers full of socks, you may be blissfully—and understandably—unaware of the portion of the population with no access to even one pair of socks, let alone a good pair.

Bombas, a New York City-headquartered brand making high-quality socks, is on a mission to change that. From its inception in 2013, Bombas, which stems from the Latin word for “bumblebee,” has donated millions of essential clothing items to those experiencing homelessness. For every Bombas item purchased, a “like” item is donated to community organizations like homeless shelters through a network of more than 3500 Giving Partners across 50 states. The number one requested item tends to be socks.


For every Bombas item purchased, a “like” item is donated to community organizations.

Bombas believes wearing clean, comfortable clothing daily is powerful, and I couldn’t agree more. While I admit I am a sucker for philanthropic companies, wearing Bombas is an even easier decision thanks to thorough research and development behind each pair of socks—the brand has nailed it when it comes to durability, comfort, and common complaints like irritating toe seams, pilling, and slippage.

Bombas makes compression socks, too—socks that gently hug your ankle or legs. While some may attribute traditional compression socks to being worn by people with circulation issues, recovering from surgery, or who have chronic diseases like diabetes, therapeutic compression socks offer many potential benefits to anyone who wears them. Per WebMD:

“The pressure these stockings put on your legs helps your blood vessels work better. The arteries that take oxygen-rich blood to your muscles can relax, so blood flows freely. The veins get a boost pushing blood back to your heart.”

Bombas Compression Socks

That means a quality pair of compression socks can facilitate sports recovery, boost circulation, decrease swelling in the legs, improve lymphatic drainage, prevent and aid in pain caused by varicose veins, combat fatigue, aches, cramping, and so much more.

As a runner, mom to active kiddos, and someone on my feet for most of the day, I wanted to see if compression socks made any difference in leg fatigue and the cramping I sometimes experience at night. Also, having a tendency toward hereditary spider and varicose veins, I was optimistic some level of compression could also aid in curtailing existing ones and preventing new ones.

I chose the Bombas Everyday Compression Socks (15 to 20 mg compression strength) in both knee-high length (for use around the house and at night as well as dense trail runs) and ankle length (for running during those hot Florida springs and summers). Bombas compression socks also have more than 8,000 4.5-star reviews alongside positive feedback from triathletes, pilots, and healthcare workers.

I was instantly drawn to the cute aesthetic of the colorful knee highs and got two pairs in jewel-tone colors and one more pastel pair.

I was instantly drawn to the cute aesthetic of the colorful knee highs and got two pairs in jewel-tone colors and one more pastel pair. The style of these was nothing too outlandish but still fun and slightly reminiscent of “Dazed and Confused”-era tube socks (maybe some roller skates will be next on my list). I stuck with a more neutral gray for the ankle lengths.

According to Bombas, these medium-strength compression socks are ideal for traveling, running, and those who tend to be on their feet all day. I can easily say I wish I’d had a few pairs of these while pregnant with both my girls, as my lower legs and feet swelled late-term.

Bombas compression socks

The day the socks arrived, I put on a pair of knee highs while lying on the couch and reading my Kindle, and they instantly felt glorious. I kept them on while sleeping, as my feet had been getting cold at night, and I was also experiencing some mild calf cramps during sleep. After a week of wearing them every night (7 to 8 hours per), cold feet and cramping no longer roused me throughout the night. And when I took them off in the morning, I had no first touch foot discomfort. Overall, my legs and feet felt fresh and rested.

I’ll admit, never having experienced compression socks, it was a challenge to get them on at first. As intended, they were definitely snug, and I quickly found it best to start by pulling them over my foot and then unrolling them up my leg. (Compression socks should be snug and tight but never painful.)

And when I realized a pair had gone missing, I found them on my almost-10-year-old (who wears the same size sock as me) lounging in her bed, claiming they were so comfy she’d never give them back. As an aerial circus acrobat and roller skater, I figured these could also benefit her significantly.

I threw on the ankle-length version of the Bombas compression socks for my next outdoor run. The ankle-length version seems more suited for added foot support and cushioning, and aesthetically, these resemble a typical ankle sock—which may be more attractive for many.

Most of my runs take place on sand and nature trails, so rolling my ankle is common, especially on longer runs when my legs tire. These socks’ foot and ankle compression offered support, adding stability and awareness as I traversed the rooted trails. In addition, I felt like my running shoes almost fit me better, thanks to these socks, and at the end of the run, my feet weren’t as hot or sweaty as with traditional cotton socks.

Bombas compression socks

Although many different sock brands sell compression socks these days, I initially chose Bombas because I knew I could count on them for quality. What I got was so much more. Each pair of Bombas socks has what they call a Honeycomb Arch Support System and Strategic Zone Cushioning to ensure your foot is supported in all the right spots. Which, for someone like me with a high arch, was a welcome feature. The seamless toe truly eliminated that annoying bump you find in many other socks—the one you can’t get in the right spot! The Bombas version of compression socks also offered a pleasing aesthetic, a sock bonus in my book.

While I’ll admit that Bombas socks come at a higher price point than others on the market ($28+), considering the quality, look, and general overall value combined with the company’s altruistic nature, an investment (or 10) in Bombas socks is worth it. Next, I plan to move on to Bombas undies!

KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • Bombas is a sustainable basics brand headquarter in NYC. They make socks, underwear, t-shirts, and slippers for adults and children.
  • The brand has donated millions of essential clothing items to those experiencing homelessness. For every Bombas item purchased, a “like” item is donated to community organizations like homeless shelters through a network of more than 3500 Giving Partners across 50 states.
  • The compression socks have more than 8,000 4.5-star reviews, alongside positive feedback from triathletes, pilots, and healthcare workers.
  • Each pair of socks has a Honeycomb Arch Support System and Strategic Zone Cushioning to ensure your foot is supported in all the right spots.
  • While a higher price point ($28), the quality is worth the investment.

THIS STORY IS IN PARTNERSHIP WITH OUR FRIENDS AT BOMBAS