What To Look for When Shopping for Bombas Socks

• Materials: From casual and dress socks to athletic performance pairs, Bombas makes socks using lightweight cotton and ultra-soft Merino wool. They may also use breathable polyester, nylon, or elastane to add moisture-wicking and antimicrobial properties. Fabric that wicks away sweat is particularly important for helping a sock stay in place without rubbing or chafing, Prevete says. 
• Fit: The fit of a sock is more important than you might think. Feet are the first point of contact with the ground, and if your toes can't move well, you won't receive proper signals from your feet, Hamlin says. It can also impede your performance and increase your risk of injury. Socks that are too large can move around, slide down, or bunch up in your shoes. Our experts recommend choosing the Bombas size that corresponds with your shoe size.
• Height: Bombas socks come in various height options, including no-show, ankle, quarter, calf, and knee-high. Socks that are ankle-height or taller tend to stay above the heel counter of your shoes better, preventing rubbing and blisters around the collar, Prevete says. Shorter socks may feel cooler, making them convenient and comfortable in warm weather. Taller socks can protect against cold weather, dirt, debris, or pests (like ticks) while hiking or trail running. They can also help prevent irritation by putting a barrier between your skin and any sports gear.
• Comfort and Support: According to RRCA- and USATF-certified running coach John Honerkamp, socks are imperative to ensure your comfort and safety. We like the compressive arch support in all Bombas socks, which hugs your foot to keep the socks in place. A heel tab in most ankle socks prevents blisters from forming. Our experts aren’t fans of seams because shoes can press directly on a sock’s seams, causing irritation. But Bombas socks have seamless toes and a Y-stitched heel, unlike other socks’ straight stitch designs. 
• Activity and Purpose: Our experts agree that you should choose socks designed for your typical activities, climate, and personal preferences. Walking, running, hiking, and other cross-training athletic activities often require highly breathable, moisture-wicking socks, Prevete says. Runners should look for additional cushioning at the ball and heel of the foot. And for recovery, compression socks can help provide relief from sore feet. 

How We Tested the Best Bombas Socks

To create our list of the best Bombas socks, we tested 17 pairs. While testing socks, we consider each of the following key attributes.

• Fit: To evaluate fit, we put the socks on and see if the toe and heel align properly. We also consider whether the socks bunch up, slide, or pinch. Does the cuff fit snugly without being too tight? Does the height of the sock match the description?
• Comfort: We pay special attention to how comfortable the socks are. How does the material feel? Is it soft or scratchy? Are there any seams or stitching that cause irritation?
• Cushioning: Socks designed for workouts should have more cushioning in high-impact areas, like the ball of the foot and heel. We consider how the cushioning level effectively absorbs impact. We also note how our feet feel after wearing the socks: Are they tired and achy? Or do they feel refreshed?
• Blister Protection: Protection from blisters is important with any sock. First, we note any specific blister protection features, like tabs on the heel or moisture-wicking fabric. Then, while wearing the socks, we note if there is any rubbing or chafing that causes hot spots or moisture accumulation.
• Support: Socks have varying levels of compression and arch support. Those with more compression and arch support are better for more active activities, like workouts, running, and long walks. You can choose a looser sock with less targeted support for daily wear and lounging.
• Breathability: Next, we assess how effectively the socks wick away moisture and keep our feet dry. We also evaluate their ability to regulate foot temperature—do our feet feel too cold or too hot? Finally, we check for any noticeable odors after washing and wearing the socks.
• Overall Value: Bombas are high-quality socks, and they can get expensive. To determine the overall value rating, we look at the cost of each pair of socks after we evaluate them for all the other features. We determine if the cost reflects the quality, performance, and personal experience with the socks.
  

Our Experts

We consulted experts at every stage of research, testing, and reporting for this story. Our experts provided insight and guidance on how high-quality socks should fit and function. We also asked them which Bombas socks they recommend for different needs and activities.

• Jacqueline Prevete, DPM, FACFAS, FACPM, a podiatrist, foot and ankle surgeon, and competitive runner based in New York, New York
• Michael Hamlin, NSCA, CSCS, a personal trainer and founder of Everflex Fitness
• John Honerkamp, an RRCA- and USATF-certified running coach, founder and chief executive officer of Run Kamp

Frequently Asked Questions

How much should you expect to spend on Bombas socks?

Depending on the material and style, a pair of Bombas socks costs between $10 and $28. Sets are more expensive, ranging from $50 to $175, although the cost per pair is often cheaper.

Should you size up or down in Bombas socks?

According to expert feedback and results from our tests, most Bombas socks run true to size. We’ve also found that they tend to be stretchy and forgiving, offering a comfortable fit even if you’re between sizes.

How long should a pair of Bombas socks last?

We agree with experts that Bombas socks truly are made to last, depending on the amount of wear and care. To prolong the life of your Bombas socks, always follow the manufacturer’s care instructions, washing and drying as directed.

What are the best Bombas socks for walking?

Any of the socks in the Bombas performance line, such as the Bombas Running Quarter Sock, are designed to be lightweight and moisture-wicking, making them a good option for walking. If you walk mostly on trails or rough terrain, you may prefer hiking socks, such as the Bombas Hiking Quarter Sock, that have a reinforced toe and heel.

Why Trust Verywell Fit

A lifelong athlete, runner, Verywell Fit writer, and certified personal trainer, Jessica Murtaugh, NASM-CPT and CNC, is always researching the latest and best in activewear. She’s always been picky about her socks (just ask her mother!) and understands how crucial a high-quality pair is for comfort and foot health. For this article, Murtaugh reviewed insights from our experts and the Verywell Fit testing team to evaluate each pair of socks based on their fit, comfort, cushioning, blister protection, support, breathability, and overall value. For running, she loves Bombas’ Performance Running Ankle Sock because its perfectly streamlined fit never slips, bunches, or causes blisters. Dedicated to reporting authentic content to her readers, she is always careful to recommend great products from reliable, trustworthy brands.