You can’t reinvent the wheel, but you can, apparently, reinvent the sock. The team behind Bombas spent two years developing the übersock, and what they created spawned a cult following due, in no small part, to their mind-blowing attention to detail. That said, with a single pair of their women's ankle socks starting at around $20 and a six-pack going for $70-plus, they're out of reach for many people, myself included. So, if you're looking for socks that are like Bombas but cheaper, this roundup is for you.
How To Shop For Socks Like Bombas (But Cheaper)
Before getting to the list, first let's look at what make Bombas so special — that way, you’ll know which features to look for in similar socks from other brands. Woven into every pair is Bombas’ signature “Sock Tech.” This includes special details like their honeycomb instep (that provides enhanced arch support), a padded footbed, and best of all, no annoying toe seam (and that alone should qualify someone in their R&D for a Nobel Prize). In terms of materials, Bombas socks are woven from yarns made with a type of long-staple cotton or wool. This means that the high-quality fibers add durability and make them feel like the world’s softest socks. And, for every pair of Bombas socks purchased, the company donates another pair to a shelter or person in need.
While the socks below certainly don't have that admirable charitable model, they do share many of the same brilliant design details, like durable and moisture-wicking fabric blends, arch support, and/or discreet pull tabs.
You can’t buy happiness, but you can buy happy feet: All of these socks like Bombas but cheaper start at just $11 for a multipack.
1
The Overall Best Alternative To Bombas Ankle Socks
This multipack of socks is woven from a cotton-polyester blend, which is what makes up the majority of Bombas socks, too, albeit in different ratios. These are made from 88.3% combed cotton (slightly different than long-staple cotton, but it's a process also known for creating durable cotton), plus 10.7% polyester for moisture-wicking and 1% spandex for stretch. They also feature woven-in arch support, an extra-padded footbed, and that covetable seamless toe that Bombas has mastered. Plus, there's an elastic cuff tab to reduce the chance they'll slip down and also makes them easy to pull on. They’ve earned a cult following on Amazon, earning over 30,000 five-star ratings, almost 100 of which mention their Bombas-like feel.
Helpful review: “These have slowly become the only socks I will wear. I threw out my Bombas because these are so much better. They are soft, breathable, stay up and don’t fall into your shoe, but aren’t tight around the heel. Highly recommend!”
Sizes: Small — X-Large | Colors: 5 | Material: 88.3% Combed Cotton, 10.7% Polyester, 1% Spandex
2
The Most Bang For Your Buck: A 12-Pack With Arch Support
If you need to stock up, this 12-pack of socks gets you a full set at a great price, and comes in over a dozen different color options. These are structurally similar to Bombas socks — they share a padded footbed and arch compression, and also feature a thin mesh panel for breathability. Where they differ is material: Tipi Toe socks are a 95% polyester and 5% spandex blend, which is still moisture-wicking, but they lack Bombas' signature long-staple cotton. It's worth noting that these do have a toe seam (i.e. they're not seamless). If that's a dealbreaker for your ankle socks, you'll probably prefer the first option above.
Helpful review: “[T]hese socks are honestly worth every star that i gave them. They're made well, the price is unbeatable, they have great arch support,(which is important to me), & they're so comfortable. I purchased these around 9 months ago & wear a pair of them almost every day, & they're still in great condition. They haven't stretched out or faded in color, & there isn't tears or holes in any of them as of yet.”
Sizes: One Size (fits shoe size 6-10) | Colors: 21 | Material: 95% Polyester, 5% Spandex
3
These Super Affordable Socks Made From A Soft Cotton Blend
It’s hard to believe how similar these Fruit of the Loom socks are to the classic Bombas, considering their low price tag for a pack of six. Like Bombas, these are made from a blend of cotton, spandex, and polyester, though they have a higher percentage of cotton and a lower percentage of polyester (these socks have 80% cotton and 18% polyester, while Bombas have 69% cotton and 27% polyester). This makes these socks a great choice if you’d prefer to have a little more in the way of natural fibers, and a little less in the way of synthetics. The cotton used in these Fruit of the Loom socks is ring-spun cotton, which makes it softer and more durable than other cottons, similar to the long staple cotton used to make Bombas. In terms of features, these socks are also quite similar to their pricier counterpoint; they have a cushioned sole, a discreet tab in back, plus a design that provides some arch support. They do have a toe seam, but several Amazon shoppers report that they’re still comfortable, not irritating. Finally, mesh panels keep these socks breathable.
Helpful review: “These socks were thinner than Bombas but they were still soft and comfortable. I prefer socks that are made out of cotton and these were made mostly of cotton. There is a tab on the back of the socks so they do not slide down easily. The price for the socks was low for the quality especially compared to Bombas socks. I would highly recommend them and I will be buying more in the future.”
Sizes: 4-10 — 8-12 | Colors: 2 | Material: 80% Cotton, 18% Polyester, 2% Spandex
4
The Best Alternative To Bombas Merino Wool Calf Socks
If you’re looking for a warm, breathable sock, there’s really nothing better than merino wool — and these merino wool calf socks (sold in a pack of three pairs) have a material composition that closely resembles Bombas’ take on the style. In fact, these feature 1% more merino wool than Bombas for a pair that is soft, lightweight, and ultra-toasty. Also like Bombas, these have a seamless toe, while a ribbed top band keeps them in place and a reinforced heel offers support and comfort.
Helpful review: “Love these socks!! They are thin, super soft and keep my always cold feet warm. I don't like thick socks and these are just what I wanted. Theses are true dress socks. They machine wash well and I air dry them. They stay up and are not tight or itchy so all on my sensitive skin. I would highly recommend them and will definitely buy them again.”
Sizes: One Size | Colors: 11 | Material: 78% Merino Wool, 15% Polyester, 7% Spandex
5
These Copper-Infused Tall Socks With A Seamless Toe
If you wear dress shoes that require socks — or just want a nice pair to wear while being active — these unisex copper-infused socks are a solid choice for everyday wear. They are sold in multipacks of neutrals, and you can even pick up sets with crew and ankle cuts, making this a great kit to set you up with a variety of basics. These are also an all-synthetic blend like the pair above, with the added benefits of antibacterial and antifungal properties thanks to a copper-infused yarn. FOOTPLUS socks share Bombas' signature seamless toe and padded footbed, and also provide compression in the arch and calf.
Helpful review: “Great socks at a great price. I was looking for an affordable Bombas-like sock. These are just what I wanted.”
Sizes: Small-Medium — XX-Large | Colors: 27 | Material: 98% Polyester, 2% Elastane With Copper Yarn
6
Some Knee-High Bombas-Style Socks That Are Perfect For Wearing With Boots
If you need tall socks, this set by Hue weds Bombas-style attention to detail and material with a boot-friendly height. These feature a seamless toe, a ribbed top band that keeps them from rolling down, and a material blend that’s high on breathable cotton (with a little bit of nylon and spandex blended in) — in fact, it’s a similar blend to the best Bombas alternative mentioned above, so they're also going to be soft and durable. Of course, the taller height will help keep you warm (without making your feet sweat), even when you aren't wearing boots. Choose from packs of either three or four pairs.
Helpful review: “These are my new favorite socks! They are just the right thickness, soft, no uncomfortable seams at the toe and they stay up.”
Sizes: One Size | Colors: 13 | Material: 73% Cotton, 24% Nylon, 3% Spandex
7
A Pair Of Cushioned No-Show Running Socks That Wick Moisture
Complete with some of the features that make Bombas so special, these no-show socks are a little bit cheaper and designed specifically for athletes. The seamless toe box, plush padded footbed, and added durability of the reinforced heel and toe will make Bombas fans happy, while mesh ventilation panels and a specially designed moisture-wicking polyester fabric will keep even the sweatiest feet dry. A deep heel pocket and heel tab keep the socks from slipping as you move. The socks also come in a bunch of fun colors and color combinations, whether you prefer bright and playful or neutral and subdued.
Helpful review: “I don't write reviews. Ever. These socks are worth breaking my streak. I run 20-30 miles a week and sift through my drawer of Bomba socks to find these every time. [...] I have washed these Balega socks dozens of times and they are still as soft and comfortable as the day I bought them.”
Sizes: Small — X-Large | Colors: 34 | Material: 84% Drynamix Polyester, 11% Nylon, 3% Neofil, 2% Elastane
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This article was originally published on March 2, 2020
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