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Updated: Feb 28, 2022 97 Comments · by

Coffee Break: Bombas Socks

Coffee Break

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Here's a boring recommendation, perhaps, but a solid one: I still love my Bombas socks and every year or so I buy a bunch of new ones to replace the ones that are getting slight holes or whatnot. The colors stay vivid, I love the thickness of the socks, the arch support, and the seamless toe.

(My youngest is picky about socks and I always notice his few pairs of Bombas are worn almost as soon as I put them in his drawer, also.)

Most pairs of socks are $12-$24 individually; this 6-pack is $71.25.

Readers, do you have a sock brand that you really love right now?

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Comments

  1. Anon

    My father is turning 80 in the fall, and wants to take a trip to celebrate with me, my husband, and my mother (aka his wife). Where should we go? Important points below:

    1. Both my parents, despite their advanced age, are quite spry and able to partake of moderate physical activity–reasonable hiking, swimming, etc.

    2. It should be a location reached from a nonstop flight, 9 hours or less, from the east coast. So probably Europe or Central/South America. They are not interested in a domestic location. They go to Mexico every winter so I don’t think they want to do that.

    3. It would be great if the weather were a little better than here in the fall, but it’s not an absolute requirement.

    I’d really appreciate your suggestions!

    • Anon

      Scotland? Lots of easy “walks” (their word for hikes), lots of history, lots of cozy pubs.

    • Anon

      Italy or Greece. I would have added Croatia but that’s unlikely to be doable with a non-stop flight. Lovely weather (at least through late October), fewer crowds than in summer, great food, options to do lots of walking/light hiking.

    • NYCer

      Barcelona is one of my favorite European cities an dis really nice in the fall. Museums, great food, great weather, good vibe.

      Some combo of Italian cities would also be nice – Florence, Venice, Lake Como, Tuscany, Rome, etc.

    • aBr

      What’s his position on trains? I’ve heard great things about the Rocky Mountaineer (between Vancouver and Banff) especially from the older, yet spry age group, plus a bit of light hiking around Banff. It’s not as flashy as say, big European trip, but something about trains makes people feel young again.

      • cat socks

        My parents did one of those training trips and they loved it. My dad had mobility issues at the time, so I don’t know how much hiking they did at rhe stops. They loved the food and service.

    • Anon

      I think pretty much anywhere in Europe would fit this description. I love Spain for the ease of travel, great weather, interesting history and architecture, access to good beaches, good wine, etc. And if they can speak a little Spanish from their yearly Mexico trips that would be a plus. Istanbul is slightly over 9 hours I think but I went with my grandfather when he was in his early 80s and it was an incredible trip, especially if you can get to the coast as well. Definitely a place you’d want to hire a guide for, but well worth the trip.

    • Anon

      What city are you flying out of? Unless you’re in the NYC area, the requirement for non-stop flights is going to narrow down your choices significantly.

        • Curious

          I’ve posted this here before, but we have loved custom tours with Vamos Expeditions in Peru and Julio Verne Travel in Ecuador. Both countries have nonstops from JFK, though I forget whether Lima is longer than a 9 hour flight. Those tour companies have local guides and can customize to your ability level.

    • Anon

      No specific advice, but I love that your parents are spry enough to do this! My mom and I are celebrating her 70th on a yacht in the Caribbean next month and I hope we’ll be able to go somewhere exciting for her 80th too.

  2. KateM

    Bombas will replace (one time) any socks with holes in them. (Of course you can buy new ones if you want as well.) You can contact them with your order info and they will ask you to send a photo of the socks with holes. They’ll ship the same items as replacements or suggest a similar item if out of stock or unavailable (like replacements for socks in their “holiday boxes” that are not available year round). I speak from frequent use since my husband always gets holes in his socks (always on the ball of his foot by the big toe, both feet). I still buy new ones from them too but the free replacement feature is nice given how frequently he gets holes in his socks!

    • NYCer

      Wow, I did not know this. Thanks for sharing! I also frequently get holes in my socks by my big toe.

    • lifer

      What?!?! Really?

      I was just going to post about how terrible Bombas socks are. My brother gave me 4 pairs of their thick warm Merino wool socks for Christmas 1 year ago. ALL of them developed holes in the heels in less than 1 year. I wash all of my dark so like this in the delicate cycle and air dry, and only wore them in the winter. This quality is just terrible. I know they are not cheap.

      Because I like how they feel on my foot, I was still wearing them inside my slippers, but just this week I threw away all but one pair because the holes were ridiculous

      But honestly, I don’t want a replacement pair.

      These are the ones I have.

      https://bombas.com/products/womens-merino-quarter-sock?variant=black&size=m

      • Bonnie Kate

        Different experience, I have the same merino wool socks that are 2-3 years old and I wear them every single day of the winter, don’t baby them at all/wash them exactly the same as all my other clothes, and I just noticed they are thinning a bit in the heel but I wasn’t mad about it at all because of how much I constantly wear them.

        I also love their normal material socks and I bet I’ve had some of the ankle ones for 10 years.

      • Anon

        If you find that your laundry in general wears out abnormally quickly despite babying it, you may need water treatment. I couldn’t figure out why all my clothes looked like hell, turns out we needed both a whole-house filter and a softener.

        • Lifer

          Actually, all of my other clothes are fine. Only these socks have holes. I am extremely careful with my clothes. My cheap Target socks last many years, no holes. And I have several pairs of Darn Tough etc.. that look like new.

          I guess the only other possibility are these were part of a bad batch?

          Now I wish I had saved them…

      • L.A. Attorney

        I actually only wear their merino wool socks. My first Bombas purchase include some of their regular cotton, their athletic breathable cotton (or whatever makes them different), and merino wool. I only kept the wool ones because their cotton pills. Customer service says it’s because they use high quality long cotton. Whatever. All I know if they started pilling inside and I would have cotton pills between my toes. Made it seem like I wasn’t wearing seamless socks at all. But the wool ones are great! I love them! Haven’t had any holes, but I also don’t walk much. I have a desk job and at home, I wear house slippers with my socks.

      • Kaye

        Same experience here – merino socks, holes in 1 year. Husband has regular socks by them, also develop holes super fast.
        Notice that the original post talks a lot about holes…. I really wonder if her toddler’s Bombas get holes fast because they’re popular, or simply because Bombas don’t last.

        • Kaye

          Same experience here – merino socks, holes in 1 year. Husband has regular socks by them, also develop holes super fast.
          Notice that the original post talks a lot about holes…. I really wonder if her toddler’s Bombas get holes fast because they’re popular, or simply because Bombas don’t last.

          For merino socks, I recommend Smartwool. Not much more expensive than Bombas and they last.

    • anon a mouse

      Yes, their customer service is great! It took a bit to get used to the higher prices but I really think their lifetime guarantee is worth it.

  3. Anon

    Guys, I think my antidepressant is crapping out again. A couple questions –

    Does the GeneSight test really work? Have any of you taken it and been recommended a drug that you know doesn’t work for you?

    I’ve seen mention here of using a psych nurse to try out different meds. How do you find that person? A referral? I just see my GP – I like him well enough – but I’m on my 5th med in as many years (through 3 different practitioners), so I’m thinking I might need more of a “pro.”

    Did I hear somewhere that depression is a disease that gets progressively worse? It started easily when I was ~22, got bad enough that I finally sought out meds at 35, and if this keeps getting worse, I’m worried I’m going to wind up in a mental institution because every year or so when my meds quit I can hardly function, so I can’t imagine it getting worse and still being able to function.

    • Anonymous

      Girl, a million hugs to you! As someone who’s struggled with depression, I totally sympathize with the feeling of catastrophizing/feeling like you can’t cope. But that is a symptom of the depressive feelings, not at all a rational feeling. Remind yourself with mantras “I can cope, I can nurture adaptive thinking, I am loved” or whatever works.

      Depression does NOT progressively get worse. If left untreated, yes, people can spiral. But my dad had hospitalized-from-a-suicide-attempt level depression when I was a kid and, after years of therapy, meditation, journaling, and positive reframing, he is now one of the happiest/most laid-back people I know (and completely meds-free).

      Are you in therapy? If not, try to get set up with twice-a-week or weekly therapy appointments ASAP. Antidepressants are supposed to work in tandem with CBT/ other types of treatment.

      I think this board tends to have a very medically-minded approach to mental illness. There are SO many things that contribute to depressive episodes. Your thought patterns, diet and exercise, if you’ve been sleeping enough, your social surroundings, trauma responses you might not even be aware of. Unfortunately, meds aren’t a one-stop fix. Really, really dig in as much as you can to whatever might be going on for you internally and figure out as many incremental steps as you can to get to a better place.

      I also recommend journaling like crazy and downloading the GG OCD app. Just small things that can intercept the spiraling thinking when you feel it coming on. Hugs hugs hugs.

      • Anon

        Agree with this. I’ve had some relatively minor bouts with depression and now deal with a physical chronic illness, so I have put a lot of effort into healthy habits to stay on top of both my mental and physical health, in addition to taking medication (not currently taking antidepressants, but I’ve taken them in the past, and I take several drugs for my other condition). This will look different for different people, but for me it means some kind of exercise every day (might be as little as a few minutes of stretching, on a really bad day), healthy meals at regular times each day, making sure to get enough sleep, regular cuddles with my cats, changing to a less stressful job, getting enough sleep, hobbies that I enjoy, etc. Definitely see a psychiatrist and work on meds, but you’re probably going to have to think beyond that too.

        • Anon

          Oops. I’ve actually been in enough pain recently that I haven’t been sleeping very well and apparently wasn’t paying attention to the fact that I listed sleep twice… but it makes a big difference in how I feel and how well I function! Best of luck to you!

    • lifer

      You need a psychiatrist. No more wasting time with a random PCPs or looking for the (rare) Nurse Practitioner that is an expert in just depression meds.

      Untreated depression is what can get worse and harder to treat over time. Also mood can change with major life events/stressors (of course), pregnancy, menopause and with many other medical conditions.
      Depression is common with stroke, heart attack and pancreatic cancer, to name a few. So it is very common to have ebbs and flows for those of us who have mood disorders.

      You are treating it, so don’t be worried about your trajectory. You just need the right doctor. It is not uncommon to have to change meds over time, but you would benefit from ONE knowledgeable doctor following you consistently over time, and that is a psychiatrist.

      What have you tried so far?

      The “poor man’s” genetic test is asking – doesn’t anyone in your family have depression? What drugs are they taking and having good results with? For example, both of my parents had depression at different times in their lives, and neither of them had good results with SSRIs. Both had good luck with cymbalta. So I will be sure to tell my doc that, when my time comes!

      • Anon

        +1

        When untreated, yes depression can get worse. And it is not uncommon to have your dosage or even medication needs change when hormones are impacted as stated above.

        I’ve been on the same medication for years now. It was prescribed by my PCP. In the last couple of years, it seemed to not be working quite like I needed. It’s also possible that I didn’t realize this because I was in an overall sh*tty situation and so any relief was better than none. At the end of 2020, I decided to reach out to a psychiatrist. He added a medication (lamictal/lamotrigine – depending on brand name v generic) and it’s totally had an impact. I just needed a little *boost*.

        All that said, it can take some time but I believe in using experts when it comes to this stuff. The right medication plus some healthy living choices can make a world of difference. I’m sending you so much love. I know how hard this can be.

    • pugsnbourbon

      I’ve been a proponent for the Genesight test. I found it to be accurate if somewhat of a bummer – the meds that will work best for me are newer and thus only available as a name-brand. My wife’s results were totally different, so at least I know it’s not a ploy to get folks onto pricier meds.

      I have also suggested a licensed psychiatric nurse. Double-check in your state that they would be able to prescribe. A psychiatrist will also be able to prescribe but may be harder to get in with. You can search for one on your insurance company’s portal, through a rec from your GP, or googling “med management” + your area.

      As for your last question … I don’t know. My wife has severe depression and there have been really awful times over the last ~3 years, but things are looking up. I view it as a chronic condition that can be managed and even put into “remission,” but will require treatment and monitoring for the long term. I think there was a poster who said that successive depressive episodes tend to get worse, but that was without treatment. With meds and therapy, you can get to a much better place. I hope you start feeling better soon.

      • Anonymous

        +1 to trying to see an actual psychiatrist – it is worth it, even if you have to pay out of pocket (if you can swing it). Increasing the dosage of your current medication may be a better first step than switching too, by the way. I think GPs are okay with garden variety depression but given your history, I would try to work with a specialist. GPs tend to prescribe dosages that are too low I think.

        I don’t think depression necessarily gets worse. I have had 3 diagnosed episodes and probably others as a kid that were undiagnosed, but as I have gotten better at spotting the symptoms, they have gotten less severe. I’m 45 now. And also, I had a medication stop working that worked again when I started taking it after a 3 month break (during which I tried others that didn’t work). Subsequent episode started when I was unmedicated and postpartum. There is always hope!

      • Anonymous

        Side question – does anyone have a good medication log for depression? I found one for ADHD meds through Additude but haven’t done the Google for depression for myself.

    • Cora

      You should try and go to a psychiatrist, not just your GP. A GP is good for an initial medication or when you need something immediately, but not when its been many years and meds. Even if there is a waitlist or whatever its better than the current situation.
      It doesn’t get worse like what you’re thinking at all. It’s just better to nip it in the bud with medication + therapy so that it doesn’t become a burden on you for so long.

    • Coach Laura

      I think if you can find a physiatrist you should do that. Get one that will work with your therapist and/or GP. My daughter sees both of these and it has worked for her.

      But it is really hard to find and get appointments now.

      I disagree that a psychiatric nurse is a bad idea. In most states, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners PMHNP have full prescription ability and some do as good of a job as MD/DO psychiatrists because they have more time. (Some states give full prescription ability to PMHNP and some make the PMHNP work “under” an MD but in practice, the patient never sees the MD/DO but the MD/DO signs off on the prescription. Some states keep PMHNP can’t write prescriptions for controlled substances but that should bother you.) My daughter was in school to be an PMHNP, so I did a lot of research on it and I think they fill a big need. If you can’t get a referral to a PMHNP from GP, psychiatrist or other doc, google PMHNP and your city/county and you should get some names.

    • AnonMD

      I would highly recommended a physician psychiatrist, not a mental health nurse practitioner. There is a huge gap in knowledge and training between the two. You don’t want to spend another couple years getting advice from anyone but an expert. 4 years of medical school + 4 years of psychiatry residency is MUCH more rigorous than 2 years of online school and 500 hours (!!! That is just 12 weeks) of supervised experience to be a mental health nurse practitioner. The fact that they can practice essentially unsupervised in many states and actually unsupervised in many others is very concerning. They have less formal training than a third year medical student. I would never let a family member with mental health problems get care from these folks after some of the things I have seen come out of their offices. The Dunning Kruger effect is in full force.

  5. Sloan Sabbith

    Hi all. My dad passed away over the weekend. This sucks. But there is a relief in knowing that he is no longer in pain.

    • Anonymous

      I’m so very sorry. Sending all the virtual hugs, and prayers too if that’s your thing.

    • Jules

      I’m so sorry to hear this, Sloan, and am sending you all the virtual hugs.

    • Anon

      I am so sorry Sloan. You are in my thoughts and have been. Virtual hugs to you.

    • Anon

      I’m so sorry, Sloan. I hope the relief brings some comfort during this heavy time.

    • Anon4This

      You are not alone. Sending love and holding you and yours in the light.

    • Samantha

      I’m sorry Sloan. I remember your posts over the last few months and I know he suffered, and so did you all. May he rest in peace.

    • Curious

      Oh, Sloan, I’m so sorry for your loss. What a hard road you and your family have walked these past two years.

    • NYNY

      I’m so sorry, Sloane. You’ve been grieving already, I know, but it keeps going. Be kind to yourself. We’re here for you, this funny group of friends/strangers.

    • Lifer

      Actually, all of my other clothes are fine. Only these socks have holes. I am extremely careful with my clothes. My cheap Target socks last many years, no holes. And I have several pairs of Darn Tough etc.. that look like new.

      I guess the only other possibility are these were part of a bad batch?

      Now I wish I had saved them…

    • Lifer

      I am so sorry to hear this. Sending strength to you and your Mom. You must be exhausted.

      You are such a good daughter.

      • Sloan Sabbith

        I am so exhausted. We went to the grocery store awhile ago and by like five minutes in I was so tired I could barely walk. It’s just like walking through mud all the time I’m so mentally and physically exhausted.

        • Anon

          Grief is exhausting. Please take care of yourself. It’s okay to put off, jettison or flake out on anything that isn’t absolutely necessary right now.

    • Vicky Austin

      Oh Sloan, many many hugs to you, and your mom too. We’re here for you.

    • Anonymous

      I’m so sorry. Condolences from the other side of the world.
      You’ve been fighting so hard for him for so long, I hope you have the room and support to allow yourself to be both exhausted and sad.

    • Coach Laura

      Oh, Sloan I am so sorry. I hope the good memories can take over and wish you peace.

    • Aunt Jamesina

      Just saw this, I’m so sorry! I hope you’re able to be with those you love. Loss is always hard.

    • Cat

      I’m so sorry for your loss. I think I may have learned this here but it stuck with me – it’s always too soon to say goodbye to your loved one.

    • Anon

      Oh Sloan, I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family.

  6. Anonymous

    I’m hunting for 3 kind of trendy things:
    – loafers for cropped pants
    – a buttonup blouse for layering under sweater vests and things that doesn’t require ironing and doesn’t get staticky
    – a black leather harness for plus sizes (16w, 1X, XXL). i like the ones that look like suspenders + high belt not the dominatrix ones.

    any favorites from the hive?

    • Sasha

      I love the sam edelman lorraine bit loafer. I have them in black and white and they’ve held up great with almost daily wear in the summer and fall for the past 5 or so years.

    • L.A. Attorney

      Cole Haan for loafers. But, only if you have narrower feet. I have wide feet and I make it work, but have to wear thin socks.
      For button-up blouses, JCrew had some last year that had fun ruffle collars and such to stick out of a crewneck sweater. Go with 100% cotton to prevent static.

  7. JoJo

    I’ll try to re-post tomorrow morning, too, but does anyone have recommendations for hotel with a spa in the Twin Cities or a short drive away? I live in the Twin Cities but am looking for a place to do a solo staycation, probably just one night.

    • Anon

      It’s funny. I also live in the Twin Cities and was just researching the same thing last weekend. I’m excited to see what people suggest. The best combo situation I was seeing was “Just for Me Spa” in Stillwater and any of the B&B’s or nicer hotels in downtown Stillwater. I’ve been to that spa once before and thought the salt cave was fun. I would love to know if anyone knows of hotel & spa combo that’s more convenient.

    • Anon

      Haven’t been there myself, but have heard Hotel Ivy is good. Also following to see what else people recommend!

  8. Explorette

    I just bought some very fuzzy and warm slippers from Bomba and love them!

  9. Briana

    Wearing my Bombas socks right now!!! Have many pairs in all different colors and lengths. I just wish they had a lower cut for some of my slip on shoes but there are definitely days that I choose my shoes just so I can wear my Bombas!

  10. Holly

    I really like bombas too. Someone, somewhere also recommended merino wool socks from Costco so I tracked some down and they are really good. Not itchy.

  11. Anon

    I love the patterns at London Sock Exchange. The socks are made from a good cotton/nylon blend that’s mostly cotton. Also JAMES BOND!

  12. Anon

    Paging the anonymous from Monday morning who was looking for an accountant/financial advisor – I think you actually want a fee-based financial advisor who can walk you through tax minimization. For example, there are certain kinds of funds that are tax balanced (they don’t invest in dividend paying stocks, for example) – you can do a search for Vanguard. Unfortunately, you’re stuck in some of them, so it may be tricky to liquidate your current investments if they are in taxable accounts. If you do a lot of giving, consider a donor advised fund. No personal recommendations, sorry!

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