Bombas became a household name after appearing on Shark Tank in 2014, and its socks have a loyal following for good reason: cushioned footbeds, arch support, and heels that stay put. They also cost about $13 a pair for a basic ankle sock, and that price doesn’t drop in a four-pack. Bombas donates a pair for every pair sold, which is a big part of its appeal, so if you can afford to support that mission, it’s worth it. For everyday basics, here are Amazon finds for men and women with a similar feel at a fraction of the price.
Short on time? For an everyday ankle sock, start with the WISVOOO Ankle Socks. For the biggest savings over Bombas, the HomeTop Memory Foam Slippers are the pick.
(Want side-by-side comparisons with Bombas’ own styles instead? See our roundup of budget Bombas finds.)
What You’re Replacing
Bombas’ signature details are a cushioned footbed, arch support, and a taller back on the ankle socks to help prevent blisters. We looked for picks that cover the same ground in each of Bombas’ main styles: ankle, compression, no-show, quarter, and slippers, plus a men’s pick and a merino wool option.
Also, for every pair of socks bought from Bombas, they donate a pair to the homeless. If you have the means I of course suggest you support Bombas and their mission. However, as their socks are rather pricey we understand that not everyone can afford to do that. The dupes suggested in this article are their own sock brands and are not trying to steal Bomba’s design.
You can read more about Bombas here.
Socks Like Bombas on Amazon
1. WISVOOO Ankle Socks
Best for: everyday basics and workouts.
The WISVOOO Ankle Socks come as a multipack and take a similar approach to Bombas’ Women’s Solid Ankle Sock: a cushioned feel, targeted arch support, and a reinforced heel and toe. They come in fewer color packs than Bombas, but at several pairs per pack the cost per sock is a fraction of Bombas’ basic ankle sock.
2. FITRELL Compression Socks
Best for: long days on your feet or travel.
These compression socks are similar to Bombas’ Women’s Everyday Compression Sock and come in a 3-pack in several color options. Compression levels differ: Bombas’ version is a lower-pressure sock, while this listing is rated at a higher pressure, so check the level on the listing. Compression socks aren’t right for everyone, so talk to a doctor if you have a medical reason to wear them.
3. Gonii Cushioned No-Show Socks
Best for: sneakers and loafers.
Hard to tell apart from Bombas in photos, these no-show socks come in a wide range of color packs. Like Bombas’ Women’s Cushioned No Show Sock, they have a cushioned arch, which is unusual in a no-show sock.
4. cuangya Athletic Quarter Socks
Best for: walks, light hikes, and workdays.
Quarter socks sit above the ankle, which makes them good for hiking, work, and everything in between. The cuangya Athletic Quarter Socks are similar to Bombas’ Women’s Modern Rib Quarter Sock, with a slightly higher cuff that you can scrunch down. They come in several color packs.
5. DarkCom Ruffle Socks
Best for: adding a little flair to an outfit.
Frilly socks started as a pairing for Mary Janes and now go with almost any shoe. The DarkCom Ruffle Socks are similar to Bombas’ Women’s Frilly Rib Quarter Sock and come in many more colors. They’re lower in quality than Bombas and better for dressing up than for daily wear, but a single pack costs less than one pair of Bombas.
6. HomeTop Memory Foam Slippers
Best for: the biggest savings on this list.
Bombas slippers are one of its best sellers, and they cost a lot more than a pair of socks. The HomeTop Memory Foam Slippers are similar to Bombas’ Women’s Sunday Slipper: a fleece insole, a memory foam footbed, and a rubber sole. They come in a dozen colors.
7. BAMBOO COOL Men’s Socks
Most of this list leans women’s, so here’s the pick for guys. The BAMBOO COOL Athletic Socks are made from a bamboo-viscose blend, which the brand pitches as naturally odor-resistant and breathable, with a cushioned sole, arch support, and a reinforced, seamless toe and heel. That’s the same ground Bombas covers with its men’s ankle and crew socks, in multipacks at a much lower price per pair. The brand sells both ankle and crew lengths, so check the listing for the pair you want. Best for: everyday wear, workouts, and days spent on your feet.
8. Anlisim Merino Wool Socks
Merino is the one fabric on this list that isn’t about cotton or bamboo. It’s naturally good at wicking moisture and regulating temperature, which makes it a favorite for hiking, cold weather, and travel. The Anlisim Merino Wool Socks are a merino blend with a cushioned footbed and a compression band across the midfoot for support. Anlisim lists most of its merino lines at about 70% wool, with the rest polyester, spandex, and nylon, so these aren’t pure merino, but that blend helps them hold their shape. They come in multipacks. Best for: cooler weather, hiking, and anyone who runs warm or cold.
Which Bombas Alternative Is Right for You?
If it’s the everyday ankle sock you love, start with the WISVOOO. If you want to save the most, the slippers cost a small fraction of Bombas’. For guys, the BAMBOO COOL socks cover everyday wear, and the Anlisim merino blend is the one to try if you want something warmer. And if you want to see exactly how each pick compares to Bombas’ own styles side by side, our roundup of budget Bombas finds lines them up.
