Under pressure — the good kind.
As a New Yorker, an avid runner, and someone who’s always trying to speed walk myself into being on time, I put my lower body through a lot. I easily take 10,000 steps a day by running errands, hiking up and down the five flights of stairs to my apartment, and way underestimating the distance between my house and my destination. On top of that, I run between 4 and 10 miles about five days a week. It’s no surprise, then, that my legs, feet, and ankles need a little extra love.
Even though I wear supportive slippers around the house and opt for sneakers most days, I was still experiencing some lower-body soreness. So I jumped at the chance to try out compression socks from Bombas, in the hopes of helping my calves and feet recover more effectively from my runs and walks.
What are compression socks?
While there are a few types of compression socks — from medical-grade socks prescribed by a doctor to anti-embolism stockings to casual-wear options — their main purpose is to improve circulation in the legs. By increasing the pressure in leg tissue, the socks help keep blood flowing as it should and prevent inflammation and discomfort, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Bombas’ compression socks aren’t designed to treat medical conditions, but they can help with the mild aches and pains of everyday life, like fatigue after a long walk, stiffness and swelling after a flight or drive, or soreness after a work shift on your feet. (Of course, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor before trying compression socks if you have existing circulation or skin problems.)
My Bombas Everyday Compression Socks review
I decided to try out the Women’s Everyday Compression Socks, which are Bombas’ lifestyle compression socks that deliver 15-20 Mmhg of pressure. That’s a little gentler than the Performance line that give 20-30 Mmhg of pressure.
Off the bat, the socks felt silky and lightweight, with Bombas’ signature arch support and cushioned footbed. I also noticed that there’s extra cushioning around the ankles, and I could feel that the compression is strongest there, gradually decreasing further up the leg (without feeling too loose or tight at the top).
My first go-round was after a very long, very cold run while visiting family in Chicago. I was already stiff — not to mention chilled to the bone — when I walked back through the door, so I was hoping for something of a miracle when I pulled the knee-high socks on.
I could immediately feel the support the compression was giving me while I cooked dinner and lounged on the couch, and the effect was palpable the next day, too: I definitely felt like I’d run 10 miles from my knees up, but my lower legs felt fresh as a daisy. I was so impressed that I wore the socks on my flight back to NYC. While I don’t usually notice major discomfort in my legs while flying (particularly on a short flight), I felt like my ankles weren’t as stiff as usual.
My next test of the socks was just a few days later, when I wore them the night before a road race. I always go for a run about 24 hours before a race to loosen up my legs, but this time around, I wasn’t able to go for a jog until the evening. I wore the socks for the rest of the night (even to bed) hoping to speed my recovery and ensure my legs felt fresh the next morning. Lo and behold, my legs felt great when I woke up: They were neither stiff from lack of use nor sore from exercising, and instead felt primed and ready to go.
My only complaint is that Bombas doesn’t make compression leggings — seriously, I wish I could encase my entire lower body in these socks’ soft supportiveness. Bombas Performance Compression Socks, with their stronger level of compression and increased breathability, are next on my list to try, and I can say with confidence I’ve never been so eager to add socks to my shopping cart.
The Best Bombas Products
Everyday Compression Socks
Bombas
In addition to the gentle compression these socks provide, they have all of Bombas’ usual features that make their socks superior: sewn-in arch support, seamless toes, stay-up technology to prevents annoying slippage, and cushioning around the areas of your feet that need it most. And if you need another reason to buy these socks, we’ll remind you that for every product purchased, Bombas donates one item of clothing to partners that serve the homeless community and other vulnerable people.
Performance Compression Socks
Bombas
With a stronger level of compression (20-30mmHg), added venting to help with moisture and temperature management, and a higher proportion of sweat-wicking fibers, these socks are designed to help support you during workouts and recovery, but they can also be used for everyday wear if the extra compression is what you need.
Targeted Compression Performance Calf Socks
Bombas
These socks were designed with long work shifts in mind. They have stronger compression around the ankles to provide added support for those who are on their feet for hours at a time, they’re made with sweat-wicking performance fibers, and they’re made with a merino wool blend around the toes, heels, and arches for additional moisture control.
Gripper Slipper – Double Cushion
Bombas
Not a sock, not a shoe, but the perfect combination of both, Bombas’ Gripper Slippers are a bestselling gift for a lot of reasons. They have a cozy brushed lining to keep your feet warm, but not too warm, they’re machine-washable, and this year they got an upgrade with double the cushioning in the sole for additional comfort and support. We’re more than a little obsessed with the Fair Isle version for added holiday flair as well.
Originals Ankle Sock 4-Pack
Bombas
Bombas’ first socks are a still a bestseller, which isn’t surprising as they’re the product of more than two years of research and development aimed at creating the perfect sock. They have sewn-in arch support, added cushioning along the footbed, and are made of durable cotton that holds up to wear after wear and wash after wash.
Merino Wool Blend Calf Sock 4-Pack
Bombas
These merino wool blend socks bring warmth without bulk, and the wool’s natural temperature-regulating properties mean you can wear these socks comfortably year-round. They’re silky soft and moisture-wicking to keep your feet comfortable all day.
