Looking for high quality socks? Bombas and Smartwool both offer quality and comfort but differ in materials and features. This article compares the two brands’ durability, price points, and designs to help you choose the best socks for your needs. We compare Bombas’ seamless toe and Smartwool’s merino wool to determine which sock titan fits your feet best.
Many people recommend Smartwool, Darn Tough and Pair of Thieves as good alternatives to Bombas. Here is our in depth comparison between the two popular sock brands.
Smartwool vs Bombas At a Glance
Bombas’ casual styling and cotton-based comfort make them the choice for more affordable everyday wear and runners who want a comfortable sock with solid ventilation. On the other hand, Smartwool’s merino wool durability and moisture wicking serves outdoor adventurers who want technical performance despite the premium price.
What is Bombas?
Bombas is an apparel company that specializes in socks. Here are a few key things that set Bombas socks apart from other brands:
- Seamless Toe: Bombas socks feature a proprietary seamless toe design that reduces irritation and blisters. This makes them very comfortable.
- Cushioning: The socks have strategic cushioning in areas like the footbed, ankles and arches. This provides extra comfort and support during activities.
- Social Mission: For every pair of socks sold, Bombas donates a pair to homeless shelters. This social mission is a big part of their brand identity.
- Variety: Bombas offers a wide variety of sock designs, lengths, colors and patterns. Customers can find socks for casual wear, athletic activities, work and more.
- Quality Materials: The socks are constructed from natural fibers like cotton, merino wool and bamboo as well as technical synthetic blends. This ensures both comfort and durability.
So in summary, Bombas is known for its seamless toe, cushioning, social mission, design variety and quality materials that set it apart in the sock market. The focus is on comfort and performance.
What is Smartwool?
Here are some key things that set Smartwool socks apart from other brands:
- Merino Wool: Smartwool socks are primarily constructed from merino wool sourced from New Zealand. This makes them soft, moisture wicking, and odor resistant.
- Durability: The merino wool blend is durable and reinforced at high impact areas. This prevents holes while maintaining comfort.
- Outdoor Performance: Smartwool socks are designed with the outdoor enthusiast in mind. They excel at keeping feet comfortable during hiking, skiing, mountain biking, and other adventures.
- Fit: The socks come in specific styles for men and women to provide an optimized fit. There are also different styles for various activities.
- Sustainability: Smartwool emphasizes sustainability in their manufacturing and sourcing processes. They use wool from humanely raised sheep.
- Made in the USA: While sourcing wool globally, Smartwool makes a number of their socks in the United States.
In summary, Smartwool is known for merino wool construction, durability, outdoor performance, a dialed-in fit, sustainability, and domestic manufacturing. The focus is on activity-specific functionality.
Price Comparison
Generally, Smartwool socks are more expensive than Bombas socks. Here’s a comparison of pricing:
- Smartwool: Most Smartwool socks range from $15-$25 per pair at full price. Their specialty hiking and ski socks can run even higher, from $25-$35+.
- Bombas: Bombas socks are typically priced between $12-$20 per pair at full retail. Their seamless toe socks and some performance collections might run up to $24 per pair.
- Sales: Both brands frequently run sales, with discounts up to 25-40% off or more. This brings some Smartwool and Bombas socks down into the $10-$15 range.
So while there is some overlap, Smartwool skews towards the premium end for merino wool socks, while Bombas is more affordable for everyday socks. The merino wool construction causes Smartwool socks to be priced at a premium over Bombas’ cotton and synthetic blends. However, discounts can close the gap between the two brands. When it comes to MSRP though, Smartwool socks are generally more expensive than Bombas.
Which Ones Last Longer?
Based on product details, reviews and general reputation, Smartwool socks tend to be longer-lasting than Bombas socks. Here’s a breakdown:
- Materials: The merino wool used in Smartwool socks is naturally durable and resists developing holes. Bombas uses mostly cotton and synthetic blends that may breakdown faster.
- Construction: Smartwool reinforces high-impact zones like heels and toes on their socks. Bombas construction seems more focused on comfort rather than durability.
- Warranty: Smartwool offers a 2 year limited warranty against defects, while Bombas has a 2 year warranty covering holes.
- Reviews: Customers report Smartwool socks lasting for multiple years with heavy use. More reviews mention holes developing in Bombas socks within 1-2 years.
- Brand Reputation: Smartwool is seen as a performance brand built for durability, while Bombas focuses more on everyday use and comfort.
So while both offer warranties against defects, the consensus is that Smartwool socks are built to last longer, thanks to their merino wool material and reinforced construction. For maximum longevity, Smartwool seems to be the winner over Bombas. However, Bombas may last 1-2 years with moderate use before needing to be replaced.
Which Ones Are Softer?
Based on the materials, Smartwool socks would generally be softer than typical Bombas socks with the exception of the wool Bombas socks.
The main reason is that Smartwool socks contain 57% merino wool, while Bombas socks are mostly a cotton/polyester/nylon blend.
Merino wool is known for being exceptionally soft due to the fine fibers and natural lanolin content. Cotton can also be soft, but merino wool tends to feel softer and less abrasive than cotton.
The nylon and polyester blended into the Bombas socks may make them more durable and performance-focused, but these synthetic fibers are typically not as soft as natural materials like merino wool or cotton.
The elastane/spandex in both brands’ socks provides stretch, but doesn’t contribute to softness.
So with their high merino wool content, Smartwool socks would provide a softer feel against the skin compared to the cotton-polyester blends used in Bombas. However, both brands make quality socks that prioritize different characteristics like softness vs durability.
Are Smartwool Socks as Good as Bombas?
When choosing between Smartwool and Bombas socks, consider your priorities. Smartwool’s merino wool construction makes them more durable, odor-resistant, and moisture-wicking – ideal for outdoor activities like hiking or skiing. The reinforced toes and heels prevent blisters. However, they come at a premium price point.
Bombas are likely better suited for everyday wear. Their cotton and synthetic blend materials provide a soft, comfortable feel around the house or office. Bombas’ seamless toe reduces irritation for all-day wear and their patterns cater to casual styling. While not as technically advanced as Smartwool, Bombas socks are more affordable for stocking up on everyday pairs.
Ultimately, Smartwool excels at outdoor performance, while Bombas focuses on accessible comfort and style. If you want socks for adventure, durability and moisture management, choose Smartwool. But if you prioritize day-to-day comfort at a lower price, Bombas are your best option. Consider your needs and budget when choosing between these two quality sock brands.