Socks are as important as shoes for feet protection. Thus, they should be comfortable, keep your feet from sweating, and hold up under daily wear and tear or in rugged conditions that require hiking boots.
Uncomfortable socks can give you blisters, affect your walking, and lead to foot pain or ailments.
Bombas socks are expensive because they are designed for durable, long-lasting, and comfortable wear. The high-quality materials wick moisture and stay in place, preventing blistering. Every pair of socks has a hand-sewn toe to avoid pesky seams. The company adopts sustainable practices and donates part of the profits earned from each pair of socks sold.
If you made a list of everything you wanted in a sock, Bombas socks likely offer what you want. When a product meets consumers’ desires, they are willing to pay more to get them. The following reasons explain why these socks are so popular despite their higher cost.
Topics
1. Durability, Quality, And Rugged Design
Bombas socks are made of a water-repellent material knitted in a “honeycomb” pattern. These characteristics make the socks hold up well to wear and elements.
The breathable design wicks moisture quickly, keeping your feet dry and comfy. Reduced moisture also lowers the chances of getting athlete’s foot or frostbite.
The honeycomb pattern also holds the sock in place, preventing it from shifting or slipping down as you move.
Bombas also removed the seam at the toe line, created arch support, and added a tab to prevent heel blisters. Another tab at the top of the sock decreases calf tension when walking, reducing fatigue and preventing muscular cramps.
To produce socks that provide the ultimate comfort and longevity, the product requires better and even more material. The cost of higher quality materials will increase manufacturing costs.
These factors will then increase the final sale price.
2. Merino Wool: Material Logistics
Some of the Bombas socks are made with Merino Wool, while others are made with a blend of cotton, polyester, and spandex.
Merino wool is considered a natural and sustainable resource. When used in clothing, it offers insulation, moisture wicking and anti-static properties. It is lightweight, soft, and will not smell.
However, there are only so many Merino sheep in the world, which makes their wool in higher demand and potentially low supply. It takes time for sheep to regrow their coats.
Most of the world’s Merino wool is imported from Australia and countries to meet the demand. This shipping and potential global tariffs create additional costs.
Merino Wool is a sustainable option that takes time and labor to use. These factors make it expensive, and the brands using it have to raise their products’ prices to meet the costs..
3. Hand-Sewn Labor
Each pair of Bombas socks has a hand-sewn toe portion that eliminates the seam. The time and effort of individually sewing a pair of socks will increase the labor costs.
Workers are paid a fair labor wage, and this in turn raises the cost of production. Bombas products are made in the United States, China, Taiwan, and Peru.
Therefore, the costs of managing global offices, labor, and international shipping and tariffs are factored into the total cost.
4. Fair Labor Wages
Bombas salaries start at approximately $50,000 for a “Giving Associate” and go up from there.
The company believes in fostering a work environment that is innovative and entrepreneurial. They believe in building a work community that gives back to those in need. All of their full-time employees gain equity in the business.
When employees are happy and enjoy working at a business, their happiness reflects on the customers as well. This results in both happy employees and customers that support the business which will generate growth and profits.
Managing a business, and keeping employees happy by treating them well is going to raise operating costs.
This is reflected in the pricing of their socks and other clothing items.
5. Helping Communities And Giving Back
Bombas partners with organizations to help homeless shelters, nonprofits, and other organizations for those that do not have access to clean and new clothing.
Their donated socks have an antimicrobial treatment and reinforced seams to make them last longer for those in living situations without access to washing facilities.
For every purchase made at Bombas, the company donates an item through their “One Purchased = One Donated™” program. To date, the company has donated over 50 million items.
To offset the costs of donating, the prices are higher per pair of socks. It can be rewarding to know that you are helping others when you pay more for your socks.
6. Happiness Guarantee
Bombas prides itself on making sure its customers are 100% satisfied. They offer full refunds or will switch purchased items for different ones.
Customer service representatives are on hand to help their consumers process and get their refunds without complication.
To make up for the loss of profit due to returns and refunds, Bombas raises its product costs.
7. Business Practices
Bombas is certified as a B Corporation. This means that they follow a strict set of expectations to meet social and environmental performance.
The company’s practices are made known to the general public. They must benefit the community through volunteerism. Their manufacturing processes should not harm the environment.
To qualify as a B Corporation, Bombas must spend money to maintain a high level of standards. Consequently, their product costs must go up.
Conclusion
Bombas socks and products tend to cost more than competitor brands. However, the quality of materials and design make them long-lasting and durable, while offering comfort for a variety of uses in activities.
The company’s commitment to excellent business practices and to giving back to others raises costs. However, it is worth it to create lasting and positive connections with customers and communities.