Bombas socks have gained popularity for their comfort and quality, leaving many UK shoppers eager to get their hands on a pair. These sought-after socks are known for their cushioned footbeds and seamless toe construction.

Unfortunately, Bombas no longer maintains a dedicated UK website nor ships outside of the United States.

How can a UK resident purchase authentic Bombas socks?

If one is really fixated on buying authentic Bombas socks in the UK, the most reliable method would be to establish an account with a mail forwarding service based in the US. These services will furnish you with a postal address in the US which will then forward them to you in the UK. In addition to the direct cost of opening and maintaining such a mail forwarding service, you would have to deal with cross-border shipping costs as well as VAT and duties on personal imports. Is it really worth it?

It may also be possible to purchase Bombas socks in the UK on a marketplace such as Amazon, although such socks would not be sold by the Bombas brand directly. With an open marketplace there are always risks concerning authenticity. As of August 2024 (when this article is being written), there was a very limited selection of Bombas socks on Amazon UK, with Amazon US being listed as the seller. 

Considerations When Buying Bombas Socks

When purchasing Bombas socks in the UK, it's essential to consider sizing, fit, and the company's shipping and returns policies. These factors can significantly impact your satisfaction with the product and overall buying experience.

Size and Fit Guide

Bombas offers a range of sizes to accommodate different foot shapes and sizes. Their socks typically come in small, medium, large, and extra-large options for adults.

To find the right size, measure your foot length and compare it to the Bombas size chart. It's crucial to consider both your shoe size and foot width when selecting socks.

Many Bombas socks feature a honeycomb arch support system, which provides extra cushioning and a snug fit. This design helps prevent slipping and bunching during wear.

The brand also offers different heights, including no-show, ankle, quarter, and calf-length socks. Choose the height that best suits your footwear and personal preferences.

Shipping and Returns Policies

Whilst there was a time when Bombas targetted UK customers with a dedicated site at bombas.co.uk, they abandoned it to focus on the US market in 2022 or 2023. Bombas no longer ships to the UK, nor anywhere outside of the US.

Customers should be aware of potential customs fees or import duties when ordering from the US to the UK. These additional costs are the responsibility of the buyer.

Bombas offers a 100% Happiness Guarantee. If you're unsatisfied with your purchase for any reason, you can return or exchange the socks within 30 days.

hipSwan: a better alternative for UK customers

For UK-based customers seeking top-quality socks from a locally-based brand, take a serious look at hipSwan. Founded in 2021 and based in Brighton, England, hipSwan has gained a rapid and loyal following with over 10,000 UK customers and 1,000 reviews.

Marie Claire UK states that "hipSwan socks are ethically made and designed for those of you who want to support sustainable brands without compromising on performance." The brand has a carbon neutral shipping policy and plants one tree for every online order, in collaboration with TreeSisters UK.

Socks offered by the hipSwan brand feature premium, eco-friendly materials like organic combed cotton and merino wool. Most styles are offered in 3 sizes to fit a wide range of foot sizes for both men and women.

hipSwan offers a core, neutral colour palette rather than creating dozens of whimsical designs, in order to focus on quality and sustainability. Their socks are produced in limited-quantity batches based on actual customer tastes. They regularly survey their customers prior to introducing new sock designs.

As a UK-based brand, hipSwan are able to fulfill orders across the UK within 2 business days. The brand offers 60-day no-quibbles returns as well, so you won't be on the hook for returning unsuitable products to an overseas address. Moreover, UK customers are protected by UK consumer laws.

All-in-all, hipSwan socks are a worthy alternative.

==>  Shop hipSwan socks