Socks With A Sole: Bombas Brings Its Mission-Driven Comfort To Canada (Win!)

When Randy Goldberg co-founded Bombas, it was with a simple yet powerful idea: for every pair of socks sold, another would be donated to someone facing homelessness. That mission has since evolved into a global movement, with more than 100 million items donated worldwide—and this summer, the beloved comfort-first basics brand officially landed in Canada. In this Q&A, Randy shares the story behind Bombas’ purpose-driven model, how its Canadian launch will impact local communities, and why the humble sock has become a powerful symbol of connection and care. —Noa Nichol

You’ve probably seen more socks than most people in your lifetime—what’s your earliest sock memory, and did you ever imagine they’d play such a big role in your life?

Earliest sock memory is funny to think about. Socks didn’t play a big part in my childhood, maybe beyond loving baseball stirrups and wearing high socks with stripes as a kid. I don’t think most people think about socks, and that was our opportunity in starting Bombas. Socks used to be an afterthought. Now I have all kinds of sock memories. And find myself looking at strangers’ feet. Never thought I’d say that!

Bombas socks are known for being ultra-comfy and stylish. If you had to describe the Bombas “look” in three words, what would they be?

Comfortable, confident, stylish. 

Do you have a personal favourite Bombas style or colourway—something you find yourself wearing on repeat?

I love the sock we call the modern rib. It’s a hybrid of a casual sock and a dress sock. It’s ribbed all the way down the foot, looks great with loafers and sneakers, and comes in incredible colors. I also live in compression socks whenever I travel or work out. They help soothe and energize tired, achy legs—plus speed up recovery after long days on your feet.

When designing socks and basics, how do you make them feel fresh and fun while still being timeless enough to wear every day?

It’s all about balancing quality and style. We start with thoughtful design and premium materials so that every piece feels great and lasts. Then we layer in different color palettes, patterns, and small details to give our products personality without making them feel too tied to ephemeral trends. We want our products to feel current but also like something you’ll love five years from now (and our quality ensures you’ll still be able to!).

The socks and basics we donate are designed differently as well—they’re actually specifically created to meet the needs of those experiencing homelessness, with comfort, hygiene, and longevity in mind.

How has working so closely with clothing changed the way you approach your own personal style? Are you a match-your-socks-to-your-outfit guy or more of a wild-prints-with-anything type?

Working on such a thoughtful brand, I’ve become more intentional with the things I purchase and wear. And usually match my socks to what I’m wearing, except for when I work out. That’s a fun time to keep it a bit bolder.   

Bombas has a huge celebrity fan base—have you ever been starstruck seeing someone unexpected wearing your socks?

It’s been so cool seeing people really respond to our mission. I haven’t been starstruck by any of it, but I follow along since that tends to help with visibility for the brand. Hailey Bieber recently posted about our Compression Socks as a must-have pregnancy and post-natal product on her IG Stories. That was very cool! 

Socks have gone from being a hidden necessity to a real style statement. How do you see them fitting into fashion right now?

I think socks have become an easy, low-commitment way for people to express themselves. You can keep your outfit simple and let your socks be a pop of pattern or color, or the unexpected twist. They may seem like a small detail, but they can absolutely change or make an outfit’s impact.

If you could design a dream Bombas collab sock with any fashion icon or brand, who would you pick and why?

I would love to do a tennis sock with John McEnroe or a cycling sock with David Byrne from Talking Heads, who bikes around New York all the time. But our most important partnerships are with our giving partners, who help us get our donation socks in the hands and on the feet of people facing homelessness.

Win! A $395 Bombas Socks Prize Pack!

Congrats Kimberley M. of St. Catharines, ON, who will receive a $395 Bombas Socks Prize Pack, including:

• Women’s Farmers’ Market 4 Pack, $110 value
• Women’s Gripper Slipper 2-Pack, $145 value
• Women’s Everyday Compression Sock 3-Pack, $140 value

Please note: if you are the winner, you will receive a DM (direct message) in Instagram directly from @vitadailymedia. Please be wary of fake accounts, which often use similar handles with an extra or missing letter, number or symbol. We will never ask for a payment or for your credit card number, and we will never ask you to click through a link. If you are unsure whether you have been contacted, via Instagram, by us or a fake account, email us before responding.