These Cushy Grip Socks Are an Unexpectedly Cozy Slipper Substitute

If you have to think too much about your socks while you’re wearing them, they probably aren’t very good. I’ve owned and loved regular socks from Bombas for a few years. They’re high quality and don’t stretch out easily no matter the style, from our pick for best no-show socks to the Marl Calf Socks, which I’ve borrowed from my husband countless times. I like to wear them purposely scrunched around the ankles over my leggings with Birkenstock clogs to school drop-off.

But I hadn’t thought about gripper socks outside of a pilates workout until I had surgery and ended up in rehab in the standard-issue saggy grip socks.

Luckily, my colleagues at Wirecutter are great at giving care packages, and they included a pair of Bombas ankle grippers, which immediately became my go-to for lounging around my room and wearing to physical therapy.

I’ve spent the last few months wearing several of Bombas’ gripper styles, including the luxurious slipper-like merino-wool-blend House Socks and the Gripper Calf Socks. My kid has had the same Bombas toddler gripper socks for two years, and they’re still as plush as the day we opened the package. All the styles I’ve tried are comfortable and versatile, but I’ve been surprised at how much I’ve worn the ankle version, which are the easiest to slip on and look pretty sleek when worn around the house with leggings, yoga pants, or a flowy nightgown.

The calf-high socks also help to keep my feet in place in more precarious footwear, like rainboots and Uggs. (In my experience, the ankle grippers add too much bulk to sneakers and slip down in higher boots, so those are best worn on their own, indoors).

I don’t think Bombas grip socks can replace any of my beloved slippers permanently, but they are good stand-ins in a pinch.

Next to my dresser stands a lineup of five or so pairs of slippers, which includes the fancy, expensive velour-and-faux-fur Birdies that I break out if I have guests over (shoe-free household, anyone?) and the felted slip-on Glerups, the long-lasting upgrade pick from our guide to the best slippers. (Bombas does make slippers with grippy bottoms, but since the socks were what I’ve been wearing in my home, I didn’t test them for this piece).

The problem with my army of slippers, though, is that it exists out in the open and takes up space on my floor, even though it’s relatively tidy. The grip socks, however, can be stored in my drawer with other socks and hidden away. They’re also perfect for travel: Why waste suitcase space on slippers for padding around a bed-and-breakfast when these comfy socks take up just two inches when folded? I’d also consider tossing them in my bag to bring with me to a friend’s shoes-off house or providing a few for when my own guests come over.

And unlike most slippers, the grip socks are also machine washable. I turn mine inside-out to protect the silicone dots on the bottom and wash them in cold water.

I’ve been attending barre classes for 15 years and have worn probably 10 types of fitness grippers, including a $50 Bloch pair more akin to ballet shoes than socks and Reebok’s no-longer-available True Studio slippers, which have held up for more than five years in the barre studio but are certainly not as comfy as socks.

In a recent cardio barre class, the grips on my Bombas socks helped me stay balanced during most standing moves, but I found that the socks slipped around on my foot during particularly active curtsy lunges, mountain climbers, and lateral movements—even though I’m wearing the correct size.

For pilates and barre, I’ve had better luck with the sleeker and less expensive Ozaiic socks (about $6 per pair), which I received as a Christmas gift from my mother-in-law. They have a criss-cross elastic top that mimics a ballet shoe and have held up for nearly two years worth of washes and wears so far. I wear them only for workouts; they aren’t as warm and cozy as Bombas socks, which cover the top of your foot and feel cushier as you walk.

At about $57 for four pairs, Bombas socks are pricey. But what you’re paying for is a long-lasting and plush ankle sock with great grippers—and a conscience. The brand says they donate a pair of socks for every one purchased. And it has a happiness guarantee, a really generous return policy in which it offers to replace socks for pretty much any reason (including loss or size issues), though I haven’t had to try that policy out.

The four-pack also makes for effortless giftability; keep a pair for yourself and divvy the rest up for grandparents, co-workers, and whoever else on your list could stand to spiff up their at-home wardrobe.

This article was edited by Annemarie Conte and Jennifer Hunter.