In partnership with Comrad. Editor’s Note: We only select and work with partners that meet our quality standards, so you can rest assured we only endorse products we believe in.
As a runner with a desk job, I’m no stranger to soreness and muscle fatigue, but as I’ve been clocking more miles every week in my latest training cycle, I finally decided to do something about it. After plenty of research, I was ready to purchase a pair of compression socks to wear while I train and work – but I still wasn’t sure which pair was the pair for me.
With so many options on the market, I decided to test two highly-rated brands that I kept reading about: Bombas and Comrad. Both brands have phenomenal reviews, some cute colorways, and a lot of benefits. But, after wearing them, I discovered that all compression socks are not created equal. Here’s how they stack up across comfort, performance, fit, price, and overall quality—and which pair won me over.
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The Players
Bombas: Founded in 2013, Bombas is a mission-driven company known for its “buy one, donate one” model. For every pair of socks sold, Bombas donates a pair to someone in need. The brand prioritizes comfort, durability, and thoughtful design, with features like honeycomb arch support and seamless toes setting them apart. In addition to compression socks, Bombas sells everyday socks (their bread and butter), underwear, shirts, and slippers.
Comrad: Comrad was founded with a singular focus: compression socks. The brand set out to reimagine compression wear with an emphasis on style, sustainability, and functionality. Comrad’s socks cater specifically to both everyday wear and athletic recovery, offering breathable comfort without compromising on performance. I was intrigued by their Recycled Cotton socks, so I decided to give those a go for this review.
Overall Comfort
Bombas Everyday Compression Socks: With medium-level compression (15-20mmHg), these socks offer support, but about twenty minutes after putting them on, I started to feel some rubbing against my right heel. I realized that this was happening where the weave between the ankle and the heel met and it was really noticeable. Otherwise, these socks were easy to slide on and felt pretty thick. New to the compression sock game, I was ready to take them off after about an hour, which felt fair to me – until I tried my next pair…
Comrad Recycled Cotton Compression Socks: I was admittedly caught off guard by how lightweight and breathable these socks felt right away. They slipped right on and felt noticeably thinner than the Bombas pair – even though they actually felt like they offered tighter compression. I love that the recycled cotton blend is soft without sacrificing support, and their contoured fit makes them easy to wear all day (the first time I wore these, I actually forgot I was wearing them and kept them on as I worked all day). No pinching or irritation—just consistent comfort.
Winner: Comrad
Performance
Bombas: As I mentioned before, this was the first pair of compression socks I ever wore, and I noticed the appeal instantly. They feel like a supportive hug (especially around the calves) which was helpful on a morning walk as I was recovering from some mild shin splints. After trying both pairs, I can say that while both offer medium support (15-20mmHg) this pair feels less compressive than the pair from Comrad, which can either be a pro or con depending on what you’re looking for.
Comrad: Comrad socks provide a great balance of snugness and flexibility. Their compression feels stronger than the Bombas pair, and my legs felt relaxed and soothed after wearing them all day. I’ve found myself consistently reaching for this pair (and the couple of others I ended up snagging from the brand) – both while sitting and working in front of my computer and while walking and running. They keep my legs feeling energized, and I’ve noticed my legs feel fresher when I run back-to-back days since incorporating these into my routine.
Winner: Comrad
Fit
Bombas: These socks are available in sizes S, M, and L, and the size guide only recommends which to choose based on your shoe size. I didn’t have trouble with the fit, but I imagine others with wider feet or calves might. They also are a bit shorter, which was a win for me because I have short legs.
Comrad: Comrad offers sizes S, M, and L, in addition to Medium Wide, Large Wide, and XL. In addition to shoe size, it also gives calf circumference as a reference point to shoppers. Comrad really specializes in compression socks, and little touches like this show it!
Winner: Comrad
Quality
Bombas: Made with extra-long staple cotton, Bombas socks are quality-made – and feel like it! They’re soft, sturdy, and a bit thick, which ended up being a downside for me in terms of breathability, but they’ve been through the wash several times and have held up well.
Comrad: The recycled cotton blend in Comrad socks is softer and thinner than the Bombas socks, making them feel more breathable. Despite their lighter build, they didn’t compromise on support or durability, though: they’ve held up well after multiple washes and wears.
Winner: Tie
Price
Bombas: At $28 per pair, Bombas offers a slightly lower price point than Comrad.
Comrad: Comrad’s socks are a bit pricier at $32/pair. If you bundle and buy three pairs, you can save 20%, though. Plus, if you use code TQE20, you can save an additional 20%!
Winner: Bombas
The Verdict: Comrad’s for me
After putting both pairs to the test, Comrad Recycled Cotton Compression Socks emerged as the clear winner for me. They’re lightweight, breathable, and designed for all-day comfort, making them perfect for everything from post-run recovery to long days at my desk.
Comrad set out to reimagine and perfect compression socks, and they did exactly that. You can tell that compression socks is what they do – and they do it incredibly well.
If you’re searching for compression socks that combine performance, comfort, and style, I’d recommend giving Comrad a try – I think you may be surprised by how often you reach for them!
