These Socks are the Bombas. 

Surely you know Bombas. This sock startup, headquartered in Manhattan’s Flatiron District, started with a dedication to making better socks and a better world. Established in 2013 by a pair of New York entrepreneurs with tech and fashion expertise, Bombas started with socks and has expanded to slippers, slides, underwear and T-shirts (with more to ocme, no doubt). From Day 1, for every item the company sells they donate a like item to a charitable partner who gets it to those most in need. So far that’s 100 million (100 million!) and counting donated. Just, wow.

Sturdy, smooth, comfortable and colorful, Bombas socks run about $15, with high-tech features such as arch support and high-quality cotton. They fit like a glove, are engineered for performance, and come in an extensive array of color and style options. For underwear, if you're looking for soft, stylish and comfortable you've found your place. For slippers & slides - they are on it - triple check. T-shirts are a bit pricey, though smooth smooth smooth and you'll wear them a ton. 

Only In caught up with Bombas co-founders David Heath and Randy Goldberg as they started to talk socks, doing business in the Big City, and brand tattoos.

ONLY IN: Why did you choose New York City to start your business?

RANDY GOLDBERG: Homelessness is such a prevalent issue in New York. It always made sense to have Bombas based here.

DAVID HEATH: When we first started Bombas, Randy and I would walk around Manhattan and give socks to those we encountered who were living on the streets. One of my most memorable moments—still to this day—was when I met a homeless veteran. He asked for money, and when I told him I didn’t have any on me and instead handed him a pair of our socks, the veteran teared up and replied, “How did you know?” He removed his shoes to show one foot wrapped in a plastic bag and the other in a bandana. That interaction solidified why Randy and I were launching Bombas and showed there was a real need for what we were doing here in New York.

ONLY IN: Are there specific challenges to running a small business in New York City? Can you share tips for hopeful entrepreneurs?

DAVID: New York can be a tough city. It’s incredibly fast-paced, at times competitive, and, as we all know, expensive. For new entrepreneurs, it can be difficult to get your business off the ground here. What’s so great about New York, though, is it’s full of incredible energy and vast opportunities.

RANDY: There is a willingness to help among other companies in the New York startup community. The energy, while competitive, is also collaborative. It’s a great community to tap into for advice and resources.

ONLY IN: How has your business changed the city for the better? 

DAVID: On any given night in New York City, 60,000 men, women and children are homeless. One evening this past February, we brought together 60 of New York’s most influential companies to donate 60,000 pairs of socks to 60 New York-based shelters and service centers. We called it 60K Day. We wanted to show how a small group of people can come together for the greater good to make a huge impact. It was an incredible endeavor we’re so proud to have been a part of.

RANDY: Our friends and colleagues were constantly asking us how they could get involved, so we came up with 60k Day to provide an opportunity for others to be a part of our mission. 

ONLY IN: David, you once promised to get a Bombas logo tattoo after your company donated a million pairs of socks. Did you ever get it?

DAVID: I did! I got the tattoo on the inside of my right arm in 2016, after we reached our goal. We originally thought we would take 10 years to cross this milestone. Amazingly enough, we did it in only 2½ years.

RANDY: And, as promised, I recorded the whole thing. We went to Bang Bang on the Lower East Side. You can watch the whole story here.

ONLY IN: What’s one thing that you can do, buy, get or experience Only In New York?

DAVID: Anything you want, delivered to your door.

RANDY: The incredible energy. You won't find it anywhere else.

And that, is Bombas! Better socks, better world. Done. Amazing, and Only In New York.

By the way, the Bombas tag line is Bee Better. We can all do that. www.bombas.com.