Reviews Style

I tried Bombas' Gripper Slippers, which combine the comfort of socks with the traction slippers — and I never want to take them off

man and women wearing Bombas Gripper Slippers
Gabrielle Chase, Amir Ismael, Sally Kaplan/Insider
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Introducing: Gripper Slippers by Bombas

Bombas is known for being one of the internet's best brands of socks, and after testing and reviewing many Bombas socks over the years, we fully agree. Not only do they have a massive variety and an incredible grasp on high-quality manufacturing, but they also donate to homeless shelters with every purchase.

Now, the brand is introducing Gripper Slippers, a grippy sock-like slipper that combines everything that makes Bombas socks amazing with the comfort and coziness of slippers.

As with anything Bombas creates, there is plenty of variety. The Bombas Grippers Slippers come in three versions — classic, cable knit, and sherpa-lined. We tested all three models out and loved each pair.

Keep reading to find out our detailed thoughts on each pair, along with original photos.

Bombas Gripper Slippers inside the drawstring bag
Bombas Gripper Slippers come packaged in a drawstring dust bag.  Amir Ismael/Insider

Gabi's Bombas Gripper Slippers Review

A first glance, they look like socks.

Men's

$37.50 from Bombas
Originally $50.00Save 25%

Women's

Putting on an outfit, even just to stay at my desk, helps break up the monotony of my home office routine. And of course, a reliable pair of slippers are an essential part of the WFH look. I now wear the Bombas' Gripper Slippers every day, as they're exactly halfway between a sock and a slipper. If you're looking for a slip-on, their Sunday Slippers might be more your speed. However, the pull-on Gripper Slippers are a super comfortable alternative, with the compression closer to that of a sock.  They began to lose their shape a bit after a few wears, but reformed after I machine-washed them, as would your average socks. The rubber "grippers" on the soles provide decent traction to prevent sliding around on my floors. I decided to forgo the sherpa-lined option because my apartment runs hot, but the regular lining keeps my feet warm even when worn without socks.  — Gabrielle Chase, associate editor, Reviews

Underneath, you'll find grippy bottoms for much-needed traction on slippery surfaces.

Sally's Bombas Gripper Slippers (Sherpa Lined) Review

This pair comes lined with Sherpa for additional warmth and comfort.

Men's

Women's

When I first saw Bombas Gripper Slippers, I wondered whether they'd really be wearable for more than a couple days at a time since they're essentially just thicker socks. But after testing the sherpa-lined pair for about a month, I stand corrected. I wear socks with them just to make sure my feet don't sweat all over the inside of the slippers, and I haven't had to wash them once. They keep my feet incredibly warm, and the grippy bottoms come in clutch because the newly refinished wood floors in our home (including our staircase) are very slippery. — Sally Kaplan, executive editor, Reviews

Amir's Bombas Cable Knit Gripper Slippers Review

The cable knit pair is reminiscent of a cozy, worn-in sweater.

Men's

$37.50 from Bombas
Originally $50.00Save 25%

Women's

$36.00 from Bombas
Originally $48.00Save 25%

Over the years, I've tested a huge variety of Bombas socks, so I had high expectations before trying the brand's Gripper Slippers. After all, the Gripper Slippers are quite similar to a pair of socks and not as structured as traditional slippers. 

Once I put them on, I immediately understood why the Gripper Slippers are special. I like to think of them as the sweet spot between your favorite heavyweight socks and your favorite house slippers. They're far less bulky than other slippers, which makes them easy to wear all day —  even when you're laying on the couch or bed. Thanks to a double-layered material, they're also warmer than most socks. 

I went with a size medium, the recommended size for shoe size, and I can comfortably fit them with or without socks. I have carpet throughout most of my apartment, but the grippy bottoms are still a greatly appreciated feature that works wonders on slippery surfaces. — Amir Ismael, style editor, Reviews

the inside of Bombas Knit Gripper Slippers
Each pair of Gripper Slippers has a pull tab on the back, which makes them super easy to put on.  Amir Ismael/Insider

Amir's Bombas Toddler Gripper Slippers Review

a toddler wearing Bombas Gripper Slippers
Amir Ismael/Business Insider

I absolutely love the Bombas Gripper Slippers for my 19-month-old son because he doesn't like to wear hard-bottom shoes or slippers in the house, and sometimes socks aren't enough to keep his little feet from being cold.

The Grippers Slippers are warm, super cushioned, and as the name suggests, they're grippy — a very important feature for adventurous (and fearless) little ones who are prone to slip and fall. Plus, they're really cute. — Amir Ismael, style editor, Reviews

Cons to consider

The only downside to Bombas Gripper Slippers is that they can only be worn in the house. While most people don't mind having a pair of slippers strictly dedicated to indoor wear, the Bombas Gripper Slippers aren't built for outdoor use if you want to use them that way. Even if you're simply taking out the trash or going to grab the mail, I'd recommend putting on slippers (or other shoes) with real soles.

The bottom line

Overall, all three of us enjoyed wearing Bombas' Gripper Slippers. It's clear that they don't come close to the level of warmth and durability of a traditional pair of slippers, the truth is they're not intended to. 

Business Insider readers can save 20% on Bombas products, from Gripper Slippers and socks to loungewear, by using the exclusive promo code  "INSIDER20" at checkout.

You can purchase logo and accolade licensing to this story here.

Disclosure: Written and researched by the Insider Reviews team. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our partners. We may receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We operate independently from our advertising team. We welcome your feedback. Email us at reviews@bjinnox.com.

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Amir Ismael
Amir Ismael
Amir Ismael was an editor on Business Insider’s Reviews team specializing in men's style and grooming products. He joined the team (then called Insider Picks) in 2017, initially covering a wide range of subjects, including deals of the day, clothing, phone cases, headphones, and more, before leaning into his true passion — men’s style.ExperienceAmir began his journalism career at Complex Media in 2015, working as an intern and freelance writer for Complex Sneakers and Sole Collector. He joined Business Insider in July 2017. During his time on the Reviews team at BI, he’s covered all aspects of menswear and footwear, including the latest startups you should know about, brands focusing on sustainability, where to buy affordable work clothes for men, outerwear, watches, and more. He’s also continued to lead on style deal coverage for multiple key seasonal events each year, such as Amazon Prime Day, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday. Why you can trust AmirAmir’s expertise in style is rooted in his personal love for collecting fashion, from vintage finds on eBay to new, innovative designs that spark his interest. Some of his favorite brands include Ralph Lauren, Timberland, The North Face, Nike, and Air Jordan. His enthusiasm focuses less on the materialistic side of consuming fashion, as he prefers delving into the stories behind them, be it their cultural significance, sports history, or impact on the outdoor/adventure space.Amir’s a passionate sneaker collector (and can tell you how to clean and restore them so you’re always looking your best), and he has you covered head-to-toe for everything you need to know in men’s style and grooming. He’s extensively tested glasses, wallets, watches, razors, skincare, and both casual and formal wear. For Amir, hunting for deals goes far beyond his coverage during shopping events like Black Friday. He prides himself on always being able to find great deals and attributes most of his personal collection to his deal-hunting prowess. If he says it’s a good deal, then it is!Expertise
  • Men’s street fashion
  • Footwear, including significant release dates, design history, construction, and materials
  • Menswear staples, including workwear, casual clothes, underwear, T-shirts, and more
  • Brand founder or designer interviews
  • Men’s grooming and shaving products
  • Prescription eyewear
EducationAmir graduated from William Paterson University with a BA in print journalism and public relations. Outside of workAmir has been a lifelong resident of New Jersey. When he’s not working, he enjoys working on and driving his small collection of classic BMWs.