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These ridiculously comfortable socks offer the perfect blend of comfort, quality, and philanthropy

Right now, new users can use Coupon Code ‘UPWORTHY20’ for 20-percent off Bombas Women's Ankle Socks.

These ridiculously comfortable socks offer the perfect blend of comfort, quality, and philanthropy

Editor's Note: Upworthy earns a percentage of revenue from products sold in this article.


In the grand scheme of things, socks seldom take center stage in our daily wardrobe decisions. They're usually tucked away, hidden under shoes and pants, quietly supporting us through our day. Yet, these unsung heroes make a considerable impact on our comfort, productivity, and overall well-being. Think about it - a poorly-fitted sock can turn a simple walk into an uncomfortable trek, while a high-quality, comfortable pair can feel like a warm, loving hug to your feet. In their own understated way, socks are the foundation of our daily attire.



Use Code UPWORTHY20
and get 20% off
Bombas women's ankle socks
Women's Solids Ankle Sock 4-Pack
$49 at Bombas


Now, imagine a pair of socks that offered premium comfort and exceptional quality and contributed to a greater cause. That’s the idea behind Bombas, a company that has taken the humble sock and elevated it into a product that embodies care, community, and compassion.

Bombas is all about crafting the best socks in history, but their mission doesn't stop at your sock drawer. With their One Purchased = One Donated™ initiative, they've turned every purchase into an act of kindness, making you a part of their mission to support the homeless community. For every pack of Bombas socks you buy, they donate a pack to someone in need, proving that even something as simple as socks can make a world of difference. Step into a pair of Bombas socks, and you're stepping into a movement that's changing lives, one pair at a time. And right now, new users can use coupon code “UPWORTHY20” for 20-percent off.

Comfort

What's in a sock, you ask? Well, if it's a Bombas sock, a lot more than meets the eye. Each Women's Solids Ankle 4-Pack is packed with features that elevate your everyday sock-wearing experience to new heights of comfort.

Let's begin with the Honeycomb Arch Support System - an innovative design element that cradles your midfoot like a firm, comforting hug. It's the perfect balance of support and softness, making each step feel a little more grounded.

Then there's the Seamless Toe. Say goodbye to that annoying little bump that runs across the toes of most socks. Bombas' unique knit stitch makes it a thing of the past. And we can't forget about the Cushioned Footbed. It's not about making the sock thick and unwieldy but providing the right amount of support where you need it. These aren't your everyday sock features, they're what set Bombas apart.

Quality

Bombas isn't just your run-of-the-mill sock company. They're pioneers in the industry, meticulously crafting each sock with a commitment to quality that's second to none. These aren't your ordinary, wear-once-and-wash, hope-they-last-a-season type of socks. Bombas socks are meticulously engineered from high-quality yarns, designed to withstand the test of time and the rigors of daily use. This combination of innovation, material choice, and attention to detail all contribute to the longevity and durability of Bombas socks.

This dedication to quality hasn't gone unnoticed by customers. With a resounding 4.8-star rating from over 42,000 reviews, it's clear that Bombas is doing something right. These reviews highlight customers' consistent satisfaction in Bombas' quality, fit, and design.

But don't just take our word for it. The thousands of glowing reviews speak volumes about the comfort Bombas delivers.

Virginia T., a satisfied customer, keeps her review short and sweet with a heartfelt "Love them."

Abby L. echoes the sentiment, noting how the socks fit well and are very comfortable.

And then there's Lydia A., who is buying them not only for herself but for her entire family.

Philanthropy

Aside from quaint and comfort, what sets Bombas apart from other sock companies is their unwavering dedication to giving back. With every pair of socks purchased, they pledge to donate a pair to someone in need, a testament to their One Purchased = One Donated™ initiative. This isn't just a feel-good catchphrase - it's a promise embedded in their business model, a commitment to making the world a bit better, one pair of socks at a time. It's a beautiful cycle: you get to enjoy the unparalleled comfort and quality of Bombas socks, and simultaneously, you're helping to provide the same level of comfort to someone less fortunate.

The impact of this initiative is nothing short of astounding. Bombas has donated over 100 million items to those in need, which continues to rise with each purchase. This noble mission is made possible by their network of over 3,500 Giving Partners, who ensure these donations reach the people who need them the most. From overnight shelters and transitional living facilities to rehabilitation centers and outreach teams, Bombas' generosity extends far and wide. So, when you pull on a pair of Bombas socks, you're not just stepping into comfort and quality; you're stepping into a community of giving that spans across the nation.

Bombas' Women's Solids Ankle 4-Pack socks aren't just about quality, comfort, or style, they're about making a difference. These socks offer a unique blend of superior comfort features, outstanding craftsmanship, and a philanthropic mission that truly sets them apart.

So, next time you're shopping for socks, choose Bombas. Not only will you be treating your feet to the comfort they deserve, but you'll also be playing a part in a mission that changes lives. It's not just a purchase; it's a step towards making the world a little bit better, one pair of socks at a time.

And remember, right now, new users can use coupon code “UPWORTHY20” for 20-percent off.


Use Code UPWORTHY20
and get 20% off
Bombas women's ankle socks
Women's Solids Ankle Sock 4-Pack
$49 at Bombas
Sponsored

Three women, three MS journeys: How multiple sclerosis looks different for everyone

Gina, Nathalie and Helga share their reactions to being diagnosed with MS and how they stay informed and positive in the face of ever-changing symptoms.

Courtesy of Sanofi

Helga, Nathalie and Gina all have MS, and their experiences show how differently the disease can manifest.

True

It’s been 155 years since neurologist Jean-Martin Charcot gave the first lecture on a mysterious progressive illness he called “multiple sclerosis.” Since then, we’ve learned a lot. We know MS causes the immune system to attack healthy tissue, including damaging the brain and spinal cord. Resulting symptoms can be debilitating and include fatigue, blurred vision, memory problems and weakness. Huge advancements in our understanding of MS and its underlying causes, as well as treatment advances, have been made in the past few decades, but MS remains a complex and unpredictable reality for the 2.8 million+ people diagnosed around the world.

Ironically, the only real constant for people living with MS is change. There’s no set pattern or standard progression of the disease, so each person’s experience is unique. Some people with MS have mild symptoms that worsen slowly but sometimes improve, while others can have severe symptoms that drastically alter their daily lives.

All people with MS share some things in common, however, such as the need to stay informed on the ever-evolving research, find various lines of support and try to remain hopeful as they continue living with the disease.

To better understand what navigating life with MS really looks like, three women shared their MS stories with us. Their journeys demonstrate how MS can look different for different people and interestingly, how the language used to talk about the disease can greatly impact how people understand their realities.

woman with horse, woman riding horseGina loves riding her horse, Benita.Courtesy of Sanofi

Gina—Hamburg, Germany (diagnosed with relapsing multiple sclerosis in 2017)

When her youngest son was 4 months old, Gina started having problems with her eye. She’d soon learn she was experiencing optic neuritis—her first symptom of MS.

“Immediately after the diagnosis, I looked up facts on MS because I didn’t know anything about it,” Gina says. “And as soon as I knew what could really happen with this disease, I actually got scared.”

As her family’s primary income provider, she worried about how MS would impact her ability to work as a writer and editor. Her family was afraid she was going to end up in a wheelchair. However, for now, Gina’s MS is managed well enough that she still works full-time and is able to be active.

“When I tell somebody that I have MS, they often don't believe me the first time because I don't fulfill any stereotypes,” she says.

Overwhelmed by negative perspectives on living with MS, Gina sought support in the online MS community, which she found to be much more positive.

“I think it’s important to use as many positive words as you can when talking about MS.” It’s important to be realistic while also conveying hope, she says. “MS is an insidious disease that can cause many bad symptoms…that can be frightening, and you can't gloss over it, either.”

To give back to the online community that helped her so much, Gina started a blog to share her story and help others trying to learn about their diagnosis.

Though she deals with fatigue and cognitive dysfunction sometimes, Gina stays active swimming, biking, riding horses and playing with her sons, who are now 11 and 6.

Cognitive dysfunction is common in MS, with over half of people affected. It can impact memory, attention, planning, and word-finding. As with many aspects of MS, some people experience mild changes, while others face more challenges.

Gina says that while there’s still a lot of education about MS needed, she feels positive about the future of MS because there’s so much research being done.

woman in wheelchair holding medal, woman rowingNathalie is an award-winning rower with multiple international titles.Courtesy of Sanofi

Nathalie — Pennes Mirabeau, France (diagnosed with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis in 2002)

Nathalie was a teenager and a competitive athlete when she noticed her first symptoms of MS, but it would take four years of “limbo” before she was diagnosed.

“Ultimately, the diagnosis was more of a relief, than a shock,” she says. “Because when you have signs and you don’t know why, it’s worse than knowing, in the end, what you have.”

However, learning more about the disease—and the realities of disease progression—scared her.

“That glimpse of the future was direct and traumatic,” she says. Her neurologist explained that the disease evolves differently for everyone, and her situation might end up being serious or very mild. So, she decided to stop comparing herself to others with MS.

She said to herself, “We’ll see what happens, and you’ll manage it bit by bit.”

By 2005, Nathalie’s MS had progressed to the point of needing a wheelchair. However, that has not dampened her competitive spirit.

Nathalie began her international rowing career in 2009 and has won multiple world titles, including two Paralympic medals—silver in London and bronze in Tokyo. Now, at 42, she still trains 11 times a week. Fatigue can be a problem, and sometimes hard workouts leave her with muscle stiffness and shaking, but she credits her ongoing sports career for helping her feel in tune with her body’s signals.

“Over the years, I’ve learned to listen to my body, letting my body guide when I need to stop and take breaks,” she says.

Nathalie explains that she used to only look backwards because of the initial shock of her diagnosis. In time, she stopped thinking about what she couldn’t do anymore and focused on her future. She now lives in the following mindset: “Even when doors close, don’t miss out on those that open.” Instead of focusing on what she can’t do, she focuses on the opportunities she still has. Right now, this includes her training for the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris, where she will compete for another rowing medal.

“I only go forward,” she says. “Well, I try, anyway…It’s easy to say, it’s not always easy to do. But that’s what I try to do.”

woman exiting water after swimming, woman with great daneHelga's Great Dane has become a helpful and beloved companion.Courtesy of Sanofi

Helga—Johannesburg, South Africa (diagnosed with relapsing multiple sclerosis in 2010)

When Helga first started having balance issues and numbness in her feet, she chalked it up to her training as a runner. But when the numbness moved to her face, she knew something was wrong. She never guessed it was MS.

“When I was diagnosed, I felt completely overwhelmed and clueless,” Helga says. “I felt that I had nowhere near enough information. I did not know anything about the disease…I had no idea that it was going to be a process of continually monitoring and adjusting your lifestyle.”

In the beginning, Helga’s symptoms developed slowly, and she didn’t appear ill to others. She was even able to run for a few years after her diagnosis, but she couldn’t do marathons anymore, and she began to fall frequently due to balance issues and right-foot dragging. Then her cognition issues became more problematic, especially in her job as a trainer in a printing company.

“My executive function, decision-making and short-term memory were affected to the point that I was eventually medically unfit for work,” she says. She stopped working in 2017.

However, she didn’t stop living life. Even though she could no longer run, she continued to swim competitively. She got a Great Dane puppy and trained him as a service dog to help her walk. She also serves as vice chair of the patient support organization Multiple Sclerosis South Africa, and she advises others who have been diagnosed to join a patient advocacy group as soon as possible to get reliable information and meet others with MS.

Helga says she is “hopeful” about the future of MS. “I must say that I am so grateful that we have all the new medications available, because my life would not be the same if it wasn't for that,” she adds.

Part of how she manages her MS is by looking at the positives.

“If I could tell the world one thing about MS, it would be that MS is an incurable disease of the nervous system, but it's also the greatest teacher of valuing your health, family, friends, and managing change in your life,” she says. “My life is diversified in a way that I never, ever thought it would, and MS has been honestly the greatest teacher.”

Each MS journey is unique – with each person impacted experiencing different struggles, successes, and feelings as they manage this unpredictable disease. But the common thread is clear – there is a critical need for information, support, and hope. We are proud to participate in World MS Day and share these incredible stories of living life while living with MS. To learn more about MS, go to https://www.sanofi.com/why-words-really-matter-when-it-comes-to-multiple-sclerosis.

MAT-GLB-2301642-v1.0-05/2023

This article was sponsored by Sanofi. Participants were compensated when applicable.

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via Pixabay

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Courtesy of Niki Coffman

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America's Got Talent/Youtube

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