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A true mind-body workout, Pilates offers something for everyone: stretching, strengthening, an hour away from your obnoxious roommate or screaming toddler. And one of the things that makes beginning a Pilates practice easy is that you don’t have to invest in a lot of gear to get going. All you really need is a top, leggings, and a pair of cute Pilates socks.
We’re the first to admit that, for most kinds of exercise, you don’t need special socks. But Pilates socks have grippers on the bottom that help you keep your footing on the mat and equipment. (No one wants to end their plank by face-planting!)
You’ll also want a pair that’s breathable, durable, and doesn’t look like a pair of hospital socks. To help you find the right Pilates socks, I tested a bunch of options and scoured the Internet for options. As an instructor myself, I have plenty of opinions. These are my top picks for your next sweat session on the mat, Reformer, or Tower.
Our top picks
- Alo Yoga Pulse Grip Sock, $38
- Bombas Gripper Half Calf Sock,
$64$61 for 4 pairs - Tavi Savvy Grip Socks, $16
- Pointe Studio Grip Sock, $42 for 3 pairs
- Gripjoy Pilates Grip Socks, $24 for 3 pairs
Shop cute Pilates socks
Alo Yoga Pulse Grip Sock
Leave it to Alo Yoga to make grip socks…sexy? The mesh panels around the ankle are sure to get you a compliment (or two) in class. Small grips on the bottom will stop you from slipping, while extra terry fabric in the toes and heels adds a little cushion (and stops your toes from freezing). Shoppers love them for yoga too—get you a pair that can do both!
Size: S/M (5 to 7.5), M/L (8 to 11) | Material: Combed terry cotton, nylon, Lycra
Bombas Gripper Half Calf Sock
Bombas
Gripper Half Calf Sock
I started noticing clients showing up to my Pilates class in Bombas a couple of years ago. The Gripper Half Calf looks like a classic gym sock, with a cute varsity sports vibe. The fabric feels soft and silky to the touch—they’re thinner than some other picks on this list.
Bombas’ soles are lined with hundreds of tiny gripper dots. They certainly do their job—my feet didn’t slide once during an hour-long intermediate Reformer class—but the sensation while walking (especially on hardwood floors) wasn’t the most pleasant.
Size: S (4 to 7.5), M (8 to 10.5), L (11 to 13) | Material: Cotton, polyester, nylon, elastane
Tavi Savvy Grip Socks
Tavi is a newer favorite of mine. I discovered them when I showed up to my Pilates studio on laundry day without a clean pair of socks to my name. (We’ve all been there, right?)
From the first wear, I loved how soft and breathable my Tavis were. And, as a size 11 who sometimes struggles to find a well-fitting pair of socks, I was surprised by how comfortable the Large felt—no squished metatarsals here. With over 30(!) color and pattern options to choose from, you’re bound to find a fun pair that matches your favorite workout set.
Size: XS (3-5.5), S (6 to 8), M (8.5 to 10.5), L (11 to 13), XL (13 to 14) | Material: Cotton, nylon, elastane, polyester
Pointe Studio Grip Sock
Pointe Studio
Grip Socks (3-Pack)
You might not know these Pointe Studio socks were Pilates-specific, if you didn’t see the grippers on the bottom (which means they’ll go with just about any outfit). Pointe Studio is the first brand of grip socks I bought when I began my Pilates practice seven years ago, and they’ve been one of my go-tos ever since. The very first pair I purchased is still in my sock drawer—talk about durability!
These high-quality socks have lasted through dozens of elephants and mermaids—and just as many washes. The material is a touch on the thicker side, so if you’re someone who prefers a super breathable sock, this might not be the best option for you. But if you tend to have cold feet (hello, me!), these are great for keeping your toesies toasty.
Size: S/M (5 to 7), M/L (8 to 10), L/XL (11 to 12) | Material: Cotton, nylon, spandex
Gripjoy Pilates Grip Socks
Gripjoy
Pilates Grip Socks (3-Pack)
Gripjoy’s female founder created these socks after being diagnosed with Pompe disease. Instead of small dots on the bottom, they have long, non-skid chevron stripes. And if you like a longer sock you can scrunch over your leggings, Gripjoy makes a crew version that’s just as pretty (and grippy).
Another plus: 10 percent of profits go to neuromuscular disease charities and research. One downside? With each sock size covering four to five shoe sizes, reviewers said that getting just the right fit was sometimes a struggle.
Size: S/M (5 to 10), L (9.5 to 13.5) | Material: Cotton, polyester, elastane
What to look for when shopping for Pilates socks
Your socks should be snug (your feet shouldn’t slip and slide inside them). But they shouldn’t be so tight that you can’t easily wiggle and spread your toes. Most socks on this list go by shoe sizing, so you can find the right fit.
Check that the little silicone pads on your socks extend from the toes to the heels. (You don’t want your heels sliding off during footwork!) For optimal stability, the grips should have a slight tacky feeling.
Some Pilates socks have toe holes for each toe to slide through. Whether you opt for a style like this or not comes down to preference. (I personally find them uncomfortable.)
If your studio has a sock policy, make sure that they’re cool with toe socks before wearing them to class.
How we found and tested these socks
I’ve been practicing Pilates for seven years and have been a part-time Pilates instructor for four years. I wore each pair of Pilates socks I tested for at least one hour-long Reformer class—if not dozens of classes. The rest of the picks on this list came recommended to me by people who take my classes or happy shoppers online.
Frequently asked questions
Should I do Pilates barefoot or in socks?
I prefer to do Pilates barefoot because I like to have an unimpeded range of motion through my toes. That way, I can intentionally grip the footbar, push-through bar, or other piece of equipment.
That said, you may want Pilates socks if you have feet that tend to sweat (making your mat or machine slippery) or get too cold (I often wear socks during classes in the winter months).
Do Pilates studios require grip socks?
Some do—typically for safety and/or sanitary reasons—so you’ll want to check your studio’s policy before packing your gym bag.
Are expensive Pilates socks worth it?
Generally, no. Hefty price tags are usually due to aesthetics or a brand name. As you can see from our list, there are many high-quality, reasonably priced (and totally cute!) options that won’t empty your wallet.
