If you find yourself slipping around doing Pilates—whether that’s due to the floor surface, mat, or, well, sweat—it might be a good time to invest in some Pilates socks.
Pilates socks, also called grip socks, barre socks, and yoga socks, are one of the easiest solutions to preventing unwanted slipping.
It goes without saying that slipping around messes up your form and balance, and increases the risk of injuries!
Still, it’s important to buy Pilates socks that will actually work.
Slipping into any cheap pair of socks can work against you and even increase your chances of slipping, and it’s definitely something you don’t want.
That’s where this guide is here to help. We’ve rounded up the 13 best Pilates socks on the market that you can buy today, followed by a quick buyer’s guide to help you choose the right pair for you!
OUR TOP PICK
First up, these grip socks, made by none other than famous yoga brand Gaiam, are ideal for yoga, barre, and Pilates with a ballet-inspired design that simply makes them more stylish than your average pair of grip socks.
Available in a range of attractive colors, these Gaiam grip socks offer superb anti-slip silicone grip and a combination of 98% polyester and 2% spandex material.
This makes them stretchable, durable, and moisture-wicking, checking off all the right boxes!
Pros
- Gaiam - invest in grip socks from a trusted brand
- Moisture-wicking - thanks to the 98% polyester fabric
- Versatile - use them for yoga, barre, and Pilates
- Choice of colors - simply take your pick
- Affordable - despite the brand tag, these grip socks are super affordable!
Cons
- Design - it has to be said that the ballet-style design isn’t for everyone
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EDITORS CHOICE
Those who prefer the high-rise look won’t go wrong with these grip socks by LA Active.
Made for Pilates, barre, and yoga, these high-rise grip socks offer extra warmth where it matters, along with comfort that simply trumps most ankle-rise socks.
The LA Active grip socks boast a simple design and plenty of non-slip grip on the underfoot to prevent slipping and sliding.
A bonus is that these Pilates socks are unisex, making them ideal for men who do barre and Pilates!
Pros
- Comfortable - the high-rise design and cushioned sole provide extra comfort
- High-rise - perfect for those who prefer the look and feel of high-rise socks
- Premium quality - made from luxury cotton
- Unisex - designed with men and women in mind
Cons
- Cotton - cool and breathable but not moisture-wicking
- Limited colors - these Pilates socks come in black, white, or gray only
BEST VALUE
ToeSox are a well-known name in the toe socks industry and these grip socks offer the best of both worlds!
You’re getting toe socks and Pilates socks in one, made with premium organic cotton and 8% elastane for maximum comfort and elasticity.
Simply put, these are a no-brainer if you love toe socks. There’s anti-slip grip on the underfoot—including the toes—plus a heel tab for easy fitting.
You also get a host of colors to choose from, so be sure to find your favorite color with these Pilates toe socks.
Pros
- ToeSox - a premium toe socks brand that delivers quality
- Heel tab - easy as pie to put on
- Affordable - these aren’t expensive despite the brand name
- Choice of colors - be sure to find your favorite color
Cons
- Cotton - cooling but doesn’t wick moisture
- Toe socks - not for everyone!
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RUNNER UP
These Unenow non-slip grip socks are low-rise with an upper hole that makes them look like ballet shoes.
The upper hole offers cooling benefits, needless to say, making these Pilates socks great for wearing in the summer.
A big perk here is that these socks come in a pack of three!
Aside from being practical, these women’s grip socks boast an anti-slip silicone sole that’s patterned for extra style.
With Unenow, you also get a full refund if you find that the socks don’t meet your expectations.
Pros
- Cooling - a cool design that literally keeps your feet cool
- Choice of colors - blue, pink, gray, black, green, peach, and more
- Pack of 3 - more bang for your buck
- Refundable - if these grip socks don’t meet initial expectations, return them for a full refund
Cons
- Cotton - keeps you cool but doesn’t wick sweat
RUNNER UP
If you’re not bothered about brands and just want something that’s affordable yet functional, these pilates yoga grip socks offer comfort, style, and a non-slip design.
You also get four pairs for the price of one!
Made from 85% cotton and 15% polyester, these Pilates socks are breathable, comfy, and durable for the low price.
Whether you prefer plain black or a mixture of (four) colors, you get both of those options here too.
Pros
- Cheap - super affordable for the budget-conscious
- Heel tab - these Pilates socks slip on and pull on easily
- Pack of 4 - get more for your money
- Four colors - grab the colored set and wear a different color each day
Cons
- Cotton - 85% cotton and 15% polyester makes these Pilates socks breathable but not fully moisture-wicking
- Quality - unfortunately, the cheap price leaves us questioning the quality of these grip socks
RUNNER UP
These Gaiam grip socks are the equivalent of fingerless gloves, offering non-slip grip with holes that let your toes wiggle free.
This doesn’t just keep your toes cool, but allows for more controlled traction no matter what Pilates workout you’re doing.
Made from 75% cotton, 15% nylon, and 10% wool, these Pilates grip socks provide a nice combination of breathability, durability, and warmth.
The narrow, elasticated hems also means these Pilates socks won’t slip down.
Pros
- Gaiam - one of the most trusted brands in yoga
- Open toe - toeless traction that also keeps your toes cool
- Affordable - won’t set you back despite the brand name
- Choice of designs and colors - choose from plain or patterned colors
Cons
- Style - fingerless gloves aren’t for everyone, and neither are these
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RUNNER UP
Back to Unenow, we like these non-slip grip socks due to their simple design that comes in a pack of four.
You get more for your money, of course, but also a toned-down design with colors that aren’t going to make you stand out too much like some of the options above.
As a result, these no-nonsense Pilates socks are for you if you just want plain-looking grip socks that just get the job done.
These boast high-quality hand stitching and high elasticity, so you can expect them to last a few years, too.
Pros
- Minimalist - for those who like to keep it simple
- Pack of four - more than enough pairs to rotate around
- Durable - premium stitching and high elasticity
- Versatile - slip these on for Pilates, yoga, or ballet barre
- Great value - high-quality grip socks for an affordable price!
Cons
- None!
RUNNER UP
We listed high-rise unisex grip socks above, so here are some low-rise unisex grip socks that are just as worth checking out.
For the guys out there doing barre and Pilates, these unisex grip slocks come in black or gray, with an overall plain design that you can rock with confidence.
These anti-slip grip socks come in a pack of two, so you get two for the price of one.
They’re also made from 85% cotton, 11% spandex, and 4% binding cloth, making them both breathable and stretchable for comfortable wearing.
Pros
- Unisex - for men and women alike
- Plain design - low-key design that will pair well with any outfit
- Pack of 2 - get an extra pair free, essentially
- Triangle silicone particles - a small touch that gives this grip socks a unique look
- Returnable - get a refund within 60 days if you’re not satisfied
Cons
- Cotton - once again, this fabric provides breathability at the expense of not being moisture-wicking
RUNNER UP
Yep, another pair from Gaiam, but it has to be said that Gaiam simply doesn't disappoint when it comes to quality.
These Pilates socks are also worth looking at for that reason, with a slight difference of being toe socks.
In addition to providing a more tactile experience, these Pilates toe socks offer moisture-wicking benefits thanks to the 95% polyester and 5% spandex.
Rest assured you won’t slip or slide around in these, as silicone grip circles are even placed on the toes.
Pros
- Great value - affordable
- 2 pack - wear one pair while the other is in the wash
- Choice of colors - black, light blue, purple, and more
- Toe socks - more tactile control on any surface
- Moisture-wicking - 95% polyester fabric that wicks sweat and keeps your feet dry
Cons
- Toe socks - once again, these aren’t for everyone!
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RUNNER UP
Looking for grip socks that look like your favorite pair of sandals? Then the Tucketts Allegro Toeless grip socks will be right up your alley.
In four colors, these toeless Pilates socks feature an upper hole for extra cooling, paired with breathable 70% recycled cotton.
So, the main selling point of these grip socks is the cool breathability they have to offer.
The Tucketts Allegro toeless Pilates socks are ideal for those hot summer months, as well as people who are prone to getting sweaty feet when working out.
Pros
- Ideal for summer - the design makes these grip socks about as foot cooling as it gets
- Choice of colors - pick from blue, purple, gray, and beige
- Sustainable - made from recycled cotton by an environmentally conscious brand
- Toeless - provides better tactile control on the mat or floor
Cons
- Style - these Pilates socks are cool and practical, but the overall design will have fashionistas turning the other way
- Hard to put on - you might often find yourself sliding your feet into the wrong hole
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RUNNER UP
Much like the Gaiam yoga barre socks we listed first, these premium grip socks feature a similar ballet-inspired design that makes them perfect if you like to mix it up (doing barre, yoga, and Pilates). Oh, and they’re also toeless.
What’s great about these grip socks is the 98% polyester and 2% spandex material—which makes them breathable and moisture-wicking—plus the toeless design that does away with sweaty toes while providing better tactile control on the mat or floor.
Pros
- Gaiam - a brand that delivers quality that lasts
- Toeless - tactile and reduces sweat
- Versatile - put these on for Pilates, barre, and yoga
- Moisture-wicking - wicks sweat and keeps your feet dry thanks to 98% polyester fabric
- Stylish - these ballet-inspired Gaiam toe socks look pretty stylish, we must admit
Cons
- Toeless - need we say it? Not everyone likes the toeless look
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RUNNER UP
Here's another pair of toe socks for Pilates from Toesox that are as stylish as they are functional.
The cooling upper hole, heel tab, and toeless design are all perks that make this pair worth considering, alongside the wide choice of colors these grip socks offer.
Being a Toesox product, expect long-lasting quality from these grip socks, in addition to a cool, lightweight feel thanks to the 77% organic cotton and 19% polyester fabric.
Pros
- Toesox - a recognized brand with quality you can trust
- Toeless - a more tactile experience for Pilates, barre, or yoga
- Breathable - both the cotton material and upper hole makes this pair of grip socks extra breathable and cooling
- Unique design - a toeless, sandal-esque look that’ll make you stand out in Pilates class
- Heel tab - pull them on with ease
Cons
- Toe socks - not to everyone’s liking, but these toe socks definitely look more stylish than your average toe socks
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RUNNER UP
Last but not least, these Pilates barre socks are perfect for you if you do Pilates as well as barre.
They look identical to ballet shoes for that reason, but with plenty of anti-slip silicone grip on the soles to prevent you from slipping, sliding, and skidding around the studio.
What makes these Pilates socks stand out is the sleek, elegant design in plain black.
They’re subtle but stylish, made from 72% cotton, 15% polyester, and 3% spandex for an awesome combination of lightweight breathability, elasticity, and sweat wicking.
Pros
- Stylish design - made for barre AND Pilates enthusiasts
- Lightweight and stretchable - like wearing nothing at all
- Breathable - thanks to cotton fabric and open uppers
- Toes&Feet - invest your money in a trusted socks brand
Cons
- Design - not for those wanting plain-looking grip socks, unfortunately
Also Available To Purchase At:
Best Pilates Socks Buying Guide
Pilates Socks Material
Choosing the right material for Pilates socks isn’t as confusing as it might seem.
Most pairs of grip socks are mainly made from either cotton or polyester (sometimes both), and it’s simply a matter of choosing whether you want breathability or moisture-wicking benefits.
Cotton is light, breathable, and soft while polyester wicks sweat away from your body, helping you to keep dry.
If you tend to get hot doing Pilates, opt for cotton grip socks; if you tend to get sweaty feet, on the other hand, opt for polyester grip socks!
Pilates Socks Style
Style is another important factor to consider when buying grip socks as it isn’t just about looking fashionable while doing Pilates (or even yoga and barre) but functionality and, as a result, how well you perform.
Aside from the regular design, grip socks can come in different styles, including toeless, toe socks, and open top (ballet-style).
These are a matter of preference, but will also affect how light the socks feel and how cool they keep your feet.
Best Pilates Socks - FAQ's
Are Yoga And Pilates Socks The Same?
Yoga socks and Pilates socks can be used for each form of exercise, but it’s worth nothing that some yoga and Pilates socks will have specific features—such as thin or thick cushioning on the sole—which can make them more ideal for one more than the other.
In most cases, however, yoga socks and Pilates socks— even grip socks, in general—are the same.
The exception is barre socks, which can have ballet-inspired designs that make them more visually appealing to those who strictly do barre.
Are Pilates Socks Worth It?
Pilates socks, also called grip socks and sometimes yoga socks, are worth buying if you often find yourself slipping and sliding when doing any form of Pilates workout.
Slipping can not only negatively affect your form and balance, but increase the risk of injuries occurring.
Another reason Pilates socks will be worth buying is if you tend to get sweaty feet.
Sweaty feet can increase the chance of slipping and sliding around, especially on certain Pilates mats, which can make Pilates socks a worthwhile investment.
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