In boutique studios across the capital from 1Rebel to Barrecore, grip socks are a non-negotiable for Pilates, barre and yoga sessions.
These specialised socks are designed with grip panels on the sole to provide greater stability to your movements, whether you are exercising at home or in a gym. When you’re saluting to the sun, switching springs in Reformer or feeling the full body burn while channelling your best ballerina, you need to be able to focus distraction-free rather than worrying about slippery feet.
What do grip socks do?
“Grip socks support the feet as well as help you to grip onto the Reformer and stop your feet slipping during exercises that require balance and control”, explains Natalie Barrett, Pilates instructor at CoreLDN. “When performing standing movements, the grip on the sock can ensure your stabilising foot doesn't slide out of position but remains in contact with the smooth surface of the carriage, platform or floor depending on the exercise being performed”.
She adds, “For hygiene reasons, grip socks are often mandatory in studios rather than bare feet, preventing direct skin contact with shared equipment and keeping the Reformer and studio clean and sweat-free”.
Are grip socks worth it?
“Definitely!”, the Pilates expert stresses. “They're comfortable, stop you from slipping - especially during challenging and sweaty classes and there are so many brands and cool designs to choose from. My favourites are from Pointe Studio and Socks and Sass”.
Do grip socks work?
In short, “Yes”, she says. “I would highly recommend them for performing moves such as lunges on the Reformer or side splits to keep you feeling secure and your feet in the correct positions”.
Are grip socks good for running?
It’s not just low-intensity workouts that can benefit from grip socks. The performance pieces are becoming more ubiquitous for running, football and cardio-based activities to support the feet through every run or race. This is thanks to cushioning in high-pressure areas, breathable constructions and ensuring that your feet stay firmly planted in your trainers or boots.
Barrett agrees, explaining that “Grip socks have become popular with runners and footballers as they keep the foot secure in the shoe/boot and prevent friction which can prevent potential blisters”.
Grip socks come in many different styles, from ankle length to crew socks, and in an array of bright hues.
Focus on perfecting your pliés with the best grip socks below
Happy Ankle Runner Grip Socks
The Happy Ankle Runner Grip Socks will put a smile on your face each time you slip them on. The playful design provides all the motivation you need to embark on your Pilates practice. They come in four colourways and are kitted out with grip padding in a tactical design to enhance stability as you take your movements to more technically challenging places.
Buy now £16.00, Free People
Alo Yoga Pivot Barre Sock
Channel your inner ballerina with these pink mauve socks from Alo Yoga. They have a uniquely designed grip pattern as well as crossover straps that look and feel very professional.
Buy now £24.00, Alo Yoga
FASECKS Antiskid Yoga Socks
Step into any gym and you’ll see long socks sticking out of trainers everywhere. They’re the ultimate athleisure essential. You need not compromise on style when you partake in Pilates with these sporty options complete with a gripped sole.
Buy now £9.98, Amazon
Toesox Grip Savvy Love Tie Dye Socks
Bringing a vibrant touch to your activewear collection, you will fall for the Love Tie Dye Socks. Sporty yet fun, the tie-dye design is the welcomed pop of colour to transform your neutral-toned fitness fashion. Ready for any activity though, they have a gripping detail at the bottom.
Buy now £18.00, Free People
Sweaty Betty Pilates Socks
Socks with added grips aren’t essential to a Pilates practice, but those who are serious about the method know that they can really help you to create stability. This is especially true if you struggle to stay in place once you start to sweat.
This pair from Sweaty Betty have a high-grip design on the sole that adds lots of much-needed support during tricky balance moves like plank toe taps and single-leg glute bridges. The sock material itself is a super soft cotton that feels lovely even after being put through the wash. We also love the ballet-inspired Mary Jane style that looks really flattering on the foot. Sold in packs of two.
Buy now £25.00, Sweaty Betty
Pointe Studio Josie Grip Strap Charcoal
It’s the Mary Jane silhouette that has caught our eye with Pointe Studio’s grip socks. While embellished with the stability-enhancing footbed, there’s also compression at the arch and a cutout design for breathability.
Buy now £12.00, The Sports Edit
Gaiam No-Slip Yoga Socks, S/M, Black
These unusual socks from Gaiam may take some getting used to, but once you do, you’ll appreciate the stability and freedom of movement they provide. Akin to being barefoot, only with improved grip, they are ideal for martial arts training, Pilates, barre and of course, yoga.
Buy now £11.99, John Lewis
Adidas Football Grip Printed Cushioned Crew Performance Socks
From the sportswear giant comes this pair of performance socks designed for football first and foremost. The grip that lines the soles continues up to the ankle, but that’s just where the advanced features begin.
The socks are also made from Adidas’ signature HEAT.RDY fabric that remains breathable through high-intensity exercises and there is cushioning in areas of elevated pressure to keep your feet protected. To round it off, the socks are made from at least 50 per cent recycled materials.
Buy now £23.00, Adidas
Lululemon Women's Find Your Balance Studio Tab Socks
Lululemon has kitted its studio socks with grippers on both the interior and exterior of its socks. The Canadian activewear favourite puts a focus on stability, while also taking comfort into consideration. As such, there is arch support as well as a specialised left and right design tailored to each foot.
Buy now £18.00, Lululemon
WellBeing + BeingWell Striped Tube Grip Sock
Proving that functional fitnesswear can be fun, WellBeing + BeingWell has the grip socks for minimalists looking for elevated pieces. While they have a classic crew style at first glance, look a touch closer and you will notice the gripped design is made up of hearts. This style is sure to ignite jealousy in your next Reformer class.
Buy now £25.00, Revolve
