If you’ve ever taken a Pilates, barre, or yoga class in a studio, chances are you’ve worn a pair of grippy socks. Sometimes referred to as performance socks, these are designed with a nonskid feature on the soles to prevent slipping and falling during workouts. And, as the name suggests, they assist you in achieving a more stable and comfortable grip during your workout.
One of our top picks, says that Pilates grip socks are excellent for several reasons. “If you’re sharing equipment, not only can they be more hygienic, but they are also great for providing better traction in exercises that involve standing or creating balance.”
We conducted our exercise based review to see how each nonslip sock would perform in a real life class setting. After hours of testing in various classes, these were the socks that provided the best grip.
Here Are The Top 11 Grip Socks You Can Check it Out
Best Grip Socks, Runner-Up: Ozaiic Yoga Socks
We felt safe and in control of ourselves during every exercise because of how well these socks gripped the mat.
They felt snug without being too tight, and for additional support, they had two straps on the top of the foot.
The plush, cushiony texture and comfy fit of these grippy socks were what we adored about them. It’s worth noting that they may feel a bit thick on the touch, but they have a lightweight and moisture wicking sensation on the foot.
We won’t make any changes to these. They were very close to being our favorite overall grippy socks.
Best Value: Olreco Grip Socks
These could be the most budget friendly socks we tested, but they outperformed their price tag. We appreciate how comfortable, soft, and cushioned they are. We’ll wear them without gripping like regular socks. Moreover, they are quite absorbent.
We would prefer the fabric to be slightly more snug and firm so that our feet don’t slip too much inside the sock. However, for the price, we were pleasantly surprised to see how comfortable they were with minimal slipping during class.
If you don’t mind that they’re not as snug as other options on the list and are in search of socks that are comfortable and cost-effective, these are a solid choice.
Best No-Show Style: Busy Socks Non Slip Yoga Socks
These mats and carpets are incredibly grippy on both the floor and mat, and they only shift a little during workouts, but not in a disruptive way during protests or demonstrations.
We like how comfy they are without sacrificing support, which makes them excellent for any workout regimen without sacrificing fashion.
We like that these towels maintain their size throughout the entire workout. We didn’t like that they come in only one size, which may not accommodate those below an 8 or above an 11.
Best Toe Grip: Gaiam Yoga Socks
While you can feel the grip material under your feet, it was not at all bothersome. They remained comfortable and instilled a sense of confidence that we wouldn’t slip in class.
It is said that having toes fully gripped is a definite acquired experience. It wasn’t uncomfortable, but if you’re not used to it, it might feel a bit strange. For some, after getting used to it, the grip becomes quite good.
Best Open Toe Design: Gaiam Toeless Grippy Sock
For unfamiliar folks, the toeless design feels just as it looks: the socks end based on each foot’s toes, allowing them to remain exposed. If you’re in search of a more tactile workout or prefer keeping your feet bare but still need a bit of grip, these are an excellent option.
Wearing these socks during a dynamic workout class was quite comfortable, providing excellent cushioning without feeling heavy. We liked the fit, comfort, and moisture-wicking properties. One thing we didn’t appreciate was the loose threads around the toes, but you can easily trim them away.
Best with Criss-Cross Straps: Yoga-Barre Socks
We found the criss-cross straps on top to be quite soft, and they didn’t create any pressure points. We also thought that due to the strap design, we might need to adjust them, but they fit well. They were very lightweight and breathable too.
These socks had a loose side, meaning if you prefer a snugger fit, you might consider sizing down. It is said that they are still quite good at preventing any slipping during workouts, and we didn’t feel the need to readjust them in between exercises.
Best Commuter Socks: Gripjoy Grip Socks
These are an excellent choice if you’re looking for a powerful experience. This is because they have subtle threads for grip, no seams, no restrictions, and are packed in very thin fabric.
It means they’re not as supportive as other options – when we were in deep lunges and downward dog, our toes slipped about half an inch inside them. But if you’re looking for a more comfortable workout sock with good grip, quick moisture absorption, and the ability to transition from the studio to your shoes on the go, they’re a solid choice.
Additionally, since they are very thin and durable, they are great if you’re trying to head straight to a workout class or somewhere immediately after class. You don’t need to carry an extra pair of socks with you.
Best for Studio-to-Street: Tavi Noir Savvy Grip Sock
These grippy socks are very lightweight, and we never felt any discomfort during the class. Pulling them up is also easy due to a tab on the heel that helps prevent slipping.
In comparison to other socks we tested, one thing we noticed about these socks is that they are not as warm. This is because they are much more breathable than other options, meaning there’s no sweat or odor buildup after a workout session. This means you can easily transition from the studio to your next social engagement without changing your socks.
Best Half-Toe Style: Toesox Women’s Elle Half-Toe Grip Socks
The fit of these socks is excellent. They hugged our feet completely without feeling overly tight, and the open top made them even more breathable. We appreciated the additional straps around the top area for added security in keeping them in place. They felt almost barefoot!
If you’re specifically looking for a half-toe style. we liked these because they are so comfortable and enjoyable.
Best for Reformer Pilates: Toesox Low Rise Full Toe Grip Non-Slip
We like that these provide extra cushioning, which might be necessary for those who prioritize personal comfort or are dealing with conditions like plantar fasciitis or high arches. With a strong grip and designated space for each toe, they make for an excellent choice for Pilates as you need to use your toes for wrapping around equipment and staying stable on moving surfaces. They also work well in cooler environments.
And since they are designed with a denser material compared to other pairs, we feel they could last for an extended period, which is great if you’re attending Pilates classes multiple times a week.
Most Breathable: Under Armour Breathe Balance 2 Pack Grip Socks
As the name suggests, these grippy socks truly allow your feet to breathe, thanks to the cut-out style on the top. Due to this feature, they are great for warm weather or even hot workout sessions, but if it’s too chilly outside, we would be cautious about wearing them.
We found them to be very comfortable, lightweight, and good at wicking away sweat. Most importantly, they didn’t slip during the workout. However, if you need arch support or have high arches, they may not be as supportive as other options.
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What to Know About Grip Socks?
Grip socks are often essential in Pilates, barre, and other workout studios for safety reasons: they prevent the slipping of the grip equipment below, which is particularly crucial in exercises performed while standing.
They are typically made of soft, stretchy, moisture-wicking, breathable, and compressed material. The fabric can include breathable organic cotton blends, polyester, mesh, spandex, elastane, or nylon.
Grip socks come in various styles, but they generally have a lower height or are without visible designs. As the name suggests, the main feature in all grip socks is the grip: usually, silicone or other rubber paneling that goes in a dotted, striped, or other repetitive pattern on the sole of the sock. This grip prevents any kind of slipping or sliding during various activities in a workout.