As self-professed Pilates princesses we’re grateful to partake in a form of exercise that asks little from us when it comes to investing in gear.
Truly embracing the princess persona, we simply turn up looking cute in our matching activewear sets ready to sweat it out on the mat or reformer.
For those truly dedicated to the art of Pilates, however, there is one accessory that can help give your workout a little boost: Pilates grip socks.
Anyone who’s tried downward-facing dog in regular socks will know it can be slippery business on the wrong surface. And, for those who prefer reformer Pilates, balancing on a moving surface brings another level of peril.
Grip socks may not sound like an exciting purchase, but they can play a vital role in improving your positioning, movement and balance.
2024’s top Pilates Grip Socks
- High Heel Jungle Pilates Grip Socks from $45.00 at The Iconic
- Performance Studio Sock, from $9.99 at Cotton On
- Alo Yoga Women’s Pulse Grip Sock, from $48 at Alo Yoga
The Best Pilates Grip Socks Of 2024
01
High Heel Jungle Pilates Grip Socks
from $45.00 at The Iconic
Best for: Practical and pretty
Perfect for barre, these on-point grip socks can incorporate “ballet core” into your workout. With a criss-cross ribbon feature, these socks don’t sacrifice performance for pretty, with a full-sole silicone grip and elevated support. Each pack comes with two socks.
Sizes: One size
Colours: Ballet pink and blush or black and grey
Materials: 75% Cotton, 15% Polyester, 10% Spandex
Key features:
- Full sole silicone grip
- Breathable open front
- Arch support
- Two pairs per pack
- On-trend crisis-cross ribbon feature
02
Performance Studio Sock
from $9.99 at Cotton On
Best for: bargain
Coming in a range of colours to complete your matching activewear set, these socks also have anti-odour properties, arch support and non-slip grips.
Sizes: One size
Colours: Black, white, radiant raspberry, windsurfer (blue)
Materials: 73% Cotton, 24% Polyester, 2% Elastane, 1% Elastodiene
Key features:
- Anti-odour
- Non-slip
- Arch support
- Four shades
- Made with a minimum 20% recycled polyester from post-consumer waste
03
Alo Yoga Women’s Pulse Grip Sock
from $48 at Alo Yoga
Best for: luxe
Trust the yoga and pilates-obsessed designers at Alo Yoga to create the perfect grip sock. These crew-style socks are ultra comfortable, with terry cushioned toes for gripping the foot bar during pilates, compression ribbing over the foot arch, and the grippiest of bottom grips. Other than comfort, our favourite element here is the chic transparent mesh strip detail at the ankle.
Sizes: S/M and M/L
Colours: Black and white
Materials: Combed terry cotton, nylon, lycra
Key features:
- Terry cushioned toes
- Compression ribbing on arch
- Bottom grips
- Mesh detailing on ankle
04
Pilates Socks For Women
from $35.99 at Amazon
Best for: value
Crew socks have had an unexpected sartorial resurgence of late, so if you want to channel Princess Diana or Hailey Bieber for that matter, these grip socks are for you.
Sizes: One size
Colours: black, lilac, pink, grey, white
Materials: 80% Cotton, 20% Spandex, foot 100% silicone
Key features:
- Breathable and sweat-absorbant fabric
- On trend crew sock style
- Elastic interior with double loop design
- Silicone footpad
05
Aje Athletica Half Crew Grip Sock
from $30 at Aje Athletica
Best for: minimalist style
With a simple, minimalist design you’ll feel like the coolest girl in the studio wearing these half-crew socks from Aje Athletica. The striped cuff is ribbed for comfort, and the triangular grips on the soles provide extra security.
Sizes: One size
Colours: white and black
Materials: 85% cotton, 15% spandex
Key Features:
- Breathable cotton
- Triangular grips
- Mid rise crew sock
- Strip detailing
05
Leelo Active Design Collection Grip Socks
from $24.99 at The Iconic
Best for: a spirit of adventure
This Australian-made pilates sock brings plenty of fun to the pilates party. Its bespoke design on the foot adds plenty of grip. The breathable 100% cotton weave fabric is luxe and plush, and the splash of colour at the base will elevate any pilates or yoga session. We particularly love that these socks come in a range of sizes.
Sizes: XS/S, S/M, M/L
Colours: Orange
Materials: 100% cotton, silicone base
06
Lululemon Find Your Balance Studio Tab Sock
from $ 25.00 at Lululemon
Best for: extra grip
With grips along the inside and outside of the foot, not just the bottom, you’ll feel confident and secure completing even the most complicated manoeuvre in these socks from leisurewear masters Lululemon. The top of the foot features breathable mesh fabric for a sweat-free feel.
Sizes: Small, Medium, Large
Colours: Rasberry Cream, Black
Materials: 95% Nylon, 5% Elastane
What To Look For In A Pilates Grip Sock
You can find pilates grip socks in various styles, from classic crew socks to low-ankle sports socks and even trendy ballet-inspired styles. You’re sure to find a look that works for you. But what are the non-negotiables in a Pilates grip sock? We made these selections based on specific parameters.
We looked soft, high-quality material that cushions the foot and won’t get itchy or stretch quickly (an ill-fitted Pilates sock can put you at risk of slips on the reformer machine). Arch support will make your workout more comfortable, particularly if you have low arches, and breathable fabric reduces odour and sweat. Finally, we looked socks with plenty of grips! Density ensures enough stability on the reformer bed or during yoga.
Thank us later!
Do You Need Grippy Socks For Mat Pilates?
While many Pilates and yoga mats may feel like they provide enough grip that you could go without, it is recommended to wear grip socks for extra support in your balance and to prevent any slips (particularly if you’re working up a sweat).
Do Pilates socks work?
In short, yes! The small grip dots found on the bottom of Pilates socks help keep your feet in place while performing movements such as planks and lunges. Considering the importance the placement of your legs and feet play in certain Pilates and yoga positions, the benefit of grip socks are not to be underestimated.
Looking to save money on pilates grip socks? Check out our coupon codes for The Iconic , Lululemon and more.
Related article:
- 9 Fleece Lined Leggings For That Extra Level Of Warmth
- Colourful Sneakers Are Our Latest It-Girl Approved Obsession
- Cost Of Living Compromised Your Pilates Studio Membership? Invest In An In-Home Pilates Machine Instead