02 Feb 2025

Pilates Grip Socks Buy Guide

Everything you need to know about Pilates socks and which ones to buy.

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Why buy Pilates socks

Pilates socks have two main uses, they are designed to give your feet more grip, and keep the apparatus clean. They're usually required in apparatus classes and sometimes in mat classes.

Pilates socks, grip socks, yoga socks are often used interchangeably, but they serve the same basic function: providing better traction and stability during workouts.

Types of Pilates Socks

Ankle Socks: The most popular design, they give compression support on the ankle.
Crew: Gives extra support for the ankle and Achilles tendon.
Toe-less: Greater toe mobility while still providing grip to the foot sole and heel. Stimulates the foot-brain connection - but may not be allowed in studio classes due to bare toes on equipment.
Toe Socks: Individual slots for each toe, giving greater toe mobility, but take longer to put on as you need to pull them over each toe. May start to fatigue toes if there's too much compression

Each sock material offers unique benefits. Click to read more:

Cotton

This natural fabric is lightweight, soft, and breathable. It absorbs moisture quickly, helping to keep your feet dry during intense workouts. Cotton is also relatively inexpensive, making it a budget-friendly option.

Nylon

A synthetic material that is both lightweight and durable. It can withstand frequent use and resists tearing, ensuring your socks last longer. Nylon is also water-resistant, so your socks wonâ€™t get soggy or heavy when wet.

Spandex

Known for its stretchiness, spandex moves with you and provides a snug fit. It is breathable, lightweight, and moisture-wicking, ensuring your feet remain comfortable during intense workouts. Additionally, spandex retains its shape over time due to its high elasticity.

Polyester

This synthetic material is strong, lightweight, and durable. It is moisture-wicking and breathable, making it ideal for hot yoga classes and other high-intensity activities. Polyester socks are also long-lasting, so you don’t have to worry about them wearing out quickly.

Organic Combed Cotton

Combed cotton undergoes a process to remove shorter, weaker fibers, resulting in a softer and more durable fabric. Organic combed cotton is grown without harmful chemicals, making it an eco-friendly choice.

Merino Wool

Made from Merino sheep, it’s known for being soft, breathable, and good at regulating temperature. It’s finer and softer than regular wool, making it comfortable and non-irritating to the skin. It breathes well, keeping feet cool and dry by absorbing moisture and releasing it, which helps prevent blisters. Merino wool is great for both hot and cold conditions, keeping feet at a comfortable temperature. Its natural antibacterial properties reduce odors, and its durability ensures it lasts a long time. In Pilates socks, Merino wool offers many benefits. It’s soft and comfortable for long wear, wicks moisture to keep feet dry, and reduces odors. Many socks also have non-slip grips for better stability and balance. The natural elasticity ensures a snug fit without being too tight.

Tips

Have a dedicated set just for Pilates: socks eventually wear out, and if you haven't worn them before, they are great for wearing around the house, you may want to keep a pair solely (heh) for practising Pilates. The grips can wear out quickly if used on abrasive surfaces outside of your mat or studio.
Wash them in cold water to prevent shrinking and maintain elasticity. Use a gentle cycle to avoid damage from the washing machine's agitation.
Use a mild detergent that is free from bleach and fabric softeners. Harsh chemicals can weaken the fibers and reduce the effectiveness of the grip.
Air dry your socks instead of using a dryer. High heat can deteriorate the elastic and non-slip grips. Lay them flat or hang them to dry naturally.

Recommended Pilates Socks by brand

Gripjoy grip socks

Proprietary anti-slip base
Long-lasting grips that don't come off in the washing machine
10% of profits go towards funding neuromuscular research
Wide selection of socks - bundles available, see their store
Fabric: 68% cotton, 18% polyester, 8% spandex, 6% nylon
Unisex

Great Soles grip socks

Specifically designed for Pilates
Made in America
Their socks also have grips on the inside of the heel, this sets them apart from their competition.
Quality materials, great design and good value pricing
A portion of all their sales go towards Melanoma cancer research.
Fabric: 69% Cotton, 26% Nylon,3% Lycra, 2% Spandex
Available in: 🇺🇸USA, 🇨🇦Canada, 🇪🇺Europe, 🇬🇧UK and 🇯🇵Japan
5% off with code: PILATESREDDIT at great-soles.com

Great soles tab crew grip socks

Tucketts grip socks

From a small business owned by a woman of color immigrant from Colombia
Allows greater toe mobility
Wide variety of colours and designs to choose from
Size 5-13
Breathable
15 designs
Sustainable packaging
Fabric: 70% recycled cotton, 29% nylon, 1% spandex
Unisex
Buy direct from Tucketts here

Tavi grip socks

Certified organic cotton and specialty custom coloured and blended yarns
Low return rate, Amazon's choice
High-quality materials, excellent grip
Visit their Amazon store for more styles or buy direct from their site here
Fabric: 73% Organic Cotton, 14% Nylon, 7% Elastane, 6% Polyester
Male and female styles

ToeSox grip socks

5-toe design that allows your toes to move and spread naturally
Organic cotton.
Patented non-slip grip sole
See the ToeSox store on Amazon here or their direct store here
Fabric: 77% Organic Cotton 19% Polyester, and 4% other fiber
buy direct from 🇺🇸here

Toesox ankle toe grip socks

🇬🇧£11.99

ToeSox Bellarina toe grip socks

🇬🇧£12.99

Gaiam grip socks

Features: Non-slip silicone grips, comfortable fit
Price: $$
Pros: Good value, reliable brand.
Less grip compared to premium options.
Small/Medium (Women's shoe 5-10; Men's shoe 4-9)
Medium/Large (Women's shoe 10-11; Men's shoe 10-12)
Fabric: 81% cotton, 11% nylon, 5% polyester, 2% rubber, 1% spandex
One size: 5-10

🇬🇧 2-pack GAIAM toeless ankle grip socks - £13.00

Unenow grip socks

Little information about this Chinese company
Thousands of positive Amazon reviews
What sets these apart is they're made from Merino Wool, which is antibacterial and avoids smelly feet.
Fabric: 30% Merino Wool, elastic

3-pack Unenow Merino Wool grip socks

🇬🇧£16.69