Are your feet playing a chaotic game of slip ‘n slide on the mat? It’s time to ditch those slippery socks and upgrade your workout game with some seriously grippy footwear. Grip socks are the secret weapon for mastering those tricky poses and finding your balance.
Grip socks give you a solid foundation, reducing the risk of slipping and sliding during your workouts. This translates to better form and greater confidence in your movements. Not only do they boost stability, but grip socks can also help prevent blisters and keep your feet fresh during sweaty practices.
Best Grip Socks; top picks:
- Pointe Studio Splatter Grip Socks – £12
- Sweaty Betty Pilates Socks – £25
- Tavi Noir Grip Socks – £13.99
- Toes Home Grip Yoga Socks – £10.99
- TSHAOUN Yoga Socks – £8.99
- Toesox Grip Socks – £8.99
What are the benefits of wearing grip socks? We asked an expert…
Pilates and fitness instructor, Eloise Skinner, shares her expert advice on the benefits of grip socks, things to look for when buying and her recommend brand.
Eloise advises, the biggest factor might be the risk-reduction element – grip socks prevent slipping and sliding on a gym floor or during an at-home workout. This is especially important for workouts that don’t involve fitness mats (sequences at the barre, for example, or on the Pilates reformer).
Grip socks also promote correct foot alignment, making sure that the arch of the foot is supported and that the foot is able to stay anchored in the correct position during a movement. They can also be great for hygiene purposes, ensuring that you don’t need to use bare feet on equipment, gym floors or shared yoga mats.
Depending on your personal priorities, check for the sustainability credentials, price point, and specific purpose of the socks. Some are designed for general fitness purposes, and others for specific disciplines (for example, a reformer grip sock will often require more support than a general gym or barre grip sock).
Eloise swears by Sweaty Betty’s range (specific for Pilates and barre). Studios also often provide their own ranges, as well – check out Frame, Barre core and Ten Pilates for in-studio grip socks.
What is the difference between Pilates Socks, Grip socks and Yoga Socks?
Honestly, there’s a lot of overlap! Here’s the basic breakdown:
- Grip Socks: The general term for any sock with those grippy bits on the bottom. They’re your ticket to staying stable on the mat.
- Yoga Socks: Usually designed specifically for yoga practice – think flexibility and breathability.
- Pilates Socks: Often have grip patterns on both the top and bottom of the foot for extra stability in all those tricky Pilates positions.
The bottom line: They’re all pretty similar, but Pilates socks might give you that extra bit of security if you’re really into those controlled movements. Barre workouts demand their own special socks! For barre classes, prioritise cushioning and support, especially around the heel. Dancewear shops are a great place to find specialized barre socks.
The best grip socks voted for by our editors:
Pointe Studio Splatter socks – £12
Get ready to take your Pilates game to the next level! These socks are designed with extra grip on both the top and bottom, plus a little heel cushioning for added comfort. Perfect for tackling all those precise movements. Order them directly from the Pointe Studio website or find them at specialty dancewear shops.
Sweaty Betty Pilates Socks – £25
These socks are designed specifically with Pilates lovers in mind! They feature targeted grip zones, a breathable cotton blend, and stylish design details. You can find them exclusively at Sweaty Betty stores or on their website.
Tavi Noir Socks – £13.99
Add a touch of luxury to your yoga practice with Tavi Noir. These socks are incredibly soft, stylish, and boast excellent grip – perfect for feeling both grounded and glamorous during your flow. Look for them at Sweaty Betty or on the Tavi Noir website.
Toes Home Grip Yoga Socks – £10.99
These popular grippy socks offer a snug fit, plentiful grippy traction, and come in a variety of fun colours. They’re a solid choice for yoga enthusiasts wanting an affordable and functional option. You can find them on Amazon UK or at select sporting goods retailers.
Toesox Grip Socks – £8.99
If you tend to run warm during workouts, Toesox are a lifesaver. The open-toe design promotes airflow and helps you stay cool, all while the grippers keep you stable. Toesox are widely available at UK sporting goods retailers.
TSHAOUN Yoga Socks – £8.99
If you want that barefoot feeling with a bit more security, TSHAOUN has you covered. Their five-toe design lets your toes splay naturally while the grippy soles keep you from sliding around. Amazon UK is your best bet for snagging a pair of these budget-friendly gems.
Gaiam Grippy Studio Yoga Socks – £9.56
These tried-and-true socks are a studio staple for good reason! They come in a massive range of colours and patterns to suit your style, and the grippy bottoms provide a solid, no-slip foundation for all your favourite yoga poses. You can find Gaiam easily in the UK at shops like John Lewis or Sports Direct.
Rymora Non-Slip Socks – £9.99
A versatile workhorse for both Pilates and yoga. These socks offer a snug fit, plentiful grippy bits, and come in a range of colours. Look for them at sporting goods stores throughout the UK or hop onto Amazon UK.
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