I Do Pilates Twice a Week—I Couldn't Hold a Plank Without These Grippy Socks
As someone who's a regular at reformer classes, there’s nothing worse than not feeling your best mid-workout. With most classes being under an hour, there isn’t much time to get back into the right mindset if you fall out of it. When I'm wearing a top that isn’t quite holding everything together or my socks have me slipping everywhere, my workout can be easily ruined. I distinctly remember nearly falling off of a machine during a quick transition, and from that day on, I’ve always made a point to wear a good pair of grippy socks to my workout classes.
Balletcore may have helped popularize the Pilates princess aesthetic, but to me, it's more than an aesthetic—it's a way of life. Prioritizing small motions that can tone your body and make you feel amazing while doing them always makes my day. If you want to be prepared for whatever your instructor throws at you, I highly suggest giving one of these 20 pairs of grippy socks a try.
Top 8 Grippy Socks of 2024:
- Best Overall: Bombas Gripper Ankle Socks ($15)
- Best for Pilates: Bala The High Socks ($25)
- Best for Yoga: Alo Yoga Pulse Grip Socks ($28)
- Best for Support: Lululemon Find Your Balance Socks ($24)
- Best Open-Toe: Gaiam Toeless Socks ($15)
- Best Value: Auruza Grip Socks ($7)
- Best No-Show: Lululemon Power Stride Socks ($38)
- Best for Fashion People: Free People Apres Pilates Socks ($24)
Best Overall Grip Socks
These socks offer both excellent grip and exceptional comfort. What's even better is that they can be easily washed without losing their traction.
Size Range: S to L
Colorways: Black/White
Pros: Washes well
Cons: Material is thin
Best Grip Socks for Yoga
The newest addition to my collection, this pair of socks has already earned me compliments.
Size Range: S to L
Colorways: Black, white
Pros: High-quality terry cotton, nylon, and lycra blend
Cons: Pricey
Best Grip Socks for Support
These socks are all about the details. They feature interior and exterior grips for extra traction, 360° arch support, and left and right toe construction for a comfortable fit.
Size Range: S to L
Colorways: Black
Pros: Durable
Cons: It can feel too tight for some
Best Grip Socks for Pilates
I’m so here for crew socks.
Size Range: M to L
Colorways: Sage, Charcoal, Blush, Sand, Sea
Pros: Thick material
Cons: No small size
Best Breathable Grip Socks
The reviews and 3-pack sold me.
Colorways: Gray/Pink/Black
Pros: Breathable
Cons: Dont wash well
Best Value Grip Socks
These have been one of my go-to pairs for a while. Beyond the non-slip bottom, they have a heel tab to prevent the socks from slipping off, arch compression for support, and a breathable mesh for air circulation.
Size Range: S to L
Colorways: Gray, Black, Blue, Pink, Purple
Pros: Designed with arch compression elastic band
Cons: Thin material
zBest 2-Pack Grip Socks
Yup, Nordstrom really does have everything. The socks have a stylish mesh strap and come with a chic mesh wash bag.
Size Range: M
Colorways: Gray
Pros: The sparkle straps add some style
Cons: Pricey
Best Budget-Friendly Grip Socks
The price point of these makes me want to impulse buy them ASAP.
Size Range: One size
Colorways: Black
Pros: Grip the ground well
Cons: It takes a little bit of time to ship
Best Fail-Proof Grip Socks
If you're looking for a failproof pair of grip socks these are for you. They have a cushioned heel tab for comfort and many grippers to ensure your foot stays on the mat.
Size Range: One size
Colorways: Black/Gray
Pros: Comfortable heel tab
Cons: Can get ruined in the way
Best Grip Socks on Sale
I’d buy these in every colorway.
Size Range: One Size
Colorways: White, Black, Green, Pink, Purple
Pros: Comfortable
Cons: Thin
Best Toeless Grip Socks
Toeless socks have many benefits, such as letting your toes breathe and better gripping the ground. If any of those advantages work for you, grab this pair while they're on sale.
Size Range: One Size
Colorways: Granite Storm, Black, Busk, Bright Bouquet, Heather Gray, Pink/Purple, Skyline, Yellow/Blue
Pros: Many color choices
Cons: People with sensitive feet may find these uncomfortable
Best No-Show Grip Socks
These sleek no-show grip socks are sleek and invisible when worn with sneakers. Customers love them because they are stretchy and pleasantly snug, yet they stay put without pinching or slipping.
Size Range: S to L
Colorways: Black, White, Gray, Pink
Pros: Many color choices
Cons: People with sensitive feet may find these uncomfortable
Best Cushioned Grip Socks
Everything I’ve tried from Bala is next-level, so I need to get my hands on its grippy socks.
Size Range: M to L
Colorways: Sage, Charcoal, Blush, Sand, Sea
Pros: Cushioned
Cons: Pricey
Best Graphic Grip Socks
Souls. is a pilates accessory brand with the cutest grip socks and tote bags. These say "Talk Pilates to Me" for a stylish aesthetic. Plus, they're made with a cotton, elastic fiber, and spandex blend for durability and comfort.
Size Range: S to L
Colorways: White
Pros: Stylish
Cons: Would probably only be worn for pilates
Best Grips Socks with Strap
These are so comfortable that you’ll want to wear them to more than just Pilates.
Size Range: 4 to 10
Colorways: Black/Gray
Pros: Comes as a 2-pack
Cons: Pricey
Best Grip Socks for Fashion People
These mid-calf grip socks come in two beautiful pastel colors and "Blow Up, Glow Up."
Size Range: One Size
Colorways: Dusty Rose, Sage Green
Pros: Come in two pretty colors
Cons: Don't come in neutral hues
Best Designer-Like Grip Socks
If you're ready to splurge on a quality pair of grip socks that don't sacrifice style for comfort Arebesk's style is for you. They come in a pack of two and feature a gold, white, and black design with all-black grips on the bottom.
Size Range: Black
Colorways: S to M
Pros: Chic
Cons: Pricey
Best Grip Socks on Amazon
These grip socks are Amazon's bestsellers for a good reason. They're comfortable, lightweight, and hold their grip longer than many other socks customers have tried.
Size Range: One Size
Colorways: Ballet, Black/Gray, Blush, Indigo, Dove Tail, Frost, Granite, Midnight, Mulberry, Skyline
Pros: Criss-cross top straps provide a secure comfortable fit
Cons: Sell out quickly
Best 3-Pack of Grip Socks
Why buy one pair of grip socks when you can buy three? This cult-favorite style is on sale for a limited time, so I suggest you act fast.
Size Range: S to L
Colorways: Black, Dark Gray, Heather Green, Heather Purple, Light Gray, White
Pros: The grippers keep you steady, and the breathable material ensures all-day comfort
Cons: Not available for
Best Colored Grip Socks
Why buy one pair of grip socks when you can buy three? This cult-favorite style is on sale for a limited time, so I suggest you act fast.
Size Range: S to L
Colorways: Blue
Pros: Functional and cute
Cons: Some customers note that they're not tight enough
Shop more activewear:
Shop the matching Powerbeyond Strive Midi Leggings ($110).
If you’re going to wear a hoodie while working out, this is the one.
I worked out in this this morning and can say it was so flattering and supportive.
This story was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
Sierra Mayhew was always destined to work in fashion, but she didn't know it at first. Growing up with no choice but to wear a rotation of school uniforms and activewear, her love for fashion really blossomed when she moved away for college and was able to finally define her very own personal style. Shortly thereafter, she interned at Elle magazine and instantly knew that editorial was for her. After graduating from the University of Notre Dame, she worked for ShopBazaar, contributing regularly to Bazaar.com, and finally made her way to Who What Wear, where she is an associate editor. When she’s not working, you can catch her always trying to catch a flight, trying the latest fitness craze in New York City, or exploring luxury vintage boutiques.
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