When I went to my first Pilates class, uninitiated and clueless, I arrived in my usual socks and workout gear, expecting it to be a chilled, yoga-esque session. I couldn’t have been more wrong. The class was the most intense workout I’d had since my dabble in a Barry’s class … and I needed Pilates socks.
Unlike any at-home Pilates classes you might be following along, when you head into the studio to take part in a class, you’ll be asked to wear grip socks to avoid slipping around on the mat or especially the reformer. You can go barefoot, but there’s a sense of FOMO I felt when I looked around the room at seasoned Pilates-attendees, with their fancy, colourful and comfortable socks.
Pilates instructor Abby McLachlan tells PS UK that while socks aren’t necessary, they can help in providing extra support during your Pilates session. “We don’t insist people wear socks but we do sell them at our studios,” she says. Personally I prefer to do my classes with bare feet, as I think the proprioception is important, rooting down through your feet, connecting with the mat or machine. But, if socks are used, they can give you extra arch support or padding, so can be useful for people who need a bit more foot support. And it can also stop people getting cold feet! But that’s also down personal preference.”
Experts Featured in This Article
Abby McLachlanis a Pilates instructor and founder of textEast of Eden.
You can get a bog standard pair of pilates socks on Amazon or if you’ve got kids, a pair of trampoline socks works too – no judgement here. But what better to fit your new Pilates persona (this is true, you go once and suddenly it becomes your whole life) than a new pair of official Pilates slippers?
Where to find the best pilates socks? You may ask. Well, we’ve collated a list of the best, grippiest Pilates socks to help you ace your workout routine.
lululemon.co.uk
Lululemon Women's Power Stride No-Show Socks with Active Grip 3pc
Lululemon Women’s Power Stride No-Show Socks with Active Grip 3pc (£28)
Perfect for all activity levels, these Power Stride No-Show socks are designed to stay in place and provide optimal grip, keeping you steady and focused during your workouts. With a no-show design, they’re stylishly discreet, while the active grip prevents slipping, giving you confidence in every step.
shop.1rebel.com
1Rebel Retro Anti-Slip Grip Socks
1Rebel Retro Anti-Slip Grip Socks (£15)
Embrace retro style and modern performance with 1Rebel’s Anti-Slip Grip Socks. Designed with high-traction soles and made from durable, comfortable materials, these socks are ideal for every step, lunge, or hold. Their vintage-inspired design adds a touch of flair to your exercise wardrobe too.
moveactive.co
MoveActive Love Me Crew Non Slip Grip Socks
MoveActive Love Me Crew Non Slip Grip Socks (£11)
Feel the love with MoveActive’s Love Me Crew socks, crafted for ultimate grip and comfort in your Pilates practice. The full sole grip prevents slipping, ensuring a secure, stable foundation for each pose. Made from durable materials, they provide comfort and stability, making them a perfect partner in your Pilates journey.
aloyoga.com
Alo Yoga Women's Pivot Barre Sock
Alo Yoga Women’s Pivot Barre Sock (£28)
Alo Yoga are all the rave for their workout gear, so it’s no surprise that their Barre Socks (which can double as Pilates socks) are crafted for the active woman seeking style and function in her workout ‘fit. With a sleek design and slip-resistant sole, these socks provide the perfect balance for controlled movement in Pilates and barre classes.
sweatybetty.com
Sweaty Betty Mid Length Ankle Gripper Socks 2pc
Sweaty Betty Mid Length Ankle Gripper Socks 2pc (£25)
Who doesn’t love Sweaty Betty? Their mid-length gripper socks combine performance and comfort for any Pilates enthusiast out there. Featuring a secure grip along the sole, these socks offer stability through every move, while the ankle height ensures flexibility without sacrificing support. They’re also designed with high-quality, moisture-wicking fabric to keep feet cool and dry during the most intense sessions.
asos.com
ASOS 4505 Non Slip Ribbed Pilates Socks 2pc
ASOS 4505 Non Slip Ribbed Pilates Socks 2pc (£10, originally £12)
Stay grounded and stable with ASOS 4505’s Pilates socks. Designed with non-slip grip for enhanced traction, these socks provide both style and function in every move, perfect for a range of low-impact workouts. The ribbed texture adds durability, while the soft material ensures all-day comfort.
decathlon.co.uk
Kimjaly Non-Slip Yoga Toe Socks
Kimjaly Non-Slip Yoga Toe Socks (£7)
Don’t let the appearance of these Pilates socks put you off. For a barefoot feel with added grip, Kimjaly’s Non-Slip Yoga Toe Socks deliver precision and freedom of movement, giving each toe its own space, promoting natural foot flexibility, crafted from breathable, comfortable fabric for a unique combination of balance and control.
Sweaty Betty
Lauren Gordon is the editorial coordinator at PS UK, where she creates lifestyle and identity content. Lauren has a degree in journalism from University of the Arts London and previously worked as a showbiz and TV reporter at The Mirror US. Lauren specialises in pop culture, hair and beauty, focusing on trends, sharing in-depth tutorials, and highlighting hidden gems in the beauty industry.
