The best Pilates socks, according to experts and editors




When curating this list, here’s what experts recommended I focus on:
The below list is a compilation of expert recommendations, NBC Select-staff favorites and highly rated options that align with experts’ guidance.
Tavi socks keep snug to your foot and last a long time, says Alavi-Parham. These low-rise socks have a compression arch support band, which helps them support your feet and maintain that secure feel on your foot, according to the brand. You can also wear these grip socks for yoga and barre workouts.
Material: 73% cotton, 14% nylon, 7% nylon, 6% polyester | Size range: XS (4-6), S (6-8), M (8.5-10.5), L (11-13), XL (13-14) | Color options: 28 colors
Kilinski recommends these machine-washable socks because they have a good amount of grip to them and easily conform to the shape of your foot well. Lucky Honey has many styles of quarter-length grip socks, and the Harlow Sock specifically comes in nine additional designs, including heart and smiley options.
Material: n/a | Size range: one size fits all | Color options: 9
These NBC Select Wellness Award winners are great for reformer Pilates because they stay in place and prevent any slipping when on the machine. “My favorite thing about Doublesoul’s grip socks is that they hit above my ankles, which helps them stay in place, especially when I’m doing quick footwork on the reformer,” says NBC Select reporter Zoe Malin. “The higher length also keeps my feet and ankles warm during the colder months.” Malin also loves how durable these are because the grips remained in-tact and in good condition after multiple washes.
Material: 81% cotton, 19% nylon | Size range: S (M:4.5-6.5 / W:5-8), M (M: 7-9 / W:8.5-10.5), L (M:9.5-11.5 / W:11-13), XL (M:12-14 / W: 13.5-15.5) | Color options: 4
After trying out multiple Pilates socks, NBC Select editorial projects manager Rebecca Rodriguez likes these Bombas grippers because they’re soft and comfortable. “The material seemed thick, so I was worried my feet would get hot working out, but the material was so breathable, and they gave me a great grip on the machine,” says Rodriguez, who’s been doing reformer Pilates for four years.
Material: 72% cotton, 18% polyester, 8% nylon, 2% elastane | Size range: S (4-7.5), M (8-10.5), L (11-13) | Color options: 1
These crew-length socks are my new favorite pair because they stay tight and secure without restricting my feet or making them feel uncomfortable. They’re made of a breathable yet thick material and have an elasticized cuff to prevent them from digging into my skin.
Aside from working out in them, I love wearing these with boots since they keep my foot secure and in place, reducing any potential chance of blistering around my toes.
Material: 75% cotton, 17% polyester, 8% elastane | Size range: S (5-7.5), M (8-10), L (11-12) | Color options: 12
Although these are barre socks, many reviewers say they’re great for Pilates because of its silicone, no-slip grips that cover the entire bottom. Reviewers say that they don’t experience issues with these sliding off during their workout and like that they have some cushioning that isn’t too thick or bothersome. These socks have a 4.3-star average rating from over 355 reviews at Alo.
Material: nylon, polyester, spandex | Size range: S/M (5-7.5), M/L (8-11) | Color options: 3
“These are my absolute favorite pilates socks, and they’re definitely the pair I reach for the most out of the nine grip socks I have,” says Rodriguez. “The funky design on the bottom is so unique but also allows for better grip coverage, which makes me feel very stable when doing movements that involve standing on the reformer.”
Material: 80% cotton, 17% nylon, 8% nylon, 3% spandex | Size range: S/M (up to 9), M/L (over 9) | Color options: 2
Because Pilates socks are more expensive than other kinds of socks, you’ll want to ensure they withstand wear and washing. Here’s how to make them last:
At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
I am an associate reporter at NBC Select who frequently covers beauty and wellness topics. For this story, I interviewed two experts with a Pilates background and compiled their recommendations along with NBC Select-staff picks and highly rated options that align with my collected guidance. I also participate in many low-impact workouts that require grip socks, including mat Pilates and reformer Pilates and have been doing so for the past two years.
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