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To curate a list of the best Pilates socks, here’s what experts recommended I focus on:
All of the Pilates socks below are either expert recommendations, NBC Select-staff favorites or highly rated options that align with experts’ guidance. Each pair is machine-washable and available in numerous colors and patterns, plus some brands offer different styles, like ankle, crew and no-show. In addition to wearing these grippy socks during reformer and mat Pilates sessions, you can use them during barre and yoga classes.
Tavi socks keep snug to your foot and last a long time, says Alavi-Parham. These low-rise socks hit below your ankle and have compression arch support bands, which support your feet and maintain a secure feel during workouts, according to the brand.
At $10 a pair, these Pilates socks are the lowest price option I recommend, but they’re made with all the features experts recommend looking for. They have a ballet slipper-inspired design with criss-cross elastic straps across the top, which NBC Select reporter Zoe Malin says helps them stay on her feet. “The socks have a low cut, so the straps are key to keeping them from slipping down, especially by the heel and on the sides,” she says. “The socks are lightweight and have a thinner material, so they’re great for people who don’t like thick fabric or are doing heated workouts.”
“These are my absolute favorite Pilates socks, and they’re definitely the pair I reach for the most out of all the grip socks I have,” says NBC Select editorial projects manager Rebecca Rodriguez, who’s been doing reformer Pilates for over four years. “The funky design on the bottom is so unique and it adds full grip coverage, which makes me feel very stable when doing movements that involve standing on the reformer.” Fitness Snob, a women-owned and Black-owned brand, added extra cushioning to its socks to absorb impact, as well as ribbing around the leg and ankle areas that keep the socks up without causing them to feel tight around your legs. The socks’ neon accents also glow under blue light.
Rodriguez also likes Bombas Gripper Ankle Socks best because they’re soft and comfortable. “The material seemed thick, so I was worried my feet would get hot while I was working out, but it’s so breathable,” she says. “They also gave me a great grip on the machine.” The socks, available in men’s and women’s sizes, have multiple layers of cushioning, a heel tab and seamless toe, plus built-in arch support.
Kilinski recommends these socks because they have a good amount of grip and conform to the shape of your foot well. Their 3-inch crew length hits right above your ankle bone, and their silicone grips have a honeycomb shape, which helps keep your feet extra secure on reformers and mats, according to the brand.
These crew-length socks, which come in a ton of colors and patterns, are my 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 they have an elasticized cuff to prevent them from digging into my skin. In addition to working out in them, I love wearing these socks with boots since they keep my foot secure and in place, reducing the potential to blister around my toes.
“Out of all the grip socks I’ve tested over the years, Souls’ are the best example of fashion meets function,” says Malin. “They’re comfortable, very grippy and stay on my feet well, plus they come in dozens of colors, styles and patterns, so they truly feel like an accessory to my workout outfit. I have a few pairs with different embroidered designs and quirky messages, and I always get compliments when I wear them.” These socks have light cushioning and hit above the ankle bone.
These NBC Select Wellness Award winners are a fan favorite among our team due to their soft, cushioned feel. Plus, they stay in place during workouts. “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 Malin. “The higher length also keeps my feet and ankles warm during the colder months.” Malin has been using her Doublesoul socks for over a year, and says the grips remained intact and in good condition after multiple washes.
Because Pilates socks are typically 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 ensure that all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and with no undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
Bianca Alvarez is a former associate reporter at NBC Select who covered beauty and wellness topics. For this story, she interviewed two experts with a Pilates background and compiled their recommendations along with NBC Select-staff picks and highly rated options. Alvarez does many low-impact workouts that require grip socks, including mat and reformer Pilates, so she applied her first-hand experience to her recommendations, too.
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