The 10 Best Grip Socks for All Your Barre and Pilates Workouts: Lululemon, Alo Yoga, and More

By Nikhita Mahtani

If you’re working out barefoot (or in an old pair of white socks with holes in them) you might want to find the best grip socks for your next workout. Experts agree that if you’re doing any workout that requires you to have a steady grip on a machine or floor, you need to invest in a good pair of workout socks for an added dose of safety and comfort. If you’re a barre, yoga, or pilates aficionado who’s looking for high-quality grip socks, we spoke to experts to find some of the very best options.

“Barre socks have non-slip grips on the soles to give you traction and stability in class, particularly during standing exercises,” says NYC-based barre instructor Hannah Borstein. “If you get extra sweaty during workouts, socks can help you avoid slipping, and they also add extra grip and a protective layer when you exercise.” By adding grip socks to your workouts, you’ll be able to have a safer experience each time.

Quality matters when it comes to grip socks, and not all are considered equal. “When buying a pair of sticky socks, pay attention to the amount of grip and quality of grip on the bottom of the socks,” says Amanda Freeman, founder of the megaformer studio SLT. “The more covered with the grip surface, the better the sock is for traction. She also adds that the more you wash a pair of grip socks, the more wear and tear the grips experience. Be aware that you might have to replace your socks every few months if you use them daily.

It’s also important to look at the material of the sock, as breathability is one of the main factors to consider when buying a pair, according to Bornstein. “These socks should be adding to your workout, not detracting, so make sure your socks fit snug enough that you won’t need to adjust them throughout the class, but not so snug that you can’t move your toes,” she says. “Some socks are ‘toeless’ with holes exposing each toe, which allow you to articulate your toes more freely without losing the grippy-ness of the socks on your heels, but it comes to a matter of preference whether you want to have that feature in or not—some people find them annoying.” When it comes to what to avoid, she says “Avoid anything too heavy, too thin, or without anti-slip grips.”

Ready to take your barre and Pilates workouts up a notch? These are the best grip socks available on the market right now, according to experts. You’ll find picks from Amazon, Lululemon, Alo Yoga, and more.

All products featured on SELF are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Lululemon Find Your Balance Studio Ankle Sock

Lululemon

These Lululemon socks have a mesh interior, which leads to a sweat-free experience each time. Containing a unique combination of grips on both the inside and the outside of the sock, they make sure you’ll never have to keep adjusting them between barre poses, which will lead to an extra dose of comfort and safety during your workouts.

Sweaty Betty Pilates Socks (2-Pack)

Sweaty Betty

This pack of two pilates socks by Sweaty Betty comes with a low heel for those who like keeping their ankles free. But don’t worry, that doesn’t mean you’ll be moving your socks around mid-workout trying to find the perfect fit. The cross strap around the foot holds the sock in place, while the grip bottoms ensure you don’t slip.

Gaiam Grippy Yoga Socks

Amazon

These comfy socks are open at the toe, providing five-toe traction on the floor, while still having a grippy bottom. If you prefer to have your toes hang free, these socks are a great option, since they’ve been ergonomically designed to hug each toe of the foot without being too tight or too loose. If you have a yoga lover in your life these functional socks will make an excellent gift.

LA Active Grip Socks

Amazon

A classic barre sock, the LA Active Grip ones are traditional to a fault—which isn’t a bad thing. Comfortably cut at the ankle with a padded top for easy adjustability, these closed-toe socks protect the entire foot from blisters and bacteria, while the extra-strong PVC non-skid bottom provides superior traction.

Bombas Women’s Gripper Ankle Socks (4-Pack)

Bombas

Ready to stand out from the crowd? Well, these funky colors by Bombas will make sure of it. Available in a collection of unique, tie-dye prints, these gripper socks come complete with a seamless toe, high-quality grips, a padded button, and the brand’s signature honeycomb arch support system, which hugs the arch of your foot for added ankle assistance.

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Toesox Low Rise Full Toe Grip Socks (2-Pack)

Amazon

If you like the idea of a full-toe grip design, but would still prefer just a little bit more breathability, this option by Toesox is just the one for you. The fitted heel prevents bunching, while the grip design is not too snug on the toes. Comfy cotton also adds to its sweat-wicking properties.

Muezna Non Slip Yoga Socks

Amazon

Those with really sweaty feet will love the Muezna Non-Slip socks: With a unique mesh design that provides extra ventilation, these are just the socks you need for those hotter workouts (or seasons). The grips are made with silica, which is a unique yet effective way to add extra traction.

Tucketts Allegro Toeless Non-Grip Slip Socks

Amazon

These toeless socks are the best for those who prefer to work out barefoot but still appreciate the grip that barre socks provide. The entire sole of each toeless sock has a unique design of sticky grips which keep you from slipping, while the Mary Jane design and low ankle cut provide ample air flow for those who appreciate their toes feeling a bit more free.

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Alo Yoga Pivot Barre Sock

Alo

Definitely one of the more stylish athleisure brands out there, Alo Yoga has created the perfect combination of street-to-studio style. These pretty pivot barre socks scream ballerina style, with almost invisible grips; breathable, cushioned soles; and unique lace-up straps that’ll keep the socks in place no matter what.

Ozaiic Yoga Socks with Non-Slip Grips and Straps

Amazon

These socks are slightly thicker than the others on this list, which helps if you suffer from knee or ankle injuries and need a bit more cushioning. Each sock has been hand stitched with a funky grip design covering the entire foot, adding stability for all the balance moves you’ll be doing in class.

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