Although technically you can do Pilates barefoot (depending on practice and studio), most studios will require you to wear grippy socks. Unlike standard training sockswhich can wick moisture while you sweat and move around on your feet, the handles on the bottom of Pilates socks prevent you from slipping on the mat or reformer, reducing the risk of injury, he says. Bekah KilinskiVice President of Operations and Lead Trainer at Form50training studio in New York and Miami. Pilates socks also have a tighter fit, ensuring they stay in place during exercise.
To help you find the best socks for Pilates, I spoke to two experts about what to look for when purchasing and how to make them last longer.
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How I chose the best socks for Pilates
To compile a list of the best socks for Pilates, here's what the experts recommended I focus on:
- Grips: This is the most important factor in choosing good Pilates socks. Some socks only have handles in the middle of the foot, but the best ones are covered from toe to heel for safety and to prevent slipping as you move, he says. Alavi-Parhamowner Fuse Pilates. It is best to wear socks with several separate grips (their shape is not critical), and it is not advisable for them to be too thick; This way you can hold the machine and feel the bottom of your foot,” Kilinski says. All of the socks I recommend below have handles that cover the entire bottom of the foot.
- Design: Like traditional socks, Pilates socks come in a variety of lengths and designs, including no-show, ankle, quarter, and ankle length—what you decide is a personal choice, according to Kilinski. Some toeless socks separate the toes without covering them, and our experts recommend against wearing them as they are not as hygienic and defeat the purpose of wearing Pilates socks. Our list includes fully enclosed socks that do not separate the toes.
- Correspond: One of the most important components is the fit. “We want them to grip your feet, and we don't want them to flop around,” Alavi-Parham says. Loose socks increase the risk of them slipping or shifting, causing your grips to shift and reducing your safety and control while on the apparatus.
- Price: Pilates socks vary in price; with design elements, including stripes and embroidery, are more expensive. All the socks on this list are under $25.
The Best Pilates Socks of 2026
All of the Pilates socks featured below are either expert recommendations, NBC Select staff favorites, or highly rated, expert-recommended options. Each pair is machine washable, available in a variety of colors and patterns, and some brands offer different styles, such as ankle-length, crew-neck, and non-show. In addition to wearing these grippy socks during reformer and mat Pilates classes, you can use them during barre and yoga classes.
Best overall
Tavi socks fit snugly and last a long time, says Alavi-Parham. According to the brand, these low-rise socks reach below the ankle and have compression support bands to support your feet and keep you feeling secure during your workouts.
Best budget
At $10 a pair, these Pilates socks are the cheapest option I recommend, but they have all the features the experts recommend looking for. They have a design reminiscent of ballerinas, with crisscrossing elastic straps at the top, which NBC Select Reporter Zoe Malin says, helps them stay on their feet. “The socks are low-cut, so the straps help keep them from slipping, especially at the heel and sides,” she says. “The socks are lightweight and made from a thinner material, so they're great for people who don't like thick fabric or do high-temperature workouts.”
Best waste of money
“These are my favorite Pilates socks and they are definitely my favorite pair of socks I own,” says the NBC Select editorial project manager. Rebecca Rodriguezwho has been practicing reformer Pilates for over four years. “The funky design of the bottom is so unique that it provides full grip coverage, allowing me to feel very stable when performing movements that require standing on the reformer.” Fitness Snob, women-owned And Black owned brandadded extra cushioning to the socks to absorb shock, as well as a ribbed structure around the legs and ankles that holds the socks up without causing them to bunch up around the legs. The neon accents of the socks also glow under blue light.
Best Ankle Sock
Rodriguez also likes the Bombas Gripper Ankle Socks best because they are soft and comfortable. “The material felt thick, so I was worried my feet would get hot during the workout, but it’s so breathable,” she says. “They also gave me great control of the car.” Socks available in Male And women's sizesFeatures multiple layers of cushioning, a heel cup and seamless toe box, plus built-in arch support.
Best Quarter Sock
Kilinski recommends these socks because they provide good support and conform to the shape of your foot. Their 3-inch crew length reaches just above the ankle, and the silicone pads have a honeycomb shape, which the brand says helps your feet be more protected on reformers and mats.
Best Crew Sock
Available in a variety of colors and patterns, these short socks are my favorite pair because they fit snugly and keep my feet securely protected without being tight or uncomfortable. They are made from breathable but thick material and have an elastic cuff that prevents them from digging into your skin. Besides training in them, I love wearing these socks with boots as they keep my feet securely in place and reduce the chance of blisters forming around my toes.
The most stylish
“Of all the grip socks I've tested over the years, the Souls are the best example of combining fashion and function,” says Malin. “They're comfortable, super grippy and stay on your feet well, plus they come in dozens of colors, styles and patterns, so they really feel like an accessory to my workout clothes. I have several pairs with different embroidered designs and quirky sayings, and I always get compliments when I wear them.” These socks are lightly cushioned and hit above the ankle.
Editor's Choice
These NBC Select Wellness Award Winners are our team's favorites because of their softness and gentleness. Plus, they stay in place during workouts. “My favorite thing about the Doublesoul grip socks is that they hug my ankles, which helps them stay in place, especially when I'm kicking quickly on the reformer,” says Malin. “The longer length also keeps my feet and ankles warm during the colder months.” Malin has been using Doublesoul socks for over a year and says the handles have remained intact and in good condition after several washes.
How to care for Pilates socks
Since Pilates socks are usually more expensive than other types of socks, you need to make sure they can withstand wear and tear. Here's how to make them last:
- They can usually be put in the washing machine, but be sure to turn them inside out to preserve the handles, Alavi-Parham says.
- “Air dry or hang them because placing them in the dryer will loosen the grips over time,” Kilinski says.
Meet our experts
At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and credentials based on relevant training and/or experience. We also ensure that all expert advice and recommendations are given independently and without any undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
- Bekah Kilinski is Vice President of Operations and Lead Trainer at Form50high-intensity full-body workout studios in New York and Miami.
- Alavi-Parham is the owner Fuse PilatesPilates studio in Washington, DC.
Why trust NBC Select?
Bianca Alvarez – ex assistant reporter on NBC Select, covering beauty and health topics. For this article, she interviewed two Pilates experts and compiled their recommendations, as well as NBC Select staff recommendations and highly rated options. Alvarez does a lot of low-impact workouts that require toe grips, including mat and reformer Pilates, so she also incorporated her first-hand experience into her recommendations.
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