We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.
Best Pilates socks (that can also help you get a grip during yoga and barre classes)
These anti-slip socks won't steer you wrong
When it comes to moving our bodies, we love nothing better than a good yoga session, Pilates (be it on the mat or a reformer machine), or a bit of barre – all of which can benefit from a nifty bit of kit: grippy socks. Yep, anti-slip socks are the way to go when it comes to Pilates and downward-dogging, people!
What socks should you wear for Pilates?
Whilst you can pretty much wear whatever leggings or sports bra you like for Pilates (within reason and depending on your cup size and preference, of course), socks that have decent grip are a must. Why? Well, explains Hilary Rowland, co-founder of United Fitness Brands (which includes Boom Cycle, KOBOX and Barrecore), it's all about stability.
"Wearing grippy socks will provide better stability when doing a reformer Pilates, mat Pilates or even a barre class by better securing your foot position with the grip on the socks," says Rowland. "This benefit is especially important for avoiding accidental slips on the machine, but it also aids in maintaining difficult positions – especially when your muscles are shaking like they do in [one of our] Reformcore classes! Grippy socks also provide a bit more cushion for your foot when exercising."
Will grippy socks help with Pilates?
Rowland adds that wearing anti-slip socks will also help you to get more out of your workout, thanks to them helping to keep you perfectly aligned. "You can get more out of your workout if you are aligned correctly and you can achieve better alignment wearing grippy socks because you can feel your foot positions more clearly. This in turn, will also aid in better joint control and injury prevention."
To save you from scouring the internet, we've rounded up our top picks for anti-slip Pilates socks here (which will also help you boss it in yoga or barre, too!):
These Pilates socks with grippy soles come complete with a little pouch, so they can be safely stored in your gym bag. As they're available on Amazon, they're also a good last-minute choice thanks to the option of next day delivery.
| Size | One size only (2.5-9) |
|---|---|
| Material | Cotton |
| Features | Crossover elastic straps and anti-slip soles |
The classic design of these grippy socks work perfectly for barre classes, yoga sessions and Pilates alike. Thanks to the cushioned sole and thick crossover bands, your feet will be feel supported.
| Colour | Black or Dove Grey Heather |
|---|---|
| Size | 5-11 |
| Material | Breathable nylon, polyester & spandex with silicone grips |
| Features | Crossover elastic straps and anti-slip soles |
How sweet are these grippy Pilates socks from Sweaty Betty? Complete with a band to help the socks feel secure throughout your sesh, they're also made from organic cotton.
| Colour | One grey pair, one black pair |
|---|---|
| Size | 2-8 |
| Material | 72% Organic Cotton, 25% Polyester, 2% Elastane, 1% Polyamide |
| Features | Secure band and anti-slip soles |
The silicone gripper sole will have you feeling secure, whilst the fun (and toasty) leg warmer element can be worn pulled up or scrunched down. We love the 80s nostalgia this design brings, enabling us to channel our inner 'Princess Diana in the gym' (if you know, you know).
| Features | Crossover elastic straps, leg warmer and anti-slip soles |
|---|
The pink feeling a little too stand out for you? Why not shop Alo Yoga's grippy Pilates socks with attached leg warmers in black instead? Prepare to fantasise about starring in Fame a lot.
| Colour | Black |
|---|---|
| Size | 5-11 |
| Features | Crossover elastic straps, leg warmer and anti-slip soles |
Got a yoga, Pilates or barre-loving Disney fan in your life? Congratulations! You just found the perfect birthday gift for them (or... yourself!).
| Colour | White with the choice of different stripes |
|---|---|
| Size | One size fits most adults |
| Material | 90% Cotton, 5% Polyester, 5% Polyurethane with PVC Anti-Slip Silicone Grip Soles |
What's better than one pair of slip-proof socks, ideal for yoga and Pilates? Err, a pack of three, of course! One reviewer said, "Comfy, support you during your work out and actually fit properly! A must for anyone who hates cold feet but loves their yoga/Pilates".
| Colour | One black, one light grey, one dark grey |
|---|---|
| Size | S-L |
| Material | 85% Cotton, 10% Polyester, 5% Elastane, 100% Silicone Grips |
If, like Miley, your toes can't be tamed (by the confines of a sock), let them run free in these half-toe beauts from ToeSox. According to the brand, this design feature "connects you to the surface and allows a full, natural spread of the toes, benefitting posture, blood circulation and balance."
Fear not though, anti-slip soles are still very much a thing here too.
| Colour | Cream and hot pink (also available in lilac, dark purple, grey and black, glittery blue, cream, coral and aqua) |
|---|---|
| Size | 3-8.5 |
| Material | 90% Organic Cotton, 10% Spandex |
| Features | Half-toe design and grippy soles |
We love the chic (and sheer) design of these socks, which are something a little different to your average anti-slips. One reviewer added, "Perfect amount of grip for barre. Best part is they don’t bunch up."
| Colour | Black |
|---|---|
| Size | 5-11 |
| Materials | Combed terry cotton, nylon, lycra |
Coming complete with a band for arch support, these lilac beauts are also made from organic cotton – and have separate compartments for each toe, giving greater freedom and flexibility. They'll keep your feet warm in any chilly studios, too.
| Colour | Lilac (also available in grey and black, glittery blue, cream, black and grey) |
|---|---|
| Size | 3.5-10.5 |
| Material | 90% Organic Cotton, 10% Spandex |
We love the classic striped pattern on these ToeSox, which also have an open top allowing your feet to breathe. The moisture wicking material will also help on that front, leaving you feeling fresh (no matter how sweaty you get during your class).
| Colour | Black and grey (also available in lilac, glittery blue, striped grey, grey and pink, and oatmeal) |
|---|---|
| Size | 3-8.5 |
| Material | 90% Organic Cotton, 10% Spandex |
| Features | Arch support band, Perf Dry™ moisture wicking and toe compartments |
We love how thick the band is across the top of these Adidas yoga socks, which will keep feet feeling secure.
| Colour | Grey and white |
|---|---|
| Size | 3-8 |
| Material | Cotton |
| Features | Grippy pads on the sole, a thick band to keep your feet secure and breathability |
And last but certainly not least, we have a brand recommendation from Rowland herself: Move Active (sold in all Barrecore studios). We love this sweet heart print pair!
| Colour | White and red |
|---|---|
| Size | S-L |
| Material | 60% Cotton, 36% Polyester, 4% Elastane |
| Features | Anti-slip grip, arch support and moisture-wicking |
Jennifer Savin is Cosmopolitan UK's multiple award-winning Features Editor, who was crowned Digital Journalist of the Year for her work tackling the issues most important to young women. She regularly covers breaking news, cultural trends, health, the royals and more, using her esteemed connections to access the best experts along the way. She's grilled everyone from high-profile politicians to A-list celebrities, and has sensitively interviewed hundreds of people about their real life stories. In addition to this, Jennifer is widely known for her own undercover investigations and campaign work, which includes successfully petitioning the government for change around topics like abortion rights and image-based sexual abuse. Jennifer is also a published author, documentary consultant (helping to create BBC’s Deepfake Porn: Could You Be Next?) and a patron for Y.E.S. (a youth services charity). Alongside Cosmopolitan, Jennifer has written for The Times, Women’s Health, ELLE and numerous other publications, appeared on podcasts, and spoken on (and hosted) panels for the Women of the World Festival, the University of Manchester and more. In her spare time, Jennifer is a big fan of lipstick, leopard print and over-ordering at dinner. Follow Jennifer on Instagram, X or LinkedIn.
These £28 gym leggings ‘hold you in perfectly’
21 butt-sculpting leggings for a perky bum
Flared yoga pants are the comfiest piece of gym kit
Primark’s £20 gingham gym set is so on trend
![“they're so much weaker”: pts on how "skinny jabs" have impacted their client's training](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/they-re-so-much-weaker-pts-on-how-22skinny-jabs-22-have-impacted-their-client-s-training-697b4b3481b9d.jpg?crop=0.668xw:1.00xh;0.141xw,0&resize=360:* "“They're so much weaker”: PTs on how "skinny jabs" have impacted their client's training")
