Top Pilates Socks of 2026 for Mat and Reformer Workouts

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While it is technically possible toPilatesbarefoot (depending on the style and studio), most studios ask you to wear non-slip socks. Unlike regularworkout socks, which can absorb sweat and remain flexible on your feet, the grips on the soles of Pilates socks help prevent slipping on your mat or reformer, reducing the chance of injury, saysBekah Kilinski, vice president of operations and primary coach atForm50, a fitness studio located in New York City and Miami. Pilates socks are typically designed to fit more closely, helping them remain secure during workouts.

To assist you in finding the ideal Pilates socks for your workouts, I consulted two professionals on key factors to keep in mind while shopping, as well as tips for extending their lifespan.

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How I Chose the Top Pilates Socks

To compile a list of the top Pilates socks, here's what specialists advised me to concentrate on:

• GripsThis is the most crucial element in a high-quality Pilates sock. Certain socks only feature grips in the center of the foot, but the top ones have grip coverage from the toes to the heel for enhanced safety and to avoid slipping during movement, according toSaba Alavi-Parham, owner of Fuse PilatesSocks featuring several separate grip points are ideal (the specific design isn't important), and they shouldn't be overly thick; this allows you to hold the machine while still sensing the bottom of your foot, according to Kilinski. Each sock I suggest below includes grips that extend across the entire sole of your foot.
• DesignSimilar to regular socks, Pilates socks are available in different lengths and styles, such as no-show, ankle, quarter, and crew — the selection is up to individual preference, as noted by Kilinski. Some toeless options keep your toes apart but do not cover them, and our experts advise against using these due to hygiene concerns and because they undermine the reason for wearing Pilates socks. Our list includes non-toe-separating, fully-enclosed socks.
• FitOne of the most important elements is the fit. "We want them to hold your feet firmly, so we don't want them to be loose," explains Alavi-Parham. Loose socks can lead to them slipping off or shifting, which then causes the grips on them to move and decreases your stability and control while using the equipment.
• PricePilates socks come at different price points; those featuring decorative elements like patches and embroidery tend to be pricier. Every pair on this list costs under $25.

The top Pilates socks for 2026

All the Pilates socks listed here are either suggested by experts, preferred by NBC Select staff, or highly rated options that follow expert advice. Every pair can be washed in a machine and comes in a variety of colors and designs, with some brands providing different styles such as ankle, crew, and no-show. In addition to using these non-slip socks during reformer and mat Pilates classes, you can also wear them for barre andyoga classes.

Best overall

Tavi Savvy Grip Socks

• Tavi Savvy Grip Socks priced at $16.00 atAmazon
• Tavi Savvy Grip Socks priced at $14.00Tavi

Tavi socks provide a tight fit around your foot and are durable, according to Alavi-Parham. These low-cut socks sit below the ankle and feature compression arch support bands that help support your feet and ensure a stable feel during exercise, as stated by the brand.

Best budget

Gaiam Grippy Studio Yoga Socks

Gaiam Grippy Studio Yoga Socks for $6.82 atAmazon

At $10 per pair, these Pilates socks are the most affordable option I suggest, but they include all the features that experts advise you to look for. They feature a ballet slipper-style design with criss-cross elastic straps on top, as reported by NBC Select correspondentZoe Malinsays it helps them remain upright. "The socks have a low cut, so the straps are essential for preventing them from sliding down, particularly around the heel and on the sides," she explains. "The socks are light and made with a thinner material, making them ideal for those who prefer not to wear thick fabric or are engaging in hot workouts."

Best splurge

Fitness Obsessive Has a Grip Crew

• Fitness Snob Got a Grip Crew $24.00 atAmazon
• Fitness Snob Got a Grip Crew $24.00 atFitness Snob

"These are my top favorite Pilates socks, and they're definitely the ones I use the most among all the grip socks I own," says NBC Select editorial projects manager.Rebecca Rodriguez, who has been practicing reformer Pilates for more than four years. "The unusual design on the bottom is very distinctive and provides complete grip coverage, which makes me feel very secure when performing exercises that require standing on the reformer." Fitness Snob, awomen-owned and Black-owned brand, incorporated additional padding into its socks to cushion impacts, along with ribbed sections around the leg and ankle areas that help keep the socks in place without making them feel constrictive around your legs. The socks also feature neon details that shine under blue light.

Best ankle sock

Bombas Gripper Socks

Bombas Grip Socks $19.00 atBombas

Rodriguez also favors Bombas Gripper Ankle Socks due to their softness and comfort. "The fabric seemed thick, so I was concerned my feet would feel warm during my workout, but it's actually very breathable," she mentions. "They also provided excellent traction on the equipment." The socks are available inmen’s and women’s sizes, feature several layers of padding, a heel tab, and a smooth toe, along with integrated arch support.

Best quarter sock

Lucky Honey The Harlow Grip Sock

Lucky Honey The Harlow Grip Sock priced at $18.00 atLucky Honey

Kilinski suggests these socks due to their effective grip and ability to mold comfortably to your foot's shape. The 3-inch crew style sits just above the ankle bone, and the brand states that the honeycomb-shaped silicone grips provide added security when using reformers and mats.

Best crew sock

Move Active Crew Non-Slip Grip Socks

Move Active Crew Non-Slip Grip Socks $18.95 atMove Active

These ankle-length socks, available in a wide range of colors and designs, are my top choice because they remain snug and stable without squeezing my feet or causing any discomfort. They are crafted from a lightweight yet sturdy fabric, and feature an elastic band to stop them from pressing into my skin. Along with using them during exercise, I enjoy pairing these socks with boots as they keep my foot properly positioned, helping to minimize the risk of blisters near my toes.

Most stylish

Souls Ruffle Bow Grip Socks

Souls Ruffle Bow Grip Socks priced at $20.00 in stockSouls.

"Among all the grip socks I've tried over the years, Souls' are the best representation of style combined with practicality," says Malin. "They are comfortable, highly grippy, and remain on my feet effectively. Plus, they come in a wide range of colors, styles, and patterns, making them feel like a true accessory to my workout attire. I own several pairs with different embroidered designs and fun messages, and I always receive compliments when I wear them." These socks offer light padding and reach above the ankle bone.

Editor’s pick

Doublesoul Quarter Grip Sock

Doublesoul Quarter Length Sock $13.50 atDoublesoul

These NBC Select Wellness AwardChampions are a popular choice within our team because of their soft, comfortable feel. Additionally, they remain secure during exercise sessions. "What I love most about Doublesoul's grip socks is that they extend above my ankles, which helps them stay in place, especially when I'm moving quickly on the reformer," shares Malin. "The longer length also keeps my feet and ankles warm during the colder seasons." Malin has been using her Doublesoul socks for more than a year, and she notes that the grips have remained strong and in good shape even after numerous washes.

How to maintain Pilates socks

Since Pilates socks tend to be pricier than regular socks, it's important to make sure they can handle frequent use and laundering. Here's how to extend their lifespan:

1. You can typically put them in the washing machine, but make sure to turn them inside out to maintain the grip, as stated by Alavi-Parham.
2. Air-dry or hang them to prevent the grips from weakening over time, according to Kilinski.

Meet our experts

At NBC Select, we collaborate with professionals who possess specialized expertise and credibility derived from appropriate education and/or practical experience. We also guarantee that all expert guidance and suggestions are provided autonomously, without any hidden financial conflicts of interest.

• Bekah Kilinskiis the vice president of operations and the head coach atForm50a vigorous, total-body exercise studio located in New York City and Miami.
• Saba Alavi-Parham is the owner of Fuse Pilates, a Pilates studio located in Washington, D.C.

Why trust NBC Select?

Bianca Alvarez was once aassociate reporterAt NBC Select, she focused on beauty and wellness topics. For this article, she spoke with two professionals who have a background in Pilates and gathered their suggestions along with picks from NBC Select's team and top-rated products. Alvarez participates in various low-impact exercises that use grip socks, such as mat and reformer Pilates, so she incorporated her personal experience into her recommendations as well.

Get up to speed on NBC Select's detailed coverage oftech and tools, wellnessand more, and follow us onFacebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTokto remain current.

This piece was first released onHealthy Survival