These Are *Officially* the 20 Best Pilates Socks on the Market, According to Our Fitness Editors
Oh, and they're great for hot yoga and Barre, too.
Pilates has taken the world by storm lately, and Pilates socks have proven to be a surprisingly useful piece of kit to help you get the best out of your workout. If you've made it a goal of yours to try a new Pilates workout this month, making sure you have the right equipment is an easy way to help you feel more confident for your first class, whether you're doing it at home or in a studio.
Fast becoming one of Team MC UK's favourite workouts, we're not the only ones currently obsessed with the low-impact sweat session. A study from Mindbody found that over three quarters of consumers say that low-intensity workouts like Pilates are a part of their regular fitness routines. It's no wonder, considering there are so many benefits of Pilates - from strengthening your core to improving your mental health.
But without the right equipment, you might find yourself feeling a little overwhelmed (not to mention slipping and sliding all over the place).
Enter stage right, Pilates socks. Wondering what makes these socks different to normal socks? Well, the key is in the sole. Most Pilates socks will have non-slip soles with rubber grips, which means a better grasp of your mat or the Reformer machine during your workout.
Here at Marie Claire UK, we've all been giving the trending workout a go, so we took it upon ourselves to book a group Reformer Pilates class and test out some of the most popular brands to see which socks were really worth investing in. We roped in our Senior Health Editor, Ally Head, Fashion Writer Sofia Piza, Junior Shopping Editor Amelia Yeomans, Health Contributor Valeza Bakolli and Writer, Grace Lindsay to give the socks a thorough test.
Keen to read more about how we test the products that make it into our buying guides? Make sure to check out our guide. Or, if you're after more Pilates-friendly clothing and accessories, our shopping guides are a great place to look - from Pilates leggings, tops and longline bras to the best unitards, we've got you covered.
For more Pilates inspiration, don't forget to check out our guides to Pilates for beginners, the best Pilates exercises, a spicy Pilates ab workout, plus the difference between Pilates and yoga. Trying Pilates at home? Shop our edit of the best at-home Reformer Pilates machines, and the more budget-friendly Pilates sculpt bars, Pilates sliders, Pilates boards, and Pilates rings now.
Best Pilates socks Quick Links
- Adanola Pilates Grip Socks - £12 at Adanola
- lulemon Find Your Balance socks - £25 at lululemon
- 5 Pairs Pilates Socks with Grips - £8.99 at Amazon
- Risipu Non Slip Socks - £5.99 at Amazon
- KEYRI Non Slip Socks - £7.49 at Amazon
- Alo Yoga Pivot Barre Socks - £38 at Alo Yoga
- 3 x Pairs Non Slip Yoga Pilates Socks - £11.99 at Amazon
- Pilates Grip Socks for Women - £10.66 at Amazon
- FASECKS Antiskid Socks - £8.98 at Amazon
Senior Health Editor Ally Head trying some of the best Pilates socks from Alo Yoga, Sweaty Betty and more
What did we look for when testing the best Pilates socks?
- Grip: Did they stop us from sliding around during our workout?
- Comfort: Were they comfortable to wear?
- Dryness: Were they sweat-wicking?
- Quality: Was the material sustainable and longlasting?
- Price: Were they affordable or an investment?
Ally wearing the Alo Yoga Pilates socks
1. Most stylish Pilates socks
"I'm obsessed with Alo Yoga's trendy workout gear, and these socks further solidified this obsession. One of my biggest fears when doing Reformer Pilates is the thought of slipping. These socks have a very strong no slip grip (and cushioning!) throughout the sole that helped me feel comfortable whilst allowing me to fully concentrate on engaging my muscles rather than avoiding a fall. The design of these socks is also perfect for anyone who loves the ballet core aesthetic and, like me, loves a stylish workout sock moment." - Sofia Piza, Fashion Writer
"These are, hands down, the chicest pair of socks I own. They're incredibly soft, gently padded and offer brilliant grip during Pilates and barre workouts. One thing to note is that they come up a bit small, so I would suggest you size up if possible. They're quite spenny, but worth it if you're after the most stylish, high-performance socks." - Valeza Bakolli, Health Contributor
2. Best basic Pilates socks
"I love a crew cut design for Pilates, and this option from Sweaty Betty is great - they're comfortable yet grippy and wash well, too.
"They're cosy, soft to the touch and really easy to throw on for any session. I've had mine for around a year now and they've always remained in place, never rolling down or slipping out of place, as well as offering a secure grip on both my mat and a Reformer machine. An investment, sure - but worth the money if you're a regular Pilates-goer, IMO." - Ally Head, Senior Health Editor
Ally's original SB Barre socks have now been discontinued and replaced with the new-and-improved version we've linked out to above. They have a wider grip section across the sole for better grip, but do note that the come up quite big, so size down if you can.
3. Best front band Pilates socks
"Another great and versatile option from Sweaty Betty, these Pilates socks have a slightly different design. They're another ballet style with straps across the front of your foot to keep your socks in place. Having tested for a few years now, I rely on them as a fail-safe option for Pilates, Barre, or ballet-inspired workouts. The only downside of the design is that they're harder to roll up into a ball and store in your sock drawer than the standard crew cut sock design, but this wouldn't put me off buying again." - Ally Head, Senior Health Editor
4. Best luxury Pilates socks
"These Varley socks are a minimalist's dream. I love the longline cut that can be worn over leggings, and the thick ribbed fabric acts to provide some ankle support. The branding is also subtle but chic, and they provide ample grip on a Reformer when I need it. I love." - Amelia Yeomans, Junior Shopping Editor
5. Most affordable Pilates socks
"For the price of these socks, I really wasn't expecting much, but I was pleasantly surprised. The balletcore-style design rivals that of much pricier brands and you get three pairs for well under £10. The soles are comfortably padded, offering extra support, and the grippy soles are durable and effective. They do bobble a bit with repeat washes, but at this price, I'm really not complaining." - Valeza Bakolli, Junior Shopping Editor
6. Best high Pilates socks
"I was pleasantly surprised by these Amazon Pilates socks - again, a higher design than your traditional design but effective nonetheless. The grip was adequate and they washed well. That said, as they're a more budget price point that other iterations, they might not stand the test of time as well as other designs." - Ally Head, Senior Health Editor
7. Best next day delivery Pilates socks
"These affordable Pilates socks from Amazon are available with next-day delivery, meaning they're a great option if you need some socks stat and want to know you're investing in a trustworthy design. Made from 90% cotton and 10% spandex, the grip is good and they socks are soft, although I do prefer a higher design and did find they rolled down a touch." - Ally Head, Senior Health Editor
8. Best rated Pilates socks on Amazon
"These are the most highly-rated Pilates socks on Amazon, so it's safe to say I had big expectations. And they didn't disappoint - they're reasonably priced, come in a pack of four and stay soft after you wash them. They have a slightly cushioned sole, which I appreciated for my mat and Reformer Pilates classes, and a mesh upper which makes them more breathable than other options. I'd recommend." - Ally Head, Senior Health Editor
9. Best quality Pilates socks
"It's no secret that lululemon products are high quality, so it makes sense that these socks follow suit. I'm a huge fan of this ballet-esque siloutte, and these are much thicker than other brands in the same style that I've tried. There's also a significant amount of grip on the bottom which keeps you feeling stable throughout any Pilates workout." - Amelia Yeomans, Junior Shopping Editor
10. Best colourful Pilates socks
"I'm a sucker for a colourful Pilates sock, so I instantly fell in love with these. True to form with Sweaty Betty kit, they're both soft and supportive thanks to the cotton blend and ribbing around the arch of the foot, and they elevate any Pilates outfit with a bright hue. Breathable and stylish, it's no wonder they're selling out fast." - Amelia Yeomans, Junior Shopping Editor
11. Best hybrid Pilates socks
"These socks from Alo Yoga might be a little dear, but trust me, they're worth the higher price point. They're unbelievably soft, super grippy and have a fair amount of padding for added comfort. The main thing that draws me to these socks, though, is their unique shape. They have a ballet shoe-esque design, which connects to a leg warmer-style upper section. This serves the dual function of keeping your legs warm and giving it a balletcore aesthetic.
The upper section is super stretchy so it doesn't dig into my calves. If you're not a fan of the leg warmer style, you can wear them over or under leggings, I find this helps to prevent the sock from slipping down, which often happens with lower styles." - Valeza Bakolli, Health Contributor
12. Best crew Pilates socks
"These grippy high length crew socks tick all the right boxes - they're comfortable to wear, wash well, and hold grip well on a Pilates bar or yoga mat. Not too long for those of us who are shorter, and perfect for those who don't want bright colours or patterns, they're a brilliant all-rounder for the price point." - Amelia Yeomans, Junior Shopping Editor
13. Most comfortable Pilates socks
"After a pair of extra long Pilates socks? Look no further than these ones from Alo Yoga. Yes, they're on the pricey side, but as with all Alo Yoga products, you'll truly get what you pay for. I've tried a number of long Pilates socks in my time, and these are definitely the most comfortable, with a thick padding on the sole for extra cushioning and a longline style that doesn't dig into my calves. They're also long enough that you can ruche them slightly for a more relaxed look without taking away from the longer sports socks style." - Valeza Bakolli, Health Contributor
14. Best everyday Pilates socks
"After spending an extortionate amount on one pair of Pilates socks at the first ever class I went to, I was desperate for a more affordable option. You get three pairs for about £6 with these and I love the plain white pair for the colder months as they're long enough to keep my ankles warm. Plus, I can wear them after my class for running errands without losing any athleisure style points." - Amelia Yeomans, Junior Shopping Editor
15. Most eco-friendly Pilates socks
"BAM's Pilates socks tick pretty much every box for me, and this two pack comes at a great price point. They're super soft, made with breathable bamboo to prevent any excess moisture, and they look sleek too. The flexible grip spots are made from grippy bio Polytex which is 95% bio-based, and the brand itself is a B Corp - making it a brilliant option if you want a more planet-friendly Pilates wardrobe. The only downside is that they regularly sell out fast, but they're worth the wait for a restock when necessary." - Amelia Yeomans, Junior Shopping Editor
16. Best durable Pilates socks
"I love nothing more than a thick and supportive Pilates sock, and these offer brilliant cushioning and soft compression around the ankles. Made from 80% cotton and 20% spandex they're very stretchy but also breathable, meaning they're high quality without trapping heat. The crew design is also extremely stylish, and the grip on the bottom works brilliantly for mat or Reformer classes." - Amelia Yeomans, Junior Shopping Editor
17. Best high street Pilates socks
"I grabbed these socks from M&S when I realised I had forgotten to bring a pair of my own for a Reformer Pilates class, and was very impressed. Despite the affordable price tag, these are stretchy, super comfortable and offer ample grip at the soles. I'm a fan of the sportier style, and though they're thinner than other Pilates socks I've tried (so feel less cushioned), I actually like this as it prevents my feet from getting sweaty." - Valeza Bakolli, Health Contributor
18. Best Pilates socks from an independent retailer
"I love these Pilates socks because they genuinely perform as well as they look. The silicone sole grips give amazing traction for Pilates, while the compression arch offers extra support and an all-day lift through the feet. They’re made from super-soft organic combed cotton, so they’re breathable, durable and luxe plus HipSwan plants a tree with every order, which makes supporting them feel even better.” - James Shaw, Pilates instructor, educator and founder of James Shaw Pilates
19. Best organic Pilates socks
"Made with GOTS certified organic cotton, these Pilates socks are delightfully breathable with a high crew cut for extra coverage. The supportive arch band and carefully positioned welt band make for optimum grip on the Reformer and enhanced support around the feet, so they're a brilliant option if you want light and fitted socks." - Amelia Yeomans, Junior Shopping Editor
20. Best sleek Pilates socks
"Not only have Adanola launched some of the most sleek Pilates socks on the market, but they're also incredibly affordable at £12. The low cut makes them ideal for pairing with long leggings, and the ribbed details provide great arch and ankle support that will keep you strong on the Reformer. They're also made from soft cotton for ultimate comfort." - Amelia Yeomans, Junior Shopping Editor
