As a Pilates instructor, I’ve had this question come up countless times! The answer as to whether you need grip socks depends on your practice, studio and personal preferences. In this guide, we'll look at grip socks, their benefits, and whether they’re the right choice for you. By the end of this article, you’ll understand whether grip socks are a must-have for your Pilates practice.
What are Grip Socks?
Grip socks are specially designed for Pilates, barre, yoga, and other low-impact fitness activities. They look like regular socks but have rubberised grips or silicone patterns on the soles. These grips provide traction, preventing you from slipping on smooth studio floors or equipment, such as on the reformer.
Some grip socks even have toe separators to mimic the feeling of being barefoot, while still offering the additional grip.
Why Do People Wear Grip Socks for Pilates?
Pilates involves precise, controlled movements, often performed on a mat or reformer machine. Grip socks provide the support and traction you need to stay stable during your workout, in particular during standing or dynamic movements, or on the slippier surfaces of the reformer machine. But more on that below!
Do I Need Grip Socks for Pilates?
Whether you need grip socks depends on the type of Pilates you’re doing and your personal preferences.
If you’re doing mat Pilates, grip socks are less essential, particularly if you have a non-slip mat. In fact, most mat classes are done barefoot, as the mat provides enough grip for your feet. However, if you prefer the feeling of wearing socks or if your studio requires you to wear them, grip socks are a good choice over regular socks due to their added traction.
For reformer Pilates or any class that involves equipment, grip socks are recommended. The smooth surfaces of reformer machines can be slippery, but this extra grip can help you maintain proper form and control.
Benefits of Grip Socks for Pilates
Here are some reasons why you should wear grip socks at your next class.
Better Traction & Body Alignment
The primary benefit of grip socks is the added stability they provide, minimising the chances of accidental slips or loss of control. Because grip socks improve stability, they allow you to concentrate on activating the correct muscles—especially in the feet, ankles, and legs—and better distribute weight across your feet.
Indeed, the textured rubber or silicone grips on the sole of the socks can also improve bodily awareness (sometimes known as proprioception) by improving sensory feedback, which can help you feel the placement of your feet better, allowing for better alignment and controlled movements. My class participants find they especially help with pliés!
For reformer Pilates, the grips on the soles make it easier to grip the carriage, which helps to maintain proper form and alignment throughout your workout and minimises the risk of accidental slips.
Injury Prevention
By keeping your feet securely planted, grip socks reduce the risk of accidental falls or injuries. Indeed, a study published in the International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy demonstrated that grip socks improve stability and reduce the risk of slipping during physical activities.
In addition to grip, the supportive and cushioned design of grip socks helps protect your feet, ankles, and knees, reducing the impact and supporting your joints. A study published in the Journal of Sport Rehabilitation suggests that grip socks can enhance joint stability and reduce peak joint loading during dynamic movements
Hygiene & Comfort
Many Pilates classes take place in shared spaces where multiple people use the same equipment. Grip socks act as a protective barrier between your feet and the studio floor or reformer, reducing the risk of coming into contact with sweat, bacteria and fungi.
Indeed, some Pilates studios mandate grip socks for hygiene and safety reasons, particularly for reformer classes. However, it's important to note that cleaning and hygiene protocols in studios play a role in preventing such problems from spreading. If you're unsure, check with your studio before attending your first class.
In addition to hygiene, pilates socks are breathable and moisture-wicking, keeping your feet dry and comfortable throughout your workout. This can also improve your focus during intense or prolonged classes.
FAQs
Can I Use Regular Socks?
Regular socks don’t provide the same level of grip, so they’re not a suitable substitute for grip socks. Wearing regular socks on Pilates equipment can actually increase your risk of slipping, so grip socks are recommended instead.
Are Grip Socks Mandatory for Pilates?
It depends on the studio. While mat Pilates classes often allow barefoot practice, reformer classes frequently require grip socks for hygiene and safety reasons. Always check with your studio before you attend a class.
How Many Pairs of Grip Socks Do I Need?
It depends on how often you do Pilates. If you practice Pilates regularly, having at least two to three pairs is ideal. This way, you’ll always have a clean pair ready for class.
Can I Wear Grip Socks Outside of Pilates?
Absolutely! Many people wear grip socks for yoga, barre, and other workouts that require additional grip. You can even wear them as comfy non-slip socks at home.
Looking for a pair of quality grip socks? Our Macaron Collection of cotton non-slip grip socks are designed for superior comfort and stability during your workouts. Perfect for enhancing your performance while keeping you comfortable and confident!
We also offer Pilates classes and personal training for women, with qualified instructor Camille Meskill. Camille specialises in helping women embrace a healthier lifestyle by improving their relationship with food, fitness, and themselves—tailored to the unique season of life they’re in. Enquire about our coaching services here.
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