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The best Pilates socks that are slip- and sweat-proof, so you don’t have to go barefoot in reformer class
No, your holey socks won’t suffice
Reformer Pilates has boomed over the past few years, with many of us signing up for classes or even buying our own reformer beds with the promise of better mobility and a tighter core.
Thankfully, you don’t need much to get started, but grippy Pilates socks are a must. The best Pilates socks are designed to help you grip the reformer machine-cum-torture-device and to safely execute some of those trickier positions without slipping. You can also use them for other mat-based exercises, such as yoga and barre. Plus, if you’re going to classes, they keep things nice and hygienic.
Best Pilates socks 2026
How we choose the best Pilates socks
When you’re shopping for your Pilates socks, you want to look for grippy soles and breathable fabric, as it will help keep your feet feeling fresh. Our team of fitness editors and experts considered these key factors when collating our list below.
They tried out a range of socks from market leaders, slipping them on for a series of workouts before giving their honest feedback on overall performance. They specifically considered whether they provided enough grip, if they were breathable during sweaty workouts and, of course, whether they were comfortable to wear.
These are the socks that gripped us.
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Mountain Warehouse Grippi Women’s Exercise Socks
Mountain Warehouse Grippi Women’s Exercise Socks
Most Pilates socks are ankle-length, but these crew socks sit mid-calf, giving you more coverage for those chillier gym days. Comfortable to wear, they come as a two-pack in a choice of black or white – perfect for when you have back-to-back Pilates sessions during the week. Soft and stretchy with a medium thickness, they have a breathable feel.
Easy to pull on, they aren’t overly tight on feet and ankles, ensuring free movement. The grip is secure, but as it stops just before the toes, they don’t offer as much stability in positions such as planks. However, for flat-footed movements, they were ideal.
Key specifications
| Sizes available | 3-6, 6-9 |
|---|---|
| Colourways | Black and white |
M&S Cotton Blend Stripe Yoga Socks
M&S Cotton Blend Stripe Yoga Socks
When it comes to hard-working, budget-friendly sportswear, the M&S Good Move range is our go-to, and these affordable Pilates socks didn’t disappoint. Another crew-style sock, you won’t be able to put a foot wrong in these, thanks to the grippy dots that cover the entire sole.
We found they helped us stay put in various tabletop and foot-bar resting positions. Plus, at just £10 for two pairs, there’s extra budget for more classes....
Key specifications
| Sizes available | 3-5, 6-8 |
|---|---|
| Colourways | White, Black |
Sweaty Betty Ballet Gripper Socks
Sweaty Betty Ballet Gripper Socks
You’ll be the chicest person in your class with these classic ballet-style socks. The pink colourway in particular makes you feel like you’ve slipped on your ballet slippers.
Along with grippy soles for stability, they feature a crossover design, which keeps them in place as well as looking good. Made from an extremely soft organic cotton, which is naturally sweat-wicking and breathable, they kept feet fresh from start to finish.
Key specifications
| Sizes available | 2-5, 6-8 |
|---|---|
| Colourways | Deco Pink Chestnut Brown, Black Grey |
Les Mills Yoga Socks
Les Mills Yoga Socks
Gym brand Les Mills has been in the fitness game for nearly 60 years, so it knows the importance of a hard-working gym accessory, and these are a case in point. Most reformer socks typically have a gentle grip, but not these ones, which feature an anti-slip silicon sole for secure grip.
Available in packs of two (one black, one white), you don’t have to worry about them rolling down mid-lunge, thanks to the elastane band design, which secures them around the ankle. The socks kept feet fresh, too, for our self-proclaimed ‘extra-sweaty’ tester.
Key specifcations
| Sizes available | S-M |
|---|---|
| Colourways | White, Black |
Bam Pilates Grip Short Socks
Bam is known for creating super soft, comfortable apparel – and these socks were both. They’re made from the brand’s signature bamboo viscose fabric and feel incredibly smooth against the skin.
There’s a variety of colourways to choose from and they won’t fade when you pop them in the wash. Our wellness editor tried these ones and said she loved how the ‘gripped soles help your feet stay put, even if your body is wobbling.’
Key specifications
| Sizes available | 4-7 |
|---|---|
| Colourways | Blossom + Blue Dawn, Oat Milk, Orchid, Washed Black |
Sweaty Betty Animal Print Mini Pilates Crew Gripper 2 Pack
Sweaty Betty Animal Print Mini Pilates Crew Gripper 2 Pack
We’re big fans of the leopard-print soles on these Sweaty Betty socks, as well as the cream and chocolate brown colourways.
They’re also made from organic cotton, a naturally breathable fabric, which helped to wick moisture and heat away from the skin. As with many other options on our list, they conveniently come in a pack of two – always good to have a pair and a spare.
Key specifications
| Sizes available | 2-5, 6-8 |
|---|---|
| Colourways | Khaki Brown Pebble Beige, French Navy Blue Cream Beige |
Sock Shop Organic Cotton Savvy Low Rise Yoga Socks
Sock Shop Organic Cotton Savvy Low Rise Yoga Socks
Primarily designed for yoga, these socks can be used for Pilates, too, thanks to their grippy soles. They also come in 15 different colourways and playful designs – from the subtle grey Shadow pair to the fun Naughty or Nice crew socks, there’s a pair for every taste.
With a low-rise design, which sits just under the ankle, we found them comfortable and lightweight. The non-slip grip, which is designed in a tread pattern, was perfect for keeping our feet secure while we used the reformer’s foot straps, as well as keeping them firmly on the carriage during lunges.
Key specifications
| Sizes available | 3-5.5, 6-8.5, 9-10.5 |
|---|---|
| Colourways | 15 different options |
These socks have a pretty frill design and feature the signature Gymshark branding, so you’ll look the part, even if you’re new to reformer Pilates. But they don’t just look good, as we found the grippy soles really effective during classes. However, although they were comfortable to wear, our wellness editor did note that they didn’t feel as premium or soft as other socks she’s tried. If you’re just wearing them for short periods, though, it may not be an issue.
Available in two colours, the medium size fitted our tester’s size-six feet well, plus the grip stayed put, even after multiple washes.
Key specifications
| Sizes available | S,M,L |
|---|---|
| Colourways | Black, Soft White/ Blue Iron, Soft White/ Soft Brown |
Do I need grip socks for reformer Pilates?
‘Grip socks are required for reformer Pilates for three main reasons: safety, hygiene, and performance,’ says Emily Rutherwood, trainer and director of performance at Pilates gym FS8.
‘Reformer Pilates machines have a moving carriage, so maintaining secure foot placement is incredibly important for both safety and performance. The grip on the soles of Pilates socks provides traction, helping to reduce the risk of slipping and allowing you to move through exercises with greater stability and confidence.’
This means you can focus on your technique and getting the most out of each movement, rather than worrying about slipping, the trainer explains. ‘On top of this, grip socks create a barrier between your feet and the equipment, helping to keep it cleaner and prevent moisture from building up on the reformer,’ she adds.
Is it okay to wear normal socks to Pilates?
If you’ve forgotten your Pilates socks, Emily wouldn’t recommend pulling on regular socks. ‘On a reformer bed, regular socks can become slippery, particularly during standing exercises or movements that require you to push against the foot bar, shoulder pads or even your standing foot on the floor,’ she says. ‘Grip socks offer better stability and control, making them a must for reformer sessions.’
Madeleine is our Lifestyle Writer, specialising in expert-tested reviews and round-ups on the latest beauty Beauty and Health & Wellness products. From skincare to protein powders, Maddie is committed to providing honest and helpful reviews to help guide readers to the best product for them. Maddie has a BA in English Literature and Language, which stemmed from her lifelong interest in reading and writing. She started her post graduate life at Hearst UK within a marketing capacity, which quickly turned into a desire to fulfil a writing career.
When she is not writing about the latest expert reviewed products, you can find her rifling through vintage shops or car boots, reading a print magazine, or capturing portraits on her film camera.
