In practicing yoga, you may think that barefoot is best. And for many pro yogis, that may be true, but beginners have a lot to gain from wearing a grip sock, which can help you stick to your moves and deepen your practice, and ease any fears of slipping on the floor or mat during more advanced moves.
“Yoga socks are sort of like training wheels for yoga! Socks can give you a grip when you don’t have the right type of mat or when you’re not used to balancing your energy on all four corners of your feet,” says Donnalynn Civello, a certified yoga teacher based in New York City. “Once you grow into your yoga body, you shouldn’t need it anymore.”
That said, other mat-based workouts, like Pilates and barre, also benefit from a good pair of grips. There is carpeting in most of these specialty studios as well, so wearing socks during class is a more hygienic practice. We’ve chosen options that will help you feel more comfortable, at least until you’re ready to take off those “training wheels”!
The best yoga socks
What to consider?
Whether you’re getting into yoga for the first time and need a jumpstart or you’re a pro but want to keep your toes warm until your body warms up, there’s a perfect pair of yoga socks for you:
Fabric: When choosing a yoga sock, it’s important to consider moisture-wicking fabrics to keep your feet cool and comfortable. Materials like lightweight cotton, breathable mesh and nylon help your feet stay dry longer.
Grip: Grips are an essential part of yoga socks and can contribute to an overall more balanced practice. Look for outside grips on the soles to prevent slipping and inside grips on the edges to ensure your socks don’t slide down your ankle.
Extras: sock height, color, and whether they are round-toed or solid are a matter of preference and comfort. We like the ankle length for its versatility and the fact that, even with a heel tab, this length is simple to wear even under long leggings. Toe socks may seem odd at first, but they can provide extra traction and control on the machines if needed, while toeless socks are practical for many training.
How we chose
After over 50 hours of research, three editors put several yoga socks to the test over 30 hours of yoga, Pilates, dance, and barre classes (our bodies, thank you, reader!) before finalizing our list of the best ones. We tested for grip, glide, style, comfort, overall look and feel on and off the mat.
1. Yoga socks with grips and non-slip straps
This cleverly designed pair of socks has grip points all over the sole, so your feet won’t shift. The ankle strap keeps them on your feet during your workout.
What reviewers like most about these yoga socks is that they are high quality, comfortable, and offer extra stability for everything from Pilates to yoga to tumbling classes. Others said their toes didn’t feel trapped and the lightweight cotton material kept their feet cool.
Buy: Yoga socks with grips and non-slip straps
2. Yoga, Barre, Pilates Grip Socks
One reviewer put these socks to the test during a barre class and forgot he was wearing them after a few minutes of practice - the best testament to a yoga sock that could exist. They said the pair was indeed very comfortable and that the cutout at the top kept their feet from sweating or being tight, noting that the sock was comfortable around the ankle and toes.
The grip was also strong enough to help them perform lifts and sweeping motions at the barre, although it was sometimes too strong on their textured yoga mats.
Customers also say these socks kept them from slipping at yoga and even at home when walking on hardwood floors. Our tester agrees and says he would definitely wear them around the apartment like slippers.
Buy: Yoga, Barre, Pilates Grip Socks
3. Full Toe Elle Sock
If you want to feel you’re wearing ballet slippers during your barre class, these socks are a sturdy and stylish option. They will stretch with your foot while hugging your toes, making it easier to keep them pointed.
We found these round toe socks to be both breathable and comfortable, especially since the top of the sock was open with the straps crossed. Those of us with larger feet did not feel like we crammed our feet into the sock.
Wearing these socks made transitions from the downward dog position to the runner’s lunge less wobbly and more stable, and you will also be able to hold the tree pose better than usual.
Buy: Full Toe Elle Sock
4. Yoga socks without non-slip toes
Leave your toes free while enjoying the benefits of wearing yoga socks with these grippy socks from Gaiam. We swear by everything they make for yoga, and these socks live up to our expectations.
When our tester wore them to Vinyasa class, it was pleasantly surprising to see that barefoot he could do the tree pose and standing lunge more easily. They also noted that the grips were fantastic and in the perfect location on the sole of these socks.
If you are not wearing toeless socks for the first time, you may feel a little cramped as the fabric wrapped your toes, another feeling that takes a little getting used to.
Buy: Yoga socks without non-slip toes
