Slipping and sliding during a workout is not only annoying, but also unsafe. (If you’ve ever awkwardly fallen out of a yoga pose or taken a tumble during barre, you know). Investing in a pair of the best grip socks can help though. We spoke to fitness experts to find out everything you need to know about them—including some of the top options out there that’ll keep you steady on polished wood floors, sweaty mats, or machines.
Are grip socks necessary?
If you’re a barre, yoga, or Pilates aficionado, the answer is probably yes. “Barre socks have non-slip grips on the soles to give you traction and stability in class, particularly during standing exercises,” NYC-based barre instructor Hannah Borstein tells SELF. “If you get extra sweaty during workouts, socks can help you avoid slipping, and they also add extra grip and a protective layer when you exercise.” Simply put, adding grippy socks to your workouts can give you peace of mind. When you’re less worried about sliding, you can focus more fully on the movements.
What should you look for in grip socks?
Material and construction matter, and not all your choices are equal there. “When buying a pair of sticky socks, pay attention to the amount of grip and quality of grip on the bottom of the socks,” Amanda Freeman, founder of the Pilates megaformer studio SLT, tells SELF. “The more covered the bottoms are with the grip surface, the better the sock is for traction.” She also adds that the more you wash the socks, the more wear and tear the grips will experience. So you might have to replace your socks every few months if you use them daily.
It’s also important to look at what fabric the sock is made of, as breathability and flexibility are some other important factors to consider when buying a pair, according to Bornstein. “These socks should be adding to your workout, not detracting, so make sure your socks fit snug enough that you won’t need to adjust them throughout the class but not so snug that you can’t move your toes,” she says. Some socks are toeless, allowing you to move each digit more freely without losing the grippy-ness on your heels. Some people find them annoying, while others really like them, Bornstein says. So you might want to try different options to figure out your preference.
Ready to find your pair? These are the best grip socks available on the market right now, according to experts.
