9 Best Yoga Socks That Have Serious Grip
These grip yoga socks will help you stick your moves. We know, because we tested them all first.
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When it comes to practicing yoga, you may think barefoot is better. And for many pro yogis, this may prove to be true, but beginners have a lot to benefit from wearing a grip sock, which can help you stick your moves and further your practice and assuage any fears of slipping on the floor or mat during more advanced moves.
“Yoga socks are kind of like yoga training wheels! Socks can give you a grip when you don’t have the right kind of mat or when you are not used to balancing your energy on all four corners of your feet,” says Donnalynn Civello, a New York-based certified yoga instructor. “Once you start growing into your yoga body, you shouldn’t need them anymore.”
That said, other mat-based workouts, such as Pilates and barre, also benefit from a good pair of grippies. Many of these specialty studios often come carpeted, too, so wearing socks during class is also a more hygienic practice. We chose options that help you feel more grounded, at least until you’re ready for those “training wheels” to come off!
The Best Yoga Socks
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What to Consider
Whether you’re taking up yoga for the first time and need some extra help or are a pro but want to keep those toes warm until your body heats up, there’s a pair of yoga socks perfect for you:
- Fabric: When choosing a yoga sock, it is 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 for longer.
- Grip: Grips are a huge part of yoga socks and can contribute to having a more balanced practice overall. Look for exterior grips on the soles to avoid sliding around and interior grips on the rims to ensure your socks don’t slip down your ankle.
- Extras: Sock height, color, and whether or not they’re toed or solid are a matter of personal preference and comfort. We like ankle length for versatility and the fact that even with a heel tab, this length is simple to wear even under full-length leggings. Toed socks can feel funny at first but can offer extra traction and control on machines when needed, while non-toed socks are practical across kinds of workouts.
How We Chose
After more than 50 hours of research, three editors put several yoga socks to the test with more than 30 hours of yoga, Pilates, dance, and barre classes (our bodies, thank you, reader!) before finalizing our list of the best of the best. We tested for traction, slip, style, comfort, and overall look and feel while on and off the mat.
Pros
- Wide grippy surface
- Ballet-inspired design
- Cushioned padding
- Very affordable
Cons
- Crisscross straps might not be for everyone
This smartly-designed pair of socks has sticky grip dots all over the sole, making sure your feet don't go anywhere. The ankle strap keeps them on your feet during your workout class as well.
What reviewers love most about these yoga socks is that they are high-quality, comfortable, and provide extra stability for everything from Pilates and yoga to tumbling classes. Other reviewers say that their toes did not feel constrained, and the lightweight cotton material kept their feet cool.
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Pros
- Simple and straightforward
- Cut-out design offers more breathability (and cute factor!)
- Very affordable
Cons
- Some colorways have no cut-outs
One reviewer put these socks to the test at a barre class and forgot they were even wearing them within a few minutes of practice — the best testament to a yoga sock there could be. They said that the pair was indeed very comfy and that the cutout at the top kept their feet from feeling sweaty or constricted, pointing out that the sock felt cushy around the ankle and toes.
The grip was also strong enough to help them pull off relevés and sweeping motions at the barre — however, albeit too grippy at times on their textured yoga mat.
Customers also say these socks prevented them from slipping and sliding in yoga and even at home while walking on hardwood floors. Our tester agrees, saying that they would definitely wear these around the apartment as slippers.
If you want to feel like you're wearing ballet slippers in your barre class, these are a solid and stylish option. They'll stretch with your foot but hug your toes at the same time, making it easier to keep them pointed.
We found these toed socks to be both breathable and comfortable, especially since the top of the sock was open with the crisscross straps. Those of us with larger feet didn't feel like our feet were crammed inside the sock at all, either.
Wearing these made transitions from Downward Dog into a Runner's Lunge less wobbly and more stable, and you'll also be able to stick a Tree pose better than usual.
Pros
- Has both interior and exterior high-quality grippers
- Full arch support
- Reflective detailing
Cons
- Pricier for a single pair
These studio socks are made with an ErgoToes foot-specific design and breathable mesh fabric on the top of the foot to keep your extremities comfortable. The exterior grippers help your feet stay balanced and grounded, while the interior grips prevent your yoga socks from slipping down your heels.
With 360-degree arch support, these comfortable socks will help you find your balance and keep it throughout your entire workout class.
Pros
- Great for balance and those who want a tactile mat experience
- Solid, high-quality grippy design
Cons
- Not as hygienic as a full-cover sock
Let your toes stay free yet still reap the benefits of wearing a yoga sock with these grippy socks from Gaiam. We seriously swear by everything they make for yoga, and these socks lived up to our expectations.
Our tester said that they wore these to Vinyasa class and was pleasantly surprised to be able to ground their Standing Split and Tree poses better than they ever have barefoot. They also noted that the grips were fantastic and situated at the ideal places on the footbed of these socks.
If you're new to wearing toeless socks, though, you may feel a bit constricted as your toe webbings are hugged by the fabric, another sensation that takes a bit of getting used to.
Pros
- Low-cut and doesn't bunch under sneakers
- Wide grippy surface on the bottom
- Good value for a two-pack
Cons
- Might not give enough arch support for some
One great thing about these socks is that they fit comfortably inside a sneaker without being visible, but they also could totally double as a slipper sock to wear casually after exercising.
One reviewer says, “I actually enjoyed wearing these with the little strap the most around the house after my workout. They were great for barre because they helped me stay up in relevé without falling out of it or slipping on the hardwood floor during all the tiny pulses.”
Pros
- Premium look and feel
- Best colors and patterns
- Solid grip
Cons
- A bit pricier
These are some of the most comfortable grip socks you'll ever wear. They are, of course, great for yoga or barre class, but TBH, we never want to take them off! Even better, they come in a four-pack and are available in a variety of colors, so you have socks for almost every workout of the week. The best part? For every pair of socks purchased, Bombas donates a pair to someone in need.
They were cozy enough to wear around the house after exercising but weren't fuzzy, which would have made our feet sweat. They also hugged foot arches and had them feeling supported. The rubberized grip was solid — you won't slide around once in Downward Dog or Plank.
Pros
- Many lengths available, from super low to crew-length
- Compression arch support
- Tons of colors and prints
Cons
- Options can be overwhelming
If you're barre- and Pilates-obsessed, check out The Pointe Studio. They have subscription boxes of socks that you can curate yourself or order a surprise mix of three new pairs every three months. The triangular grips on all the socks make them extra non-slip, too.
These are just great, cozy socks to have to wear in general, so you're not slipping on hardwood floors, and your feet are kept warm in the colder months, especially with the full foot and ankle coverage.
The inspirational message is fun, too. Whether for a dance workout or a yoga flow, they'll definitely keep you both on your toes and on your mat.
Pros
- Sleek cut with a lower heel tab
- Organic cotton
Cons
- Limited colors
These yoga socks are made with soft organic cotton and feature tons of protection for your feet. The heel tab protects your Achilles, and the arch band offers overall support and comfort during yoga, barre, or Pilates.
Reviewers say they love the bottom grips, especially for Pilates, and the thick material for added comfort when you slip your shoes back on. Other reviewers rave about the sizing and how the small fits a women's shoe size 6 perfectly!
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