Short answer: pilates grip socks are socks with small silicone grips on the sole. The grips add traction on smooth surfaces like a reformer footbar, carriage or studio floor, so your feet stay where you put them. Most reformer studios ask you to wear them for grip and hygiene.
How do grip socks work?
The silicone on the sole creates friction against wood, vinyl and padded equipment. Bare feet and normal socks slide, especially once you warm up. Grips concentrated under the ball of the foot and the heel give the most traction because those are the parts of the foot that press into the footbar and the floor.
Do you need grip socks for pilates?
- Reformer pilates: usually yes. Many studios require them, and they make footwork and standing exercises safer.
- Mat pilates and barre: recommended, especially on wooden floors.
- Yoga: optional. Some people prefer bare feet on a sticky mat.
What makes a good pair?
- Grips under the ball of the foot and the heel, not a stiff full sole.
- A close, snug fit so the grips do not twist out of place.
- A breathable cotton blend.
- A crew or quarter cuff that stays up.
- Silicone grips that survive washing. See our care guide.
Our pilates grip socks
balanced. grip socks have silicone grips shaped like little flowers, clustered under the ball of the foot and the heel. Cotton-blend body, ribbed crew cuff, one size EU 36-41, in green, pink, brown and cream. 189 DKK per pair, with 10% off two pairs and 17% off three, and free shipping in Denmark and the EU from two pairs.