The Best Half Toe Grip Socks for Pilates and Barre
- Pilates Report Editors
- Jan 21
- 4 min read
Updated: Jan 27
The Best Half Toe Grip Socks for Pilates and Barre
Why do we wear grip socks in Pilates and Barre?
In pilates and barre, having the right grip is essential for maintaining proper form and preventing injuries. Pilates grip socks also provide a hygienic barrier between your feet and shared equipment, which is why many pilates and barre studios require them.
Pilates grip socks have non slip grips and provide traction. There are three main varieties of grip socks for pilates: toe socks, half toe socks, and regular socks. Pilates socks are hygienic in a studio setting. And if you do pilates at the house wearing grip socks will help you maintain form and help prevent slipping.
Why do people wear half toe grip socks in Pilates?
Your toes are the beginning of your whole body alignment. Being able to have a firm tactile grip on the ground will increase your toe strength and help you stabilize. Having your toes separated can improve your gait. It encourages better alignment which can help with ankle, knee, hip, and back pain. And may even help prevent plantar fasciitis. If you don’t believe me check out what Cleveland Clinic has to say about minimalist Toe Shoes: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/minimalist-toe-shoes
If you’re really into toe and ankle health I would also recommend looking into Yoga Toes. Its a soft gel like device that separates your toes and gives them a good stretch. I love mine. Don’t get the off brand there is a reason Yoga Toes is patented.
Here are the best Toeless Grip Socks for Pilates and Barre:
Knitido+ - Best for Form & Function
The is an easy winner for the half toe grip socks category. For people who like a tactile feel while wearing their grip socks Knitido+ offers toeless socks and offer toeless and heel-less socks. This helps you feel grounded while striking a pose. Although I am not a fan of toe/toeless socks for aesthetic reasons the truth is toe socks are better for holding your poses and maintaining proper form. In addition, your toes articulate and build muscle too. These socks are made in Japan by craftsmen in “sock city.”
PROS:
Patented Power Pads - “Power Pads deliver ultimate balance and comfort by supporting the foot’s three arches, absorbing friction and reducing the strain in your stride.” YES, they’re really comfortable.
Strong grips- I’ve never seen any grip socks that have U shaped grips, but I find these to be grippier than the traditional circles.
Toe separation and articulation- helps you maintain your form and hold your poses.
Soft and Sustainable - These socks are made from 87% OCS Certified Organic Cotton and are botanical dyed. They are incredibly breathable and comfortable.
Three Dimensional Fit - “the world's first three-dimensional and seamless toe socks made with Shima Seiki's WHOLEGARMENT seamless knitting machines.”
CONS:
More expensive than other options you can buy. (Pro-Tip buy from Narasocks.com and get 25% off if you purchase 5 pairs or more)
Lack of cute designs - these socks are all function. As someone who wears socks at style point. I wish they had some different style options.
Best Runner Up - ToeSox
Its no surprise that ToeSocks are high on quality because it's the sister company of Tavi Socks.
Here are the Pros:
Sizes- This is something very unique to ToeSox they offer sizing from XS-XL. Having socks that fit your feet is important so you aren’t sliding in your poses.
Strong grip - these socks are ideal for anyone doing pilates or barre. The grip is strong and you will not slide around.
Soft and Sustainable - these socks are incredibly soft, breathable, and moisture wicking. Tavi uses 73% organic cotton making it a more sustainable option. But lets be honest, the softness of these socks is unparalleled.
Cons: More expensive than other options you can buy.
Lack of stylish options - this is a problem that many toe sock brands face.
Best Style - Ideal Swan
Look good, feel good. I love the ballerina straps. It just adds a delicate cuteness to the whole look. The straps are very soft and easy to tie.
PROS:
Fast Shipping- Amazon prime 1-2 day shipping
Color and Style - many color options and cute styles
Soft and breathable fabric
Cute straps to add a ballet flair
Reasonably priced at $6.10 a pair
CONS:
Straps tend to move as your work out.
Lack of grips on the heel
Best Budget - Pengxiaomei
At $3.25 a pair you really can’t beat these socks. They feature a cute satin ballet style strap on the top of the sock. I forgot to take pictures of my toeless versions!
PROS:
Strong grip - these socks are ideal for anyone doing pilates or barre. The grip is strong and you will not slide around. I especially like the larger grip on the toes of these socks.
Budget friendly these socks are great if you plan to work out every day of the week since they come in a 7 pack you will definitely reduce your laundry loads.
CONS:
Sizes - these are one size only. Recommended for size US Womens size 5-9.
Lack of grips on outer heels - If you’re putting your heels on for footwork, these socks won’t be ideal.
Best Open Toe - Shashi
Regular toe socks have fabric wrapped around each individual toe. Whereas a “open toe” socks have fabric that separates your big toe from your remaining four toes. Think “flip-flops” for socks. I forgot to take photos of the open toe version.
PROS:
Color and Style - many color options and cute styles
Soft and breathable fabric
CONS:
Poor fit - If you're a half size I would recommend sizing up.
Slow Shipping - although they are on Amazon, they don’t have Prime shipping
More Expensive than other options you can buy
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