With Reformer Pilates getting even more popular, Pilates socks are having their heyday. For perfect points and real range of motion, they’re an essential piece of kit to help you get the most out of your Reformer Pilates sessions.
With lots of snazzy styles and colourful cuts, we’ll help you choose the right pair for you.
What are Pilates socks?
Pilates socks are an essential for your gym bag if you’re heading out (or staying in) for Reformer Pilates. In fact, any good instructor should not let you get on a reformer machine without them.
They’re very similar to the look and feel of regular socks with the added benefit of having silicone or rubber pads on the bottom for extra grip.
You might be thinking: can’t I just go barefoot? Why do I have to wear grip socks?
While that’s a nice idea at the start of your class, even in barefoot, you won’t have as much grip as you will with Pilates socks. As you get hotter, your feet are going to sweat and the last thing you want is to turn your class from slide and glide to slip and slide.
What should I look for in my Pilates socks?
So, you need socks with good grip. But there are a few other things you’ll want to think about too: sweating, comfort and arch support.
Let’s start with sweat. As you work up a sweat in your class, so will your feet. Sweaty feet are inevitable but they don’t have to be uncomfortable. Look for Pilates socks with moisture-wicking material. That’s materials like cotton, spandex and polyester which are good at taking moisture away from the skin and drying quickly. Thankfully, you’ll find a lot of Pilates sock brands out there which talk about breathability, so it’s easy to spot.
Next, it’s comfort. You’ll find a range of thicknesses and fits when it comes to your Pilates socks. Now, this one is toe-tally up to you. Snug fits with thinner materials work better if you’re looking for something that feels like you’re barefoot. Thicker Pilates socks are better if your feet need a little more TLC.
And for those of you who need extra stability, be sure to look out for Pilates socks designed with arch support. This usually looks like a band of tighter fabric around the middle of the foot which helps to prevent your feet getting tired during your class.
And then, there’s style.
Choosing your Pilates sock style
From crew cut and low rise to scrunch, ballet, five toes and more, you’ve got plenty of options when it comes to your Pilates socks. So, how do you decide which to get? The most stylish ones? Well, yes. But also…
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Ballet socks are more snug for your feet
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Crew, low rise and scrunch socks give you additional ankle support
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Five toe socks allow you to feel into all part of your feet while you’re moving
The best way to choose is to try a few out. You’ll find bundle & save options on our website so you and your friends can split some pairs - or, of course, keep them all for yourself.
How many pairs of Pilates socks do I need?
That number is totally down to you and how many Reformer Pilates sessions you want to do. (You can also use your Pilates socks for other mat-based classes like yoga and Mat Pilates.)
It’s worth remembering that you’ll want to wash your socks after every wear to get rid of bacteria created from sweating.
Thankfully, you’ll find a range of beautiful Pilates socks on the FOLD website whether you want your feet to steal the show or you fancy something a little more everyday.