There’s something about a fresh pair of grip socks that makes a Pilates class feel that little bit better. They start as something practical - something you throw into your bag because your studio requires them - and before you know it, you’re choosing your pair to match your set, grabbing a coffee after class and wondering when exactly Pilates became part of your personality.
We get it.
Welcome to The Glide Guide, our little corner of the internet for all things Pilates, movement and the rituals around it. And where better to start than with the accessory that started Glide Crew: the humble grip sock.
So, do you actually need grip socks for Pilates?
If you’re heading to reformer Pilates, probably. Some studios require them, others recommend them, but either way, there’s a reason they’ve become such a studio staple. The silicone grips underneath your feet give you extra traction on the reformer, while the sock itself creates a barrier between you and shared equipment.
They’re also very useful when your instructor casually says “hold it here” for what feels like approximately three working days.
What makes a good Pilates grip sock?
This is where we could talk about socks for far longer than any normal person probably should. But after several years of designing them, there are a few things we think really matter.
The grip - and how much of it there is
First and foremost, they have to do their job.
Look for grips that cover the full sole of the foot, from heel to toe. More coverage means more opportunities for your foot to connect securely with the reformer, whether you're in footwork, holding a plank or attempting to stay composed through those final pulses. Because cute is important. Sliding across the carriage? Less so.
The fit
Your socks shouldn't be the thing you're thinking about halfway through class.
You want them to feel secure on your feet without digging in, slipping down or moving around as you do. A comfortable, well-fitting sock lets you forget about it and focus on the important things - like surviving the final ten pulses.
The fabric
If Pilates is part of your weekly routine, your grip socks are going to be worn and washed. A lot. Look for soft, breathable, good-quality fabric that feels comfortable against your skin and holds its shape over time.
And yes, the design
We firmly believe the things you use every day can be functional and beautiful.
Your grip socks are part of the ritual: picking your class, putting on your favourite activewear, packing your bag, heading to the studio and, ideally, getting a coffee or matcha afterwards. Why shouldn't they be something you genuinely love wearing?
Meet Glide Crew
Glide Crew began with a simple idea: Pilates accessories should feel as considered as the rest of your routine. Designed in Ireland, our grip socks combine strong silicone grip with soft, comfortable fabrics and the playful details that have become part of the Glide Crew world.
Think croissants, matcha, ballet slippers, soft neutrals and colours you'll want to coordinate with your favourite set. They're designed for Pilates, yoga and barre - but really, they're designed for the whole ritual around movement. From the reformer to the matcha run.
At Glide Crew, we use silicone grips, with full heel-to-toe coverage designed to give you strong, reliable traction. And not all grip is created equal.
A good quality grip should be durable, long-lasting and retain its stickiness through regular classes and washes. It's one of the areas where you'll often notice the difference between a premium Pilates sock and a cheaper alternative.
Our Glide Crew grip socks are made from 80% combed cotton, giving them that soft, premium feel while remaining breathable and comfortable enough for your regular Pilates routine. Combed cotton goes through an additional process to remove shorter fibres and impurities, leaving behind longer, smoother cotton fibres. The result is a fabric that feels softer while also being strong and durable - exactly what you want from something that's going to spend a lot of time in your Pilates bag.
How many pairs of grip socks do you need?
Technically? One.
Realistically? That depends on how often you're at Pilates - and how disciplined you are with your laundry. If you're taking two or three classes a week, having a few pairs in rotation means you're not desperately searching for a clean pair five minutes before you need to leave. And once you've started matching them to your activewear, we're afraid you're on your own.
The pair you'll reach for again and again
The best Pilates grip socks aren't necessarily the most technical-looking pair in the room. They're the ones that feel comfortable, stay put, give you the grip you need and make getting ready for class just a little more enjoyable. Because ultimately, that's what Glide Crew is about. The little things that elevate your wellness routine.
See you at the studio. 🤍