Yoga socks are essential for a safe, comfortable, and effective practice. It is undoubtedly the most pivotal accessory for yoga after a good yoga mat. If that has piqued your curiosity, read on. Here is Duniakagyan’s take on all things yoga socks, from the definition and uses to top brands and more.
Definition:
Yoga socks are exactly what they mean, socks designed for yoga. These garments are rugged and feature some traction, usually in the heel and toe portions. The gripping material is either plastic or rubber, depending on the brand and model. Thanks to the traction, the socks provide you with an excellent grip while working out. These socks come in all shapes and sizes to fit all tastes & needs.
The yoga socks usually come with traction coating on the entire sole for a stronger grip. However, socks with traction coating limited to toe and ankle regions are also common. They are typically thinner and tighter than regular socks. You are better off not using them in shoes. Or else, they might lose their traction coating due to excessive moisture and pressure inside the shoe.
Types:
You can broadly classify yoga socks into three prime categories, based on their shape.
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Non-Slip Socks
As the name suggests, they discourage slipping and falling. These socks feature strong traction on the sole that sticks to the yoga mat. The grip thus achieved keeps you stable during balance asanas and movements. Mind you, a stable practice is an effective practice.
2. Open-Toe Socks
As the name says, these socks lack the toe. The only portion they cover is the heel, and hence, the nickname, heel yoga socks. The open-toe socks come in handy when performing stretching poses where the weight is on heels. With your heels firmly gripped, your movements are free and safe.
3. Different Lengths
While ankle length is the norm, you can easily find longer options that stretch to the calf.
Pros:
For those new to yoga, socks for yoga are an advantage that they can’t let pass up. Here’s why.
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Better Traction:
Yogis rely on these socks to achieve better traction. These socks are designed to grip the mat and deliver the required stability for strenuous and potentially dangerous asanas. With the feet firmly planted on the mat, the practitioner can move freely without bothering about falls and injuries.
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Safer Practice:
Certain asanas, notably Virabhadrasana (warrior pose) require you to do the balancing act. If you fail to maintain your balance, falls are injuries are imminent. But with yoga socks providing the needed stability, the risk of falls is minimized. So, if safety is a priority, specialized socks make sense.
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Posture Alignment:
Proper alignment during postures is important for maximizing the benefits of yoga and addressing safety concerns. That said, beginners often find it difficult to achieve the right posture alignment, which exposes them to injury. Also, they might end up developing unhealthy movement patterns that cause some serious conditions in the long term. Here too, yoga socks can help. Thanks to their sticking mechanism, your toes and heels stay in the right position to allow for the right alignment.
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Hygenic Practice:
In times when infections are rampant, these socks can be the savior. Imagine performing barefoot in a studio on a dirty, smelly shared mat. Here, your feet are in direct contact with the mat, exposed to germs. On the contrary, these specialized socks negate the risk of acquiring infections outright.
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Pain Relief:
Foot issues like bunions, hammertoes, and plantar fasciitis are painful enough to prevent you from pursuing yoga. We lack any evidence of whether the grip socks can remedy these issues. However, they are thick enough to cushion the affected parts and help reduce pain when performing yoga. Even if you are reluctant to show your foot fungi, these socks can have you covered.
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Imparts Warmth:
With mercury plummeting to new lows, winters aren’t the best time to practice yoga. Let the grip socks save the day for you. Their soft fabric helps retain the heat, allowing your feet to beat the chill.
Cons:
Grip socks come with trade-offs. And, you need to know them beforehand for informed decisions.
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Poor Sweat Management:
Typically, these socks have poor absorbency. If you sweat a lot, you might have to deal with soggy socks. They are not just discomforting but can compromise your stability and expose you to falls.
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Compromised Comfort:
At times, grip socks are tight enough to restrict the flow of blood into your feet. As such, you may experience unpleasant sensations, numb toes, throbbing, and, in acute cases, even muscle cramps. The restrictive nature of these socks can even prevent free movements during poses.
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Hard to Upkeep:
Maintenance is always an issue with yoga socks. Their thin fabric and rugged traction are hard to wash. You can neither apply brute force to get rid of the dirt, as the thin fabric may come apart. Nor can you use hot water, which will cause shrinkage. You have to take the care instructions seriously.
Do You Really Need Them?
It depends on your individual situation and preference. Traditionalists practice barefoot due to their belief that yoga socks were never a part of traditional yoga. However, you can invest in a pair of grip socks, especially if you are new to yoga and need extra traction to achieve balance and stability.
Feel free to get rid of them once they get soggy, itchy, or discomforting. Better still, invest in two pairs so that you can switch between them during those sweaty yoga sessions. Since yoga socks are quite affordable, there’s nothing to stop you from experimenting. Who knows it might pay off.
How To Choose Right?
Now that you plan on investing in a pair of grip socks, here’s what to consider.
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Determine Your Needs:
The thumb rule is to let the type of yoga you practice determine your choice of yoga socks. That’s because your traction requirements vary from one form of yoga to the other. For example, you are into hot yoga where sweating is profuse. In that case, something more absorbent and breathable makes sense. Likewise, toeless socks are ideal for sessions that involve less perspiration.
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Look for the Material:
The material determines how well the socks will perform and last. While cotton is lighter, breathable, sustainable, and more comfortable and absorbent, it doesn’t last the distance. On the other hand, Polyester is durable and cheap but lacks breathability and sustainability. You are better off going for polyester combed with cotton to get the best of both worlds.
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Look for the Traction:
Traction is the prime reason for opting for grip socks. So, you cannot go cheap on it. You have two options, rubber, and plastic. The former is softer, durable, elastic, eco-friendly, offers better traction, and stays unaffected by rise and drop in temperature. So, it comes across as an ideal choice. when it comes to the amount of traction coating, go for the entire-sole variants that grip better.
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Invest in the Right Size:
Anything looser will not stay in place, causing distraction. Likewise, tighter socks can restrict both your movements and blood supply to the feet. As such, it’s vital to be accurate about the size.
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Read the Care Instructions:
Some grip socks are easier to maintain than the rest. So, it makes sense to go through the care instructions carefully beforehand for informed decisions.
Best Yoga Socks
If you are looking for some recommendations, Duniakagyan is here to help. We tested some of the leading options out there to come up with a well-curated list of the top ten yoga socks. From form and function to prices and warranties, we factored in everything to keep our recommendations as evidence-based and informative as possible. The point is to help you choose well.
1. Ozaiic Yoga Socks for Women Non-Slip Grips & Straps, Ideal for Pilates, Pure Barre, Ballet, Dance, Barefoot Workout
- Material: Cotton
- Brand: Ozaiic
- Price: $14.99 ($7.50 / Count)
Comfortable and supportive, Ozaiic socks are the best bet for beginners and seasoned yogis alike. We even found them useful for pilates, ballet, pure barre, dance, pregnant ladies, the elderly, and hospital use.
- Grip: The pair comes with a unique criss-cross strap and a fully cushioned sole with an ethnic pattern of silica gel. So, you can rely on these socks for added stability and grip even on wooden and slippery surfaces. Rather, these were among the most grippy options we tested & reviewed.
- Comfort: Made of natural combed cotton, these socks are breathable, soft, and can wick away sweat. The cute cutout at the top just boosts breathability. With the straps at the top, these socks allow you to focus on workouts rather than keeping them in place.
- Performance: The premium sewing makes Ozaiic socks sturdy and durable while the heel tread feature delivers better performance. Even the maintenance is easy, as you can wash them both manually and in a machine. Guess what? They even dry at low temperatures.
With each purchase, you get two pairs of Ozaiic socks, a stylish pouch to carry them around, and a money-back guarantee. Moreover, they come in seven color options to suit every taste.
Pros |
Cons |
| Unique criss-cross strap | Only for women |
| Premium sewing | Not for sizes above 9.5 |
| One size fits all | |
| The ethnic pattern gives more traction | |
| Available in seven color options |
2. Muezna Non-Slip Yoga Socks for Women, Anti-Skid Pilates, Barre, Hospital Socks with Grips, Size 5-10
- Material: Combed Cotton and Silica Gel
- Brand: Muezna
- Price: $13.99 ($7.00 / Count)
When it comes to style, Muezna yoga socks are a cut above the rest. Hand-stitched, they not only look good but also perform well. Our testing found them ideal for wood, laminate, and tile floors.
- Grip: The bottom of the socks features silica gel coating. So, they can deliver the kind of grip you need for poses that need stability and balance. Plus, they work on all types of surfaces.
- Comfort: Made from 100% combed cotton, it absorbs sweat better and makes wearing them a comfortable experience. Thanks to the breathable mesh, your feet can avoid sweat and smell.
- Performance: Muezna yoga socks come with an ergonomic and innovative design to boost your performance, whether at home or in a studio. Machine washable, they are easy to care for.
With each purchase, expect a free pouch and a 60-day money-back guarantee. Although the product is exclusively for women, the same product is available for men in larger sizes.
Pros |
Cons |
| Breathable mesh | Durability is an issue |
| Anti-skid | Runs larger than the usual size |
| Best on wood, laminate, or tile floors | |
| One size fits all | |
| Comes with a free bag |
3. Gaiam Yoga Socks – Toeless Grippy Non-Slip Sticky Grip Accessories for Women & Men
- Material: Cotton
- Brand: Gaiam
- Price: $9.62 Onwards
Gaiam is one of the leading yoga products and accessory brands. In form of Gaiam Yoga socks, the brand has managed to deliver the best toeless option out there.
It has an open-toe design to give you the best of both worlds- the feeling of being barefoot and the extra grip of an anti-slip sock. Socks work great even if you don’t have a yoga mat and practice on the hard floor. If you have a yoga mat, it protects it from dirt and sweat.
Pros
- Unisex
- Anti-skid
- Ideal for yoga, ballet, and dance
- Available in ten color options
Cons
- Sizing is an issue
- Holes are small
4. Ozaiic Yoga Socks for Women with Grips, Non-Slip Five Toe Socks for Pilates, Barre, Ballet, Fitness
Material: Cotton
Brand: Ozaiic
This is the second product from the brand Ozaiic on our list. It has all the benefits of the previous product by the brand, in addition to the five-toe design. These socks mimic the glove design to provide extra air between your toes. This protects the feet from order and sweat. This order contains three pairs of socks. However, two packs and a single pack are also available with the brand. The brand offers a money-back guarantee for the purchase as well.
Pros
- Criss-cross strap
- Five-toe design
- Anti-skid
- Comes with a money-back guarantee
Cons
- Not durable
5. TruTread Pilates Socks with Grips for Women and Men – 6 Pairs Yoga Socks for Women | Yoga Socks for Men | Pure Barre Socks
Material: Polyester, Spandex
Brand: TruTread
This value-for-money order contains six pairs of anti-skid socks. They are made from polyester and spandex, which provide better stretchability than regular cotton socks. This makes it perfect for yoga and pilates. The socks are machine washable and come with a performance yarn blend. It protects your feet from odor and allows them to breathe. It is available for both men and women in two different sizes- medium and large.
Pros
- Stretchable and durable
- Machine washable
- Value for money
- Available for both men and women
Cons
- Size runs small
- Somewhat tight
6. Chalier 3-4 Pairs Non-Slip Socks for Women and Men Anti Skid Grip Socks for Yoga, Pilates, Barre, Hospital, Home Exercise
Material: Cotton
Brand: Chalier
These non-slip socks come in pairs of three and four. They are made from premium quality cotton, which keeps the feet dry by allowing them to breathe. They come with gripping rubber treads at the bottom, providing you with a better grip. The sock mouth is comfortable to wear and yet does not slide down easily. It is available for both men and women. The socks come with a high-quality canvas bag to store them.
Pros
- Comes in pairs of three and four
- Rubber tread at the bottom
- Comfortable sock mouth
- Keeps the feet dry
Cons
- Thin socks
- Doesn’t keep the feet warm
7. Toesox Women’s Bellarina Half Toe Grip Non-Slip for Ballet, Yoga, Pilates, Barre Toe Socks
Material: Organic Cotton and polyester
Brand: Toesox
If you appreciate having some toe movement space- you’ll love these socks. It comes with a sole that provides secure foot placement. It has a raised heel tab that pads and protects your Achilles heel tendon. Made with organic cotton, the socks are soft and machine washable. Besides yoga, it is the perfect choice for you if you are into ballet practice. It comes in a wide range of sizes and color combos for both men and women.
Pros
- Made from organic cotton
- Protects Achilles heel tendon
- Non-slip
- Machine washable
- Allows toe movement
Cons
- Poor quality stitching
- Durability is an issue
8. Grip Barre, Dance, Pilates, Yoga Socks – Tavi Noir Women’s Emma Non-Slip Socks
Material: Organic cotton and nylon
Brand: Tavi Noir
These Mary Jane-style socks have a less-is-more design. It is made from organic cotton, polyester, and rubber. The cotton keeps the feet dry by allowing them to breathe. Polyester makes it elastic so that your socks are not a hindrance when you’re trying out different yoga poses. The rubber at the sole of the socks makes it anti-slip. These socks are easy to clean as they are machine washable. They can also be dried by line dry or low heat dried in a dryer.
Pros
- Made from organic cotton
- Soft and comfortable
- Machine washable
- Rubber grip at the bottom
- Available in men, women, and unisex sizes
Cons
- Runs a size larger
- Keeps sliding
9. Tucketts Allegro Toeless Non-slip Grip Socks – Cotton Socks for Yoga, Barre, Pilates, Dance, Ballet – Black, Size 5 – 13
Material: Recycled cotton, nylon, and spandex
Brand: Tucketts
If you like sustainable products, this pair of socks are for you. Made from recycled cotton, nylon, and spandex, it has an open-toe Mary Jane style. It has a breathable lightweight knit, which does not compromise on durability. The moisture-wicking fabric and anti-slip grip prevent sweat from becoming a hazard during your practice. The material is soft and comfortable enough for all-day home use as well. It is available in two different sizes- medium and large. Unlike many other products on the list- it is made in the USA.
Pros
- Sustainable
- Made in the USA
- Anti-slip and soft
- Open-toe design provides a great grip
Cons
- Thin
- Sizing runs small
10. Unenow Unisex Non-Slip Grip Socks with Cushion for Yoga, Pilates, Barre, Home & Hospital
Material: Cotton
Brand: Unenow
These non-slip socks from the brand Unenow come in pairs of four. It has unique hand stitching, which makes it very comfortable and durable. It has a reasonable distribution of silica gel on the bottom. The points are placed keeping in mind the stress points of foot soles when people stand, the points are placed. The heel tan prevents the sock from slipping while working out. The material is sweat-wicking which keeps your feet dry and prevents them from any kind of odor. The brand offers a wide range of colors to choose from.
Pros
- Sweat-wicking material
- Comfortable and durable
- Non-slip design
- It comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- Heels wear out quickly
- Loose-fitting
Conclusion
So, these are my top ten recommendations for yoga socks. If you are into yoga, these socks can help you elevate your practice. We have put together everything you need to know about yoga socks to help you choose wisely minus much research.
If you are looking to buy a new pair, I hope this article is helpful. But if you have a favorite pair from a specific brand that I missed, do let me know in the comments.
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