These are *officially* the 14 best Pilates socks on the market, according to our Fitness Editors

Pilates has taken the world by storm lately, and Pilates socks have proven to be a surprisingly useful piece of kit to help you get the best out of your workout. If you've made it a goal of yours to try a new Pilates workout this month, making sure you have the right equipment is an easy way to help you feel more confident for your first class, whether you're doing it at home or in a studio.

Pilates has fast become one of Team MC UK's favourite workouts, and we're not the only ones. A study from Mindbody found that over three quarters of consumers say that low-intensity workouts like Pilates are a part of their regular fitness routines. It's no wonder, considering there are so many benefits of Pilates - from strengthening your core to improving your mental health.

But without the right equipment, you might find yourself feeling a little overwhelmed (not to mention slipping and sliding all over the place).

Enter stage right, Pilates socks. Wondering what makes these socks different to normal socks? Well, the key is in the sole. Most Pilates socks will have non-slip soles with rubber grips, which means a better grasp of your mat or the Reformer machine during your workout.

Here at Marie Claire UK, we've all been giving the trending workout a go, so we took it upon ourselves to book a group Reformer Pilates class and test out some of the most popular brands to see which socks were really worth investing in. We roped in our Senior Health Editor, Ally Head, Fashion Writer Sofia Piza, Junior Shopping Editors Valeza Bakolli and Amelia Yeomans, and Writer, Grace Lindsay to give the socks a thorough test.

Keen to read more about how we test the products that make it into our buying guides? Make sure to check out our guide. Or, if you're after more Pilates-friendly clothing and accessories, our shopping guides are a great place to look - from Pilates leggings, tops and longline bras to the best unitards, we've got you covered.

For more Pilates inspiration, don't forget to check out our guides to Pilates for beginners, the best Pilates exercises, a spicy Pilates ab workout, plus the difference between Pilates and yoga. Trying Pilates at home? Shop our edit of the best at-home Reformer Pilates machines and the more budget-friendly Pilates sculpt bars, Pilates sliders and Pilates rings now.

Best Pilates socks quick links

• Sweaty Betty Barre Gripper Socks 2 Pack - £25 at Sweaty Betty
• Alo Yoga Pivot Barre Socks - £28 at Alo Yoga
• FASECKS Antiskid Socks - £9.98 at Amazon
• Alo Yoga Throwback Barre Sock - £38 at Alo Yoga

What did we look for when testing the best Pilates socks?

• Grip: Did they stop us from sliding around during our workout?
• Comfort: Were they comfortable to wear?
• Dryness: Were they sweat-wicking?
• Quality: Was the material sustainable and longlasting?
• Price: Were they affordable or an investment?

1. Most stylish Pilates socks

"I'm obsessed with Alo Yoga's trendy workout gear, and these socks further solidified this obsession. One of my biggest fears when doing Reformer Pilates is the thought of slipping. These socks have a very strong no slip grip (and cushioning!) throughout the sole that helped me feel comfortable whilst allowing me to fully concentrate on engaging my muscles rather than avoiding a fall. The design of these socks is also perfect for anyone who loves the ballet core aesthetic and, like me, loves a stylish workout sock moment." - Sofia Piza, Fashion Writer

"These are, hands down, the chicest pair of socks I own. They're incredibly soft, gently padded and offer brilliant grip during Pilates and barre workouts. One thing to note is that they come up a bit small, so I would suggest you size up if possible." - Valeza Bakolli, Junior Shopping Editor

2. Best basic Pilates socks

"Sure, these are technically Barre socks, but I've generally found that Barre and Pilates socks are the same, apart from the style. I much prefer the crew cut of the Barre design, and this option from Sweaty Betty is great - they're comfortable yet grippy and wash well, too."

"They're cosy, soft to the touch and really easy to throw on for any session. I've had mine for around a year now and they've always remained in place, never rolling down or slipping out of place, as well as offering a secure grip on both my mat and a Reformer machine. An investment, sure - but worth the money if you're a regular Pilates-goer, IMO." - Ally Head, Senior Health Editor

3. Best front band Pilates socks

"Another great and versatile option from Sweaty Betty, these Pilates socks have a slightly different design. They're a more traditional style, and a strap across the front of your foot to keep your socks in place. Having tested for a few years now, I rely on them as a fail-safe option for Pilates, Barre, or ballet-inspired workouts. The only downside of the design is that they're harder to roll up into a ball and store in your sock drawer than the standard crew cut sock design, but this wouldn't put me off buying again." - Ally Head, Senior Health Editor

4. Best Pilates socks from an independent retailer

"Reformer Lab have some really cute Pilates sock designs, and while they don't have my exact pair in stock right now, they do have a front-band alternative with a stylish blue print. These were my first ever pair of Pilates socks and they tick all of the right boxes - they're breathable, comfortable, anti-rub and was well, too." - Ally Head, Senior Health Editor

5. Most affordable Pilates socks

"For the price of these socks, I really wasn't expecting much, but I was pleasantly surprised. The balletcore-style design rivals that of much pricier brands and you get three pairs - in wearable pink, grey and black - for well under £10. The soles are comfortably padded, offering extra support, and the grippy soles are durable and effective. They do bobble a bit with repeat washes, but at this price, I'm really not complaining." - Valeza Bakolli, Junior Shopping Editor

6. Best high Pilates socks

"I was pleasantly surprised by these Amazon Pilates socks - again, a higher design than your traditional design but effective nonetheless. The grip was adequate and they washed well. That said, as they're a more budget price point that other iterations, they might not stand the test of time as well as other designs." - Ally Head, Senior Health Editor

7. Best next day delivery Pilates socks

"These affordable Pilates socks from Amazon are available with next-day delivery, meaning they're a great option if you need some socks stat and want to know you're investing in a trustworthy design. Made from 90% cotton and 10% spandex, the grip is good and they socks are soft, although I do prefer a higher design and did find they rolled down a touch." - Ally Head, Senior Health Editor

8. Best rated Pilates socks on Amazon

"These are the most highly-rated Pilates socks on Amazon, so it's safe to say I had big expectations. And they didn't disappoint - they're reasonably priced, come in a pack of four and stay soft after you wash them. They have a slightly cushioned sole, which I appreciated for my mat and Reformer Pilates classes, and a mesh upper which makes them more breathable than other options. I'd recommend." - Ally Head, Senior Health Editor

9. Best quality Pilates socks

"I was really pleasantly surprised by these Aoliks Pilates socks, available to buy on Amazon. Similar to the pair above, they're one of their best-rated designs on the site, with users complimenting their quality, design and breathability. When testing, I liked how soft they were, how well they washed, plus the fact they keep your feet both dry and comfortable." - Ally Head, Senior Health Editor

10. Best low Pilates socks

"These lululemon socks made my at-home Pilates class so much easier. I have wooden floors and even on my workout mat, I found my feet were sliding all over the place before trying these out. Do note - they don't have the grippy soles like the other socks in this round up, but their enhanced grip does work if you'd prefer socks you can also wear for running and weight training. One thing to note, my feet did get quite sweaty, so these might not be the best choice for more intense workouts." - Grace Lindsay, Writer

11. Best hybrid Pilates socks

"These socks from Alo Yoga might be a little dear, but tryst me, they're worth the higher price point. They're unbelievably soft, super grippy and have a fair amount of padding for added comfort. The main thing that draws me to these socks, though, is their unique shape. They have a ballet shoe-esque design, which connects to a leg warmer-style upper section. This serves the dual function of keeping your legs warm and giving it a balletcore aesthetic.

The upper section is super stretchy so it doesn't dig into my calves. If you're not a fan of the leg warmer style, you can wear them over or under leggings, I find this helps to prevent the sock from slipping down, which I find often happens with lower styles." - Valeza Bakolli, Junior Shopping Editor

12. Best coloured Pilates socks

"Pastel yet colourful, these grippy high length socks tick all the right boxes - they're comfortable to wear, wash well, and hold grip well on a Pilates bar or yoga mat. I also like that they're not too high - as someone who's 5 foot 2, they suited my leg length well without any crinkling around the ankles." - Ally Head, Senior Health Editor

13. Most comfortable Pilates socks

"After a pair of extra long Pilates socks? Look no further than these ones from Alo Yoga. Yes, they're on the pricey side, but as with all Alo Yoga products, you'll truly get what you pay for. I've tried a number of long Pilates socks in my time, and these are definitely the most comfortable - with a thick padding on the sole for extra cushioning - and a longline style that doesn't dig into my calves. They're also long enough that you can ruche them slightly for a more relaxed look without taking away from the longer sports socks style." - Valeza Bakolli, Junior Shopping Editor

14. Best everyday Pilates socks

"After spending an extortionate amount on one pair of Pilates socks at the first ever class I went to, I was desperate for a more affordable option. You get three pairs for less than £9 with these and I love the plain white pair for the colder months as they're long enough to keep my ankles warm. Plus, I can wear them after my class for running errands without losing any athleisure style points." - Amelia Yeomans, Junior Shopping Editor