Improving flexibility and posture and boosting core strength are a few of the benefits of barre workouts. You’ll be relieved to know that you don’t need expensive footwear—or any kind of footwear—for this low-impact workout. Some studios may allow you to take a class barefoot, but a solid pair of slip-resistant barre socks can keep you balanced and centered while keeping sweat and moisture at bay.

Look for socks that fit snugly but aren’t too tight and have non-slip grips on the soles. We evaluated barre socks for our list based on their fit, material, cost, and the type of sock such as ankle socks or open-toed socks.

Reviewed & Approved

The QING Yoga Socks with Non-Slip Grips are our best overall choice for the full foot grips, straps to keep them in place, and their anti-bacterial feature. If you’re looking for a little more ankle coverage, the LA Active Grip Socks are a good bet.

Below, the best barre socks for your studio or at-home workouts.

Comfortable, affordable and cute, the Qing Yoga Socks with Non-Slip Grips are our top selection for barre class and beyond. Made from a combination of combed cotton and terry cloth, the socks feature ballet slipper-like straps that prevent the socks from sliding around on your feet and also let your feet breathe. The low-cut socks, available in sizes 6 to 10, also feature pebbly non-skid grips from heel to toe.

Best Overall

QING Yoga Socks with Non-Slip Grips

These socks will also reduce odor and bacteria due to the silver ion technology infused right into the fabric. People who own the Qing Outdoor Yoga Socks say that they are extremely comfortable and that the criss-cross straps keep the socks in place. One reviewer even reveals that her Pilates instructor says these are the best socks she’s ever seen.

Price at time of publication: $10

The classic ankle sock meets barre sock with the ultra-soft LA Active Grip Socks. The closed-toe socks protect the entire foot from blisters and bacteria, while the extra-strong PVC non-skid bottom provides superior traction. And whether you choose to wear the socks to workouts or pair them with sneakers, the thicker, flexible material with padded tabs at the heel ensures that they stay in place while you move about.

Best Ankle Sock

LA Active Grip Socks

Reviews of the LA Active Grip Socks say that the socks are comfortable and keep feet sweat-free. One person also mentions that the socks are great to wear with any shoes that feet slide around in, such as clogs.

Price at time of publication: $14

Some people find that they can get a better grip during poses when their toes are exposed, helping to increase balance and strength. If you’d prefer to let your toes free, try the ergonomically designed Ellaste Yoga Socks. Made to hug and contour the natural shape of the foot, the Ellaste socks feature skids that cover much of the surface area of the sock, allowing for maximum grip. Made from smooth bamboo fiber, the socks wick away sweat to keep feet free of odor. They’re available in women’s sizes 5 to 12 and men’s 4 to 11.

Best Open Toe

Ellaste Open Toe Yoga Socks

Reviewers say that the Ellaste Yoga Socks provide the perfect grip for stability and that the non-slip bottom feels comfortable, not bumpy. People also say that the toe openings are accommodating for all feet sizes and don’t feel tight.

If you like the sweet style of Mary Jane shoes, you’ll love the Cooque Yoga Socks. The socks feature a fashionable circular opening on the top of the foot while keeping the toes covered. They’re made from 100% premium cotton and absorb sweat to keep feet moisture-free while you exercise. And no slipping and sliding here thanks to grippy dots on the bottom of the sock. The socks come in a multicolor pack of four (black, pink, gray, and burgundy).

Best Mary Jane-Style

Cooque Yoga Socks

One reviewer raves that the socks have enhanced her training since she no longer slips on the hardwood floors. People also say that the style looks cute and that the socks (and the non-slip bottom) hold up well wash after wash.

Price at time of publication: $16

Show up to class in style with the Muezna Non-Slip Men’s Yoga Socks, which come in a pack of three (red, green, and blue). The cotton-spandex blend is breathable and absorbs sweat effectively while preventing odors. The bottom of the sock features 100% silicone anti-slip grips, which stay sticky even after numerous washes. And as a bonus, the socks arrive in a gift bag, which is perfect for using to store the socks before or after class.

Best for Men

Muezna Men’s Non-Slip Yoga Socks

People who own the Muezna Non-Slip Men’s Yoga Socks say that they are comfortable and great for yoga. One reviewer says that they purchased the socks for their father after he slipped while wearing regular socks and that he hasn’t slipped again since.

Price at time of publication: $17

Get the most for your money with the Dibaolong Women’s & Men’s Low-Cut Socks. The pack comes with six pairs of ankle socks in a one-size-fits-most sizing. Made from cotton, nylon, and spandex, the yarn is antibacterial to nix odor and wicking to keep feet dry and comfortable. The socks also feature non-slip dots to keep you stable during your workouts.

Best Pack

DIBAOLONG Ankle No Show Athletic Short Cotton Socks

People who own the Dibaolong Women’s & Men’s Low-Cut Socks say that the socks stretch to fit all feet sizes and that they are also comfortable with shoes—the no-show style ensures that they don’t peek out from sneakers. Reviewers also say that the socks’ non-slip grips are effective and prevent them from sliding about, whether while performing yoga or walking around the home. They’re also a great buy for those who do yoga or barre a few times a week since you won’t need to constantly do laundry to have a clean pair on hand. 

Price at time of publication: $22

What to Look for in Barre Socks

Fit

You don’t want socks that are too thick or you could experience blistering and sweaty feet. Socks shouldn’t slide down your feet during class; they need to stay snug on your feet or you risk falling during the movements.

Final Verdict

Material

Thick cotton socks make it difficult to move and point your feet; these sock types could impede the ballet-like movements you conduct during class. Look for socks that contain a percentage of spandex, which allow you to bend and flex your feet. The bottoms should contain some kind of grip or non-slip material as well.

Price

Trying on socks before purchase isn’t easy, and you might need to hope for the best when shopping. So a lower price or a generous return policy is helpful.

Why Trust Verywell Fit

Rachel Morris is a freelance health and wellness writer and content consultant. She is also a former editor of Dr. Oz The Good Life magazine, Woman’s Day, and Weight Watchers. She has six years of experience in the health and wellness journalism world.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can you do a barre class without barre socks?
  • Some studios may require or recommend socks; almost all will not allow shoes. If you’re working out at home, it’s up to you if you want to go barefoot or wear socks or shoes. But both in studio and at home, grippy socks can help you have a safe, enjoyable workout. These socks have special grips or stickies on the bottom that prevent you from slipping.
  • What are the benefits of barre socks?
  • Aside from the sticky bottoms that help provide traction, many barre socks also have open toes. Some people find that they can get a better grip during poses when their toes are exposed, helping to increase balance and strength. People also say that the toe openings are accommodating for all feet sizes and don’t feel tight.
  • What are some other uses for barre socks?
  • Some people use barre socks to practice yoga. They may also be helpful for older people, or anyone with balance issues, who is at risk of slipping and falling.
  • Can barre socks be worn with shoes?
  • Barre socks can be worn with shoes if you find them comfortable. Closed-toe barre socks might feel better with shoes than open-toe socks. Try barre socks with shoes that have slick insoles, such as clogs, to prevent your feet from sliding inside the shoe.
  • How do I know what size barre sock to buy?
  • Most barre socks are sized according to your shoe size. It may help to check reviews to see if buyers of the socks you’re considering find them to be true to size.

Some studios may require or recommend socks; almost all will not allow shoes. If you’re working out at home, it’s up to you if you want to go barefoot or wear socks or shoes. But both in studio and at home, grippy socks can help you have a safe, enjoyable workout. These socks have special grips or stickies on the bottom that prevent you from slipping.

Aside from the sticky bottoms that help provide traction, many barre socks also have open toes. Some people find that they can get a better grip during poses when their toes are exposed, helping to increase balance and strength. People also say that the toe openings are accommodating for all feet sizes and don’t feel tight.

Some people use barre socks to practice yoga. They may also be helpful for older people, or anyone with balance issues, who is at risk of slipping and falling.

Barre socks can be worn with shoes if you find them comfortable. Closed-toe barre socks might feel better with shoes than open-toe socks. Try barre socks with shoes that have slick insoles, such as clogs, to prevent your feet from sliding inside the shoe.

Most barre socks are sized according to your shoe size. It may help to check reviews to see if buyers of the socks you’re considering find them to be true to size.