Battle of the Barre Socks: A Sticky Sock Review

If you’ve followed my blog for a while now, you know that I am addicted to barre classes.

And for those of you that aren’t familiar with barre class, studios typically require you to wear socks, preferably sticky or grippy socks. Why? Well, for starters they certainly help you balance. Since you spend a lot of time on your toes, the grippy socks prevent you from slipping and sliding as you squat, tuck, plank and bend. Beyond that, some studios require socks for sanitary reasons. It’s just for your protection.

Since barre socks aren’t something people typically have in their sock drawer, you’ll need to invest in a pair or two (or more if you are like me and wear them around your house to prevent sliding on your wood floors). But here’s the thing.There are tons of options out there! Different styles, colors, types, you name it!

Many barre studios sell their own brands of sticky socks. There’s also other brands that specialize in sticky socks. Big thanks to the folks at SimplyWORKOUT that sent me a selection of socks to review for all of you! In total, I tested 5 pairs and evaluated design, material, price and more to help you choose the best bang for your buck.

*I should mention that in order to preserve the sticky-ness of your socks, I’d turn them inside out and either hand wash or wash on the delicate cycle, then hang to air dry. Also, I am a size 9 to 9.5 and all of these socks fit me well.

And…many of these socks are also on sale!  So be sure to grab a pair before prices go up August 7th.

Barre Girl: Mary Jane Double Strap Grip Socks
Cost: $17.  Purchase here. Comes in green, black, pink, blue.
Size: One Size (6-9.5)
Materials/Description: 85% cotton, 10% polyester, 5% elastic. Low-rise grip sock and PVC grips. Cross straps with soft elastic and a fitted heel.
Type of Class/Workout: The Barre Code streaming: Brawl session
What I Thought: These socks are ballerina inspired with the fun elastic detail. While there were plenty of rather thick grips on the bottom, I felt like the socks were thinner compared to others. I tested these socks in a rather high intensity workout with lots of jumping and lunging (on both carpet and wood floors) and several of the grips fell off. I’d imagine they’d be perfectly fine for a standard barre class though.

GreatSoles: Ombre Grip Socks
Cost: regularly $12, on sale for $9! Comes in blue and pink. Purchase here.
Size: One size
Materials/Description: 75% Cotton | 23% Polyester | 2% Elastane. Full coverage ankle socks in pink ombre effect.
Type of Class/Workout: Barre and Beyond Studio: barre class
What I Thought: These socks had a nice amount of thickness/cushion to it without making my feet overheat. The grips were nice and sticky and helped me stay put on the carpeted studio floor and on the mats. And I love the ombre coloring- so unique!

Barre Socks: After This Brunch Grip Socks
Cost: regularly $12, on sale for $9! Purchase here.
Size: One size
Materials/Description: Organic bamboo cotton blend with antimicrobial cotton. Repels odor & allergens. Triple reinforced heel, padded foot sole for extra comfort, elastic arch support for compression & functionality.
Type of Class/Workout: The Barre Code streaming: The Barre Code
What I Thought: The padded ankle on this sock is fantastic. Perfect when you are stretching with your feet on the bar to make your heel/ankle comfortable. And I totally appreciate reading my socks as I move up an inch and down an inch, shaking away knowing brunch is on the horizon :-) The socks are nice and thick, from the heel to the foot sole. And the arch support is really nice- I definitely felt it versus other socks. The grips weren’t super grippy during my carpeted workout, but they still performed well.

Shashi: Star Grip Socks
Cost: Regularly $18, on sale for $16. Purchase here. Comes in black, rose, nude, purple, charcoal and coral.
Size: Shoe size S/M  5.5-7.5 OR M/L  8-10
Materials/Description: Low rise ankle socks with mesh see through upper with sparkly sequins.
Type of Class/Workout: Barre and Beyond Studio: barre class
What I Thought: I had a pair of these in black and absolutely adored them. The pink doesn’t disappoint either. Every time I wear these to class, I get compliments! Just call me twinkle toes :-) While they aren’t the thickest socks, the grips are solid while I was on carpet and mats, and the mesh upper gives my feet nice breath-ability. Major bonus points for being so cute too.

Pointe Studio: Josie Grip Socks
Cost: Regularly $12, on sale for $10. Purchase here. Comes in black, gray and charcoal.
Size: Shoe size S/M  5-7.5 OR M/L  7.5-10
Materials/Description: 65% Cotton, 30% Polymide, 3% Spandex, 2% Elastic. Open, light, and barely there, this socks features a mary jane style silhouette, open foot, and full foot silicone grip.
Type of Class/Workout: Barre and Beyond Studio: TRX barre class
What I Thought: Looks-wise, the mary jane style is fun and unique compared to standard barre socks. The grips on these were excellent, as I used them on a carpeted surface (jumping quite a bit too, sweating buckets by the way), on yoga mats and slider discs. Loved the extra padding at the ankle too- no slipping off my ankle with the extra fabric. Socks were a nice thickness too.

Thanks to SimplyWORKOUT for letting me put these to the test! They have TONS of barre socks and apparel- check them out!  And remember- the sale prices go back up on August 7 so stock up now!

What are your favorite brands of barre socks? Please share!

This post was in collaboration with SimplyWorkout. I received these socks from them, but all opinions are my own. Links to the socks are affiliate links, so if you purchase by clicking through to it, I will earn a small commission. Thanks for supporting the brands that support me!