Buying guide for best yoga socks
Yoga is an excellent way to improve your strength, balance, and flexibility. Though it’s challenging on a good day, it can be even more so if you’re constantly slipping around on your mat. This is an especially common issue if you enjoy hot yoga. Fortunately, there’s a simple solution to this problem: yoga socks.
Yoga socks are designed with special grips on the bottom so you can move easily through poses without sliding around. The best yoga socks are breathable and fit like a second skin, but there are also socks on the market that fall down, stretch out, or don’t work as well as advertised.
Considerations
Size
Yoga socks are usually available in unisex sizing, ranging from extra-small to large. The manufacturer should note how this correlates with shoe size, so you can easily find the size that’s right for you. If you have very large or very small feet, you may need to do a little more research to find a pair of yoga socks that will fit you.
Fit
Some yoga socks are stretchier than others, and this can impact how well they fit. If you get a pair with too much stretch, they may grow baggy over time and begin to fall off your feet. On the other hand, if you choose yoga socks with no stretch at all, they may be too tight and restrict your movement or cut into your feet. Before purchasing yoga socks, it’s a smart idea to figure out how much the socks stretch and whether they tend to run large or small or true to size.
Grip
Extra grip is the main reason people seek yoga socks in the first place, but not all yoga socks deliver on this promise. The best yoga socks will have some sort of grippy material across the entire bottom of the sock, though other yoga socks only have grips on the balls and heels of the feet. This shouldn’t be an issue for most yoga poses, but if you want the maximum grip possible, you may find you’re better off going with socks with grips across the entire sole.
Material
The majority of yoga socks are made of cotton, bamboo, or a similar material. These fabrics are breathable, so your feet won’t sweat excessively while working out. It’s important to pay attention to the fabric when choosing yoga socks — it also gives you an indication of how much stretch the socks will have and whether they may shrink or lose their shape when placed in the wash.
Washing instructions
It’s always wise to check the tags on yoga socks to be sure there are no special washing instructions. You should also check customer reviews to see if there are complaints about the socks you’re interested in shrinking or falling apart in the wash. If shrinkage is a concern for you, you may prefer to wash the socks in the washing machine and then allow them to air dry.
Thickness
Yoga socks, like regular socks, vary in thickness. If grip is your primary concern, you could probably get by with a thinner pair of socks. Thin socks are also the better choice if you’re going to use them for hot yoga. If your feet have a tendency to get cold while doing yoga, you may prefer thicker socks that will keep your feet warm while giving you some extra grip on your mat.
Style
Yoga socks are available in a variety of colors, patterns, and styles. Some yoga socks cover your entire foot, while others have open toes and sometimes open tops. When choosing the right style for you, consider what feels the most comfortable and what types of yoga you’ll be doing. You may prefer to leave more skin exposed if you’re going to be doing hot yoga. You may prefer socks that cover your entire foot if having your toes stick out feels uncomfortable to you.
Money-back guarantee
A few yoga sock manufacturers offer a money-back guarantee if you aren’t satisfied after you the socks, which is a nice option if you’re unsure how you will like them. However, it’s important to understand the terms of the money-back guarantee before you purchase the socks. You may only have a limited amount of time to take advantage of it, or there may be other rules stipulating who qualifies for the guarantee.
Yoga sock prices
Yoga socks range in price from $8 to $22 per pair, with most falling in the $10 to $12 range.
Because the majority of yoga socks are made from similar materials, a more expensive sock isn’t necessarily an indicator of a superior product.
If you plan to use your yoga socks often, you may prefer to purchase them in packs so you don’t need to wash them as often. If you only use them on occasion, you may be fine purchasing an individual pair or two.
"Bamboo yoga socks can help to fight bacteria while also wicking sweat away from your skin."
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Tips
Try washing your yoga socks inside out and on a gentle cycle to help ensure their longevity.
You should only wear your yoga socks while you are doing yoga (and not during other parts of your day) if you want them to last. Once you’re finished with your workout, take them off and switch to regular socks.
Yoga socks aren’t just great for yoga. They can also be used for ballet and Pilates.
If you’ve invested in a good pair of yoga socks and are still sliding around on your mat, you may need to invest in a non-slip yoga mat as well.
FAQ
Q. How do I know what size yoga socks to buy?
A. The manufacturer should include a size chart that indicates which sock sizes fit which shoe sizes. If you’re in between two sizes, it’s usually best to go with the size up.
Q. Is there a difference in the effectiveness of toeless and closed-toed yoga socks?
A. No, both types can work equally well for improving grip and balance in difficult yoga poses. It’s all a matter of which type feels the most comfortable to you.
Q. Are yoga socks hygienic?
A. Yes, most yoga socks are breathable, so they wick moisture away from your feet and don’t breed fungi. They also provide a barrier between your feet and the floor to protect you against any bacteria or fungi that may be present within your workout space. This is an especially useful feature if you take public yoga classes where a number of people are working out at the same time or may be sharing yoga mats.
