I know, I know: You can’t even really see workout socks—especially the low-rise, invisible ones that are all the rage these days—so who the F cares what they look? Visibility aside, the socks you’re wearing to your workout are actually just as important as the sneakers they’re hiding inside. “You want something that’s going to have an incredible grip, keep you in place, keep your feet safe and allow you to push your workout,” says Kirsten Hansen, marketing director of workout sock brand Tavi Noir, noting that different activities require different socks for peak performance. “For barre and Pilates, a grip sock is essential for balance, hygiene, and added performance on a ballet barre or Pilates reformer. For spinning, HIIT, strength training, running, or boot camp, you’ll need a sport sock.”
And while it may be tempting (especially on laundry day), it’s important to use actual workout socks for your workouts instead of expecting your everyday pair to work double duty. “A sport sock should be made out of a moisture-wicking fabric and have vents to keep the sock breathable,” says Hansen, noting that this is particularly important for HIIT, cardio, and strength training workouts. And as any barre or Pilates class regular knows, mat-heavy workouts require those little grippy dots on the bottom to help you stick your landings.
Ready to restock your sock drawer? We rounded up the best “secret” workout socks (because, let’s be honest, no one has wanted to rock the high-rise version since the late ’80s) to help you step into your fitness fashion-meets-function future.
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