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Practicing yoga is an excellent way to improve your balance. Since most of us don’t arrive at our mats already able to hold complex balancing poses like dancer or tree, we experience a lot of wobbling and slipping as we grow in our practice. If you want to feel more stable as you learn yoga, having the right equipment can give you that extra support you need. One such (often overlooked) item is a pair of yoga socks.
Do You Need Yoga Socks?
Yoga socks are non-slip socks that have grips on their soles. These small but mighty features are what help you be able to find greater stability in your poses. The grips create traction with your yoga mat, so your feet won’t slip out of place when you’re holding a pose.
Since yoga socks are for exercise, they’re made with lightweight, breathable fabrics. Some of the best yoga socks are toeless too, giving your feet more room to breathe while also letting you better utilize the natural gripping power of your toes.
Yoga Socks Buying Guide
There are a couple things to keep in mind when shopping for the best yoga socks online. First, you’ll have to decide if toe-less socks or traditional socks are the best styles for your needs. Toe-less socks give you the advantage of more grip control (and breathability as your digits are constrained), but some people prefer traditional socks for hygienic reasons. If you’re using borrowed yoga mats from a studio, or have other concerns about bacteria exposure, then you might find greater peace of mind working with yoga socks that cover your whole foot.
You’ll also want to take note of the sock material. While wool socks are great for staying warm and cozy, yoga socks function more for performance rather than warmth. The goal here is to give your feet a good grip and room to breathe — not insulate you, which will make you sweaty and uncomfortable. Look for lightweight, breathable materials when shopping for yoga socks.
What Are the Best Yoga Socks?
No matter your style preferences, we’ve rounded up some of the best yoga socks that you can buy only, to help you find more balance — literally — in your practice.
