Why Do We Wear Gripped Socks in Barre Class?

Gripped socks are used in barre class similar to the way ballet shoes or slippers are used in dance class. Most obviously, gripped socks provide a cushion for your foot, and aid your ability to grip the floor. Some brands, such as the Great Soles we feature in studio, also have compression around the arch of the foot, for added support. The cotton fibers of the sock, cushion your metatarsals while you are exercising on the balls of your feet, or when balancing on one foot. The tiny rubber "grippers" on the sole of the sock help your toes to grip the floor, allowing your muscles to stabilize and work (ideally) to fatigue. These seemingly innocuous features are actually very important in maintaining the comfort and protection of your foot during weight bearing exercises.

If your feet are slipping around, not only will your body not be capable of working to its fullest potential, but you will be compromising your safety - especially if the studio floor is not padded or carpeted (our studio has wood flooring).

Gripped socks provide a level of sanitary protection as well. While we all know what it is like to have stinky or itchy feet, we don’t want those types of issues (or infections!) on our hands, face or chest. Socks cover the skin of your feet and the skin of your neighbor’s feet. Think about it… kinda icky.

As an aside, but on the topic of health and hygiene: Shore Barre also uses antimicrobial (an agent that kills microorganisms) mats , and we clean the barres and ALL equipment between EVERY class. 

All the call outs on our website, class descriptions, and purchase receipts that we are a "gripped socks required studio" are intended to encourage or remind you to bring your own. We also understand you may be visiting Shore Barre just once during your vacation, and maybe you didn't bring a pair, and don't want to buy any either. As a courtesy, we do keep a clean pair or, THREE;), as pictured above, in the studio. While we do our best to accommodate, please note loaners are on a first come, first served basis.

We sell Great Soles socks, exclusively, at Shore Barre, because they're a brand we feel really good about, and know you will too! Great Soles is a WOMAN OWNED company, and donates a portion of the profits from the sale of their products, to aid in cancer research and education (You can read more here: https://www.great-soles.com/pages/company-commitment). Priced $14 - $16 a pair, the socks are lightweight, durable, and of course... available in fun colors and styles. ​