Ankle vs Crew Grip Socks: Which Should You Choose?

If you've been shopping for grip socks and found yourself staring at ankle styles, crew styles and frilly styles wondering what the actual difference is, you're not alone. The grip on the sole is what makes them function, and all three styles grip the same way. The choice between them comes down to personal preference, how you train and what you want your socks to look like when you're in class.

Here's what you actually need to know to make the right call.

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The one thing all three styles have in common

Before getting into the differences, it's worth being clear on what doesn't change between styles. Ankle, crew and frilly grip socks all have the same full sole grip dots on the base of the sock, the same cotton and spandex blend, the same sizing and the same performance on the reformer carriage, the studio floor or the mat. Choosing a crew sock over an ankle sock doesn't give you more or less grip. The grip is identical. What changes is purely the height of the sock above the ankle and, in the case of the frilly style, the decorative finish at the top.

Ankle grip socks

Ankle grip socks sit just above the ankle bone, giving you the lowest profile option in the range. They're the most minimal looking style and the most popular choice for Reformer Pilates specifically, where people tend to prefer a clean, understated look that doesn't draw attention away from the rest of their kit.

Because they sit lower on the leg, ankle socks work well under tights and leggings without creating a visible bulk above the ankle cuff. If you wear full-length tights to class and you want your socks to stay out of sight, the ankle style is the one that disappears most naturally.

They're also the go-to choice for anyone who runs warm or trains in a heated studio, since there's less fabric covering the lower leg and more airflow around the ankle.

Ankle grip socks suit: Reformer Pilates, yoga, anyone who prefers a minimal look, anyone who trains in a heated environment, and anyone who wears full-length tights and doesn't want visible sock above the ankle.

Crew grip socks

Crew grip socks sit higher on the leg, typically mid-calf, and are the style most associated with the current Pilates aesthetic that has taken over Australian studios. If you've seen the socks that people photograph against their leggings for their post-class content, they're almost always crew height.

The higher cut gives the sock more visibility above the top of the shoe or the ankle cuff of tights, which is what makes them popular with anyone who wants their socks to be part of the outfit rather than hidden underneath it. They also provide a little more warmth around the lower leg, which makes them a more comfortable option for air-conditioned studios or anyone who trains in the early morning when the temperature hasn't yet climbed.

For barre specifically, crew socks are the more common choice. The style sits well with the aesthetic of barre classes and the higher cut pairs naturally with the leotard and tight combinations that barre tends to attract.

Crew grip socks suit: barre, anyone who wants their socks to be visible and part of the look, anyone training in a cool or air-conditioned studio, and anyone who prefers a bit more coverage and warmth around the ankle.

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Frilly grip socks

Frilly grip socks are crew height with a decorative frill at the top of the sock. The grip and performance underneath is exactly the same as the ankle and crew styles. The frill is purely aesthetic, and it's an aesthetic that has become genuinely popular in Australian Pilates studios over the last couple of years as the broader coquette and ballet-inspired trend has moved from fashion into activewear.

They look playful and deliberate, which is exactly the point. If you're someone who enjoys putting a considered outfit together for the studio, the frilly style is the version that makes the most of that. They're also one of the most popular gift choices in the Cheeky Winx range for exactly this reason: they feel like something the recipient might not have bought for themselves but immediately loves once they have them.

Frilly grip socks suit: anyone who leans into the Pilates aesthetic, barre, anyone looking for a grip sock that doubles as a statement, and anyone buying a gift for someone who trains regularly.

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Which style do most people buy?

Ankle and crew are the most popular styles overall, with ankle slightly ahead for Reformer Pilates specifically and crew more popular for barre and for anyone who wants their socks to show. Frilly socks have grown consistently in popularity as the studio aesthetic trend has built momentum in Australia, and they're now one of the most gifted styles in the range.

Many people end up with more than one style over time, mixing between ankle for certain sessions and crew or frilly for others depending on the outfit, the studio or the mood. Since the grip is identical across all three, there's no performance reason to commit to just one.

Does the style affect how long they last?

No. The durability of a grip sock comes from how well the grip dots are bonded to the sole and how well the sock is cared for between sessions, not from the height of the sock above the ankle. Ankle, crew and frilly styles all wash the same way and hold their grip for the same number of sessions when cared for correctly: cold machine wash inside out, no fabric softener, air dry rather than tumble dry.

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Frequently asked questions

Is there any performance difference between ankle and crew grip socks?

No. The grip on the sole is the same across all three styles in the Cheeky Winx range. Ankle, crew and frilly socks all have full sole grip dots and the same cotton and spandex blend. The choice between them is entirely personal.

Which grip sock style is best for Reformer Pilates?

Both ankle and crew styles work equally well for Reformer Pilates. Ankle socks are the more popular choice for people who prefer a minimal look, while crew socks are popular for anyone who wants their socks to show above their tights. The frilly style is also widely worn in studios across Australia and performs just as well on the reformer carriage.

Which grip sock style is best for barre?

Crew and frilly styles tend to be the most popular for barre because they're more visible and suit the aesthetic of barre classes. That said, ankle socks work perfectly well for barre from a performance standpoint. The style choice is personal.

Are frilly grip socks only for women?

The frilly style is predominantly worn by women, but the grip and performance underneath is the same as any other style. The choice comes down entirely to personal preference.

Can I wear crew grip socks to a Reformer Pilates studio that has a dress code?

Yes. Most Australian studios that have sock policies specify grip socks rather than a particular style. Ankle, crew and frilly grip socks all meet the standard grip sock requirement at virtually every studio in Australia.

Do Cheeky Winx grip socks come in the same designs across all three styles?

The range varies across styles, with different designs available in ankle, crew and frilly. Browse the full Cheeky Winx grip sock collection to see what's available in each style and find the design that works for you.

Whether you go for ankle, crew or frilly comes down to how you like your socks to look and how much coverage you want. The grip underneath is the same either way. Browse the full Cheeky Winx grip sock range and find the style and design worth wearing every session.