If you’re looking for reliable grip socks for Pilates, these Big W finger anti-slip socks might be tempting. But I think you will agree with me that their affordable price is negated by their poor performance.
Key Takeaways:
- Big W Pilates socks provide reasonable comfort but lack the grip that good-quality socks should provide (especially for reformer).
- The toe fingers might not fit everyone.
- They are only available in a pack of six but their unit cost is good.
Our Review of Big W's Pilates Socks
In our assessment, we focused on the quality, variety of designs, and value for cost in the Pilates socks selection.
Materials and how they feel
Made from cotton and spandex, these fingered grip socks feel satisfactory without being amazing. The material is soft and stretchy to an extent and provides relatively decent support around the heel and arch.
However, the fingered toes and support band do feel a bit alien compared to better Pilates socks. The socks were intended to provide your toes with a bit more movement, but some did not adequately fit my toes. This was rather annoying as it was in the back of my mind during a Pilates class. Here's a comparison of Big W's Pilates socks against our low-rise grip socks, which are made with 80% Cotton, 19% Polyester, and 2% Spandex.
A strange design and style
I honestly don’t like how they look. Given the support strap and fingered toes, it appears that the design is intended for a combination of barre and ballet users.
The six colours in the pack are okay but not impressive, and they do little to compensate for the strange style. In contrast, our Pilates sock are designed in Australia to match popular active wear brands, such as our Midnight Black Crew and Pearl White Grip Sock.
A moderate grip that could be improved
With different sizes of PVC glue pads on the soles and toes, the socks offer a moderate amount of grip and stability. However, like its strange design, this category falls over as well just like their Kmart sock cousins.
There is a lack of grip pads underneath the arch of your foot and they could have put more pads around the side to really increase stability. The grip pads on the toes are a nice thought but they are too small to provide any worthwhile utility.
Wear and tear after multiple washes
After several rounds of washing, the socks maintained their form, traction, and flexibility. There were few noticeable indications of use, indicating that they can endure regular Pilates sessions without significant decline.
Price Comparison
In terms of unit cost, these Big W yoga socks are cheaper than grip socks at Target - so much so that it feels like a case of quantity over quality…and I prefer quality.
Nevertheless, the seemingly attractive price of $34.95 for a six-pack of grip socks doesn’t seem worth the investment if you’re looking to do Pilates, barre, or yoga for the long haul. Instead of buying over and over again, you might as well purchase high-quality but affordable crew grip socks.
Longevity versus Cost
Given their more affordable cost per unit, the durability seen suggests that Big W's Pilates socks are a budget-friendly option for enthusiasts looking for longevity. But while these socks may last longer (and putting their strange look aside), I’m concerned about their performance. Do you really want to slip and fall over on a reformer carriage?
Consumer Feedback and Reviews
We didn’t find any reviews on this product on the Big W website which is potentially a worry. At $34.95 for a six-pack, it is a high price to pay to trial them yourself and it’s a shame they aren’t available in singles or a two-pack.
