Our Standard

We didn’t start VAL&MI to make another grip sock. We started it because as both an instructor and students ourselves, we’ve worked in them every day, and we’ve felt exactly where they fall short. There’s a clear gap between socks that look good and socks that actually support the way the body moves. We wanted to close that gap. Because when something is mandatory in the studio, it shouldn’t feel like a compromise, it should enhance the practice.

What we’ve experienced, and why it matters

  • Most grip socks aren’t designed with left and right in mind. Your feet don’t function the same way, so why are they treated the same?

  • Grip placement is often generic, not intentional. The outer edge of the foot, where you need stability most in movements like side planks, is often under-supported

  • Many advanced movements were originally taught barefoot, but with hygiene standards in studios today, grip socks are required and they haven’t evolved to meet that standard.

  • As instructors this changes how we teach. There are movements we hold back on, not because clients aren’t capable but because their foundation isn’t supported

What we’re doing differently

  • Left and right-specific construction, built around how each foot actually functions

  • Grip placed where it’s needed anatomically.

  • Extended grip along the outer edge for lateral stability

  • Grip across the top of the metatarsals to support advanced movements (like snake and twist)

  • Targeted grip around the big toe and pinky toe for control in footwork and pelvic curls

  • Higher heel grip for stability through hip work and alignment during spinal articulation

  • Providing buyers with a VAL&MI laundry bag for the socks with careful washing instructions to keep longevity & integrity of the grip

The Goal

To create a sock that performs better than barefoot. Because when your foundation is supported, everything changes, your confidence, your alignment, and your practice.

“When grip fails, confidence drops. And when confidence drops your alignment suffers, increasing the risk of injury.” - Mimi (Co-founder & Pilates Instructor)

  • “You can feel when a sock isn’t supporting the movement. It changes everything.”

    —Lina (Pilates instructor)

  • “As a studio owner, I know they’re mandatory for hygiene but they’ve never truly replaced the control of being barefoot.”

    —Humera (Owner of Erah Pilates)

  • "I feel like the grip wears out so fast I can’t rely on them anymore."

    —Yasmin (Pilates & Lagree Client)