Hip-Hop, Lyrical Dance, & More: How to Choose the Right Dance Socks for Every Style

Selecting the right dance socks can make a noticeable difference in your performance on the dance floor. The right pair of socks for dancers can also provide the flexibility, grip, and fit you need to execute each step with ease, enabling you to stay in control throughout every routine.
Whether you’re looking for socks for a dance class or a performance, here's how to pick the best dance socks for your preferred style.

What Are Dance Socks?

Dance socks refer to socks made to improve a dancer’s overall stability, balance, comfort, and performance. In general, dance socks are typically thinner than regular socks to enhance the dancer's connection to the floor, feature additional padding in high-impact areas for injury prevention, and are made with moisture-wicking materials to keep feet dry. 
Since dancers tend to have different preferences regarding grip strength, you can find dance socks with non-slip features for great control and others that don’t include them to allow for smoother sliding moves. 

What Styles of Dance Are General Dance Socks Good For?

Dance socks are ideal for a variety of dance styles, including contemporary, jazz, lyrical, tap, modern, and salsa. However, they’re not ideal for ballet or Irish dancing, as these styles often have dress code requirements and use more specialized socks (e.g., you need poodle socks for Irish dancing).

5 Tips for Picking the Best Dance Socks

While dance socks are generally suitable for most styles of dance, they can vary in quality, materials, and features. Whether you’re looking for hip-hop dance socks or lyrical dance socks, knowing what qualities to look for can ensure you find a sock you’ll love. Here are five tips to help you choose the best dance socks for most styles:

1. Look for Breathable, Non-Absorbent Fabrics

Some dancers prefer cotton socks due to their softness and breathability. Part of the reason for cotton’s popularity in dance socks is due to the heat of synthetic materials. For example, a sock made of synthetic fabric, such as polyester, will trap heat and cause the feet to sweat more.
While cotton is more breathable than commonly used synthetic materials, cotton’s major downside is that cotton absorbs water and doesn’t wick away moisture like polyester. Despite its breathability, cotton absorbs all your sweat, resulting in soggy feet while you dance.
Instead of going with a synthetic or cotton sock, you can get the best of both worlds by choosing a dance sock made with Merino wool. Unlike regular wool that traps heat and can feel itchy, Merino wool is incredibly breathable, soft, and naturally moisture-wicking. Typically, a sock made with a mix of Merino wool and polyester will excel at wicking away moisture without sacrificing breathability, keeping your feet cool and dry while you dance.

2. Consider Grip Strength

If your dance style involves intricate footwork, consider socks with non-slip grips for added traction. These features are particularly useful for controlling movement in fast-paced styles and executing precise movements with your heel. For example, hip-hop socks or jazz socks tend to feature non-slip grips to help dancers maintain control over their feet while they perform a heel twist or make a precise turn.
However, if your dance style requires a lot of sliding or turning, you may want to avoid non-slip grips for easier gliding or faster turns. Keep in mind that grip strength often comes down to personal preference, so you may want to give each option a try to decide what’s best for you.

3. Pay Attention to Length

Sock length plays an important role in dance style. Longer socks are typically preferred for hip-hop and tap dance, while ankle socks are more common for ballet, jazz, and lyrical styles. Choose the length that best suits your dance style and footwear. If you dance competitively or perform with a group, make sure that there aren’t any requirements for sock length.

4. Check for Cushioning and Thickness

Cushioning is important for high-impact styles like tap and hip-hop, where shock absorption helps protect your feet from strain. When dancing without shoes, a thicker sock will provide added protection. Look for padding in high-impact areas like the heel and toes. 

Contemporary and Jazz Styles
Thin socks are best for styles like contemporary and jazz styles, where precise footwork is essential. 

Tap Dance
If you wear tight footwear while you perform, a thin sock will be best that will fit more easily in your shoes or flats. Keep in mind that tap shoes are fairly tight. 

Hip Hop Dance
When you dance with footwear that offers a bit more room, a thicker sock with additional cushioning is best for preventing blisters and reducing the risk of injury. 
A thicker construction tends to work best for hip-hop dance socks as the moves require lots of bouncing that put strain on your feet. 

5. Avoid Socks That Are Too Loose or Too Tight

Socks that are too tight can restrict movement and cause discomfort, while loose socks may slip down and create distractions (or even cause you to trip!). Make sure your socks fit snugly without being constricting, giving you the freedom to dance without interference.

What To Look for in Ballet Socks

While general dance socks are great for most styles, they’re not usually recommended for ballet. Like general dance socks, ballet socks should be breathable, fit snugly around the feet and ankles, and feature moisture-wicking materials like Merino wool, polyester, or nylon. 
However, unlike standard dance socks that usually only come in a full-foot construction, ballet socks come in either a full-foot or convertible style. If you want greater precision in your footwork, consider convertible ballet socks, which leave your toes and heels exposed, providing a closer connection with the ground. Full-foot socks, however, offer more protection and comfort for longer practice sessions.

Do You Need to Wear Socks While You Dance?

While dancing with socks isn’t strictly necessary for most dance styles, they’re usually recommended for hygienic and injury-prevention purposes. 
Barefoot dancing has some benefits, including enabling more natural movements and providing greater sensory feedback, which improves balance and control. However, dancing with socks protects your feet from injuries and allows for smoother gliding movements. Socks also provide a barrier between your feet and contaminants on the floor, enhancing comfort.

Find Your Next Favorite Pair of Dance Socks at Wrightsock

If you’re looking for dance socks, Wrightsock can help. Our wide selection of single-layer and double-layer socks makes it easy to find a sock perfect for your dance style, footwear, and unique needs. 
Our double-layer socks’ unique design neutralizes heat, friction, and moisture (the three main causes of blisters). Our thinner, single-layer cushion socks are best suited for dance styles that involve tighter footwear, as they provide extra cushioning without being bulky.
Browse our light cushion socks and double-layer options today!