Yoga socks are different than regular socks because they have a “sticking” quality. While yoga typically does not involve any special equipment, clothing or machinery, some who practice it use some things, like yoga socks to aid their experience. Some staunch traditionalists are adamant that students not wear shoes or socks as that will interfere with proper balance and placement. Others, however, argue that the use of special accouterments help to target, tone, and strengthen certain regions of the body. Foam blocks, for example, are used under the hands to help extend a posture to those with limited movement.

To the layperson yoga may appear to simply be a practice in stretching. In fact, it is much more, including the development of flexibility, muscle strength, and balance. New yoga students will find the proper balance required in yoga to be difficult. Even seasoned students, who attempt more difficult positions will find balance a difficult task. As a result, some yoga practitioners find that wearing yoga socks helps reduce the number of slips and falls one make experience.

Yoga socks are designed to simulate a bare foot feeling. There are several styles of yoga socks. Some are ankle height socks while others extend up past the ankle. Some have individual toe sections, much like a glove, with the toes either enclosed or hanging out freely. Other yoga sock designs have the sock end just before the toes and allow that part of the foot to move freely. Still others have the heel exposed as well. On the bottom of all styles of yoga socks, however, is some amount of a rubber gripping material.

Several yoga sock manufacturers claim to have perfected the gripping capabilities and also guarantee that no bumps should be felt through the fabric. Regardless, the non-slip, and some wearers would say, "sticky" sole, gives confidence to those practitioners with lesser balance.

Other fans of yoga socks claim that they reduce the danger of injury by providing a warm surrounding for stretched muscles. Typically made of 100 percent natural cotton, and sometimes bamboo, they reduce moisture like yoga gloves and help keep feet clean and free of blisters. Yoga socks can be purchased on the Internet or through catalogs but now may be found in athletic stores and specialty shops.