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I Tried 8 Yoga Mats So You Don't Have To, These Actually Grip
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items Sliding forward in downward dog is not the vibe. If your hands slip the second you start sweating and you've already tried laying a towel over a cheap mat, this list is for you. Took me months of testing (and one embarrassing face-plant in class) to ...
Sections
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Non-Slip Mats for Hot Yoga and Sweaty Palms
Thick Mats That Protect Sore Knees
Lightweight Mats for People Always Rushing to Class
Eco-Friendly Mats for the Sustainability-Minded Yogi
Extra Long Mats for Taller Practitioners
Travel-Friendly Mats That Fold or Roll Thin
Non-Slip Mats for Hot Yoga and Sweaty Palms
I used to bring a towel to every class because my mat turned into a slip-n-slide ten minutes in. These actually get grippier when wet, which felt like witchcraft the first time.
Grab this if your hands slide forward in every single warrior pose. The alignment lines are a bonus, but honestly the grip alone sold me. Went from wiping my palms every 30 seconds to holding crow for the first time.
Liforme Classic Yoga Mat
Toss this in your carry-on and stop borrowing studio mats that smell like someone else's feet. Natural rubber grips hard even when damp. Perfect for anyone who travels more than twice a month.
Manduka EKO SUPERlite Travel Thin Foldable Yoga Mat
Use this if you run hot but don't want to spend $100. The moisture-wicking top layer actually works. Bought one for my sister who kept complaining about slipping, and she hasn't mentioned it since.
Performance Longer/Wider Dry-Grip Yoga Mat (5mm)
Pair this with a hot yoga class and watch it perform. The microfiber surface locks in when your sweat hits it. Way cheaper than the big-name alternatives and honestly just as sticky underfoot.
Body Glove
Thick Mats That Protect Sore Knees
My knees started aching during every lunge and kneeling pose around age 32. A thicker mat changed everything without making me feel wobbly in standing poses.
Keep this one around if your knees protest every time you drop into a low lunge. The 10mm cushion is noticeable from day one. For anyone over 30 whose joints are starting to have opinions.
Gaiam Essentials Thick 10mm Yoga Mat with Easy-Cinch Carrier Strap
Snag this before your next floor session. Costs less than lunch and the cushioning is surprisingly legit. Brought mine to a park workout and my friend immediately ordered one from her phone.
BalanceFrom, All-Purpose 1/2-Inch Extra Thick High
Switch to this if you practice on hardwood floors and feel every bone in your knee cap. Dense foam that doesn't bottom out. Rolled mine out in my living room and it basically lives there now.
Customer reviews for Hemingweigh Yoga Mat Thick
Try this if you bounce between yoga and Pilates and don't want two separate mats. Thick enough for ab work on hard floors, grippy enough for sun salutations. Comes with a carrying strap which is a nice touch.
ProsourceFit Extra Thick Yoga and Pilates Mat 1" (25mm)
Lightweight Mats for People Always Rushing to Class
Hauling a heavy mat six blocks to the studio after work was killing my motivation. These weigh almost nothing and still perform where it counts.
Grab this if you walk or bike to class and dread carrying a heavy roll. Under 3 pounds and the surface texture grips bare feet really well. Perfect for someone just starting out who doesn't want to overthink it.
Wash & Refresh Yoga Mat Cleaning Spray
Toss this in a tote bag instead of strapping a rolled mat to your back like a yoga turtle. Folds flat, fits in a gym locker. Saved me on days I squeezed class in between meetings.
Gaiam Foldable Yoga Mat 68" 2mm
Use this if you want something lightweight that doesn't feel flimsy. Good density for the weight, and the colors are actually nice, not just boring grey. My roommate stole mine so I had to buy a second.
Retrospec Solana Yoga Mat 1" Thick w/Nylon Strap
Swap this in for your bulky mat on days you just can't be bothered. Reversible so you get two textures in one. Light enough that I actually bring it places instead of making excuses to skip.
CAP Yoga Reversible Yoga Mat, 5mm with Carry Strap
Eco-Friendly Mats for the Sustainability-Minded Yogi
Practicing mindfulness on a mat made of PVC felt contradictory. Found these natural and recycled options that grip just as well without the guilt.
Get this if you care about where your mat ends up after you're done with it. Natural rubber, made in the US, and they plant a tree for each one sold. Grips like crazy on bare feet. No chemical smell out of the box either.
Jade Yoga Harmony 3/16" 24" x 68" Yoga Mat, Sky Blue
Try cork if you've never felt it underfoot. Naturally antimicrobial so it doesn't get funky after a few weeks. For anyone who hates spraying their mat down after every single class.
Gaiam Cork/TPE Yoga Mat, 5 mm
Bring this to outdoor sessions. The jute fiber gives it a raw, textured grip that works great on grass or decks. Looks different from everything else in class, which is a bonus if you're tired of generic mats.
Natural Rubber & Jute Yoga Mat 6mm Thick
Swap your old PVC mat for this one without breaking the bank. Phthalate-free and the cushion is solid for the price. Good starter eco mat if you're not ready to drop $80 on cork or natural rubber.
Hemingweigh, Yoga Mat, 1" Thick, Exercise Mat for Workouts
Extra Long Mats for Taller Practitioners
At 6'1 my feet hung off every standard mat during savasana. Shouldn't have to curl up like a shrimp to relax at the end of class.
Get the 85-inch version if you're over 5'10 and tired of your head or feet touching cold floor. Dense, grippy, lasts for years. Bought mine in 2021 and it still looks almost new.
Manduka PRO Yoga Mat - 6mm | Lifetime Durability
Use this if you want extra length without the premium price tag. 78 inches gives most tall folks enough room to stretch out fully. The texture holds up well after months of regular use.
Gaiam Yoga Mat - Premium 6mm Print Reversible Extra
Snag this as a budget-friendly option that's slightly longer than standard. Not the longest on this list but enough for people in the 5'8 to 6'0 range who just need a few extra inches. Comes with a strap.
BalanceFrom 71 x 24 x 1 Inches Extra Thick Yoga Mat
Keep this at home for floor workouts and restorative sessions. 72 inches and super thick. For the tall person who practices in their apartment and wants to protect both their joints and their downstairs neighbor's ceiling.
YR Extra Thick Yoga Mat 1 inch Large Wide Exercise
Travel-Friendly Mats That Fold or Roll Thin
Checking a yoga mat as luggage felt ridiculous. These fold down small enough to fit inside a suitcase, which solved my “do I bring my mat on vacation” dilemma permanently.
Toss this in your checked bag and forget about renting crusty mats at resort gyms. Folds into a tiny rectangle. Took mine to Costa Rica and practiced on a balcony every morning. Weighs basically nothing.
Yogo Ultralight Folding Travel Yoga Mat
Try this if you fly carry-on only and refuse to gate-check a mat tube. Folds flat, slides into your bag. The grip surprised me for how thin it is. Not for daily studio use, but perfect for trips.
Gaiam Foldable Yoga Mat 68" 2mm
Grab this before your next trip. Folds into four sections and comes with a carrying bag. Used it in a hotel room in Berlin and it didn't slide on the carpet or the tile. Solid for the price.
Foldable Yoga Mat,(75"x31.5") Travel Mat
Swap your bulky travel mat for this compact folder. Thin enough to pack flat but still provides decent cushion on hard floors. For anyone who wants to keep their practice going on work trips without the hassle.
Primasole folding yoga mat review: an affordable travel mat
Budget Mats Under $25 That Still Grip
Not everyone needs a $120 mat, especially if you're just figuring out whether yoga is your thing. These cost less than a month of streaming and they actually perform.
Use this if you're testing the waters and don't want to invest yet. Surprisingly grippy for the price, and it comes in a bunch of colors. Bought one for my guest room so visitors could join my morning flow.
Athletic Works Yoga Mat, TPE, Black, 68 in x 24 in, 0.19 in
Snag this as your starter mat and stop overthinking it. Under $20, decent grip, comes with a strap. Half the people in my beginner class had this exact mat. There's a reason.
BalanceFrom, Yoga Mat, BFGY-AP6GR, Green, All Purpose
Try this for home workouts when you don't need anything fancy. Rolls up tight, stores easily behind a door. For the person who does yoga twice a week in their living room and just needs something that doesn't bunch up.
CAP, Yoga Mat, 3mm Thickness, Multiple Colors for Floor
Grab this if your budget is tight and you just want to get started. Quarter-inch thickness is enough for most poses on carpet or wood floors. Gave one to a friend who was using a beach towel. Major upgrade.
Everyday Essentials Yoga Mats in Yoga