Whether you’re making your first foray into the calming, strengthening, and centering world of yoga or have a long-running practice, having a great mat can make the difference between getting into the flow and feeling off-balance. And in particular, a mat that keeps you in place with a highly grippy surface is an added benefit for yogis of all levels.
Tessa Jenkins, RYT 500 and training director for Bulldog Yoga Studio and Bulldog Online, notes that no matter how nonslip your mat is, some slippage is normal, and is even a sign of strength-building. “Muscles are firing in new ways and often become fatigued quite fast, which can lead to slipping,” she explains. “While advanced yogis can definitely slip, what I’ve seen is that with time, practice, and patience, for many yogis, slipping decreases as strength increases.”
Looking for a nonslip yoga mat is a great starting place, but there are a few more considerations to keep in mind before you choose a mat. In particular, you’ll want to pay attention to the mat’s material, size, and thickness.
Material: The most common yoga mat materials are PVC (vinyl), rubber, and latex. You’ll also find cork and some other more unique materials (such as reclaimed wetsuits). Synthetic materials like PVC and latex tend to be bendier and softer. Rubber, a natural and biodegradable material, is generally stiffer, which can offer a firmer base for standing poses but can also be harder to roll up for travel. If you’re a hot yoga fan and need something that maintains its nonslip properties when things get sweaty, look for a mat with moisture-wicking materials like a microfiber coating.
Thickness: the thicker the mat, the more cushion it provides for your joints. However, thicker mats will also challenge your balance more.
Size: When it comes to size, most mats measure about 6 feet long and 2 feet wide. If you’re over 5-foot-9, you may want something with a little more length and width.
Photo: Bridget Clegg/Best Products
How We Tested
To narrow down the list of best nonslip yoga mats, I tested several of the most popular products. In particular, I personally use the Jade Harmony Mat for all kinds of yoga classes, HIIT workouts, stretching, and foam rolling on an almost daily basis. I also tested the Gaiam mat, which is great for lower-impact sessions, and the prAna mat, which is a sturdy and spacious choice.
Flexible, sturdy, sleek, and slip-free, this is the best yoga mat for practices of all kinds. The mat surface has a subtle texture that will hold you in place, whether you’re cool and dry or dripping sweat in the middle of a hot yoga session. Plus, the easy-to-clean surface is treated with a compound to help keep things odor-free.
12 color and pattern options (that are also reversible)
Latex may cause irritation
Get a grip — a firm one — with this soft moisture-wicking mat. Both the bottom and upper are made from nonslip latex, so both you and the mat stay where you want. The mat is also treated with an antimicrobial compound to keep it smelling fresh for years.
Must be cleaned with vinegar prior to use to make it nonslip
This inexpensive option is great for new yogis who want a well-made, durable, nonslip surface to practice on that won’t break the bank. It’s made from latex-free PVC, so it’s allergy-safe and plenty grippy. It’s also reversible, so your mat can match your outfit or mood.
Not only does this bright and colorful mat offer a nice amount of cushion and traction, it’s also made from a renewable natural resource: rubber extracted from trees. There are no synthetic materials, and Jade even plants a tree for every mat sold.
Look and feel like a seasoned yogi with this super-thick and firm mat. At 6 millimeters thick, this is one of the most cushioned mats on our list. The top layer looks and feels like leather to offer maximum slip resistance, and the mat’s inner core contains charcoal to absorb odors.
May move around on the floor more than other options
Recycle while you recenter with a comfortable yoga mat made from used wetsuits. The unique super-dense material won’t absorb bacteria, odors, or dirt, and offers excellent cushioning, too. Made in the U.S.A.
Find your perfect alignment with this unique mat designed to remove the guesswork from your poses. The top is marked with helpful guides to keep you centered at all times, and the “GripForMe” material offers incredible stay-put powers. The mat comes in four attractive color options.
1.5 millimeter-thick size mat weighs just 3.5 pounds
Beautiful color and pattern options
Mat should be spritzed with water before use for maximum grip
Take your practice on the go with this lightweight, packable, and might I say, stunning mat. It has a highly absorbent microfiber upper layer to wick away sweat and keep you stable. Underneath, a rubber base maintains its position on the floor. In fact, the mat becomes more stable as it gets wetter.
Organic cotton hem prevents stretching and flattening over time
Textured top surface for anti-slip
Heavy — 7.8 pounds
The large version of this mat measures a lengthy 78 inches long, which is great for taller yogis to stretch out. It’s also made from dense rubber for added cushion without wobble.
At a whopping 15 millimeters thick, this mat provides premium cushioning, making it especially gentle on joints. It has a soft, fluffy texture and a textured surface for added grip. One of our editors, Cat Bowen, considers it a lifesaver. “It’s like working out on a shock-absorbent cushion,” she says.
This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io
