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Best Thick Yoga Mats
Our Best Thick Yoga Mats
Comfort and Support with Our Quality Thick Yoga Mats
Let’s start by finding into why thick yoga mats are so essential. Imagine this: you’re just getting down on your knees to do Cat Cow Pose and you can feel a pain in your knees….ouch it’s the hard floor!
This is where the importance of a thick yoga mat is really necessary. It’s about making sure you are completely comfortable and have all the support you need while do your your yoga or exercises. That way you’re not having that distraction stopping your from fully doing your poses without any worries at all.
Our team, alongside our experienced yoga instructors, have put in months in testing various mats to bring you the crème de la crème.
We assessed everything from the surface texture to scrutinizing durability and eco-friendliness, we’ve left no stone unturned. Rest assured, we’ve sifted through the many options out there to present you with the ultimate contenders for your practice. We’ve meticulously handpicked the top 6 thickest mats that we know are going to improve your practice to new heights.
These mats have been rigorously tried and tested, ensuring they’ll support you every step of the way, whether you have bad knees, writsts, bad back or just need some extra support.
And if you’re also in the market for a travel-friendly yoga mat or a mat with extra grippiness, we’re here to help. We understand that one size doesn’t fit all, and your choice can change depending on your specific needs.
Editor’s Note: Stay tuned for the latest updates, including the most recent additions to our top picks, as of March 4, 2024.
Best 6 Thick Yoga Mats
Manduka PRO
$137.98
- #1 recommended mat by fitness instructors and yoga therapists all over the world
- Built to last a life-time
- High density cushion
- Eco friendly - certified STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX
Pro’s
- Comfortably cushions spine, hips, knees, and elbows on hard floors
- Ultra dense superior cushioning for shock absorbing
- 6mm thickness
- Textured top layer
- Most long lasting mat on the market
- Closed cell construction
Con’s
- More expensve than some
- Firm cushioning
- Some find this mat heavy
The Manduka PRO Yoga Mat is a top choice among yoga enthusiasts, known for its durability, superior cushioning, and non-toxic, eco-friendly materials. With a closed-cell PVC construction, it offers unparalleled support for joint protection and stability during practice. Its large size provides ample space for various yoga poses, and its closed-cell surface prevents moisture and bacteria absorption, ensuring longevity and easy maintenance. For those seeking a high-performance mat, the Manduka PRO is a reliable option designed to withstand years of intense practice.
Customer Q.B said “As someone deeply involved in the practice of yoga, I’ve had the experience of using a variety of mats over time. First off, the eco-conscious nature of this mat was a major draw for me. The mat’s density, with a thickness of 6mm, provides generous cushioning, which I found to be a relief for my joints in poses like Child’s Pose and Savasana. Even during more challenging asanas that require balance, like Tree Pose or Warrior III, the mat provided a stable foundation.
The mat stayed secure and non-slippery even during intensive sessions or hot yoga classes that resulted in sweating. This greatly minimized any worry of slipping, letting me concentrate fully on my practice. To sum it up, the Manduka PRO Yoga and Pilates Mat has swiftly become my favorite mat. Its blend of size, density, superior grip, and eco-friendly attributes align perfectly with my needs. Despite a few minor downsides, I believe it offers excellent value for its cost, particularly for dedicated yogis keen on investing in a top-quality, durable mat”.
Customer reviews: 4.7/5
BalanceFrom All Purpose
$34.99
- 1'' thick premium mat
- With double sided non-slip surfaces
- High density foam material
- Excellent slip resistant advantage to prevent injuries
Pro’s
- 1 inch thick
- Excellent support for anyone with bad knees, back, writsts
- Anti-tear surface
- Moisture resistant
- Great for all floor exercises
Con’s
- Bulky to carry
- More soft and squishy than dense
- Some said it wasn’t ideal for hot yoga
The BalanceFrom All Purpose 1-Inch Extra Thick Yoga Mat boasts exceptional benefits, including its extra-thick 1-inch cushioning for superb joint support and comfort during workouts. Made from high-density, anti-tear foam, it is built to withstand rigorous use and provide long-lasting durability. The non-slip surface ensures stability and safety during yoga, exercise, and stretching routines. With generous dimensions and ease of maintenance, this mat is a versatile and reliable choice for a wide range of fitness activities, making it a favorite among fitness enthusiasts.
Customer T.H said “The 1-inch thickness provides exceptional support and cushioning, making it ideal for a variety of exercises beyond just yoga. The high-density foam used in this mat is a game-changer. It not only cushions my joints but also retains its shape remarkably well.
While the extra thickness might not suit everyone’s preferences, especially if you prefer a thinner mat for certain poses, I find it perfect for my needs. It strikes an excellent balance between comfort and stability, providing the right amount of cushioning without compromising stability during balancing poses. Its durability, support, and easy maintenance make it a top choice for anyone seeking a reliable exercise mat for various workouts”.
Customer reviews: 4.7/5
Gaiam 6mm Yoga Mat
$38.98
- Lightweight and 6mm thick yoga mat
- Sticky non-slip texture
- Non toxic - healthy choice
Pro’s
- 6mm(1/4 inch) thick yoga mat
- Gorgeous reversible designs
- Non slip texture
- Non toxic PVC
Con’s
- Slight chemical smell
- Mentions of it being slippery if you sweat too much
Combining beauty and durability, the Gaiam Premium Print Reversible Yoga Mat is a budget-friendly option with slip-resistant texture and extra support. Its reversible design with colorful patterns on each side adds a touch of style to your practice. Despite its affordability, this mat doesn’t compromise on quality.
Customer B.L said “I have been doing yoga for over 10 years and have cycled through my fair share of yoga mats. I’ve had the expensive Lululemon mats, and although the designs are cool and they are durable, they stain easily, are super heavy to lug around (6+ lbs for the 6 mm ones), and are NOT non-slip in my opinion. I have never had an issue with staining, weight, or slipping on Gaiam mats.
I actually started yoga with a very inexpensive Gaiam mat, which got the job done but wasn’t thick enough to support during certain poses. This mat, however, is more premium than the one I had before. I love that it is offered in so many different colors and styles. It’s beautiful, lightweight yet thick for excellent support, and sticky enough to hold poses. As for durability, only time will tell, but from other reviews, it seems to hold up well.
Customer reviews: 4.7/5
Amazon Basics 1/2-Inch
$20.30
- 100% NBR foam
- 1/2 inch thickness offers comfortable padded support and shock absorption
- Textured surface provides extra traction
- Durable foam construction
Pro’s
- Very affordable price
- 12.7mm thickness
- Textured surface
- Carry strap included
- Foam construction
Con’s
- Not eco-friendly
- Can be unstable
- May not last very long
For anyone looking for extra cushioning, the Amazon Basics Extra Thick Exercise Yoga Mat delivers with its 12.7mm high-density foam. The textured surface provides enhanced traction, preventing slips and injuries during workouts. The convenience of an over-the-shoulder carrying strap makes this mat a practical choice for yogis on the go.
Customer F. H said “This mat is wonderful, and super comfortable! I have scoliosis pretty bad, so finding a thick, comfortable yoga mat to lay my back on was impossible, until I found this one!
One downfall, it’s near impossible to hold your balance/stance when on one foot, hand, or your head on this mat, and I think it’s just the thickness of it that makes it that way, and I’ve never had this issue with the thin, regular, yoga mats. I will still keep using this one though, as it’s the most comfortable!
It does come with a strap to hold it together for storage, and a strap for carrying, which I absolutely love!!”
Customer reviews: 4.6/5
Manduka PRO Lite
$80.53
- The lightweight version of our PRO multipurpose workout mat is the #1 recommended mat by fitness instructors and yoga therapists
- Ultra-dense, 4.7 mm cushioning provides superior support
- Built to last a lifetime
- Certified STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX
Pro’s
- 4.7mm ultra dense thickness
- Anti slip surface
- Lightweight
- Very long lasting
- Eco friendly material
Con’s
- More expensive than some
- May have an odour to start
Ideal for hot yoga sessions, the Manduka PROlite Yoga Mat offers maximum firmness and stability without bounce-back. The closed-cell material seals out moisture and bacteria, ensuring easy cleaning and disinfection. Our Yoga instructor recommends this one because of its padding, support, and stunning color.
Customer E.K said This mat is durable, light weight, and comfortable; I would like it if it was slightly thicker, but I still don’t feel like it’s too thin. If you want a thicker mat and you won’t be carrying your yoga mat to and from daily classes like I am, I would recommend the regular Manduka Pro. Because I carry this around with me a lot, the ProLite made more sense.
Customer reviews: 4.6/5
Liforme Travel Yoga mat
$164.95
- Most innovative & comfortable mat on the market
- Liforme “GripForMe” material that gives you unparalleled warrior-like grip
- Striking Rainbow variation of our signature alignment system
- Made using high quality non-toxic materials
Pro’s
- 4.2mm thickness
- Deep cushioned and yet very solid and stable practising surface
- Gorgeous design!!
- Non toxic material
- Eco friendly material
- Includes a yoga mat bag
Con’s
- More expensive than some
For anyone who prioritizes style, the Liforme Rainbow Hope Yoga Mat stands out with its vibrant colors and line designs. While on the thinner side of thick yoga mats, it provides plenty of support, comfort, and a “warrior-like grip” that prevents slipping during heated yoga classes.
Customer A.C. said “I absolutely love the yoga mat. One of my teachers at the studio I go to recommended it since I was looking for a new one. I had worn my Lululemon out pretty badly. Considering I practice at a hot yoga studio I needed something with some great grip. She had recently gotten this travel mat and absolutely loved it! I had considered getting a Liforme mat for a while but the price tag always scared me a little. But let me tell you… such a great purchase! The alignment cues are wonderful and I’ve learned more about my foundation using this mat! Wonderful grip, great sense of grounding, and a lovely color. Do yourself a favor and indulge in these mats! I’m enrolled in a 200hr teacher training and I can’t wait to use this during my training weekends”.
Customer reviews: 4.6/5
Shopping Tips for Your Perfect Mat
Choosing the right yoga mat is a very personal journey. Consider the following tips to help you in finding the mat that suits your preferences:
Material Matters
Yoga mats come in many different materials, including foam, natural and synthetic rubber, TPE and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Rubber and PVC are often preferred for their grip and slip-resistant properties. If you’ve got any latex allergies, be cautious about natural rubber mats.
Length Matters
Tall yogis or those who just like that extra room might consider an extra-long yoga mat. Some mats offer different sizes, while others are exclusively available in extended versions. Check the dimensions to ensure a comfortable fit.
Weight Matters
Consider the weight of your mat, especially if you need to carry it to a workout class or yoga studio. Choose a lighter mat if you have to walk long distances.
Color Matters
Choose a color that resonates with you and you enjoy looking at and using. The market offers many color options, allowing you to find a mat that brings you joy and motivation during your practice. Some mats also have alignment designs or patterns to help with better body placement in come poses.
Thickness Matters
The thickness of your mat directly influences joint comfort. While thicker mats provide extra cushioning, keep in mind that they can be squishier and sometimes are a bit less stable. Work out your specific needs, balancing comfort with stability for an optimal yoga experience.
