The 5 Best Tested and Reviewed Yoga Mats for Runners

I bought my first lululemon “The Mat” a decade ago. In fact, I own two from back then. They may even be the first or second generation of yoga mats that the brand made. They were just ok. That’s why I wasn’t expecting to be wowed by “The Mat” now. Was I ever proven wrong. A lot can change in 10 years.

To test, I used this mat for both hot and warm vinyasa classes as well as slower-paced yin classes to get a sense of stickiness, support, and comfort. It is now the mat I am on most frequently, and here’s why.

It has a cushy feel, with noticeable energy return, yet offers enough support for my wrists, ankles, and other joints. I am stable during inversions like headstands, yet there isn’t a sinking feeling into the mat. Most importantly, I’m able to move effortlessly between poses without any sense of being stuck.

That said, when sweat starts pouring off of you in a hot room, you may want the comfort of adding another layer on top of your mat. Lululemon’s microfiber yoga towel paired with The Mat was a solid combination and has made the most challenging heated class that I take each week one that I can feel capable and confident in from the beginning to end.

Also, this mat is reversible so you can flip between the smooth, grippy side and the cushioned, spongey natural rubber side. Both provide a solid base, but I needed the microfiber towel to get adequate grip during hot sessions on the natural rubber side. While it wasn't mandatory when using the smoother side of the mat for hot yoga, adding the towel made it more enjoyable.

Also, this mat hits the sweet spot with its weight. Hefty enough to stay put once on the floor, but not so cumbersome that it's difficult to tote to and from class.

Don’t be disappointed if the mat color changes. It will get stained and spotty from usage. That’s what a mat is for so, don’t plan on keeping it pristine or as pretty as it looks when brand new. Just be sure to clean it after each use.

I’ve had my Manduka Pro mat in Midnight (a deep purple) more than 15 years. I keep thinking I will need to replace it, but it continues to prove itself. It has not peeled, curled, faded, or diminished at all in stickiness. Even after all this time, my mat shows no signs of compressions from the knees, toes, and elbows that have dug into it for many years.

What initially appealed to me about the Pro is its 6mm thickness, which does wonders to protect my ankles (so many injuries over the years) and wrists, which need the added cushioning, especially in demanding poses like Wheel (a backbend).

The Manduka Pro is nicknamed the “Cadillac of yoga mats” for good reason. It is a high-performing and durable mat with its solid reputation well earned. At $138, it’s an investment, which is why in my earlier days of yoga, I didn’t see too many people in the studios with a mat this pricey. Now I do.

This mat weighs over 7 pounds, so not the lightest one recommended here, but not the heaviest. It is manageable to take to the studio and also great for home practicing. Cleaning is easy, too. Because the Pro has a hygienic, closed-cell structure—it does not absorb moisture, sweat, or bacteria—it dries quickly. Wipe it down after each class so it's ready for the next time.

If you're buying a mat to get you started, this is the one. And, it is backed by a lifetime guarantee.

Unique in look and feel, and by far the lightest weight mat that I have ever used or tested, the Yoloha Original Cork Yoga Mat was a welcome surprise. With thick cork on one side, it delivers a consistent no-slip experience, dry or wet, with absolutely no need for a towel. The reverse side of the mat is comprised of plant foam—sugarcane—and is optimized for cushion, stability, and energy return. The mat is 100-percent vegan—no PVC’s, latex, or dreaded rubber smell.

I first tried this mat for a 60-minute hot vinyasa class in the dead of summer. Due to unbearable humidity and the maximum capacity of students allowed, the temperature in the room topped out at 114 degrees. I admit I was hesitant in some of my poses at first, thinking that I might slip when the sweat started pouring from my face and arms, dripping down to the mat. My whole body was drenched, yet somehow, I was locked onto this mat with every pose, and I was able to move confidently without a slip.

Pro Grip Tip: Before you start class, mist the cork side of the mat with the Peace Grip Spray ($14) or sprinkle the areas where your hands and feet will be with water—it will provide better traction if it's wet. There was absolutely zero need for a towel to prevent slipping when I tested this mat— it has incredible traction.

At 6mm, this mat is thick enough to be supportive yet at just 2.8 pounds, it's transportable enough to make it your preferred option for travel or if you need to sling it over your shoulder for a morning subway or train commute.

There is a caveat: You must care for this mat properly or the cork won’t last. I used the Detox spray ($19) to wet down the cork before my practice and again at the conclusion to clean it, so it is ready for next time. Don’t store this mat in your car indefinitely or where temperatures regularly fluctuate.

Interestingly, the genesis of using cork for this mat came from the founder’s insights as he was using cork to build surfboards in his garage. He realized if cork made a wave-worthy, non-slip surface for a surfboard, then why not for a yoga mat? Agreed.

This is an eye-catching mat—there is something about unrolling the Play Mat in the studio, settling onto it, and just feeling like royalty. I have the pale blue Sea color with the matching Bala Mat Scrunchie ($25) to keep it rolled up when not in use. Made of a soft fabric, this oversized inspired hair tie for your mat easily slides on and off, and made set up for and leaving class easy breezy.

The portal-shaped Play Mat is a statement. Lots of admiring classmates wanted to know more about it. What I love most is that feeling of elation when I am laying down on it waiting for class to start.

The first-of-its-kind with its rounded shape at the top is antimicrobial with a waterproof top layer that is moisture-wicking and nonslip—and it doesn't skimp on support at 5mm thick. It offers a distinctive energy return, giving me some noticeable spring as I was moving through poses.

To clean, Bala suggests using a 1:20 solution of oil-free soap or vinegar and warm water. Be sure to apply the cleaner to a microfiber cloth, not the mat directly.

I am no stranger to Bala as I wear its 1-pound Bangles for certain yoga sculpt classes and I use them on my wrists and ankles for power walking. That is how I happened to notice it had expanded its product line to yoga mats. Glad I found this as I look forward to using this mat multiple times a week.

I have a pair of Alo yoga pants, which many folks think of first with this brand—its stylish, status-y yet functional activewear—but the company also has yoga mats and accessories, so it was a natural for me to eventually try out the gear.

The Warrior Mat has been a part of my yoga practice for more than five years, along with a set of Alo Uplifting Yoga Blocks. I have found the blocks with their smooth texture and beveled edges to be an invaluable asset for attaining more extension, elevation, or balance in certain poses. I highly recommend using them for everyone whether a beginner or more advanced.

What I love most about The Warrior Mat is its luxe, matte finish, along with its durability and support. It’s formaldehyde-free, non-toxic, and PVC-free, and made with 100-percent natural rubber contributing to a clean practice. Alo changes up its fashion colors frequently (my yellow one is called Highlighter) while also offering core colors like black.

The big drawback is this mat is heavy. At 8 pounds, it tops all the other mats here in terms of weight. While I do take it to the studio, it’s an even better choice if you plan to practice at home. It’s supportive, stable, and comfortable.