Best Treadmill Mats in 2023
A treadmill is often a big investment (though not always) for any fitness enthusiast. Ensuring that you can get the best experience possible from your treadmill is no doubt important to you. Maybe you’ve considered adding a warranty or purchasing optional accessories to enhance your equipment.
One essential that you shouldn’t skip is a good treadmill mat. A treadmill mat will help protect your machine from dust and debris while cutting down on noise while you’re running. It helps prevent the machine from slipping and protects your floor.
We’ve tried the most popular treadmill mats to find the best. Here are the six we recommend.
Top 3 Best and Favorites
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Best Overall
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Best Overall
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SuperMats High-Density Mat
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Top Mat for Hardwood Floors
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Top Mat for Hardwood Floors
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Goplus Treadmill Mat
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Best Folding Mat
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Best Folding Mat
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Stamina Fold-to-Fit Folding Equipment Mat
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Best Overall Treadmill Mat
1. SuperMats High-Density Mat
Designed for treadmills and other heavy exercise equipment, this mat from SuperMats is a superior choice in terms of both quality and cost. The mat is made from a vinyl composite material that provides sufficient cushioning for use on both carpet and hard flooring surfaces.
You’ll find that it offers a great grip for your shoes. The vinyl composite helps to repel environmental and carpet dust that can interfere with your treadmill’s motor. It also provides better protection from dents than either foam or rubber mats.
While these mats can be used with a variety of gym equipment, they perform best with treadmills and free weights. The mat is available in five different size options. The most popular option measures 3 feet by 7.5 feet and is large enough to accommodate most home treadmills.
The thick, heavyweight construction ensures optimal noise buffering. These mats are made in the U.S. from non-toxic materials, which makes them a great choice for buyers who don’t want their kids or pets to be exposed to unhealthy fumes.
PROS:
- Heavy, durable construction ensures long use life
- Suitable for all flooring surfaces
- No plastic smell
CONS:
- Some equipment slippage over time is possible
Best Treadmill Mat for Hardwood Floors
2. Goplus Treadmill Mat
Featuring a non-slip surface on one side and a smooth, easy-to-clean surface on the other, this treadmill mat from Goplus is ideal for hardwood floors. It’s constructed from durable PVC to provide superior protection for your floors and equipment.
This non-toxic material is ideal if you have kids or pets in your home. The water-repellent design also makes this mat the perfect choice for hardwood. Of course, it works well on other hard flooring surfaces such as vinyl, laminate, and concrete.
Thick construction ensures that this mat goes the distance to protect your floors from scratches, scuffs and other damage. It also prevents floor dust from getting into your treadmill’s motor. The PVC material provides great sound insulation so that you can run hard without waking up the whole family.
This Goplus mat is available in three different sizes to suit all of your home equipment needs. It’s an extremely affordable option that doesn’t sacrifice value for price.
PROS:
- Best choice for hardwood floors
- Superior noise reduction on hard-surface flooring
- Equipment doesn’t slip during workouts
CONS:
- Some users complain about initial odor
Most Size Options
1. Velotas Pro Series High Density Personal Fitness Equipment Mats
This treadmill mat comes in four different sizes, so you can find one that will best fit your space and your treadmill.
It’s made from high-density foam for added support on different floor types and for different types of exercise equipment. The mat is simple and fast to put into your exercise room. The surface is easy to clean as well.
The mat is durable while also being relatively lightweight. This makes it easy to install, but some people did feel it was too lightweight and didn’t offer enough support on smaller machines.
PROS:
- Comes in 4 different sizes
- Durable, not too heavy
- Stable on different types of flooring
CONS:
- Not as thick as other mats
Most Versatile Treadmill Mat
4. BEAUTYOVO Puzzle Exercise Mat
Boasting excellent vibration cushioning, this interlocking foam mat can be customized to perfectly fit your room. It’s made from a EVA foam that is thick enough to protect all types of floors.
This mat is water-resistant and is easy to clean. It helps to dampen noise by creating a cushion between your machine and the carpet. EVA provides excellent protection from equipment denting, but it may not work well on thick carpets, especially if you have a large, heavy treadmill.
What’s great about this treadmill and exercise mat is that you can customize how it fits in your room. Each square is 2 ft x 2 ft and interlocks together in whatever size and shape you need. Edge pieces ensure that you get clean lines at the ends when you are finished building it. The mat also features one non-slip side for the floor and one slip-resistant surface for your equipment and workouts.
It comes in several colors and comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. And the mats are safe for kids and pets.
PROS:
- Superior protection for flooring
- Customizable design
- Easy to clean
CONS:
- Can take time to initially set-up
Top Folding Treadmill Mat
5. Stamina Fold-to-Fit Folding Equipment Mat
If you’re looking for a mat that folds up for easy use and storage, this pick from Stamina is a great choice. Its unique folding design allows it to fit comfortably in smaller home gyms. It offers good protection from carpet dust and floor debris as well.
The mat is made from 1/4 inch thick foam that prevents equipment from damaging flooring surfaces. It’s made from a closed-cell material that provides some protection from sweating and wetness. However, it should not be exposed to rain or other water sources on a regular basis.
Measuring 3 feet by 7 feet, it’s big enough for many home treadmills. The mat features fold lines spaced 12 inches apart so that it can be used under smaller pieces of equipment as well. Of course, it can also be cut to size with a utility knife if needed.
The Fold-to-Fit mat features a non-stick, pebble-textured surface to prevent equipment from slipping. You may want to use caution if you own a heavy treadmill as this mat might not perform as well as thicker options.
PROS:
- Folds easily to fit compact spaces
- Made from non-slip material
CONS:
- May not perform well on thicker carpets
- Doesn’t provide great noise reduction
Best Value Treadmill Mat
6. AmazonBasics High-Density Treadmill Mat
This high-density treadmill mat from AmazonBasics is a favorite with home gym enthusiasts. It provides superior protection for a variety of flooring surfaces including hardwood, vinyl, laminate, and carpeting. It’s also one of the most durable and affordable options out there.
Made from high-quality PVC, the mat is designed to resist denting from even heavy exercise equipment. It features a gripping surface that prevents equipment from slipping. Of course, the mat keeps carpet dust and other debris from damaging the mechanical parts of your treadmill too.
The PVC construction means that the mat resists water damage and provides protection against sweat penetration. It’s easy to clean and disinfect. The mat also rolls up neatly for convenient storage.
This mat is available in three sizes to suit different equipment demands. Most treadmill owners will need to choose the 3-foot by 8.5-foot mat or 4-foot by 6-foot mat. Cutting this mat to size is not recommended.
PROS:
- Offers excellent slip protection
- Backed by a one-year warranty
- Available in three sizes for all home gym needs
CONS:
- Not designed to be cut to size
Buying Guide – Treadmill Mats
These are the key features to look for when you are shopping for a treadmill mat.
Mat Size
A treadmill mat should fit completely beneath your exercise equipment. Ideally, there will be a margin around the treadmill to provide for extra protection from equipment slipping. Most mats are 3.5 feet by 6 feet, but you should measure your treadmill before ordering to ensure the correct fit.
Mat Thickness
Look for a treadmill mat that’s at least 3/8″ to 1/2″ thick. This will ensure the mat doesn’t slide around. It will provide sound absorption if you use it on an upper floor of your home. And it will be thick enough to protect your floor.
Floor Surface
Choosing the right mat for your flooring surface is essential. If you have hard-surface flooring such as tile, vinyl, laminate or hardwood, you’ll need a thick mat that provides great shock absorption. If you have carpeted floors, you’ll need a mat with both grip and thickness to keep your treadmill in place.
Sweat and Water Resistance
Nobody loves that sweaty sock smell that plagues so many gyms. Be sure to look for a treadmill mat that boats excellent sweat and water resistance. The ability to repel moisture will not only prevent nasty odors but will protect floors from water damage too.
Non-Slip Design
If your treadmill slips while you’re using it, floors are likely to get damaged. Treadmill movement can also throw you off balance or jolt you from the machine during your run. Choose a mat that features a gripping, non-slip surface designed to hold the treadmill in place.
It’s also a good idea to read user reviews of the mat to learn about any potential slippage problems. Some mats are advertised for all flooring surfaces but only perform well on either hard-surface or carpeted floors.
Odor
Some treadmill mats have an unpleasant, plastic-like odor. This is a byproduct of the production process and generally wears off over time. However, you can skip on heavy odors by reading user reviews of mats and choosing a PVC option over foam if possible.
Look for treadmill mats that are made in the U.S. from sustainably sourced raw materials. Most of the mats made from these materials are low odor or odor free.
Density
Most treadmill mats are 1/4 inch thick. However, there are also options that are 3/8 inch thick. The thicker choice is preferable if you need to protect a delicate flooring surface. You should also choose a thicker mat if your treadmill is a heavier, commercial-grade model.
Mat density can also affect noise absorption. Foam mats that are at least 1/4 inch thick generally perform well when it comes to minimizing noise. PVC mats generally need to be a bit thicker to achieve the same noise-reducing effects.
Manufacturer’s Warranty
Some treadmill mats offer a manufacturer’s warranty against defects and damage that shouldn’t be caused by regular wear and tear. While a warranty shouldn’t be the most important factor in buying, it is a great idea to opt for a mat that offers one if possible.
FAQs
What’s the point of a treadmill mat?
It Provides Noise Protection
Running on your treadmill at home is a great way to stay in shape or train for that big race. Maybe you really love getting your run on early in the morning or late at night. If you have a roommate or family, they might not love your daily run so much.
That’s because the noise created when you work out on a treadmill can resound through your whole home. The faster and harder you run, the harder your feet will strike the treadmill. The sound of your workout can echo throughout your house, especially if your exercise equipment isn’t on the ground floor.
Treadmill mats are designed to buffer noise from the machine’s motor and from the impact when you run. Most of these mats are made from either foam or PVC. Both of these materials are known for their sound absorbency, but remember that the thicker your mat, the better the noise protection.
It Reduces Dust and Debris
Keeping your treadmill clean is key to ensuring the longest use life possible. You might go to great lengths to clean the belt of your machine and surfaces that you touch regularly. Remember that it’s important to keep your machine’s motor and mechanical parts well maintained too.
Carpet dust and debris from flooring can be sucked up into your treadmill’s motor as you run. If too much dust or debris enters the treadmill, the motor may act up or quit working altogether. Keeping dust out is essential but impossible if you use workout equipment directly on flooring surfaces.
A treadmill mat provides great protection for the mechanical heart of your exercise equipment. The clean PVC or foam surface underneath the treadmill repels flooring dust and debris so that it can’t enter the motor. That means superior protection from damage to the treadmill motor.
Mechanical debris that your treadmill sheds can also cause damage to flooring surfaces. A treadmill mat pulls double duty by protecting your floor from any debris that the machine may emit.
It Prevents Slipping
A treadmill that is placed directly on either hard-surface or carpeted flooring will be prone to slipping during use. Over time, slipping can damage your floors and even your workout equipment. Preventing slippage is essential to protecting your treadmill and getting the most from your run.
Treadmill mats are designed to hold gym equipment to the floor so that it can’t slide. High-quality mats have one surface that is placed against the floor to prevent the mat and machine from moving across the room. The opposite surface is non-slip to prevent the equipment from moving on the mat itself.
An anti-slip mat will also protect you as you run. After all, a treadmill that moves during operation can cause you to trip or lose your balance.
Of course, treadmill slippage can also spell disaster for your home gym configuration. A treadmill that slips can push other equipment aside and ruin your floor plan. Using the right mat will keep your gym looking exactly how you want.
It Protects Flooring
Working out is important to you, but so is protecting the home or apartment where you live. A treadmill is a heavy piece of equipment that can cause damage if used directly on flooring surfaces. Dents and scratches are the most common types of damage caused by an unsecured treadmill.
A treadmill mat provides cushioning between workout equipment and your home’s floors. It prevents both carpets and hard-surface flooring from getting equipment dents. A mat will also prevent slipping that can lead to irreparable scratches, gouges or tears.
Small mechanical debris that is shed from your treadmill’s moving parts during operation can also damage flooring. A treadmill mat catches such debris before it hits flooring surfaces.
A water-resistant equipment mat also helps protect flooring from odor and damage caused by sweat. Of course, choosing a mat that is designed for the type of flooring your treadmill will be sitting on is essential.
How big should a treadmill mat be?
A correctly sized treadmill mat is necessary to prevent slipping, reduce noise and mitigate damage to flooring. It’s important that the mat fits beneath the entire treadmill. Measure carefully as some treadmills are too wide for standard mats.
As a rule of thumb, a mat should have at least six inches of excess material around every side of your equipment. Imagine your treadmill measures 2 feet wide by 5 feet long. You’ll need a mat that’s at least 3 feet wide and 6 feet long.
If possible, try to provide a buffer zone on the mat of 12 inches around every side of your equipment. This will help ensure that your treadmill stays in place over time.
Most treadmill manufacturers provide guidelines for the sizing of equipment mats. Check your owner’s manual or the manufacturer’s website to get information specific to your treadmill.
Rubber vs. PVC Mats?
The majority of the treadmill mats on the market are made from ethyl-vinyl chloride (EVA) foam or a vinyl composite known as PVC. While both are suitable options, there are benefits and drawbacks to these materials.
EVA foam provides excellent noise reduction on all flooring surfaces. Even very thin forms of this foam muffle noise well. However, many fitness enthusiasts believe that foam mats are more susceptible to denting than other options.
PVC mats are incredibly durable and provide a high degree of water resistance. They are difficult to damage and lay nicely on most flooring surfaces. However, PVC mats must be relatively thick to achieve the same sound muffling as their foam counterparts.
How do you clean a treadmill mat?
Cleaning your treadmill mat regularly will keep it in great condition. Regular cleaning can also prevent the buildup of yucky odors that you might associate with the gym.
Taking care of both foam and PVC mats is easy. To clean them, simply wipe them down with a solution of warm, soapy water. Rinse thoroughly and allow to dry before placing equipment on them again.
You can also use a garden hose to clean equipment mats. Simply take equipment mats outside, and then wipe or scrub them with soapy water. Hose mats off and hang them to dry.
If your treadmill mat is very dirty or smells bad, you may need to disinfect it. Consult your owner’s manual or the manufacturer’s website for cleaning instructions. It’s important to use the right type of cleaner for the mat material.
Which side of the mat do I use?
Most treadmill mats feature two distinct surfaces. One surface is designed to grip the floor. The other surface is designed to grip the equipment itself as well as your shoes.
In general, the smooth side of the mat is designed to face the floor. The textured side of the mat should face up. Your owner’s manual should be able to settle any doubts you have about your particular mat.
