Best Yoga Mats for Runners in 2023

1. Clever Yoga Mat

The Clever Yoga Mat is labeled as a yoga mat for beginners, but that’s mainly because of its very friendly thickness of ¼-inch. This is on the thicker side, and it’s perfect for newbies who need extra padding or just want a bit more comfort.

It’s created from a thick TPE foam that’s eco-friendly and recyclable, so this mat is a great option for environmentally conscious users. It’s also odorless and free from any toxins.

The Clever Yoga Mat is also slightly larger than the average yoga mat. At 72 x 25 ½ inches, there’s plenty of space on this mat for users of all sizes. It weighs just 2lbs, so it’s also easy to take with you when going to classes or even on vacation.

Both the front and back surfaces are non-slip and non-tear. This keeps you safer and helps your mat to last longer.

The closed-cell foam prevents sweat and dirt from being absorbed into the mat, which makes it super easy to clean. Just wipe it down with a damp cloth.

When you purchase this yoga mat, it comes with a Namaste warranty. That means if you aren’t happy with the mat, the company will give you a full refund, no questions asked.

2. Jade Yoga Harmony Mat

The Jade Yoga Harmony Mat is made of natural rubber. That makes it more non-slip than many others, as well as giving it a nice bit of cushion. You won’t find any synthetic materials in this mat, making it great for those with sensitive skin.

Be aware upfront that the open-cell nature of the rubber means this mat is likely to absorb sweat, dirt, and oils from your skin. It could make it a little harder to clean than others.

On the other hand, being open-cell means that if you do sweat a lot, it may help with slippery hands and feet.

You can find the mat in three different lengths; 68 inches, 71 inches, and 74 inches. There’s something for users of all heights, and each one is 24 inches wide so there’s plenty of space. They also come in extra wide, although these are harder to find and sell out quickly.

They’re proudly American-made and come in a wide variety of colors so you can choose what feels right to you.

3. Dralegend Yoga Mat

This TPE-material yoga mat is ideal for new yoga practitioners, in both features and price. More affordable yoga mats can be thin, uncomfortable, and not durable, but this one ticks all the right boxes.

At 3/16 inches thickness, it’s padded enough to relieve pressure on joints and make poses comfortable on the feet, hands, knees, back, and elbows.

It’s also a very decent size, at 72 x 26 inches. This is larger than average, and the extra space is a welcome addition to an affordable mat. At just 32 ounces in weight, you can take this anywhere with you.

Three layers of TPE improve the durability. On top, a non-slip surface keeps you safe and stable. Underneath, an anti-slip and tear-resistant layer keeps your mat from moving while you’re busy. In between, a layer of compressed material adds density and comfort.

Wipe it down with a damp, soapy cloth after every use to keep it as clean as possible.

4. Day 1 Fitness Mat

Runners who suffer from joint problems and need a highly cushioned mat will be satisfied with the cushioning the Day 1 Fitness Mat offers. It’s technically a gymnastics mat, but it works well for yoga too.

It’s crafted from 2-inch thick, high-density foam for the best support for your joints. Because of its thickness, it doesn’t roll up like other yoga mats. Instead, it’s made in three or four connected sections and folds up into an easy-to-carry size with triple-stitched handles.

The vinyl cover is sweat-proof and non-absorbent, which makes it easy to wipe clean. It is heavier than the average yoga mat by quite a bit, but it’s the price you pay for high-density foam that protects your joints!

They come in a few different colors, and four different sizes: 2 x 6 feet, 4 x 6 feet, 4 x 8 feet, and 4 x 10 feet. Some of them have Velcro borders so you can attach two together if you really want a large mat!

5. Yoga Design Lab Combo Mat

Do you sweat a lot when exercising? This could be the right yoga mat for you! It’s a mat and towel built into one product, so there’s no need to carry a towel around with you to classes as well as your mat.

The upper is made from a layer of microfiber, which is soft, absorbent, and made from recycled bottles. Underneath is natural tree rubber, which is non-toxic and non-slip. The towel isn’t separate from the mat – instead, it’s a built-in top layer.

The soft top means that your hands and feet won’t slip when doing poses. The rubber is quite non-slip, so it shouldn’t move much on the floor. You will need to spray the underside of the mat lightly with water to activate the non-slip feature, which could be inconvenient for some.

You can get this mat in three different thicknesses, so you can find one to suit your preferences.

6. Body By Yoga Classic Mat

Cork is a great option that provides springy padding, good absorption, and lies flatter than some other materials.

This mat is made of Portuguese cork and uses six times the average amount of cork for yoga mats. That makes it soft and comfortable, and if you sweat, it offers better grip for your hands and feet.

Underneath, a natural rubber base keeps the mat from sliding out from under you while you’re doing tough poses. It also lies flatter than regular mats, which eliminates frustration!

It comes in four designs: Classic, Dreamer, Jetsetter, and Warrior. They’re all 80 x 26 inches and ¼-inch thick. The difference is in the pattern on each, which they call “posture alignment lines” to help keep you in the right position.

7. Manduka eKO SuperLite

There’s no need to stop doing yoga when you’re traveling. We recommend this mat if you’re looking for one to take with you when you’re on the move.

It’s 71 x 24 inches in size and weighs just 2.2 pounds, so it’s easy to carry and small enough to fit into luggage or carry along. It is a little thinner than average, at 1/16-inch, so it does sacrifice some padding in order to fold or roll up tightly and easily.

It’s also eco-friendly, made from natural tree rubber with non-toxic dyes. There’s no latex in this mat, so it’s suitable even for those with sensitive skin. The open-cell surface means it won’t absorb sweat.

An orange peel-type surface offers a good grip even if you do sweat a little. It’s also designed to resist scratching or tearing.

8. Gaiam Yoga Mats

Yoga can be an activity of the mind as much as the body, so it’s important to choose a mat that you like and feel comfortable with.

These yoga mats come in a large range of designs and colors. Apart from their great pattern choice, they’re 3/16-inch thick, which is on the thicker side, so they offer good shock absorption and joint protection.

They’re free from harmful substances and have a lifetime guarantee. The surface is lightly textured and non-slip, both on top and underneath.

You’ll also get access to a downloadable yoga workout when you purchase this mat, and you can download the accompanying app for more workouts.

Because the surface of these mats is printed, they have a slight smell when you first unwrap them. It’s recommended that you air the mat for a few days before using it, to get rid of the smell.

9. BalanceFrom Yoga Mat

Those who want more protection for their joints may benefit from this mat. It’s ½-inch thick, which is much thicker than usual. This makes a big difference when it comes to cushioning your hands, feet, elbows, knees, and back during poses.

For even more protection, you’ll get a ⅗-inch thick, 24 x 10-inch knee mat with your purchase! The yoga mat itself is 71 x 24 inches in size.

It’s also moisture-resistant, so it won’t absorb sweat and you can wipe it quickly and easily to clean the surface.

You’ll get a 2-year warranty with your purchase. A free strap is included, but if you use it on a regular basis it may leave indentations in the foam.