Our favourite yoga mats for grip and comfort

A reliable yoga mat changes the feel of an entire practice. Good traction helps you hold Downward Dog without constantly adjusting your hands, while sufficient cushioning makes kneeling, lunges and seated poses less punishing on hard floors. The best choice balances both qualities rather than maximising one at the expense of the other.

Australia’s climate makes the decision more personal. A mat that feels perfectly secure in a cool Melbourne studio may become slippery during a humid Brisbane summer, while a thick mat can feel wonderfully soft at home but awkward to carry to a Sydney class. Material, texture, weight and care requirements all deserve attention.

We compared popular options for different types of practice, from restorative sessions to vigorous vinyasa. The recommendations below focus on dependable grip and everyday comfort, with practical considerations for Australian homes, studios and online shopping.

Mat	Best for	Grip	Cushioning	Main drawback
Liforme Original	Sweaty, alignment-focused practice	Excellent	Medium	Premium price
Manduka PRO	Long-term durability	Very good after break-in	Excellent	Heavy and initially slick
JadeYoga Harmony	Natural rubber traction	Excellent	Medium	Rubber smell and latex content
Lululemon The Mat 5mm	Balanced everyday use	Very good	Very good	Can absorb sweat and marks
B MAT Everyday 4mm	Stable studio practice	Very good	Medium	Less plush for sensitive knees
Gaiam Premium 6mm	Budget-friendly comfort	Good	Good	Surface may wear sooner

What makes a yoga mat genuinely grippy

Grip comes from more than a visibly textured surface. Rubber mats usually provide strong traction because the material has natural tack, while polyurethane top layers can feel especially secure when palms become damp. PVC mats may offer consistent dry grip, but their performance varies widely between models.

A slightly absorbent or moisture-responsive surface is useful for hot yoga and energetic flows. For gentle stretching, excessive tack can make transitions uncomfortable by catching skin or clothing. The ideal amount of friction allows hands and feet to stay planted while still permitting controlled movement.

Liforme Original is a standout for practitioners who prioritise traction and alignment cues. Its surface feels stable during sweaty sessions, and the printed lines can help with foot and hand placement. It is expensive in the Australian market, but the combination of grip and visual guidance makes it a strong choice for regular studio users.

The best options for sweaty practice

The JadeYoga Harmony is one of our favourites for naturally grippy performance. Its open-cell rubber texture gives hands a secure hold during Sun Salutations and standing balances, and it does not need the same lengthy break-in period as some dense mats. The trade-offs are a noticeable rubber odour at first and a latex content that makes it unsuitable for people with latex allergies.

Lululemon The Mat 5mm offers a similarly confident feel with more cushioning under knees and wrists. Its smooth, dense construction works well for fast flows, though it can retain perspiration and show marks. Wiping it down after every session is particularly important in warm coastal areas such as Brisbane, Cairns or Darwin, where humidity can slow drying.

For extremely sweaty practice, a yoga towel can improve hygiene and traction without forcing you to replace a comfortable mat. Choose a towel with silicone or rubberised dots underneath, and wash it regularly rather than relying on a quick spray between classes.

Comfort for joints and longer sessions

Manduka PRO remains a strong recommendation for comfort and longevity. At around 6 millimetres thick, it provides excellent support for knees, hips and wrists on timber, tile or concrete. The dense foam does not collapse easily, so it feels stable under weight-bearing poses rather than soft and unstable.

Its main weakness is weight. Carrying a Manduka PRO on public transport in Melbourne or walking it to a city studio can become tiresome, especially without a proper strap. The surface can also feel slippery when new, so it benefits from regular use and careful cleaning during the break-in period.

A 6mm Gaiam Premium mat is a more accessible option for home practice. It offers comfortable padding at a lower price and is easy to find through Australian retailers. It will not usually match a premium rubber or polyurethane mat for long-term traction, but it suits beginners, restorative yoga and occasional sessions.

People with sensitive joints should look beyond thickness alone. A dense 4mm mat may give better balance and support than a soft 8mm model that compresses under the hands. If kneeling remains uncomfortable, add a small folded towel or purpose-made knee pad rather than choosing an excessively bulky mat.

Choosing for Australian homes and studios

The floor beneath the mat makes a significant difference. On smooth tiles, a rubber-backed mat is less likely to shift, while lightweight PVC mats may slide on polished timber. Check whether the underside remains stable when you step forward from Downward Dog, since movement at the base can undermine even excellent surface grip.

Heat and sunlight also affect storage. Do not leave a mat rolled beside a north-facing window, in a closed car or on a sunny balcony. Australian summer temperatures can soften adhesives and accelerate odour, while direct ultraviolet exposure may fade or degrade the surface. Store the mat loosely rolled in a cool, ventilated place.

The B MAT Everyday 4mm is a practical middle ground for people who attend classes and practise at home. It has a stable, grippy feel without the substantial weight of a Manduka PRO. For yoga in a smaller apartment, the moderate thickness also makes it easier to store under a bed or behind a wardrobe.

Sand is another everyday consideration for Australians who practise outdoors. Fine grains can become embedded in textured rubber and scratch flooring when the mat is rolled up. Brush off beach or park debris before packing it away, and use a separate outdoor mat if you regularly practise near the coast.

Materials, cleaning and lifespan

Natural rubber is appealing for its traction and partly renewable origin, but it needs sensible care. Keep rubber mats away from strong sunlight, oils and harsh disinfectants, which can dry the surface. A diluted, manufacturer-approved cleaner and a soft cloth are usually safer than household bleach or abrasive sprays.

Closed-cell PVC and polyurethane surfaces resist absorption better, making them simpler to wipe down after class. However, the top layer can eventually peel or lose its feel if scrubbed aggressively. Always follow the brand’s instructions, particularly when using essential oils, vinegar or commercial antibacterial products.

Odour is not automatically a sign of poor quality. Rubber and some foams release a smell when new, and airing the mat flat in shade can reduce it. Avoid leaving it outside overnight, where dew and temperature changes can encourage moisture retention.

Responsible disposal is worth considering before buying. A very cheap mat that needs replacing every year may create more waste than a durable model used for a decade. Check whether the manufacturer offers recycling or take-back information, and avoid assuming that every “eco” label has the same environmental standard.

How to buy with confidence in Australia

Start by measuring the space where you practise and the way you travel. A standard mat is generally enough for most people, but taller practitioners may prefer an extra-long design. Weight matters if you cycle, use trains or carry other equipment to class, while a wider mat can be valuable in a compact home where you want more room to move.

Pay attention to Australian Consumer Law when shopping online or in store. Products must be of acceptable quality, match their description and be fit for the purpose the seller promotes. A change-of-mind return is governed by the retailer’s policy, so read the conditions before ordering a premium mat that may be difficult to return once unwrapped.

User reviews are most helpful when they mention practice style, climate and flooring. A review saying a mat is “slippery” may refer to hot yoga, sweaty hands or a polished floor, while another user may have tested it during a dry winter Pilates session. Look for repeated patterns rather than one dramatic comment.

Yoga can also become part of a broader social routine. After a class or weekend practice, some households enjoy board games for adults as a relaxed way to spend time together. For family sessions involving children, choose non-toxic cleaning products, supervise poses and keep mats stored where they cannot become trip hazards.

Before placing an order, check the delivered dimensions, cleaning instructions, warranty and current price in Australian dollars. If a family or children’s programme is involved, wider safeguarding information from ECPAT Philippines can also help organisations think carefully about safe environments beyond the equipment itself.

The right mat should feel dependable from the first few minutes of practice: stable under your feet, comfortable under your knees and manageable in your daily routine. Choose Liforme or JadeYoga for exceptional traction, Manduka for dense long-term cushioning, Lululemon or B MAT for balance, and Gaiam for an affordable starting point. Compare the material, dimensions and care requirements, then select the mat you will genuinely enjoy using several times a week.