Give your back a break - the 9 best thick yoga mats offer ultimate support and comfort in 2026
The best thick yoga mats have at least 6mm of cushioning, making them the go-to support through stretching, yoga, Pilates, and strength training workouts
It's one of the best thick yoga mats for me, or I'm not doing the workout at all. As woman&home's digital health editor, I've tried hundreds of mats in classes, at home, and in the gym, but with at least 6mm of cushioning in each one, these are the only ones I've wanted to buy for myself.
A thick yoga mat is undoubtedly the best for support, cushioning, comfort, and durability. While regular yoga mats provide cushioning between 1mm and 4mm, the extra thickness of these is a saviour for yoga flows, stretching, Pilates workouts, and even strength training if you have to kneel or lie on your back.
However, it's important to find the right one for you. A mat that's too thin is no good, but a mat that's too thick may be unstable, heavy to carry, hard to store, and difficult to roll out. To find the happy medium, I've worked with fellow members of the health team to scour brands like Gaiam, Yogamatters, and Adidas, testing each mat against criteria including thickness, grip, design, and weight to discover the best thick yoga mats available to buy online. We also discussed the must-have features with the experts.
The best thick yoga mats as tested by us
Thickness: 6mm | Weight: 1.59kg
The Gaiam Premium 6mm-thick Yoga Mat is the one I reach for most at home. It's not just premium in name - designed for all types of exercise, but especially yoga workouts, this mat delivers excellent cushioning under joints and feet. I also love the selection of colours and patterns available - especially this vibrant pink colourway.
I've had this mat for about two years now, and I use it a few times a week - it's still in excellent shape and shows very few signs of wear. I've used it for a range of yoga, Pilates, strength workouts, and stretching. I find there's just enough cushion to take pressure off my joints without leaving me feeling unbalanced when I'm standing. I love it because it's so grippy on the bottom so it stays put through the whole workout, and the synthetic polymer doesn't feel slippery when I start to sweat.
In the summer months, I take it outside to make the most of the sunshine. There's never a mark on it after a quick wipe. It's also very easy to store in a cupboard or leave in the corner of the room, as it rolls up tightly and stays put without needing a strap, which will always cost extra.
The only downside I'd flag is the plastic smell when it comes out of the box. It's intense and takes a few weeks to fade properly. Overall, it's a very small price to pay for this budget-friendly buy. Coming in at under £40, it's significantly cheaper than many others yet ticks all the boxes.
Pros
- Very durable
- Great for all types of workout
- A variety of price points
- Lots of colours to choose from
Cons
- PVC material may not suit everyone
Thickness: 12mm | Weight: 1.3kg
If you have more budget to spend, then I'd recommend skipping the rest of this article and just buying the Stakt mat. It's my absolute favourite, but the £90+ price tag makes it hard to justify as a suitable option for everyone. It feels firm yet supportive under my back with 12mm of cushioning, double that of my top choice. It's a winner for those looking for serious support, and it doesn't have that spongy feel that some of the cheaper, super-thick yoga mats have.
While many of the best thick yoga mats roll up, this one folds away to create a pad that you can also use as a yoga block. It's dual-purpose, and if you regularly use a yoga block in your practice, it might even save you money in the long run. I tend to fold it up into a block to stretch out my hip flexors and glutes as part of my cool-down stretch routine. The added height really makes a difference.
It's a great option for anyone hunting for the most support possible, but the premium, soft-yet-grippy material on the top is unmatched in this guide. It's also a good option for anyone unwilling to compromise on both comfort and support.
Although it's one of the more expensive mats on my list, I believe that the combination of support, comfort, and versatility makes it well worth the extra spend compared to the Gaiam Premium Thick Yoga Mat, for example, if you have the budget.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Very versatile design
- Grippy underfoot
- Premium feel
- Easy to store
Cons
- Most expensive on this list
Thickness: 10mm or 15mm | Weight: 1.1kg
When I first rolled out this mat, it reminded me of the ones I used during my school P.E lessons. For me, this is no bad thing - they provided total protection from the tough wooden floor. If you're looking for one of the best yoga mats to buy on Amazon that's also lightweight and ultra-thick, this is the one. For just over £10 and with a choice of two supreme thicknesses, the Xn8 Sports Thick Yoga Mat offers maximum softness and cushioning.
There are two thickness options (10mm or 15mm), and I opted for the thinner option, which I found was enough to support my joints. It feels at least three times thicker than the Gaiam Premium Yoga Mat but spongier than the Stakt Premium Mat. I have no complaints, though. I wouldn't use it for anything too vigorous, but for knee exercises and back exercises, it's an affordable and reliable choice.
I admit I went into the testing process for this mat with minimal expectations, given the price tag, but I was very pleasantly surprised. The mat felt durable and reliable during workouts where I was moving around a lot or holding a pose for a longer period. It stuck to the floor without curling up, too, which is a plus.
Another plus is that it's sold on Amazon, meaning you'll get quick and reliable delivery. However, given the thickness, it's not a mat I'd recommend for the studio. Despite being relatively lightweight thanks to the rubber material, it's still bulky to carry around. For studio sessions, I'd recommend the Strongtek Extra Thick Yoga Mat.
Pros
- Suitable for all kinds of workouts
- Very supportive
- Quick delivery
- Good colour range
Cons
- Bulky to carry around
Thickness: 6mm | Weight: 860g
A yoga mat with body alignment lines can take you through a yoga workout without an instructor. The lines on this Core Balance yoga mat act as touchpoints for your hands and feet, helping to correct your poses and build muscle memory.
Along with the lines, the Core Balance mat has a textured TPE surface. I've enjoyed using this mat thanks to these two features - it's not slippery when wet, and I feel stable and comfortable using it as the texture is double-sided, so it also stays firm to the floor. The TPE material also means that it's very easy to clean and doesn't lock in moisture like other materials.
At 6mm thick, I've found there's just enough underfoot to cushion my ankles and feet, without any springy or spongy feel, so when I'm in the flow, I can feel the ground beneath my feet, helping with that mind-body connection. At 86grams, it's also one of the lightest mats on the list, making it a good all-rounder - but especially for travelling, either on holiday or to the studio.
Pros
- Alignment markers for yoga
- Very lightweight
- Supportive
- Multiple colourways
Cons
- Not as versatile as other yoga mats on this list
Thickness: 8mm | Weight: 1.5kg
The Yogamatters Everyday Wellness Mat is a long-standing favourite of mine. It blends comfort and support with durability, creating a sturdy surface to exercise on. Having been out of stock for a few months, I'm so pleased to see it's back, as this mat narrowly missed out on the top spot in this list.
I have sensitive knees from a running injury years ago, and I find this mat makes my yoga poses (like child's pose and Shavasana) more comfortable. I almost couldn't feel the ground under me. The mat is reversible, but both sides feel grippier than most standard yoga mats to me, making it a great option for sweatier workouts and stability exercises. I also appreciate this when I'm working out in my living room at home, as the mat doesn't slide over the wooden floor.
Compared to other options at a similar thickness, the Yogamatters Everyday Wellness Mat is also relatively lightweight at 1.5kg, and having used it for over a year, I can confidently say it's worth the price. I've used this mat frequently for my beginner's kettlebell workout and Pilates with weights, along with regular stretching, and it's been just perfect.
Pros
- Feels durable
- Relatively lightweight
- Suitable for all workouts
- Stable
Cons
- Harder to clean than others
Thickness: 6mm | Weight: Less than 1kg
If you're more invested in a good grip and durability (along with comfort, of course) in your mat than anything else, a cork yoga mat might be a better option for you. The top layer feels smooth to the touch, but it's still grippy when in use, and the material deals with sweat quickly, hiding any marks and making it easy to clean your yoga mat. This also means the mat is a versatile option, as suitable for yoga as for heavier, sweatier workouts.
I've had this mat for about seven months now, and I use it for stretching and weighted workouts every few days. When I first opened the box, I was surprised by how thin the cork felt, and I was a little disappointed. But when I got going, I realised that it offered more than enough cushioning for core exercises and my regular weight training workouts. It's also held up really well over time and looks almost as good as the day I got it.
While the Mirafit Cork Yoga Mat does have a TPE foam backing and arrives in a plastic wrap, it's a more sustainable option than the PVC-only options on our list, as cork is a natural material.
Pros
- Very versatile
- Excellent for sweaty workouts
- Natural material
- Good support
Cons
- Not entirely made of cork
Thickness: 6mm | Weight: 3.4kg
Looking for a durable yoga mat that will last a whole lifetime? If you can take the weight, the Manduka Pro Premium 6mm Thick Yoga Mat might be for you. It blends exceptionally high-quality materials with functional use, offering a great balance between cushioning and stability for all kinds of sessions. I tested this yoga mat in a month's worth of yoga classes, Pilates workouts, and home sessions.
While it feels springy and supportive underfoot, the big selling point of this mat is the grip on the underside. I felt secure even on tile flooring, but still felt able to move freely with the thick cushioning under me for support.
If you prefer a darker colour to complement your workout leggings, this is a great choice as it's only available in muted greens, reds, and blues. It also comes in different sizes to suit yoga lovers of all heights (from 71" to 85").
The only downside - and this goes for most other premium mats too - is that the Manduka Pro Premium 6mm Thick Yoga Mat comes with a little extra weight. At just over 3kg for the regular length, it's one of the heavier mats on the list - almost 2kg more than the Xn8 Sports yoga mat, which is double the thickness. However, this makes it a better choice, in my opinion, for those who prefer to practice at home rather than take their mat to the studio. The premium quality is also unmatched.
Pros
- Latex-free luxury
- Durable
- Long lasting
- Feels very premium
Cons
- Heavy to carry
Thickness: 8mm | Weight: 500g
For me, 8mm is ideal for workouts where you need to move but want more support than 4mm when your feet come to land. At double the thickness, the Adidas Foam Mat is my pick of the bunch for any kettlebell or dumbbell workouts at home.
With the rigid underside, it stays firm on wooden floors and carpet, not shifting even through the higher-intensity workouts I put it through using some of the best workout apps. The foam is medium density, meaning it has a little give underfoot, which I found offered more support during jumping workouts or workouts involving jumping.
As it's made from relatively sweat-resistant EVA/TPE foam materials, it's also very easy to keep clean with just a wipe after use, and the mat isn't so thick that it unfurls when it rolls away, which is great for storing it away after use.
Pros
- Suitable for all workouts
- Supportive
- Very comfortable
- Very lightweight
- Easy to carry
Cons
- Sporty design may not be to all tastes
Thickness: 10mm | Weight: 1.10kg
Need a little extra room? The PROIRON yoga mat is measures 183cm long, which is over six feet, making it a great option for those who are a little taller than average or those who want a little more space to stretch. While this mat is designed for yoga, I've used it for stretching mainly, and as a taller woman, I have certainly felt the benefit of this extra space. I can fully lie down without my head or toes hanging over the end.
At 10mm thick, much like the Xn8 mat, it may be too much for some people. Not everyone will need that much support, and I have found it to be a little too thick for exercises where you need a firm grounding with the floor - like yoga flows. However, for deep stretches and more stationary practices, it feels wonderfully supportive.
This is a very versatile mat, at home as much in the gym as in the yoga studio, thanks to the strong black and red or blue colourways and body alignment system. Much like the Core Balance option, this mat has lines to help position your hands and feet to improve posture and lessen stress on the joints.
Pros
- Very comfortable
- Supportive with 10mm cushion
- Versatile
- Durable
- Multiple colours
Cons
- May be too thick for some
Testing the best thick yoga mats
07/07/2026: The latest additions to this guide include the Core Balance TPE mat as the top pick for yoga workouts and the PROIRON Yoga Mat as an option for those needing maximum support. I have also updated pricing to reflect recent sales and reductions with new product releases.
How we tested the best thick yoga mats
The woman&home health team and our expert testers put all the thick yoga mats in this guide to the test through multiple yoga sessions, ranging from intense cardio-based Vinyasa yoga classes to beginners' stretching sessions. We also tested the mats in strength workouts and Pilates classes.
When reviewing the mats, we considered the following criteria:
- Thickness: Every yoga mat we tried had to be above 4mm thick as the minimum required to be a thick yoga mat. Anything above 6mm was great and all yoga mats above 8mm were prioritised as specialist mats.
- Grip: Was the mat non-slip? We noted whether each mat offered plenty of grip and support. After all, you don't want to be sliding around while trying to get into downward dog.
- Design: Not only did we look at the designs and colourways on offer, but we also evaluated the materials. We tested mats made from everything from natural rubber and man-made rubber to PVC.
- Weight: A weighty mat will feel luxe and durable, and it could help with stability, but for those who want a yoga mat for on-the-go, a lightweight option is best. We considered a range of weights to highlight the best ones in each category.
- Price: When testing, we also considered the price. Quality yoga mats don't have to be expensive, and sometimes it's best to opt for a budget option if you're new to the practice. Yoga should be an accessible activity for everyone, so as well as including luxury buys, we've included mats from across the market's price spectrum.
How thick should a yoga mat be?
A yoga mat is about 3mm thick, while thicker options are usually 6mm or above. Anything thinner than 3mm and you risk not having adequate support for your back, feet, knees, and other parts of the body that come under pressure during the practice.
When figuring out how to choose a yoga mat you like, thickness should be a consideration. For maximum thickness, opt for a mat of at least 8mm, but a mat of at least 6mm should be enough to support the major joints in the body.
Ultimately, how thick your yoga mat should be is down to you and your practice. "There is no real ideal thickness for a yoga mat, it all depends on the person practising, style of yoga being practised and where the practice is taking place," Georgie Davies, a yoga teacher who teaches vinyasa yoga as well as gentler classes, tells us.
"For instance, you may not need as much padding in the mat if you're practising at home on carpet compared to the wooden floor of a studio," says Georgie, who also created an online yoga platform, Yogipod. "If the class you're taking explores a lot of postures on the hands and knees or if you have any conditions that make that uncomfortable, then more padding would be ideal."
It's also worth noting that the extra padding of thicker mats may feel nice for certain poses, but you're less connected to the floor. This could impact your ability to balance or land correctly during higher-energy movements.
"Thicker mats can make it harder to find balance in one-legged postures such as Vrksasana (tree pose) or stability in standing postures due to the depth of padding underneath the foot," explains Georgie. "This can be mitigated, though, by moving balancing postures off the mat so that the padding is there when required and also creating more stability and strength in the ankles, feet and legs."
