Best Thick Yoga Mats for Joint Support & Comfort

If you've ever felt your knees aching during kneeling poses, or your tailbone protesting during seated postures, you need more cushioning. Thick yoga mats (6mm and above) provide superior joint protection and comfort - essential for practitioners with sensitive knees, those recovering from injuries, or anyone who prioritizes cushioning.

This comprehensive guide explores the best thick yoga mats, explains thickness options, and helps you choose the perfect cushioned mat for your practice.

Quick Picks: Best Thick Yoga Mats

Mat	Thickness	Weight	Material	Price	Best For
Manduka PRO	6mm	7.5 lbs	PVC	$120	Best overall thick mat
BalanceFrom GoYoga	7mm	4 lbs	NBR foam	$25	Best budget option
Gaiam Essentials	8mm	5 lbs	NBR foam	$35	Extra cushioning
Jade Fusion	8mm	6 lbs	Natural rubber	$110	Best eco-friendly thick mat
Gorilla Mats Premium	8mm	5 lbs	NBR foam	$48	Best value
Manduka PRO XL	6mm	8.8 lbs	PVC	$140	Best for tall yogis

Understanding Yoga Mat Thickness

Standard Thickness Options

1/16" (1.5mm) - Travel Mats

Minimal cushioning
Ultra-portable
Not suitable for joint sensitivity

1/8" (3mm) - Thin Mats

Light cushioning
Good for balance work
May be uncomfortable for kneeling poses

3/16" (5mm) - Standard Mats

Most common thickness
Balance of cushioning and stability
Good for all-around practice

1/4" (6mm) - Thick Mats

Extra cushioning for joints
Still stable for standing poses
Sweet spot for many practitioners

5/16" (8mm) - Extra Thick Mats

Maximum cushioning
May feel less stable
Perfect for restorative/gentle yoga

1/2" (12mm+) - Fitness/Pilates Mats

Very thick cushioning
Can feel unstable for yoga balance poses
Better for floor exercises

Thickness vs. Stability Trade-off

Thicker mats provide:

✅ Better joint protection
✅ More comfortable for kneeling/seated poses
✅ Softer surface for lying down
❌ Less stability for balance poses
❌ Harder to "feel" the ground

Our recommendation: 6mm is the sweet spot for most yogis needing extra cushioning without sacrificing too much stability.

Who Needs a Thick Yoga Mat?

You Should Consider a Thick Mat If You:

Have Joint Sensitivity

Knee pain or conditions (arthritis, past injuries)
Hip discomfort
Wrist sensitivity
Ankle issues

Practice Specific Yoga Styles

Restorative yoga (lots of floor time)
Yin yoga (long holds in seated/lying positions)
Gentle/senior yoga
Prenatal yoga

Have Specific Body Types

Tall/larger build (more weight on joints)
Bony frame (less natural padding)
Recovering from injury or surgery

Practice Locations

Hard floors (concrete, tile, hardwood)
Home practice (comfort is priority)
Outdoor yoga on uneven surfaces

You May NOT Need Extra Thickness If You:

Practice dynamic styles (vinyasa, ashtanga, power yoga)
Prioritize balance work and inversions
Have strong, conditioned joints
Travel frequently (thick mats are heavy)
Practice hot yoga (thicker = less stable when sweaty)

Top 7 Best Thick Yoga Mats Reviewed

1. Manduka PRO Yoga Mat (6mm) - Best Overall Thick Mat

The Manduka PRO is the gold standard of thick yoga mats, offering 6mm of dense cushioning with exceptional durability.

Specs:

Thickness: 6mm (1/4")
Weight: 7.5 lbs
Dimensions: 71" x 26"
Material: PVC (eco-friendly formulation, emissions-free manufacturing)

Pros:

Lifetime guarantee (yes, really!)
Dense, high-quality cushioning that doesn't compress
Closed-cell surface (sweat doesn't seep in)
Exceptional durability (lasts 10+ years with daily use)
Available in many colors

Cons:

Heavy (7.5 lbs - not great for travel)
Requires break-in period (slippery when new)
Higher price point ($120)
PVC material (not biodegradable)

Best for: Home practice, studios, serious yogis who want one mat forever

Price: $120

View Manduka PRO Details →

2. BalanceFrom GoYoga All-Purpose Mat (7mm) - Best Budget Thick Mat

Proof that you don't need to spend a fortune for quality cushioning.

Specs:

Thickness: 7mm
Weight: 4 lbs
Dimensions: 71" x 24"
Material: NBR (nitrile butadiene rubber) foam

Pros:

Extremely affordable ($25)
Generous 7mm cushioning
Lightweight for a thick mat (4 lbs)
Includes carrying strap
Available in 20+ colors

Cons:

Less durable than premium mats (1-2 year lifespan with heavy use)
Foam can compress over time
Chemical smell initially (airs out)
Not eco-friendly

Best for: Beginners, home practice, budget-conscious yogis

Price: $25

View BalanceFrom GoYoga →

3. Gaiam Essentials Thick Yoga Mat (8mm) - Best Extra Cushioning

When you need maximum cushioning at an affordable price, Gaiam's 8mm mat delivers.

Specs:

Thickness: 8mm (5/16")
Weight: 5 lbs
Dimensions: 72" x 24"
Material: NBR foam

Pros:

Extra thick 8mm cushioning
Affordable price ($35)
Widely available (Target, Amazon, sporting goods stores)
Good non-slip texture
Extra long (72")

Cons:

Can feel unstable for balance poses
Foam quality moderate (not premium)
May show wear after 12-18 months
Limited eco-credentials

Best for: Restorative yoga, gentle practice, those needing maximum cushioning

Price: $35

View Gaiam Essentials Thick Mat →

4. Jade Fusion Yoga Mat (8mm) - Best Eco-Friendly Thick Mat

The Jade Fusion combines 8mm of natural rubber cushioning with eco-friendly materials and exceptional grip.

Specs:

Thickness: 8mm (5/16")
Weight: 6 lbs
Dimensions: 68" x 24"
Material: 100% natural rubber (two layers)

Pros:

Eco-friendly: made from sustainably tapped rubber trees
Biodegradable (decomposes in 2-3 years)
Superior grip (even when sweaty)
Made in USA
Jade plants a tree for every mat sold

Cons:

Heavy (6 lbs)
Natural rubber smell initially
Contains latex (not suitable for allergies)
Higher price point ($110)

Best for: Eco-conscious yogis who need extra cushioning

Price: $110

View Jade Fusion Mat →

5. Gorilla Mats Premium Extra Thick Yoga Mat (8mm) - Best Value

The Gorilla Mat offers premium features at a mid-range price point.

Specs:

Thickness: 8mm (1/3")
Weight: 5 lbs
Dimensions: 72" x 24"
Material: High-density NBR foam

Pros:

Great value (thick mat with quality for under $50)
Extra long (72") and wide (24")
Double-sided non-slip surfaces
High-density foam (better durability)
Lifetime replacement warranty

Cons:

Moderate eco-friendliness
Can be slippery when very sweaty
Initial chemical smell (fades quickly)

Best for: Home practice, beginners to intermediate yogis wanting thick cushioning

Price: $48

View Gorilla Mats Premium →

6. Manduka PRO XL (6mm) - Best for Tall Yogis

Everything great about the Manduka PRO, but in an extra-large size for tall practitioners.

Specs:

Thickness: 6mm (1/4")
Weight: 8.8 lbs
Dimensions: 85" x 26" (extra long!)
Material: PVC (eco-friendly formulation)

Pros:

Extra-long (85") - fits yogis over 6'3"
Extra-wide (26")
Same legendary Manduka PRO durability
Lifetime guarantee
Dense, non-compressing cushioning

Cons:

Very heavy (8.8 lbs - home use only)
Premium price ($140)
Requires break-in
Not biodegradable

Best for: Tall yogis (6'+) who need thick cushioning and extra length

Price: $140

View Manduka PRO XL →

7. Yoga Studio Classic Yoga Mat (6mm) - Best Mid-Range Option

A solid thick mat from a lesser-known but quality brand.

Specs:

Thickness: 6mm (1/4")
Weight: 5.5 lbs
Dimensions: 72" x 24"
Material: TPE (thermoplastic elastomer)

Pros:

PVC-free, eco-friendlier than foam mats
100% recyclable
Good cushioning at 6mm
Extra long (72")
Affordable ($45)

Cons:

Less durable than natural rubber or high-end PVC
Can become slippery when very wet
Moderate brand recognition

Best for: Eco-conscious yogis wanting thick mat without premium price

Price: $45

View Yoga Studio Classic →

Thick Mat Comparison Table

Mat	Thickness	Weight	Material	Price	Durability	Eco-Friendly
Manduka PRO	6mm	7.5 lbs	PVC	$120	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐
BalanceFrom	7mm	4 lbs	NBR foam	$25	⭐⭐	⭐
Gaiam Essentials	8mm	5 lbs	NBR foam	$35	⭐⭐	⭐
Jade Fusion	8mm	6 lbs	Natural rubber	$110	⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Gorilla Mats	8mm	5 lbs	NBR foam	$48	⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐
Manduka PRO XL	6mm	8.8 lbs	PVC	$140	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐
Yoga Studio	6mm	5.5 lbs	TPE	$45	⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐

6mm vs 8mm: Which Thickness is Right for You?

Choose 6mm If You:

Practice varied yoga styles (need some stability)
Want thick cushioning without feeling "squishy"
Do occasional balance poses or inversions
Want a mat that works for both gentle and dynamic practice
Are willing to invest in premium quality (Manduka PRO)

Best 6mm options: Manduka PRO, Manduka PRO XL, Yoga Studio Classic

Choose 8mm If You:

Practice primarily restorative, yin, or gentle yoga
Have significant joint sensitivity
Rarely do balance poses
Practice on very hard floors
Prioritize maximum cushioning above all else

Best 8mm options: Jade Fusion (eco-friendly), Gaiam Essentials (budget), Gorilla Mats (value)

Still Unsure?

Start with 6mm - it's versatile enough for most practices while still providing substantial cushioning. You can always add a yoga blanket or towel for extra padding in specific poses.

Thick Mat Materials Explained

NBR Foam (Nitrile Butadiene Rubber)

Found in: BalanceFrom, Gaiam Essentials, Gorilla Mats

Pros:

Affordable
Lightweight (compared to natural rubber)
Good cushioning
Water-resistant

Cons:

Less durable (compresses over time)
Not eco-friendly
Can have chemical smell
May crack or tear with heavy use

Lifespan: 1-3 years with regular use

PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)

Found in: Manduka PRO, Manduka PRO XL

Pros:

Extremely durable (10+ years)
Closed-cell surface (no sweat absorption)
Maintains cushioning (doesn't compress)
Long-lasting investment

Cons:

Not biodegradable
Requires break-in period
Heavier
More expensive

Lifespan: 10+ years (Manduka offers lifetime guarantee)

Natural Rubber

Found in: Jade Fusion

Pros:

Eco-friendly (renewable resource)
Biodegradable
Excellent grip
Sustainable

Cons:

Heavier
Contains latex (allergies)
Natural smell initially
Can degrade in direct sunlight

Lifespan: 5-8 years with proper care

TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer)

Found in: Yoga Studio Classic, various mid-range brands

Pros:

PVC-free alternative
100% recyclable
Moderate price
Lighter than natural rubber

Cons:

Less durable than PVC or rubber
Can be slippery when very wet
Moderate cushioning retention

Lifespan: 3-5 years

Common Concerns with Thick Yoga Mats

"Will a thick mat make me unstable?"

The truth: It depends on the thickness and your practice.

6mm: Most people feel stable for all poses
8mm: May feel less grounded in balance poses
10mm+: Can feel very unstable for standing balance work

Solution: If you need thick cushioning but also do balance work, try:

6mm mat (best compromise)
Thicker mat + focusing on engaging your feet firmly
Using a regular mat with a foam pad underneath for kneeling poses only

"Are thick mats heavier?"

Yes, generally. More material = more weight.

Typical weights:

5mm standard mat: 4-5 lbs
6mm thick mat: 5-7.5 lbs
8mm extra thick mat: 5-6 lbs

If weight is a concern: Look for NBR foam mats (lighter) vs. natural rubber (heavier).

"Do thick mats wear out faster?"

It depends on the material, not just thickness.

NBR foam: Compresses over time (1-3 years)
High-quality PVC (Manduka PRO): Maintains integrity for 10+ years
Natural rubber: Durable but can degrade (5-8 years)

The quality of density matters more than thickness alone.

"Can I use a thick mat for hot yoga?"

Generally not recommended. Thick mats can feel:

Unstable when combined with sweat
Like they're "swallowing" your hands and feet
Too soft for strong, grounded poses

Better choice for hot yoga: 4-5mm mat with excellent wet grip (like Liforme or microfiber-top mats).

How to Care for Thick Yoga Mats

Daily/After Each Practice

Wipe down with a damp cloth or mat spray
Air dry completely before rolling up
Store in a cool, dry place (avoid direct sunlight)

Weekly Deep Clean

For closed-cell mats (Manduka PRO):

Wipe with damp cloth + gentle soap
Rinse with clean cloth
Air dry flat

For open-cell mats (natural rubber, foam):

Mix solution: 1 part vinegar to 4 parts water
Spray entire surface
Wipe with clean cloth
Air dry completely

Storage Tips

Thick mats should be:

Stored unrolled when possible (prevents cracking)
Kept away from direct sunlight (UV degrades materials)
Not stored in hot cars or damp basements

If you must roll: Roll loosely to avoid permanent creases.

Accessories for Thick Mats

Mat Strap or Bag

Thick mats are heavy - carrying accessories help:

Mat strap: $10-15 (basic, works for any mat)
Mat bag: $25-40 (protects mat, has shoulder strap)
Mat carrier: $15-20 (sling-style for easy transport)

Yoga Towel (Optional)

Use a yoga towel if:

You practice hot yoga on a thick mat (adds grip)
You want extra hygiene layer
Your mat becomes slippery when sweaty

Not necessary for: Most thick mat users (cushioning is already there)

Yoga Blocks (Helpful for Thick Mats)

Because thick mats raise you higher off the ground, you may need blocks to:

Reach the floor in poses like Triangle or Half Moon
Support yourself in seated forward folds
Assist in balancing poses

FAQ: Thick Yoga Mats

Q: What's the best thickness for a yoga mat if I have knee pain?

A: 6-8mm is ideal. This provides enough cushioning to protect your knees without feeling unstable. If 6mm isn't enough, try 8mm or use a folded blanket under your knees for extra protection.

Q: Are thick yoga mats good for beginners?

A: Yes and no. Thick mats offer great cushioning for beginners with sensitive joints, but they can make balance poses harder. We recommend 5-6mm for beginners as a good compromise.

Q: Can I use a yoga mat that's too thick?

A: You can, but very thick mats (10mm+) designed for Pilates or fitness may feel unstable for yoga balance poses. Stick to 6-8mm for yoga-specific use.

Q: How do I make my thin yoga mat thicker?

A: You can:

Add a yoga mat topper or pad underneath
Use a folded yoga blanket for extra cushioning
Double up mats (use two stacked)
Buy a thicker mat (most practical long-term solution)

Q: Do thick mats last longer?

A: Not necessarily. Material quality matters more than thickness. A 6mm Manduka PRO (PVC) will outlast an 8mm foam mat by years. Dense, high-quality materials > thickness alone.

Q: Can thick mats be used for Pilates?

A: Yes! Many thick yoga mats (especially 8mm+) work well for Pilates. However, dedicated Pilates mats are often even thicker (10-15mm) and wider.

Q: Are there extra-long thick mats for tall people?

A: Yes! Check out:

Manduka PRO XL (85" x 26", 6mm) - $140
Gaiam Essentials (72" x 24", 8mm) - $35
Gorilla Mats (72" x 24", 8mm) - $48

Find Your Perfect Thick Yoga Mat

Here's our quick recommendation guide:

Best overall: Manduka PRO 6mm ($120) - lifetime guarantee, incredible durability

Best budget: BalanceFrom GoYoga 7mm ($25) - affordable, decent cushioning

Best eco-friendly: Jade Fusion 8mm ($110) - natural rubber, biodegradable

Best value: Gorilla Mats 8mm ($48) - quality features, mid-range price

Best for tall yogis: Manduka PRO XL ($140) - 85" long, 6mm thick

Best extra cushioning: Gaiam Essentials 8mm ($35) - maximum affordable cushioning

Ready to find your perfect thick mat? Take our Mat Finder Quiz to get personalized recommendations based on your practice style, joint sensitivity, and budget.

Browse our complete collection of thick yoga mats with detailed reviews, cushioning comparisons, and the best prices.

Protect your joints and practice in comfort! 🧘‍♀️