The immense benefits of yoga in enhancing health and well-being are well recognized by wellness enthusiasts. However, the environmental sustainability of yoga mats leaves much to be desired, presenting an issue for those committed to reducing their footprint on our planet. Thankfully, our top-rated cork yoga mat offers an excellent resolution, enabling you to participate in your yoga routines without exacerbating environmental harm.
This post covers the best cork yoga mats on the market and the information you need to make an ideal choice.
Which Is the Best Cork Yoga Mat?
1. GURUS Cork Non-Slip Yoga Mat
Unlike standard yoga mats, the GURUS cork yoga mat comes with a superior grip to ensure you have a stable surface for practising yoga. You’ll be surprised to know that the grip of this cork mat will increase when it’s wet. Fortunately, you don’t have to worry about moisture damage when using this cork mat since it naturally resists moisture absorption.
Since this mat is made from natural rubber derived from trees, you can rest assured that it’s eco-friendly. You won’t feel irritation or discomfort when using this mat since the natural surface is gentle to the touch. This makes this mat a better option than PVC mats which can be heavy and toxic.
As one of the best cork yoga mats on the market, this one can blend seamlessly into your interior setting thanks to its serene and natural color. Additionally, this resilient yoga mat will serve you for years, thanks to its durable construction and high-quality material.
PROS
- Doesn’t absorb moisture
- It won’t slip
- Thick and comfortable
- Lightweight and travel-friendly
- Looks stylish
- Durable
CONS
- The cork surface could feel slippery
- Mostly ideal for hot yoga
2. Yoloha Cork Yoga Mat
Next, we’ll review the Yoloha Original Air Cork Mat, the first cork yoga mat on the market. Since its release, it’s received various enhancements to ensure it’s among the best cork mats you can find. It’s made from durable non-slip cork, blended with eco-friendly foam to make it a non-toxic and cozy option.
If you are looking for a lightweight yoga mat that you can conveniently carry with you to the gym, this is it. It’s designed for non-slip performance whether you are using it on wet or dry surfaces to ensure you can enjoy stability during your yoga sessions. You don’t need to carry a towel for your hot yoga since this mat is great for every variety of yoga practice.
Since it’s more grippy when wet, you’ll need to sprinkle a few drops of water on the areas you’ll place your hands and feet to ensure maximum traction. The foam backing is designed to resist moisture absorption to keep it free from smells and odors. Additionally, it’s pretty easy to maintain this mat since it dries within minutes, ensuring you can clean it quickly.
PROS
- Eco-friendly option
- Longlasting
- Great traction
- Ideal for any yoga practice
- Easy to clean
CONS
- Few customer reviews
3. Yoga Design Lab Cork Yoga Mat
Some consider the Yoga Design Lab Cork Mat the best cork yoga mat available for a variety of reasons. It’s made from natural rubber, making it biodegradable and therefore safe for the environment. That’s why it’s an excellent pick for environmental enthusiasts looking to use eco-friendly yoga mats.
This natural cork yoga mat offers exceptional performance for fitness fans thanks to the high density cushioning that provides a plush surface to place your hands and feet. It’s also symmetrical in shape to ensure you can make proper body alignments as you work out. The non-slip grip improves with moisture making this mat a great option for hot yoga sessions.
You can keep this mat clean without difficulty since it only needs some soap and water to maintain. You could lay it flat or hang it, and it’ll dry within minutes, so you won’t have to wait long before going for yoga practice.
PROS
- Safe for the environment
- Excellent grip
- Low maintenance
- Rubber backing
- Easy to carry with the included strap
CONS
- Comes with a rubber smell when new
4. Gaiam Cork Yoga Mat
Whether you are starting to explore yoga or are an expert, the Gaiam Cork Yoga Mat is a perfect option. Like some of the best cork yoga mats, it’s made from organic cork on the top and TPE rubber on the bottom. Since it’s made from sustainable materials, you can use it without fear of harming the environment.
Unlike standard yoga mats, this one doesn’t absorb moisture which means it can stay odor free with proper maintenance. It’s perfect for all types of yoga, but it’s specifically designed to add grip for your hot yoga session. Plus, because it gets a better grip with moisture, you don’t have to worry about sweating on it as you work out.
The major downside to this cork mat is that it’s stiff, making it hard to lay flat or roll it in reverse without creasing. It’s also smaller than other mats making it inconvenient to use if you want a wide yoga mat.
PROS
- Lightweight
- Great for hot yoga
- Made from natural materials
- Stylish appearance
CONS
- Feels thin
- Creases when rolled
5. Masdery Cork Yoga Mat
If you want a sustainable yoga mat that’s free from harmful chemicals, you can also go with the Masdery Cork Yoga Mat. It comes with a cork layer on the top and a rubber one on the bottom, ensuring it’s non-toxic and eco-friendly. We could call it the best cork yoga mat because of its superior performance, which makes it perfect for your workout session.
While the other cork yoga mats are standard sized, this one is extra-large to ensure you have all the room you need to stretch and exercise. It’s also thick enough to absorb shock while providing the support you need for different yoga positions. You won’t need your yoga towel when using this cork-rubber yoga mat since it absorbs moisture to provide a better grip.
You can rely on this mat to provide durability thanks to the natural cork material it’s made of. You’ll also get a carry strap included in the package to make it easier to carry the mat with you as you head out for your sessions.
PROS
- Carry strap included
- Non-slip performance
- Extra large size
- Comfortable and resilient
CONS
- Has an unpleasant cork smell when new
What are the Benefits of Cork Yoga Mats?
There are several reasons why cork yoga mats are better than regular yoga mats. Let’s discuss them below;
1. Eco-Friendly
The most common reason people go for cork yoga mats is that they are sustainable. Since it goes well with the yoga philosophy of living a mindful lifestyle, most people prefer to ensure they don’t harm the environment.
Cork material is natural because it’s derived from the cork oak tree. You don’t need to cut the tree down to extract cork since it’s found in the bark of the tree. As a result, you can strip the tree’s bark and leave it to grow a new one. Using natural material helps keep the planet clean and safe, a priority for most yoga practitioners.
2. Better Slip Resistance
Compared to standard yoga mats, the best cork yoga mat will deliver superior grip and slip-resistance. This is essential in yoga because you’ll have to engage in different poses that could leave you feeling unstable.
Luckily, cork yoga mats offer better traction, especially during hot yoga, because moisture improves their grip. So even when you get sweaty, you won’t have to wipe the sweat away since it helps provide a better grip for your exercises and stretches.
3. Bacteria-Proof
Another reason to go with cork yoga mats is hygiene. Unfortunately, the sweat that drips on your cork mat during practice can make it an unsanitary surface. If you don’t clean your mat, you’ll probably notice a foul smell developing because of bacteria.
According to studies, cork has natural anti-bacterial properties that keep it free from pathogens. As a result, the mat won’t develop odors when it’s made from cork. Additionally, it’s easier to clean a cork mat since it won’t require chemical cleaners.
4. Non-Toxic
Something else that makes cork yoga mats better than standard mats is their chemical-free condition. Since cork is natural, it doesn’t contain harmful chemicals, unlike PVC mats. As you touch the cork mat, you’ll feel like you are touching the smooth ground.
At the same time, this ensures that it’s safe for contact with your skin. So even if you have sensitive skin, you can rest assured that cork mats won’t cause an adverse reaction.
5. Durable
Cork mats are also resilient and will hold up well against wear and tear for numerous practice sessions. You won’t be going back to the shop anytime soon after buying the best cork yoga mat.
What are the Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Cork Yoga Mats?
If you are wondering how to choose cork yoga mats, here’s a detailed guide on the things to consider before you buy one.
1. Cushion Thickness
As you look through the best yoga mats, you’ll want to consider the ideal thickness. Since you’ll be making lots of contact with the mat, you don’t want one that’s thin because it could lead to pain in your joints, knees, spine, and back.
You should choose a mat that’s well padded to ensure you are comfortable throughout the yoga session. It’s essential for the mat to be moderately thick because if it’s too thick, the surface won’t be levelled enough for you to balance.
2. Traction
Something else to look for is proper traction and grip. You shouldn’t select a slippery mat since your hands and feet will easily slide out of place, making it impossible to perform your movements well. That’s why you should only choose mats that can grip the surface without compromise.
Cork mats can feel slippery when dry, which is why one of the ways to improve the traction is to spritz some water from a spray bottle on the mat before you start your session. This will enhance the traction, and you’ll perform your movements with more stability.
3. Size
Your mat should be wide and long enough for you to perform supine and standing postures without running out of space on the mat. The standard size measures 68 by 24 inches which is enough for most people under 5’8 feet.
If you want to avoid touching the floor, you should choose something wider than 30 inches to ensure you have the space you need. Unfortunately, larger mats are a hassle to carry and travel with since they are bulkier and heavier even when rolled up.
4. Maintenance
The last thing to keep in mind is the ease of cleaning your mat. As we mentioned earlier, it’s considerably easier to clean cork yoga mats since they have anti-bacterial properties that prevent odor development. However, you’ll want to look for a mat that is easy to clean to ensure you can spend your time doing more productive stuff.
You should go for the mats that you can wipe clean with a damp cloth. If washing is necessary, you shouldn’t require more than natural soap and water to clean your mat. You can also check out the time it takes the mat to completely dry after washing.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are cork yoga mats slippery?
No, they aren’t. Cork is a non-slippery material which is why mats made from this material offer the best grip. Plus, if you sprinkle some water on the mat, the traction gets better.
2. Are cork yoga mats better than foam?
A cork yoga mat could be considered better than a foam one because of its superior grip and eco-friendliness. However, foam mats are lighter and cheaper.
3. Are cork yoga mats expensive?
The best cork yoga mat could be as cheap as $50 and as pricey as $100, depending on the features they offer.
