Yoga mats made of cork have surged in popularity thanks to their natural, sustainable materials and reliable grip. As more yoga practitioners aim to make eco-friendly choices, cork has become a go-to mat material.
I tested the most popular cork yoga mats available on Amazon in 2023 to see which ones offer the best mix of sustainability, cushioning, traction, and value. In this roundup, I’ll compare the top 4 cork mat models side-by-side and review them individually to help you decide which sustainable mat suits your practice.
Best Cork Yoga Mats Comparison Table
| Mat | Price | Dimensions | Materials | Texture | Grip | Cushioning | Weight | Carrying Strap | Warranty |
| Gaiam Cork Yoga Mat | $$$ | 68″ long x 24″ wide x 3/16″ thick | Natural cork and rubber | Smooth | Excellent even with sweat | Medium cushioning | 2.2 lbs | Yes | Lifetime |
| Yoloha Cork Yoga Mat | $$ | 72″ long x 26″ wide x 1/4″ thick | Cork and natural rubber | Sandy, grippy texture | Excellent traction | Thin padding | 2 lbs 3 oz | No | 1 year |
| UpCircle Cork Yoga Mat | $ | 72″ long x 24″ wide x 1/8″ thick | Cork and TPE | Smooth | Good grip when dry | Minimal | 2 lbs | No | 6 months |
| Suga Cork Yoga Mat | $$$$ | 74″ long x 26″ wide x 1/4″ thick | Cork, natural rubber, microfiber | Textured | Superior grip, even when wet | Very padded | 3.5 lbs | Yes | 5 years |
In-Depth Cork Yoga Mat Reviews:
#1. Gaiam Cork Yoga Mat
With over 5,000 Amazon reviews and a lifetime warranty, the Gaiam Cork Yoga Mat is a top choice for yoga practitioners looking for an eco-friendly mat with excellent grip and cushioning.
Performance
This cork yoga mat uses a smooth, single-piece top layer of sustainable cork that provides great traction during hot yoga and other sweat-inducing practices. The natural rubber bottom offers stability on hard floors while a middle foam layer gives medium padding for knees and joints.
In my testing, the Gaiam cork mat provided a very secure grip even during fast-paced power flow classes. The cushioning is on the thinner side but sufficient for most floor poses. Unlike some cheaper cork mats, the Gaiam mat doesn’t have an unpleasant odor or require much breaking in.
Features
Considering the natural materials and construction, this yoga mat offers very good durability and performance. And Gaiam provides a lifetime warranty should any defects occur.
Ideal For
The Gaiam Cork Yoga Mat is ideal for hot yoga practitioners thanks to its sweat-resistant grip. The smooth cork layer also makes it a great mat for home use if you want an eco-friendly mat that’s easy to clean. Beginners would appreciate the balance of padding and traction as well.
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#2. Yoloha Cork Yoga Mat
If you want a super lightweight and portable cork yoga mat, the Yoloha model is made of premium materials with an easy-to-clean grippy texture.
Performance
Made from durable cork harvested from the Mediterranean region, the Yoloha yoga mat provides an impressively secure grip and traction thanks to its sandy-style textured surface. The proprietary grip actually improves over time as the cork molds to your hands for stability during balances and transitions.
With a quarter-inch thickness, this mat is on the thinner side when it comes to cushioning. But the density of the cork and natural rubber means your knees and joints have ample support during floor sequences. Just don’t expect plush padding for sensitive areas.
During testing, I put this mat through intense power yoga flows, hot classes, and Yin practices without slipping or needing more knee padding. The grip holds up over time even as you sweat. And washing the mat with gentle soap and water is easy thanks to the textured layer.
Features
Ideal For
The lightweight and grippy Yoloha Cork Mat is ideal for yoga practitioners who want to travel with their eco-mat. Frequent fliers will love stuffing this into a suitcase or carry-on without adding much weight. The lack of plush padding also makes this a great mat for stability during balances and inversions. White glove delivery is included!
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#3. UpCircle Cork Yoga Mat
The UpCircle Cork Yoga Mat is an affordable eco-friendly mat made largely of recycled and repurposed cork.
Performance
As the most budget-friendly cork yoga mat on this list, the UpCircle model surprises with decent grip and traction at a fraction of competing prices.
The top layer uses small cork granules made from recycled wine bottle corks to provide texture for hands and feet to cling to. This upper cork layer connects to a bottom TPE base that’s slip-resistant against hard surfaces.
While the thin cushioning means you’ll want extra padding for bony areas, the UpCircle mat actually provides impressive grip during basic yoga flows thanks to the upcycled cork gripper. Just don’t expect stellar performance during hot sweaty classes as the texture tends to get more slippery when wet.
Features
Ideal For
For beginner and budget-focused yogis who still want an eco-friendly mat, the affordable UpCircle Cork Mat is a great sustainable option that outperforms basic foam and TPE mats. The grip works nicely for home practice and gentle classes where you won’t soak the mat in sweat.
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#4. Suga Cork Yoga Mat
Boasting high-end construction and premium printed designs, the Suga Cork Mat offers superior grip and cushioning with a stylish flair.
Performance
From first glance, it’s clear the Suga Cork Mat stands out from the crowd thanks to eye-catching graphic prints on the top surface made from water-based dyes.
Beyond the aesthetically gorgeous prints, this mat performs incredibly well during all types of yoga. The top layer uses natural tree rubber for a textured grippy feel that remains stable even when soaked in sweat. A middle cork layer provides cushioning and compression resistance to support joints. And the high-density bottom rubber base prevents sliding on slick studio floors.
During testing, I put the Suga mat through intense power vinyasa flows and Yin sessions without any loss of traction or knee discomfort. The proprietary “Rock-It” grip lives up to its name in providing stability while the springy compression underlies poses. And the mat washes easily without fading.
Features
Ideal For
The Suga Cork Mat is ideal for intermediate and advanced yoga students who flow vigorously and want padding to protect joints during practice. The designs are gorgeous for a studio mat and the superior grip makes challenging poses more accessible.
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Buyer’s Guide: Finding Your Ideal Cork Yoga Mat
Cork yoga mats offer a green alternative to standard rubber mats, often with better grip. But not all cork mats perform equally across different metrics. Assessing your needs and practice style will help determine the best cork yoga mat for you.
Key Considerations
Grip
High-quality cork mats like the Suga and Yoloha models excel at providing secure grip even as you sweat buckets in hot yoga class. Cheaper cork blends tend to lose traction when wet which limits flow intensity. Prioritize grip strength if you flow vigorously.
Padding
The amount of cushioning needed depends largely on sensitive pressure points and fitness level. Beginners tend to prefer thicker mats for joint protection while advanced students chase stability with minimal padding during balancing asanas. Think about fragile bone zones.
Eco-Friendliness
One major reason for choosing cork mats is their renewable sourcing and biodegradability. Mats made with natural tree rubber, organic dyes, and sustainably-harvested cork have the smallest environmental impact. Recycled wine cork models like UpCircle are also green.
Price
Cork yoga mat prices vary widely from $40 to over $100+. You’ll pay more for thicker multi-layer constructions versus thin entry-level mats. Graphic printed styles also demand premium pricing. Set a budget but expect to invest more for better traction and padding.
Care
Basic cork mat maintenance involves wiping the surface down with gentle cleanser after sweaty studio sessions to prevent odor and buildup. Proper storage will also keep the cork supple and grippy. Be sure to fully air dry after washing. The Ultimate Yoga Mat Buying Guide
Best Cork Yoga Mats for Beginners
Yoga newcomers often benefit from thicker mats with full-length designs to provide ample knee and hand padding during foundational poses. The cushioned Suga and Gaiam cork mats nicely support proper alignment as beginners build strength and flexibility. Their exceptional grip also builds confidence for balancing postures.
Best Cork Yoga Mats for Travel
Frequent travelers need a lightweight, portable cork yoga mat that packs neatly into luggage without hogging space. The slim Yoloha model, at just over 2 pounds, stuffs nicely into suitcases and carry-ons for yoga anywhere. The tightly rolled UpCircle Mat is another good traveling choice. Just utilize hotel towels for extra knee padding.
Maintenance Tips for Cork Yoga Mats
FAQs About Cork Yoga Mats
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Are cork yoga mats better for the environment?
Yes! Cork oak trees are never cut down harvest the bark, making the material renewable. Processingmethods also have low emissions. And cork biodegrades naturally unlike PVC and rubber.
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Do cork mats have an unpleasant smell?
Some cork mats emit a faint rubbery odor initially that fades over days or weeks with consistent use. Letting the mat air out helps dissipate any smell faster. Wiping down the surface after practice prevents buildup.
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Is cork grippy enough for advanced yoga?
High-quality cork mats with textured surfaces like those from Yoloha and Suga provide incredibly secure traction for advanced flows, inversions, and arm balances. Cheaper cork tends to lose grip when soaked in sweat though.
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Are cork mats easy to clean?
Yes! You can spot clean sweat residue after each use. And when needed, full washes just require gentle soap and water with thorough drying. Avoid harsh cleansers. Prompt drying prevents mold or mildew growth.
Final Thoughts on the Best Cork Yoga Mats
Switching from standard rubber to an eco-friendly cork yoga mat comes with tons of benefits for both casual and hardcore yogis. Sourced from renewable cork oak trees, these innovative mats grip well with cushioning to match.
Out of all the top cork yoga mats tested, the Suga Cork Mat stands out as the overall winner with rock-solid traction, plush padding for joints, microfiber layers for stability, and gorgeous designs. The lifetime warranty provides peace of mind as well to support years of eco-conscious practice.
For travelers wanting the ultimate lightweight cork mat, look no further than the Yoloha Cork Mat with its ultra-portable yet grippy profile plus easy maintenance.
And the Gaiam Cork Mat offers the best no-frills performance for hot yogis wanting sweat-resistant traction at a reasonable mid-range price backed by a lifetime guarantee.
Hopefully this extensive guide and cork mat reviews help you discover your perfect green yoga mat match to show both your practice and the planet some extra love. Remember to unfurl your body and breath slowly like a cork tree growing strong from its powerful roots.
Now kick up your heels in Downward Dog knowing you’ve made an eco-friendly choice! Your new cork yoga mat is waiting…
