Introduction
Barefoot yoga is a popular trend in the yoga community, requiring a specific type of yoga mat. Barefoot yoga mats are designed to provide a secure grip, excellent cushioning, and support for your joints while being environmentally friendly. In this article, we’ve compiled a list of the 5 best barefoot yoga mats based on their performance, durability, and value for money.
Types of Best Barefoot Yoga Mats
In this section, we’ll go over the explanation of using a barefoot yoga mat.
1. Jade Harmony Professional Yoga Mat
The Jade Harmony Professional Yoga Mat is a premium barefoot yoga mat made from natural rubber, making it eco-friendly and biodegradable. It provides excellent traction and cushioning and is available in various vibrant colors. The mat is lightweight, easy to clean, and durable, making it perfect for daily use.
Pros
- Provides excellent grip and prevents slipping
- Eco-friendly, the mat is made from natural rubber
- Gives good cushioning and support
Cons
- The mat is quite heavy
- Some users have reported a strong rubber smell.
Product Reviews
“I’ve been using this mat for over a year now, and it’s held up well. The grip is fantastic, and it doesn’t slip, even in hot yoga. It’s also comfortable and provides good cushioning for my knees.”
“I love this mat! It’s eco-friendly, non-toxic, and provides excellent grip. The only downside is that it’s quite heavy, but that’s a small price for such a great mat.”
2. Manduka eKO SuperLite Yoga Mat
The Manduka eKO SuperLite Yoga Mat is made from sustainably sourced natural rubber and provides excellent grip and cushioning. It’s lightweight, foldable, and easy to transport, making it ideal for yogis on the go. The mat is available in various colors, and its closed-cell surface makes it easy to clean.
Pros
- Lightweight: The Manduka eKO SuperLite Yoga Mat is very lightweight
- Eco-friendly: The mat is made from sustainably sourced natural rubber
- Excellent grip: The mat has a natural rubber surface
Cons
- Thin: Some users may find the mat too thin for their liking, especially if they have sensitive joints.
- Strong rubber smell: Some users have reported a strong smell when the mat is new, although this dissipates over time.
3. Liforme Yoga Mat
The Liforme Yoga Mat is a top-of-the-line barefoot yoga mat designed to provide exceptional grip and support. Its unique alignment system helps you get into the right poses and improve your posture. The mat is made from eco-friendly materials, including natural rubber and sustainable cork, and is available in various colors.
Pros
- Excellent grip: The Liforme Yoga Mat has a unique “AlignForMe” system of lines and markings that helps you properly align your poses.
- Eco-friendly: The mat is made from natural rubber and eco-polyurethane.
- Non-toxic: The mat is free from PVC, EVA, and other toxic materials commonly found in yoga mats
Cons
- Expensive: The Liforme Yoga Mat is more expensive than many other yoga mats on the market.
- Heavy: The mat is quite heavy, which can make it difficult to carry around
4. Yoloha Native Cork Yoga Mat
The Liforme Yoga Mat is a top-of-the-line barefoot yoga mat designed to provide exceptional grip and support. Its unique alignment system helps you get into the right poses and improve your posture. The mat is made from eco-friendly materials, including natural rubber and sustainable cork, and is available in various colors.
Pros
- Sustainable: The Yoloha Native Cork Yoga Mat is made from natural cork
- Anti-microbial: Cork naturally repels bacteria and germs, making it a hygienic choice for your yoga practice.
- Comfortable: The mat provides good cushioning and support
Cons
- Slightly expensive
- May require breaking in: Some users have reported that the mat can be slippery when it’s new and may require a few sessions to “break in” and achieve maximum grip.
Product Reviews
“I love my Yoloha cork mat. It’s comfortable and provides a great grip. Plus, it’s eco-friendly and looks beautiful. Highly recommend!”
“I was skeptical about using a cork mat, but I’m so glad I tried the Yoloha mat. The grip is excellent, and the cork feels natural and comfortable under my feet. It’s also lightweight and easy to carry to and from my yoga classes.”
5. Heathyoga Eco-Friendly Non-Slip Yoga Mat
The Heathyoga Eco-Friendly Non-Slip Yoga Mat is a high-quality mat made from non-toxic materials, including natural rubber and TPE. It provides excellent grip, cushioning, and support for your joints and is available in various colors. The mat is lightweight, easy to clean, and durable, making it perfect for daily use.
Pros
- Non-slip surface: The Heathyoga Eco-Friendly Non-Slip Yoga Mat has a textured surface that provides excellent grip and prevents slipping, even during sweaty yoga sessions.
- Eco-friendly: The mat is made from eco-friendly materials.
- Comfortable: The mat provides good cushioning and support.
- Lightweight: The mat is relatively lightweight
Cons
- Can be slippery when wet: Some users have reported that the mat can be slippery when wet, which can be a safety concern.
- Strong smell: Some users have reported that the mat has a strong rubber smell when it’s new, which can be off-putting.
Product Reviews
“I’m really happy with my Heathyoga mat. The grip is excellent, and the cushioning is just right. Plus, it’s eco-friendly, which is important to me.”
“This mat is great! I’ve been using it for a few weeks now, and it’s held up well. The grip is amazing, even when I’m sweaty. It’s also really easy to clean, which is a plus.”
Buyer’s Guide
When buying a barefoot yoga mat, there are several factors to consider. Some things to remember:
Material
Barefoot yoga mats are usually made from natural rubber, cork, or jute. Each material has pros and cons, so choosing one that meets your needs is essential. Natural rubber mats provide excellent grip and cushioning, while cork mats are eco-friendly and antimicrobial. Jute mats are also eco-friendly and provide good traction but may not be as durable as other materials.
Thickness
Barefoot yoga mats come in various thicknesses, ranging from 1/16 inch to 1/4 inch. Thicker mats provide more cushioning and support for your joints, while thinner mats offer better stability and balance.
Grip
A barefoot yoga mat’s grip prevents slips and falls. Look for mats with a non-slip surface that provides excellent traction, even when your feet are sweaty.
Size
Barefoot yoga mats come in different sizes, so choosing one that fits your body type and practice style is essential. A standard-size mat is usually around 68 inches long and 24 inches wide.
Price
Barefoot yoga mats can range from $30 to $150 or more. While a higher price doesn’t always mean better quality, investing in a high-quality mat can provide better grip, durability, and support.
Conclusion:
Choosing the right barefoot yoga mat is crucial for safe and effective practice. The 5 best barefoot yoga mats we’ve reviewed in this article provide excellent grip, cushioning, and support, making them a great choice for any yogi. When selecting a barefoot yoga mat, consider the material, thickness, grip, size, and price to find the perfect mat.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Do I need a barefoot yoga mat for barefoot yoga practice?
Yes, barefoot yoga mats are specifically designed to provide the grip, cushioning, and support needed for barefoot yoga practice.
How do I clean my barefoot yoga mat?
Most barefoot yoga mats can be cleaned with mild soap and water. Always check the manufacturer’s instructions for specific cleaning recommendations.
Can I use a barefoot yoga mat for other types of yoga?
Yes, barefoot yoga mats can be used for any yoga practice. However, they may not provide enough cushioning for some types of yoga, such as Yin or Restorative.
Ethel Fuller
Hi there, I'm Ethel Fuller, a certified yoga instructor and dedicated practitioner based in Nashville. With over 20 years of experience in yoga, I have taught and guided countless individuals to discover the benefits of this ancient practice. As an expert in yoga, I specialize in various forms of yoga such as Hatha, Vinyasa, and Yin, and have completed several advanced training courses in anatomy, mindfulness, and meditation.
My educational background includes a degree in psychology, which has allowed me to understand the connection between the mind and body. I believe in creating a safe and comfortable environment for my students, where they can deepen their practice and connect with their inner selves. Being featured on various news platforms and being awarded for my contributions to the community has been humbling, and I continue to strive towards making yoga accessible to everyone. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced practitioner, I welcome you to join me on this journey of self-discovery and transformation through yoga.