Yoga is often stereotyped as being one of the least physically intensive forms of exercise but this simply isn’t true. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, yoga can be hard on your knees, elbows, and other parts of your body if you don’t have the right amount of support. Yoga mats are designed to offer a good amount of support for most yoga routines but depending on your joints or your skill level, you may need extra help to pull off certain poses. Don’t worry, we’re here to help – we’ve compiled the definitive list of the top 10 best yoga knee pads that you can buy today!
The main types of knee pads for yoga
Based on the experience of our team, we have selected the 3 most common types of knee pads for yoga.
- Yoga Knee Mats: Crafted as compact mats, these are expertly designed to supply the necessary cushioning and support for your knees during a wide array of yoga poses and exercises. These versatile mats adapt seamlessly to a variety of yoga styles and practice environments. Particularly valuable for individuals with sensitive or previously injured knees, these mats offer an additional layer of padding, helping you maintain both comfort and proper alignment.
- Yoga Knee Discs: With their small, portable design, knee discs are circular pads strategically placed under your knees during your yoga practice. Their primary function is to enhance stability and provide additional cushioning, ensuring that you maintain correct alignment across various poses. Beyond this, knee discs can also serve as sliders, introducing a dynamic dimension to your practice by enabling unique exercises.
- Yoga Knee Jellies: Engineered with gel that molds itself to the contours of your knees, knee jellies stand out in their ability to deliver unparalleled comfort and evenly distributed pressure. Ideal for individuals dealing with knee sensitivity, these jellies not only provide stability but also long-lasting durability, coupled with effective pain relief.
Each type of yoga knee pad serves a specific purpose, catering to the diverse needs of yogis. Whether you prioritize the convenience and adaptability of mats, the stability and versatile functionality of discs, or the exceptional comfort and pressure distribution of jellies, selecting the appropriate type ensures a more comfortable and focused yoga practice.
Yoga knee pads comparison table
In this table, we have collected data on the TOP 10 Yoga Knee pads, which are presented in our article. The table can be scrolled on a smartphone for more convenient use.
| Product | Material | Thickness | Size (Inches) | Texture/Grip | Portability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SukhaMat Yoga Knee Pad | NBR Foam | 15mm | 24″ x 10″ | Textured | Moderate |
| Heathyoga Yoga Knee Pad | TPE Foam | 12mm | 24″ x 10″ | Non-slip | Portable |
| Lululemon Stackable Yoga Cushions | Foam | Stackable | 15″ x 6″ | N/A | Portable |
| ProsourceFit Exercise Balance Pad | TPE Foam | 40mm | 15.5″ x 13.5″ | Textured | Portable |
| Yoga Jellies Knee Pad | TPE Gel | 12mm | 16″ x 9″ | Non-slip | Portable |
| Yilo Warrior Yoga Knee Pad | TPE Foam | 12mm | 24″ x 10″ | Non-slip | Portable |
| RatPad Yoga Knee Pad | NBR Foam | 12mm | 24″ x 10″ | Textured | Moderate |
| Gaiam Yoga Knee Pad Cushions | TPE Foam | 15mm | 12″ x 6″ | Textured | Portable |
| GoYonder Eco Knee Pads | EVA Foam | 15mm | 25″ x 10″ | Textured | Portable |
| Liforme Yoga Pad | Biodegradable | 10mm | 73″ x 24″ | Non-slip | Less |
| REEHUT Yoga Knee Pad | NBR Foam | 15mm | 24″ x 10″ | Textured | Portable |
Top 10 Best Yoga Knee Pads – Reviewed and Rated
SukhaMat Yoga Knee Pad
It’s not surprising that this is the first item on our list. Generally speaking, the SukhaMat Yoga Knee Pad is widely regarded by many yogis to be one of the best yoga knee pads on the market.
Aside from its ability to effectively support your joints and pressure points, one of the most appealing things about the SukhaMat Yoga Knee Pad is its size. The SukhaMat Yoga Knee Pad matches up quite nicely with the standard full-size yoga mat. This makes it easy to position throughout your yoga routine and also allows it to double as a headrest if need be.
Lastly, not only does the SukhaMat Yoga Knee Pad offer adequate support for your joints, but it also provides reliable comfort for your pressure points as well.
It can easily be positioned to support all of the relevant joints; not only in your knees but also in your hips and elbows if need be.
It is thick enough to function as a headrest as well.
It is biodegradable and made from eco-friendly materials.
It cushions and supports your pressure points.
Its size complements your standard full-size yoga mat, this makes storing it or traveling with it easy.
It initially has a relatively strong rubber smell; however, this does disappear over time.
Although it is waterproof, excessive sweating can cause it to become somewhat slippery.
Heathyoga Yoga Knee Pad
The Heathyoga Yoga Knee Pad is perfect for people who have to frequently travel with their yoga supplies. This is because it is not only lightweight but it also comes with a convenient carrying strap as well.
One of the standout features of the Heathyoga Yoga Knee Pad is its efficient moisture-wicking capabilities. This makes it one of the best knee pads for yoga sessions that are overly sweaty.
It is extremely lightweight which improves its portability.
It has efficient moisture-wicking capabilities that allow it to be used in extremely sweaty yoga sessions.
It has a carrying strap that allows you to easily travel with it.
It is latex-free and made from eco-friendly materials.
It is great at supporting your joints and your pressure points as well.
It can be a little hard when you start using it and it may take a while to break it in so that it gets softer.
It is noticeably easier to indent than a lot of the competition.
Lululemon Stackable Yoga Cushions 2 Pack
Elevate your yoga and meditation experience with the Lululemon Stackable Yoga Cushions – 2 Pack, a must-have accessory for anyone seeking both comfort and versatility in their wellness routines.
Crafted with a commitment to premium quality, these cushions are meticulously designed to stand the test of time. The plush yet durable fabric cover not only feels exquisite against your skin but also guarantees the longevity of your investment.
What sets these cushions apart is their stackable design, providing you with a customizable experience. You can effortlessly adjust the height and firmness to accommodate your specific needs, whether you’re a novice or a seasoned practitioner.
Moreover, these cushions offer impeccable ergonomic support, aiding in maintaining proper alignment during poses and meditation sessions. Say goodbye to discomfort and strain on your joints and hello to deeper stretches and longer meditations.
The stackable design allows for personalized cushion height, catering to different needs and preferences.
These cushions offer a soft and supportive surface for yoga and meditation
Suitable for a wide range of exercises and relaxation practices, providing great value.
Lululemon's aesthetic adds a touch of elegance to your wellness space.
The price for the product is higher than that of competitors
Color options might be limited
ProsourceFit Exercise Balance Pad
At first glance one of the things that you’ll notice is that the ProsourceFit Exercise Balance Pad is thicker than your average yoga knee pad. This extra thickness and the overall dimensions of the ProsourceFit Exercise Balance Pad make it useful for a wide range of exercises (not just yoga).
In our research, we found that this is undeniably one of the best yoga knee pads for people that want to improve their balance in addition to their joint strength.
It is made from eco-friendly materials.
Its shape and thickness make it useful for a wide range of exercises (and activities); not just for yoga.
It is great for people that want to improve their balance as well as their joint and muscle strength.
It is still relatively lightweight even though it is noticeably thicker than a lot of the competition.
It is thicker than the average yoga knee pad, which may make it awkward to use for some poses or just generally cumbersome for some yogis.
It is not as easy to travel with due to its bulkiness.
Yoga Jellies Knee Pad
Most yogis that use yoga knee pads are used to rectangular ones that look like miniature versions of their yoga mat. However, that being said, circular yoga knee pads are not an uncommon sight nowadays and the Yoga Jellies Knee Pad is one of the most popular options on the market.
The primary appeal of these yoga knee pads is their small size. This makes them less likely to be a hindrance during your yoga routine but it can also make them unappealing to beginners.
It measures less than 6 inches, making it one of the smallest yoga knee pads on the market.
It is crafted from biodegradable and eco-friendly silicon-based materials.
Its anti-slip feature works even during the sweatiest yoga sessions.
It is extremely portable dues to its lightweight nature and incredibly small size.
It can be difficult to use due to the smaller size, especially for beginners that are still not accustomed to certain poses.
It is noticeably more expensive than the average yoga knee pad.
Yilo Warrior Yoga Knee Pad
The Yilo Warrior Yoga Knee Pad is perfect for people that are worried about slipping off of their knee pad or having the knee pad slip off of their yoga mat.
In fact, not only does it work great on a traditional mat, it is one of the best yoga knee pads for practicing yoga on other surfaces as well.
It is sweat-resistant and designed specifically to cushion pressure points.
It is latex-free and these eco-friendly yoga knee pads are made from biodegradable materials.
It grips not only to all types of mats but also to all types of floors as well.
It is durable enough for both indoor use and outdoor use.
It is durable enough for both indoor use and outdoor use.
It is slightly thicker than the average yoga knee pad, which may make it awkward to use for some poses or somewhat cumbersome.
RatPad Yoga Knee Pad
The RatPad Yoga Knee Pad is oval-shaped, which can definitely take some getting used to. However, this shape also facilitates a greater level of freedom (compared to regular yoga knee pads) when performing some complex yoga poses.
In addition to this, it is also lightweight and relatively small so it is definitely easy to carry around. However, that being said, the oval shape can make storing it somewhat awkward.
It is sweat-resistant (waterproof) and won’t slip easily.
It is latex-free and made from eco-friendly materials.
It effortlessly supports your joints and pressure points, even during complex poses.
It can be used as a back support on hard surfaces.
Its shape and size can make it difficult to store properly or awkward for traveling.
It is not sold as a set, so you will need to buy two if you need it for both knees.
Gaiam Yoga Knee Pad Cushions
Generally speaking, the best yoga knee pads on the market are usually made from foam or similar materials. This is purposefully done so that they can mimic the feel of your yoga mat. Yoga knee pads like the Gaiam Yoga Knee Pad Cushions break the mold and use a more gel-like construction so that they give less resistance to your body.
On the plus side, this means that the Gaiam Yoga Knee Pad Cushions are incredibly lightweight and versatile. However, some users may find that the texture difference between these pads and their yoga mat might be too noticeable or even off-putting.
Its versatile design makes it well suited for supporting knees, elbows, wrists, and hips.
It stays where you put it due to its non-slip design.
Its gel-like construction means that it offers less resistance to your body during your yoga poses.
It is incredibly lightweight and small in size.
It is one of the most effective gel knee pads for yoga.
It is not made from foam (like most other yoga knee pads) and so the texture difference between it and your yoga mat might be off-putting.
It does not provide as much support as some of its more traditional competitors.
GoYonder Eco Knee Pads
At first glance, the GoYonder Eco Knee Pads might seem like your standard circular yoga knee pads but they are actually designed to be extremely unobtrusive.
Furthermore, the patented “comfort foam technology” isn’t a gimmick. It does a great job of making sure that these pads effectively accommodate your body during your poses.
It is lightweight and relatively small, being approx. half an inch thick and less than 7 inches in diameter.
It utilizes “comfort foam technology” which allows it to better contour to your body.
It is latex-free and made from eco-friendly materials.
It grips to your yoga mat and most other surfaces, making it great for both indoor use and outdoor use.
It does not offer as much support as a lot of its major competitors.
It can be difficult to use due to the smaller size, especially for beginners that are still not accustomed to certain poses.
Liforme Yoga Pad
There is no denying that the Liforme Yoga Pad is one of the best items on this list in terms of build quality. However, this comes with a significantly higher price tag as well.
The Liforme Yoga Pad is great for yoga practitioners that want extra support but also don’t want to be obstructed during their routine.
It is made from biodegradable materials, including natural rubber and specially engineered eco-polyurethane.
Its relatively thin build means that you will barely notice it during your yoga routine.
It can double as a mini yoga mat for quick practice sessions.
It is expensive compared to the average yoga knee pad on the market today.
It works best when paired with the Liforme Yoga Mat and it may not grip to other yoga mats as well.
It is relatively thin, being only 0.17 inches (4 mm) thick.
REEHUT Yoga Knee Pad
The REEHUT Yoga Knee Pad is one of the more affordable options on your list and it comes with a 30-day replacement or refund window.
Although it is on par with a lot of its competitors in terms of comfort and support, the REEHUT Yoga Knee Pad isn’t going to win any awards for being the most durable. Still, it’s budget-friendly and gets the job done.
It comes with a travel strap that makes traveling with it a breeze.
Its size and dimensions allow it to easily complement any standard-sized yoga mat.
It is eco-friendly and crafted from high-density foam NBR material.
It is slip-resistant and won't slide on yoga mats or any hard surface.
It comes in two different sizes
It is not as durable as some of its main competitors but it does have a 30-day replacement or refund window.
It may eventually have indentations from frequent use.
How much do yoga knee pads cost?
The cost of yoga knee pads can vary widely depending on factors such as the brand, material, thickness, and additional features. On average, you can find yoga knee pads in the range of $10 to $30.
| Type of Yoga Knee Pad | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Basic. These are typically thinner and made of basic materials like NBR foam or TPE foam. They can be found in the lower price range, starting from around $10. | $10 – $15 |
| Mid-Range. These knee pads are of better quality and offer more features like better grip, extra cushioning, and durability. They typically range from $15 to $20. | $15 – $20 |
| Premium. High-quality knee pads, often made of specialized materials and featuring advanced grip and cushioning, can range from $25 to $30 or more. | $25 – $30+ |
The actual price you’ll pay can also depend on the brand and where you purchase them. Remember that investing in a slightly more expensive knee pad can provide better comfort and support during your yoga practice.
Are yoga knee pads effective?
Our team has been using yoga knee pads for a very long time. We understand from personal experience that the use of yoga knee pads can provide practitioners with several benefits, especially in poses that involve kneeling, sitting, or poses that place pressure on the knees.
For those people who have problems with their knees, we always recommend using it or blankets to reduce pressure on the knees.
If we take all the above products, we always use Gaiam Yoga Knee Pad Cushions and Yoga Jellies Knee Pad. They are great for both knees and hands.
In addition to our own experience, we reviewed studies by specialists who studied the effects of yoga exercises on different parts of the body, as well as the effect of yoga on patients with osteoarthritis of the knee joint.
Source: PubMed Central
Objective: To investigate the effect of integrated approach of yoga therapy (IAYT) intervention in individual with knee Osteoarthritis.
Yoga Knee Pads Buying Guide: Elevate Your Practice with Comfort and Support
Yoga knee pads, frequently an underestimated accessory, have the potential to be a transformative addition for practitioners of all yoga skill levels. These compact, cushioned pads offer indispensable support and comfort, especially in poses that exert pressure on the knees. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned yogi, selecting the perfect yoga knee pad can greatly enhance your overall practice.
Materials
- Eco-Friendly Selection: Seek out knee pads manufactured from eco-conscious and non-toxic materials. Many options are skillfully crafted from TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer) or natural rubber, known for their durability and environmental friendliness.
- Cushioning: Opt for knee pads generously cushioned to ensure superior comfort and support for your knees. Memory foam or gel-infused pads can provide an elevated level of comfort.
Size and Thickness
- Thickness Consideration: Take note of the knee pad’s thickness. A thicker pad offers enhanced support, especially in challenging poses. The standard thickness typically falls in the range of 10mm to 15mm, but thicker options are available when necessary.
- Size: Ensure that the knee pad is adequately sized to comfortably support both knees during your yoga practice.
Durability
Prioritize durability when selecting knee pads. Look for options designed to withstand regular use and resistant to wear and tear. Materials with exceptional durability will ensure your knee pad serves you well over time.
Texture and Grip
Surface Texture: The presence of a textured surface on the knee pad can significantly reduce the risk of slipping, providing added stability during your practice. Some knee pads are equipped with a non-slip surface for enhanced grip.
Portability
Travel-Friendly Consideration: If you intend to carry your knee pad to yoga classes or while traveling, consider a lightweight and easily portable option. Some knee pads come with a convenient carry strap to enhance mobility and convenience.
Rectangle vs Circular Yoga Knee Pads
| Aspect | Rectangle Yoga Knee Pads | Circular Yoga Knee Pads |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage | Tend to offer more coverage for knees. Longer and wider, providing support for a larger area during poses involving kneeling or sitting. Beneficial for larger frames or those who prefer extra space. | Designed for precise support. Compact size targets specific areas and poses needing extra cushioning. Useful for poses with one knee lifted off the ground. |
| Versatility | Versatile, suitable for a wide range of yoga poses, including seated positions, lunges, and child’s pose. Accommodate different body positions and movements. | Designed for versatility. Accommodate various poses with targeted support. |
| Stability | Rectangular shape provides a stable surface for knees. Evenly distributes body weight, reducing the risk of wobbling or imbalance during practice. | Provides stable and precise support. Compact shape minimizes wobbling during poses. |
| Portability | Less portable due to their larger size. May not fit easily into yoga bags or be carried by hand. | More portable and easier to carry. Fit neatly into yoga bags or carried by hand, making them a convenient choice for on-the-go practitioners. |
| Aesthetics | Available in various designs and colors, allowing for a personalized touch. | Available in a range of colors and designs, adding visual appeal to your yoga gear. |
| Considerations | Suitable for a range of body types and practices. Extra space for comfort. | Precise support for specific poses. Ideal for those who prioritize portability. |
| Conclusion | Consider for larger frames or when versatility is essential. | Ideal for poses requiring precision support and on-the-go convenience. |
Frequently Asked Questions
This is an option that some beginners opt to use when they are getting accustomed to certain yoga routines but ultimately it is not recommended. Yoga is best performed in clothing that doesn’t hinder your movement and wearable knee pads go against that line of thinking.
Furthermore, using wearable knee pads for yoga is not only obtrusive, this can potentially disrupt your circulation, especially if you wear them for too long.
Initially, adding a knee pad to your routine will obviously take some getting used to. However, the more you practice with it the less you will notice that it is there.
If you are worried about how your technique may be affected, the best yoga knee pads to use are thin ones that have a similar feel to your yoga mat.
