So, you’re taking your cardio routine to the next level by introducing one of the best treadmills on the market into your home. We love that for you. But whether your floor is hardwood, tile, carpet, or concrete, protecting it from these machines is a must. Some might say that they’ve used their treadmill at home without a mat for ages and never experienced any problems, but isn’t it better to be safe than sorry when it comes to the foundation of your home? It’s all fun and games until there’s a divot the size of a quarter pounder on your floor.
Treadmills are heavy pieces of fitness equipment, with many models weighing between 250 to 350 pounds. And the faster you run, the more ground force you’re creating, with the total amount of force a runner’s putting down coming out to roughly three to four times their body weight. (1)(2) Just for clarity, that’s an additional 450 to 600 pounds for a 150-pound runner. We love an easy solution here at BarBend, and the treadmill mats we’ve selected will provide the floor protection you’re after. We tested 20 of the top options on the market, and here are our picks for the 6 best home treadmill mats.
This article has been reviewed by Amanda Capritto, CPT, CES, CNC, CF-L1, CSNC, a certified personal trainer and CrossFit Level 1 coach. She reviewed the research we cite to help ensure we’re providing advice that’s safe and sound. However, before you start a new fitness routine, it’s best to consult your doctor.
How We Tested and Chose the Best Home Treadmill Mats
“Treadmills are often the first things that come to mind when someone starts to consider exercising at home,” says certified personal trainer Amanda Capritto. And figuring out how to spend more time on your treadmill without denting your floors is where fitness equipment mats take center stage. It’s tough navigating what’s available out there, so we’re here to show you the pros and cons of each mat we thought worthy of this list.
The BarBend team is filled with certified personal trainers, marathon racers, and lifelong fitness fans who have tested hundreds of pieces of home gym equipment, from running on the best incline treadmills to cycling on the most popular exercise bikes. We tried and tested 20 of the most popular treadmill mats on the market to bring you our top picks, taking notes on footprint, budget-friendly options, what surface worked best for each mat, noise reduction capabilities, and how sturdy each mat proved to be.
Here are a few of the points of consideration we focused on while choosing our top picks.
Durability
A great treadmill mat that deprecates after a few uses isn’t all that great, is it? So, what makes a durable mat? Material was our primary focus when looking at durability. PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and vinyl (often used as shorthand for PVC) are the most commonly-used materials for treadmill mats and tend to be fairly reliable. However, ProFoam is the most durable material we’ve tested, and EVA Foam is the least.
Cost
We made sure to highlight how much each mat costs, plus the value of that purchase in light of the product’s durability. With options ranging from $25.99 up to $139.95, we wanted to provide a solution that could fit any budget. Take into consideration what you want a treadmill mat for, whether it’s to dampen noise, keep sweat off your carpet, give your joints some added cushioning, or protect your floor from injury, and you’ll be able to figure out an appropriate price range.
Footprint
Treadmills are large pieces of workout equipment, with an average footprint of between 30 to 36 inches wide and 70 to 80 inches long. We wanted to give you options that would fit a majority of treadmills, from smaller more compact options to those with larger dimensions, while also mentioning what treadmills would work with specific mats.
Best Treadmill Mat Overall: SuperMats TreadMat
SuperMats
SuperMats
This durable 38 inch by 90 inch mat helps protect your floor from the damage that heavy equipment can cause.
At 90 inches, this mat is 10 inches longer than the average, making it suitable for large machines.
Vinyl is considered one of the most waterproof flooring materials, making it easy to wipe away sweat and water.
This mat comes out flat, with no need to flatten out curled-up edges.
Cons
A black powdery residue can rub off of the mat after unboxing.
Some customer reviews say the mat isn’t one-inch thick, as advertised, but closer to ⅛th to ¼th of an inch.
Whether your treadmill is compact or long, SuperMats Made in the USA Mat may be the ticket to protect your floors and your equipment. Made from durable vinyl and measuring 90 inches long and 36 inches wide, this is one of the longest floor mats we’ve tested by about 10 inches. Its extra-long design makes it a solid pairing for the average treadmill, which ranges between 70 to 80 inches long and 30 to 36 inches wide, as well as larger machines like the 82-inch Sole F63.
For as long as it is, though, its 36-inch width is about 4 inches smaller than the average mat we’ve tested, so be sure to check the footprint of your treadmill, elliptical, or spin bike to make sure you’ve got enough mat to fit beneath your equipment. This mat is also advertised as being one-inch thick, but multiple customer reviews have mentioned it being closer to ⅛th to ¼th of an inch thick. It doesn’t seem to be too much of a sticking point, however, as it has a 4.6 out of 5 rating from over 6,000 customer reviews on Amazon.
Our tester, a certified Crossfit Level 1 coach, noted how they often have to level out a new floor mat, since it often comes rolled up with kinks and bumps in it. “Sometimes I have to use something heavy to help flatten out a brand new floor mat, but the SuperMat laid out nicely right after I took it out of the box,” they said.
Our tester did have one concern. “Right out of the box there was this chalk-like black residue that got on my fingers,” they said. Before use, we recommend wiping this mat down with some warm water and a paper towel, an easy enough thing to do since this vinyl mat is waterproof.
Best Treadmill Mat for Most People: ProForm Large Equipment Mat
ProForm Large Equipment Mat
ProForm Large Equipment Mat
Protect your home floor from heavy exercise equipment with this 80-inch by 40-inch exercise mat.
The 80 inch by 40 inch treadmill mat should accommodate most treadmills.
The nonslip mat won’t slide around on hard floors or carpeting.
It’s easy to roll this mat up if you need to move things around.
Cons
This is one of the thinner options on our list at 4mm — most mats have a thickness of 6mm or more.
Customer reviews have mentioned this mat wearing down over time and leaving behind little flecks of vinyl.
We’re big fans of ProForm equipment because they make some of the best treadmills with iFIT interactive programming. The ProForm Large Equipment Mat has a vinyl surface that, with a 40-inch by 80-inch footprint, can accommodate the average treadmill, which tends to measure between 30 to 36 inches wide and 70 to 80 inches. For example, this mat would work well with the 77-inch ProForm Pro 9000, one of the best treadmills for running. Also, the $40 price is on the lower side of the $26 to $140 price range we’ve tested.
We also love the portability of this mat. At 10 pounds, it’s easy to roll up and move from space to space, allowing it to double as both a treadmill mat or a workout mat for bodyweight exercises. Its non-slip surface should keep you and your equipment from sliding around on wooden floors, and customer reviews have mentioned this mat being great for use on carpets as well.
“[It] will protect the carpeting in the workout room. Regardless of the type of flooring you have, I highly recommend this mat to go under your equipment,” reads one customer review. Amanda Capritto,a certified personal trainer, agrees. “Every home gym owner can benefit from good gym flooring,” she says. “Without it, the risk of damaging your home’s flooring and/or foundation is much higher.”
Our main gripe is the thickness of this mat. At 4 millimeters, it’s on the thinner side of mats we’ve tested, most of which range between 3 and 12.7 millimeters. On average, mats tend to measure about 6 millimeters, which is a solid amount of cushion between the floor and your machine, leading to increased impact absorption.
Due to the smaller thickness, we wonder about this particular mat’s durability, especially after reading some customer reviews that note it breaking down over time and leaving behind small flecks of vinyl. However, at the affordable price of 40 dollars, longevity isn’t to be expected.
Best Durable Treadmill Mat: Gorilla Mats Premium Large Exercise Mat
Gorilla Mats Premium Large Exercise Mat
Gorilla Mats Premium Large Exercise Mat
This large 6 foot by 4 foot exercise mat will help protect your floors from whatever exercise equipment or workout you keep ontop of it.
At 6 millimeters, this mat is thicker by 2 millimeters than many mats we tested.
The use of ProFoam in this mat’s build can help with durability and longevity of use.
This mat is 12 inches wider than average, making space for dumbbells and other gear.
Cons
At $139.95, it’s nearly triple the cost of the $40 to $50 average of other mats we tested.
This isn’t a mat you’ll want to move around often since it’s roughly 12 inches wider than most mats we tested.
The Gorilla Mats Premium Large Exercise Mat is 6 millimeters thick — 2 millimeters thicker than many mats we tested — and made from high-density ProFoam, giving it a solid, durable surface for the best cardio machines in your home gym. I use this mat in my own gym, and based on my experience with it after three years and countless workouts, I rate its durability a 5 out of 5.
Our BarBend product tester working out while standing on a Gorilla Mats Premium Large Exercise Mat.
Before purchasing this mat, my goal had been to find a durable product that could protect my floor by holding an exercise bike and free weights, while also allowing me the space to use my Tonal for deadlifts, squats, and floor work. I needed something durable to protect my floors, but dense, so I had stability in my heavier lifts. At 72 inches in length, this mat is shorter than some others by 8 to 18 inches, but it makes up for it with its 48-inch width, which is 12 inches wider than the average mat. I give it a 5 out of 5 for workout experience.
As I mentioned, I’ve owned this mat for three years and use it around five times a week. I keep an exercise bike on it, and the indentations never leave lasting marks when I move, due in no small part to the ProFoam construction. I’ve accidentally dropped 35-pound weights on the mat (this, I don’t recommend) and after having a panic attack and wondering how my landlord would react, I looked under the mat to see unharmed hardwood floors. Hence, my 5 out of 5 rating for durability.
Portability scored a 3 out of 5. I wouldn’t want to roll this mat up and move it around often because, as mentioned, it’s wider and thicker than many other options on the market. However, your purchase does include a travel bag and some velcro straps for transport.
This high-density mat is great for carpet, hardwood, tile, and concrete floors, and comes with a textured surface to prevent sliding. It’s a pricey purchase at $139.99 — that’s about triple the cost of the average treadmill mat — but, if our experience is any indication, you won’t be buying another one for a long time.
Best Treadmill Mat for Carpet: Sunny Health & Fitness Home Gym Floor Protector Mat
Home Gym Foam Floor Protector Mat
Home Gym Foam Floor Protector Mat
These floor mats come in multiple sizes, so you can help protect your floor from scuffs and scratches no matter how large or small your exercise equipment is.
Dimensions: 30” L x 20” W; 51”L x 23.5”W; 79” L x 35.5” W; 90.5” L x 39.5” W
Thickness: 4mm
Pros
The PVC foam is water resistant, useful in protecting your carpet from sweat.
It’s available in four different sizes to accommodate treadmills of varying lengths and widths.
This is a lightweight mat, from 1 pound for the extra small to 5 pounds for the large, so moving it around is easy.
Cons
This mat can rip if the equipment is dragged rather than lifted on and off of it.
Our tester had an issue with the edges not laying flat.
Whether you’ve got high-end cardio equipment or one of the best treadmills under $1,000, you’ve got to protect your carpet from wear, tear, and sweat. The Sunny Health & Fitness Home Gym Floor Mat is created with a waterproof PVC foam that’ll keep any spills or perspiration from staining your carpet fibers.
Our tester, a CrossFit level 1 coach, tried this mat out. “I had my treadmill set up on this mat over the carpet, and I didn’t notice any shake or wobble while I worked out,” they said. “There’s a good amount of sizes to choose from — the medium-sized mat fits my Sunny Health and Fitness Under Desk Treadmill well.” This mat comes in extra small, small, medium, and large, so you can pick the right footprint for your treadmill. Plus, they’re all under 5 pounds, so moving any of these mats around is easy to do.
The 4-millimeter thickness is smaller than the average 6-millimeter thickness we’ve seen for treadmill mats. This may be the primary reason why the edges curl on some mats or rip on others. One customer review mentioned, “[My] machine tore a rip in it because the feet pads sank down… all the way to the floor.” However, if you’re afraid of this mat ripping, just be sure to move your treadmill with care. And, in my experience, laying books on the edge of mats can help them lay flat after unboxing.
This mat is available in four different sizes, and we recommend the largest mat — 90.5 inches by 39.5 inches — for treadmills. This footprint can accommodate some of the biggest treadmills on the market, such as the NordicTrack Commercial 1750, which measures 80 inches long by 38 inches. That said, a compact treadmill weighing between 100 to 200 pounds — as opposed to 250 to 350 pounds — might be a better match due to the 4 millimeter thickness.
Best Budget Treadmill Mat: BalanceFrom High Density Treadmill Equipment Mat
BalanceFrom Heavy Duty Equipment Floor Mat
BalanceFrom Heavy Duty Equipment Floor Mat
This high-density mat helps to protect your floors and carpets from the damaging effects of heavy exercise equipment.
At $32.28, this budget pick is cheaper than the $40 to $50 average for treadmill mats.
This mat’s 78-inch length and 36-inch width should accommodate most treadmills.
This mat rolled out flat, so we didn’t need to try and flatten any curling edges.
Cons
There was a strong odor from this mat when taken out of the box.
In our experience, it won’t help to dampen the noise of your cardio machine.
It has a sticky, tacky feel, making it better for equipment than all-purpose use.
Protecting your equipment and keeping your floors unscathed shouldn’t cost you an arm and a leg. At $32.28, the BalanceFrom High Density Treadmill Mat is one of the most affordable and durable options on the market when compared to the average mat, which tends to cost between $40 and $50. Its 78-inch by 36-inch surface area can accommodate most treadmills, which tend to measure between 70 to 80 inches long and 30 to 36 inches wide.
Amanda Capritto, a certified personal trainer, had a note about budget purchases. “[It’s] critical to read customer reviews when shopping for budget-oriented items. Things that cost less for the consumer cost less for the manufacturer to make, so they are naturally built with cheaper components.” Over 26,000 people have reviewed this mat on Amazon, where it has a score of 4.7 out of 5.
Our tester, a CrossFit level 1 coach, thought this budget PVC mat would be great for heavier machines. “The polyvinyl material isn’t too rigid, but it feels pretty durable while also having some cushion to it,” they said. “But it’s worth mentioning that this isn’t the right mat if you’re looking for something to help absorb the noise from your treadmill. While I was using it, the sounds from my treadmill weren’t lessened at all.”
Still, while some treadmill mats can double as yoga mats, we think it’s best placed under machines. Out of the box, our tester experienced a “sticky sort of feeling” on the surface, which might make floor work like crunches feel… icky? “I could see this stickiness being useful for keeping your equipment in place,” said our tester.
We also appreciated that this mat rolls out flat right out of the box, so there’s no need to try and force curled corners down with weights, books, or your body in a fetal position. However, there was a strong odor we noticed, but that can be remedied by laying it flat, airing it out, and wiping it down.
Best Treadmill Mat for Garage Gyms: ProsourceFit Puzzle Exercise Mat
ProsourceFit Puzzle Exercise Mat
ProsourceFit Puzzle Exercise Mat
Piece together these foam mat tiles wherever you need to protect your floors.
A puzzle mat with interlocking pieces allows for customization in your garage gym.
Choose between black, beige, blue, and gray tiles.
This thick mat tile is 12.7 millimeters thick — more than double many of the options we tested.
These are easy to clean off with a rag and some water.
Cons
You may need to purchase more than one pack to design the floorplan you want.
Some pieces don’t always match up perfectly.
These pieces don’t work great on carpet.
If you’ve got a garage gym, you’ve probably got concrete flooring and limited space with which to work. The ProsourceFit Puzzle Exercise Mat, with its interlocking tiles, allows you to create a mat with exactly the square footage of protection you want. Also, the 12.7-millimeter thickness of its EVA foam is more than double the thickness of most mats we tested.
You get six tiles in a pack, and each tile is 24 inches by 24 inches, so you can build out your floor plan in any direction. However, if you’ll need more than 72 inches in length and 48 inches in width, you’ll need to buy a second pack to keep expanding. Our tester, a certified CrossFit Level 1 coach, noted, “I’d recommend buying more than one pack, just to make sure you’re covering all of the ground you want to.” I rate its value a 5 out of 5, as each pack is just $25.99, well below the average $40 to $50 cost of many treadmill mats.
The versatility of puzzle flooring allows you to build out in any direction
Versatility, meanwhile, scores a 5 out of 5. You can use them in your garage gym to dampen the pounding of your treadmill equipment into the floor while you run, and build it out even further if you want additional cushioning for free weights or a padded area for burpees. These tiles come in black, beige, blue, and gray so you can also add some color pops to your flooring.
I use similar tiles on camping trips to add flooring inside my tent. They’re easy to put together, and cleaning them is as simple as wiping them down with a towel and cleaning solution. As portable as they are, however, it’s worth noting that the interlocking design doesn’t sit well on carpet. In my experience, you get weird lips sticking up when the mat isn’t flush against the floor. Our tester also had issues with the tiles occasionally not fitting perfectly together.
Benefits of Home Treadmill Mats
From strength training to cardio fitness, we at BarBend are all about reaping the benefits of building muscle and endurance. But that effort shouldn’t come at the cost of your floorboards or joint health. Treadmill mats can be slipped under treadmills, steppers, rowing machines, and exercise bikes to help protect floors.
Protect Your Home
Cracked tiles, chipped wood, gopher holes in carpets — there’s nothing worse than dedicating yourself to a cardio routine only to find that equipment is turning your floor into a wasteland. Certified personal trainer Amanda Capritto notes, “Prioritizing proper gym flooring in your home gym means protecting your home. By simply installing some rubber mats or tiles, you can minimize the risk of cracking concrete or causing other damage to your home’s foundation.”
Dampen Noise
If you jump up and down on your hardwood floors, your downstairs neighbors might send a text like, “FOR THE LOVE OF GOD! PLEASE STOP!” But if you jump up and down on a thick, cushioned treadmill mat, you’ll save them the frustration.
BarBend editorial member and certified personal trainer, Kate Meier, walking on her Echelon Stride.
Rubber treadmill mats can help absorb vibration and noise, so you (and your neighbors) can enjoy less noise pollution while you work out. (3)
Easier on the Joints
Running can take a toll on your joints, which is why we’ve grown fond of cushioned running shoes and treadmills. Adding a mat beneath your treadmill can help aid in the absorption of force, so the joints in your lower limbs take less pounding. (4) Treadmill mats have a variety of thickness options, but opting for one with at least 6 millimeters thickness will be best for those wanting to support their joints.
What to Consider Before Buying a Home Treadmill Mat
Before all else, the footprint is your main focus when buying a treadmill mat. Be sure to measure your treadmill to know how large of a mat you need. Once that’s all squared away, you’ll want to take into consideration what type of floor you’ll be covering, how much you’re willing to spend, and their thickness and durability.
Footprint
Measure your treadmill. Find out how much area you want covered. Once you’ve done all that, you’ll be armed with the knowledge of what you need. The average treadmill mat footprint measures between 75 to 85 inches in length and 35 to 40 inches in width. Depending on your treadmill, you may need to find something longer than that. You’ll also find thickness that ranges from 3 millimeters up to half an inch or even an inch. The average mat we came across had a 6 millimeter thickness.
Puzzle flooring is often made from EVA foam which provides a thick cushion
If you want a more adjustable footprint, opt for interlocking tiles that will allow you to customize your flooring to the exact dimensions of what you need.
We’ve got options for every spender on our list, ranging from $25.99 up to $139.99. You’ve already invested in your treadmill, so it can be hard to rationalize incurring an additional fee for something that just goes under your machine. But, this price helps to maintain your equipment, providing cushioning between the floor and your treadmill as you log your miles.
Type of Floor
“Your floor is literally the foundation of your home gym, so I encourage you to give it some thought,” says Capritto. This takes into account both your current flooring — carpet, tile, wood, or concrete — and the cushion you’ll be creating with your mats — puzzle pieces, rectangular mats, vinyl, EVA foam, and ProFoam.
If you have carpet, opt for a rectangular mat over puzzle pieces. If you have downstairs neighbors, we recommend a mat made of ProFoam, EVA foam, or vinyl with at least 6 millimeters of thickness. Puzzle mats, which come in interlocking pieces, can be helpful if you’re hoping to cover a larger area, or if you want to customize your workout space.
Final Word
Treadmill mats are the easiest way to add protection to your floors, creating a cushioned barrier between the pounding from your treadmill and your wood, tile, concrete, or home gym. These exercise equipment mats wear many hats, protecting your floors from damage, catching sweat before it drips onto your rug, and providing cushioning for achy knees and joints so you can have the best home gym possible.
Finding the right mat can be a struggle, but we’re here to help. We’ve noted each product’s dimensions, materials, thickness, and common customer complaints. Keep in mind the type of floor you’re looking to protect and if you’d like additional coverage or added cushioning. Regardless of what you’re after or your price range, we’ve got a choice that’s right for you and your goals.
FAQs
What is the best treadmill mat?
SuperMats Made in the USA Mat for Treadmill is our choice for the best overall treadmill mat. Its 90-inch length is longer than most of its competitors by at least 10 inches, plus the high-quality vinyl construction is reasonably durable for its $51 price tag. Of course, you’ll always want to measure your treadmill to see if this mat’s footprint will work.
What kind of mat is best for a treadmill?
For heavy equipment like a treadmill, consider a mat that’s at least 4 millimeters thick — though we’d recommend a thicker mat of 6 millimeters or more — and made out of heavy-duty ProFoam, vinyl, or high-density PVC, as these are some of the most durable materials for protecting your floors and dampening noise. You’ll also want to ensure your treadmill will fit on the mat. For reference, the average length of a treadmill is between 70 and 80 inches, though some will be smaller and some will be larger.
How thick should my treadmill mat be?
Our choices range from 4 millimeters up to 12.7 millimeters in thickness, but the right thickness will depend on what you intend to do with your treadmill and what you want out of your mat. For more frequent use, we recommend opting for a mat at least 6 millimeters thick. However, 4 millimeters is fine for those who aim for light use.
References
Weyand, P. G., Sternlight, D. B., Bellizzi, M. J., & Wright, S. (2000). Faster top running speeds are achieved with greater ground forces not more rapid leg movements. Journal of applied physiology (Bethesda, Md. : 1985), 89(5), 1991–1999. https://doi.org/10.1152/jappl.2000.89.5.1991
Nilsson, J., & Thorstensson, A. (1989). Ground reaction forces at different speeds of human walking and running. Acta physiologica Scandinavica, 136(2), 217–227. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1748-1716.1989.tb08655.x
Park, M., Park, H. K., Shin, H. K., Kang, D., Pant, B., Kim, H., Song, J. K., & Kim, H. Y. (2019). Sound Absorption and Insulation Properties of a Polyurethane Foam Mixed with Electrospun Nylon-6 and Polyurethane Nanofibre Mats. Journal of nanoscience and nanotechnology, 19(6), 3558–3563. https://doi.org/10.1166/jnn.2019.16128
Sun, X., Lam, W. K., Zhang, X., Wang, J., & Fu, W. (2020). Systematic Review of the Role of Footwear Constructions in Running Biomechanics: Implications for Running-Related Injury and Performance. Journal of sports science & medicine, 19(1), 20–37.
About Rosie Borchert, NASM-CPT
Rosie Borchert is a comedy writer with credits spanning ABC, Netflix, and Amazon Studios. She pivoted to her passion for fitness, becoming a certified personal trainer, writing programming for tech fitness company Tonal, and punching up jokes for Tony Horton of P90X fame.
