You’ve tried everything to get rid of knee pain during your yoga practice: thick mats, yoga blankets, a rolled up towel, a pillow- and none of it seems to work! Your knees are still killing you during cat/cow, table top, low lunge, and other knee poses.
If you find yourself craving the deep stretching and mental release of a yoga flow, yet dreading the achey knees from certain poses, you need a yoga knee pad.
Knee pain shouldn’t stop anyone from soaking up the benefits of a yoga routine. Yoga knee pads could be your ticket to a pain free yoga practice. We decided to try out and review the top 9 best yoga knee pads for alleviating joint discomfort.
Contents
Quick Picks
- Best Overall: Yoga Knee Pad by Heathyoga
- Best Pair of Knee Pads: Gaiam Yoga Knee Pads (Set of 2)
- Best for Arthritis: Sukhamat Yoga Pad Cushion
- Best Gel Yoga Knee Pads: Yoga Jellies
- Best Extra Thick Knee Pad: ProsourceFit Exercise Balance Pad
- Best Dense Foam Yoga Knee Pad for Knee Replacements: Yilo Warrior Engineered Foam Yoga Knee Pad
- Best Ultra Durable Knee Pad: Gorilla Grip Extra Thick Water Resistant Kneeling Pad
- Best Eco-Friendly Yoga Knee Pads: GoYonder Eco Yoga Knee Pad Cushion
- Best Stylish Yoga Knee Pads: lululemon Stackable Yoga Cushions 2 Pack
What Are Yoga Knee Pads?
Yoga knee pads aren’t traditional “knee pads” like you see strapped around athletes’ legs. These would be too bulky and limiting for free movement in yoga. A yoga knee pad is actually more like a dense pillow or jelly-textured cushion that goes under your knees for extra comfort during your practice.
Why Use Yoga Knee Pads?
A yoga mat just isn’t always thick enough to support sensitive knees and joints. This is especially true for elderly yogis or anyone with knee issues or injuries. If you’re feeling discomfort or pain in your knees during table top, low lunge, or other grounded poses, yoga knee pads could be the secret to making your practice more enjoyable and soothing.
Rectangle vs. Circular Yoga Knee Pads
The two main types of yoga knee pads are rectangular or a circular set that goes under each individual knee. Each has its own unique benefits depending on the type of yoga you’re doing (an active ashtanga or a more relaxed yin?) and the type of knee pain you have (arthritis, knee replacement, or just boney knees?).
Rectangular is Best for Alleviating Pain
The rectangular style tends to be best for anyone with reduced mobility looking for the easiest knee pad to use. You don’t have to move it around as much and it stays put on the exact place where your knees (or elbows or hips) keep contacting the mat throughout your practice.
In my opinion, a rectangular cushion makes the best yoga knee pad because it is the most dense and supportive for people with arthritis or knee replacements who still want to enjoy the benefits of a yoga practice.
The only downside of a rectangular yoga knee pad is its bulkier and more difficult to move around during yoga poses. It needs to be rolled up with your mat or carried separately when on the move.
Circular is Best for Versatility and Portability
The circular yoga jellies or individual knee pads are the most versatile. The little discs can be moved more freely under your wrists, palms, ankles, and knees without having to shift around a big pad. They are also the most portable; simply toss them in your bag on the way to the yoga studio and don’t worry about rolling them up or dealing with another carrying strap.
The downside of circular knee pads or yoga jellies is that you have to adjust them more frequently during your practice. The cushion is not as dense and comfortable as a rectangular knee pad.
Top 9 Best Yoga Knee Pads
| Product's name | Size | Thickness | Shape | More Info | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Best Overall Yoga Knee Pads Cushion Non-Slip Knee Mat by Heathyoga, Knee Pad for... | 24 x 10 | 12mm (½) | Rectangular | See latest price |
 | Best Pair of Knee Pads Gaiam Yoga Knee Pads (Set of 2) - Yoga Props and Accessories for Women /... | 7.6 diameter | 1 | Circular | See latest price |
 | Best for Arthritis SukhaMat Yoga Knee Pad Cushion for Knees, Elbows, Wrists Designed for... | 24 x 10 | 15mm | Rectangular | See latest price |
 | Best Gel Yoga Knee Pads Yoga Jellies (Amethyst, The Genuine Yoga PAD-Yoga Knee pad, Wrist pad,... | 7 diameter | 1.5 | Circular | See latest price |
 | Best Extra Thick Knee Pad ProsourceFit Exercise Balance Pad – Large Cushioned Non-Slip Foam Mat &... | 15 x 19 | 2 | Rectangular | See latest price |
 | Best Dense Foam Yoga Knee Pad for Knee Replacements Yilo Warrior | Engineered Foam Yoga Knee pad | 1 in (25 mm) Thick |... | 7.5 x 25.5 | 1 | Rectangular | See latest price |
 | Best Ultra Durable Knee Pad Gorilla Grip Extra Thick Kneeling Pad, Supportive Soft Foam Cushioning for... | 17.5 x 11 | 1.5 | Rectangular | See latest price |
 | Best Eco-Friendly Yoga Knee Pad GoYonder Eco Yoga Workout Knee Pad Cushion Black (Pack of 2) | 7 diameter | 15mm | Circular | See latest price |
 | Best Stylish Yoga Knee Pads Lululemon Stackable Yoga Cushions 2 Pack | Circular | See latest price |
Best Overall
#1- Yoga Knee Pads Cushion Non-Slip Knee Mat by Heathyoga, Knee Pad for Gardening Yard Work, Yoga Knee...
See latest priceThis lightweight, extra thick yoga knee pad is made from eco-friendly TPE material that is PVC-free and latex-free. It rolls up small and includes a carrying strap for portability to and from yoga classes. You can use it as extra padding under your knees, to add length to your mat, as a head rest during Savasana, or even while gardening or working in the yard.
The closed cell foam is perfect for hot yoga because it won’t absorb sweat or water and it is easy to clean with a damp cloth after your practice. The grip is excellent compared to other brands and it can be used on any surface, from hardwood floors to yoga mats to outdoor surfaces.
Pros
- Great grip
- Toxin-free (no phthalates or PVC)
- Closed cell foam for a sweaty workout routine
- Works as a balance pad
- Supportive in headstands
- 12mm (1/2″) thick
- 24″ x 10″ size
- Easily portable (strap included)
Cons
- Arrives tightly rolled and needs to be flattened out before use
- Some yogis may prefer more cushion for hard ground
Best Pair of Knee Pads
#2- Gaiam Yoga Knee Pads (Set of 2) - Yoga Props and Accessories for Women / Men Cushions Knees and...
See latest priceGaiam’s affordable and functional yoga disc pads come in a set of 2 for easy maneuvering and support under your knees, wrists, elbows, or hips. This pair of yoga knee pads is non-slip and made of a gel-like material. They are perfect for extra cushion and safety for injured knees or sensitive joints, and even been useful for yogis returning to the mat after knee replacement surgery.
Pros
- Thick and supportive
- Cushiony gel material
- Non-slip grip to your mat
- Work for knees, elbows, hands, and hip bones
- Light weight for transport
- Come as a pair for use in split-knee poses
Cons
- Not as thick padding as other brands
- May slip on hardwood floors
Best for Arthritis
#3- SukhaMat Yoga Knee Pad Cushion for Knees, Elbows, Wrists Designed for Comfort During Exercise...
See latest priceThis high-density foam pad is like a mini yoga mat for your knees and elbows. The Sukhamat yoga knee pad is dense enough to keep your balance and stability while feeling supportive and doing cat/cows or low lunges without pain.
It comes in 4 colors and is 15mm thick. The Sukhamat yoga knee pad is lightweight, flexible, and easy to roll or fold along with your mat. It alleviates pain from osteoarthritis or sensitive pressure points. The dense comfortable foam is also non-slip and stays put on all types of yoga mats.
Pros
- 15mm thick
- 24″ x 10″ size
- High-density NBR foam
- Portable and easy to roll
- Moisture resistant
- Durable and long lasting
- Perfect cushioning and support for arthritic knees
Cons
- Not eco-friendly material
Best Gel Yoga Knee Pads
#4- Yoga Jellies (Amethyst, The Genuine Yoga PAD-Yoga Knee pad, Wrist pad, Elbow pad
See latest priceThese round gel knee pads are a dream come true for yogis with knee pains. Yoga jellies absorb shock, support knees (and wrists, elbows, and ankles), and stay gripped in place. The 1.5 inch thick gel-like material is so soft and has enough cushion for even the most sensitive knees. Many yogis have said that these completely changed their practice and allowed them to finally stretch and flow pain-free!
Yoga jellies come in 6 vibrant colors that grip hard surfaces and never slip or move beneath you. The slight “stickiness” adds extra support beneath your joints
Pros
- Very popular amongst yoga teachers and older yogis with arthritis, knee replacements, or carpal tunnel syndrome
- Never slide on the map
- Fits perfectly in a small yoga bag
- The gel material will stay cool in hot yoga classes
- Extra cushioning for bad knees
- Full refund for anyone who is unhappy
Cons
- Most expensive yoga knee pads
Best Extra Thick Knee Pad
#5- ProsourceFit Exercise Balance Pad – Large Cushioned Non-Slip Foam Mat & Knee Pad for Fitness,...
See latest priceThis 15″ x 19″ foam knee pad is designed for fitness and physical rehabilitation, however it also works great for yoga. The non-toxic, non-slip foam is over 2″ thick and adds supportive cushion while simultaneously strengthening the ankles and core.
It is versatile enough to use in yoga, gardening, as a seat cushion, meditation pillow, or to make yoga poses more challenging for core strengthening and balance.
Pros
- ra dense and thick foam
- Non-toxic
- Super versatile
- 6 colors
- Helps improve balance and core strength
- Very supportive for knees and other joints
- Firm cushioning
Cons
- Not the full width of yoga mat
- Foam may flatten over time
- Designed for physical therapy and stability strengthening
Best Dense Foam Yoga Knee Pad for Knee Replacements
#6- Yilo Warrior | Engineered Foam Yoga Knee pad | 1 in (25 mm) Thick | Eliminate Knee Pain from Your...
See latest priceThe Yilo Warrior is a 1 inch thick closed cell foam yoga knee pad that adds way more cushion than just a traditional yoga mat material. The specially engineered polymer is soft and dense. It shapes around your knee and can drastically improve healing from knee replacement surgery. It grips all floors and yoga mats so you don’t feel slippery or unstable.
This yoga knee pad is also made in the USA from non-toxic materials. It is one of the best yoga gear investments for people with chronic knee pain or painful pressure points during yoga practice. More than just a thicker yoga mat, it is a cushion you won’t want to do yoga without.
Pros
- Dense cushion support
- Specifically designed for knee discomfort
- Closed-cell foam
- Sweat and moisture resistant
- Perfect for hard surfaces
- Easily portable with your yoga mat
- Made from a specially engineered polymer blend for pressure points
- Made in the USA
Cons
- Not as squishy as other mats
- Extra thick
- May smell out of the box
- Not as portable as other yoga knee pads
Best Ultra Durable Knee Pad
#7- Gorilla Grip Extra Thick Kneeling Pad, Supportive Soft Foam Cushioning for Knee, Water Resistant...
See latest priceWhile this pad is not technically designed for yoga, it is so versatile that you will want to use it for any pose or activity that strains your knees. It is 1.5″ thick and that extra half inch really sets it apart from other brands. The foam is extremely durable and hardy for use outdoors if needed. It is a harder cushioning best for staying in a kneeling position for a long time without cramping or knee pain.
The Gorilla Grip comes in 11 unique colors and includes a built-in carrying handle. The extra dense material makes this one of the best yoga knee pads available online.
Pros
- 17.5″ x 11″ larger size
- Super durable and dense foam
- Non-slip grip for your mat or outdoor practice
- 1.5″ thick
- Built-in handle
- Versatile uses
- Lasts forever and withstands outdoor practice
- Water-resistant
- Extra strong and perfect rebound cushioning
Cons
- Not the same width as a yoga mat
- May be too hard for some knees
Best Eco-Friendly Yoga Knee Pad
#8- GoYonder Eco Yoga Workout Knee Pad Cushion Black (Pack of 2)
See latest priceThis pair of yoga knee pads are about 7″ in diameter and perfectly cushion knees, elbows, wrists, and ankles. They are made of environmentally-friendly TPE foam that is free of toxic materials. At 15mm thick, these pads are supportive and soft.
They come in 6 colors to coordinate with your yoga mat or outfit. They are super small and portable for transporting to and from yoga classes. Each pad is small and round to fit perfectly under your joints.
The non-slip grip is perfect for practicing on a mat or even on the ground.
Pros
- 15mm thickness adds supportive cushion on top of a yoga mat
- Premium durability
- Pressure absorbing
- Alleviates knee and joint pressure
- Non-slip sticks surface
- Eco-friendly foam material with no chemical smells or toxins
Cons
- 7″ diameter may be too small for some knees
- Not as versatile as rectangular pad
Best Stylish Yoga Knee Pads
#9 – lululemon Stackable Yoga Cushions 2 Pack
Available in a gorgeous dusky lavender/white swirl design and 2 other color options, lululemon’s high-end yoga knee pads are perfect for the stylish yogi that prefers pillowy pads for floor work.
These knee pads suction to your mat or any hard surface and never slip under you. You can also raise the height by stacking them together. The lightweight supportive foam is super cushiony and more pillowy than most knee pads.
Pros
- Stackable for custom height
- Stylish colors and designs
- Carrying bag included
- Very high quality
- Super soft and pillowy cushion
Cons
- Not eco-friendly material (ethylene vinyl acetate)
- Higher price point
FAQs
Are knee pads good for your knees?
Knee pads add cushion and support for sensitive knees to help prevent injuries to the joint and alleviate pain. Perfect for yoga, gardening, sitting, or any kneeling activity, knee pads are essential for anyone with bad knees or knee replacement surgery.
What are the best knee pads in the world?
The most dense and supportive knee pad is the Gorilla Grip Extra Thick Water Resistant Kneeling Pad. It is 1.5″ thick, extra supportive, and perfect for soothing joint discomfort on any hard surface.