Available: At Nike showrooms across the country

Star rating: 5

Shred factor: This mat is cushiony, which means it has the texture that has the potential for shredding after long-term use.

Steady or slippery: Best grip both up and down the mat. The most steady mat of the lot.

Luxury: Super deluxe, elegant

Level of practice: Very advanced. Ideal for all levels.

I am biased towards this mat since it is the best I have used till date. Its grip is the most superior I have experienced. The bottom of the mat has a completely different texture that holds on all surfaces, including slippery ones, making it the best type of yoga mat for a very advanced practitioner.

Of all the mats that have been reviewed here, I felt the most relaxed on this mat while negotiating the handstand vinyasa (flowing from handstand into the wheel, dropping backwards, and walking with your hands). The landing is soft (due to the superior cushioning effect) and at the same time very firm and steady.

It is also great for hectic and intense rounds of surya namaskars because your knee drops very softly on the mat. On a hard, sticky mat you may darken your knees as they land hard on the mat, as in the half crescent pose. It is firm in wheel variations too.

I also noticed that in certain poses, like vajrasana or thunderbolt pose, where the top of your feet tend to become dark, rough and tough (if you meditate long in the kneeling position) this mat gives the maximum protection.

Its cushiony factor may make it shred after long-term use. I say that because a kid managed to pinch a tiny piece off my Nike mat, which means the mat has the potential to shred if used too roughly.

It is among the most elegant mats I have seen. The grey-brown colour is very different. The logo is very discreet. The mat comes with a strap belt (see photo) that wraps very efficiently around the mat and can be used as a yoga belt too, if you like props. This one is a tough-looking, no-fuss mat.

Also read: Yoga relief for the summer heat!

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