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Best Shower Mats
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Style
The style is important because this is something that you are going to have to look at at least once a day!
The design was something important that we considered because a well-designed unit means that users will be more inclined to keep them in their bathroom because they won’t detract from its style. Plus, a smartly designed model will also keep water from forming underneath the suction cups. Things that drew us to many brands was the option to select different color options. While most modern bathrooms have white fixtures, some users will want something that is clear or white to blend in with their tub, while others want something that will add a little bit color and flair to your space. The color might not be important to some, but it is a nice option to have when it comes to these products. Another thing that we liked about these products is when they offered unique design like pebbles or unique hole cutouts that often give it a more interesting look.
Effectiveness
If it isn't stable and doesn't provide traction, then it is basically just a bathtub surfboard- which is a bad thing.
This is the most important aspect that we looked at because if it can’t keep you from slipping, it isn’t a very effective product. One of the most important things that can turn one of these designs into an essential surfboard in your bathtub is the method in which it adheres to the surface. Most companies utilize suction cups on the base of their design to ensure that is will stay in place even with the water running. Generally, the more suction cups means the more chance it will have to stay put even is some of them slip off. It is important to note, however, that sometimes more suction cups means that it could affect the drainage of water which is a problem for some users. Plus, users often run into trouble when they attempt to fasten their suction cups to a surface that isn’t entirely clean or dry. Some companies try to sidestep this issue by manufacturing design that has a sticky underside that will form to the base of your tub. While these designs will stay put, users will not be able to take these units off and toss them into the washing machine as easily as the suction cup options.
Materials
We wanted to make sure we selected safe and non-toxic materials for you and your family.
There are some options offered that are made from bamboo which is better for traction when conditions are wet, but these options are often a breeding ground for moisture and don’t hold up for the long haul. In this case, you are going to want to stick with plastic that has a textured surface. We made sure to stick with plastics that were certified to be BPA free, non-toxic, and antibacterial. That doesn’t mean that over time mold won’t begin to grow between the product and your tub, it just means that the product itself will be impervious to mold and bacteria- which is important because that’s what you are going to be standing upon.
Size
Finding the right fit for your tub is an important part of ensuring that is it safe and effective.
Not every bathroom is the same, and there are a few types of showers designs out there that won’t work with every product. We tried to get a combination of both. For users that have a standard long tub, we selected the long rectangular designs that would run the entire length of the tub without blocking the main drain found by the spigot. For standing options, we selected square designs that have a hole in the middle for the drain. Generally, the hole in most of these designs measures to be about 3-3.5 inches, so be sure that you measure the size of your drain before making your decision. Covering your main drain- especially for standing models- can create quite a wet mess if the water begins to build up inside the unit, and in some cases can overflow out onto your bathroom floor. With the tub designs, blocking your drain isn’t so much of an issue, but standing water is a quick way to accumulate thick soap scum, mold, and mildew much quicker than if you had an open drain.
Value
No one likes to spend more money than they need to.
As always, the price is something that we took into consideration for each option. While we want to make sure that you get the best quality of product out there on the market, we also don’t want you to spend more that you need to. One way we determined if a product was considered to be overpriced was to look at the materials that they use to make their design. For the most part, companies all use the same types of materials- such as PVC, vinyl, and various types of plastics. These plastics all must meet the same requirements to be considered non-toxic and BPA free. With that in mind, we looked the materials that were used for the higher priced options and compared them to the more affordable options to find that they were essentially the same. Often, higher priced options were priced that way due to a distinct or experimental design feature that users typically didn’t care for, or they came from a name brand that feels justified in selling their products at a higher price point. Since these products have such as simple design and have no additional components, higher price points are often arbitrary when comparing essentially the same ingredients of plastic.
Top 10 Picks
1. Gorilla Grip
This option from Gorilla Grip is our top choice because it hits all of the boxes of what a user would want from one of these products. It is made to be big enough to fit into most size tubs, it is effective and easy to care for, and it comes in at an affordable price point.
Read moreDesign:
The design of this model boasts functionality above all else, but it still has a pleasing look to it. Each of the drainage holes is hexagonal in shape, adding just a little bit of character and extra detail. Users will be able to select from color options that include clear, black, gray, purple, or beige.
Effectiveness:
With hundreds of suctions cups poised along the bottom, you won’t have to worry about this unit going anywhere. Many options on the market have no suction at all or only use a few in the corners. Users can feel confident that this unit will stay in place.
Materials:
The materials used to make this option include is made from a premium plastic. This plastic doesn’t have that familiar chemical smell as some of the other brands out there on the market. It is considered to be BPA free, latex free, non-toxic, and it is antibacterial and mildew resistant.
Size:
This unit measures in to be about 16 inches wide and 35 inches long, which is perfect for modest and larger sized tubs.
Value:
What users like about this option are that it is made from premium materials while still coming in at a modest price point that will cost about as much as you spent on a salon bottle of shampoo.
Overall:
All in all, this is our favorite choice because it is effective. There may be some other models out there that are a little more flashy, but if you want something that will stay in place and prevent you from slipping, this is going to be your best bet.
2. Vive
What we liked about this option is that it is made for contemporary designs that don’t use a bathtub and have a drained positioned in the middle of the unit. It is made high-quality materials that keep bacteria from forming, has a surefire grip to reduce the possibility of slipping, and comes in at quite the affordable price tag.
Read moreStyle:
Simplicity is the name of the game when it comes to the Vive model. It doesn’t have any holes in it like some of the other options but instead boasts a grooved face that has a stylish edge while still offering a lot of good grip. The downside is that it only comes in one color: white.
Effectiveness:
It might seem that it won’t provide much grip, but users feel that the waved groove design on the surface is perfect for creating an easily gripped surface, even with soapy feet. The underside is also filled with about 200 suction cups to ensure that it stays in place even when you are moving around and climbing in and out.
Materials:
Vive boasts that their brand is made from a plastic material that is considered to be BPA free, and it doesn’t have that familiar chemical odor that often comes with plastic products. It is also mold and mildew resistant, and can be tossed into the washing machine for a quick wash when the time comes.
Size:
This unit is a perfect square, and measures to be 22 inches wide and 22 inches long with a 6-inch hole cut out in the middle for a central drain.
Value:
What users like most about this product are that it isn’t too expensive. It will likely set you back about the same amount that you would spend on a nice bottle of shampoo but is built to last twice as long.
Overall:
We really liked this product because it uses safe plastics that are kind to the environment as well as your bathroom, and it comes in at a price point that won’t break the bank.
3. NTTR
If you are worried about these units taking away from the elegance of your carefully crafted bathroom, this is going to be one of your best options. Users love that the design of this model is made to look natural, and most won’t even realize that it isn’t part of your tub. It is made from high-quality materials that are effective as well as easy to clean.
Read moreStyle:
This unit gets an A+ in design. It is made to look like a series of pebbles lining the base of your tub, and each little pebble can really grip. The best part about this option is that it is available in clear for a more understated look, or users can select a solid brown design as well as a clear black.
Effectiveness:
The base is covered in a series of suction cups that are really going to be able to stick the base of your bathtub. It’s durable material also makes it simple just to toss into the washing machine when it needs to be cleaned.
Materials:
There is no need to worry about the composition of this plastic mat. The materials used are considered to be antibacterial as well as being 100 percent non-toxic. It has also had an EN71 non-toxic verification.
Size:
This unit measures to be 16 inches wide and 35 inches long, it is designed to fit into extra large bathtubs.
Value:
One of the more notable features about this design is that it comes in at an affordable price point that will add some style and safety to your bathroom without sending money down the drain.
Overall:
What users love most about this design is that it comes in at a very affordable price point while sporting a sleek design that comes in a few different colors. We feel this design is worth a look.
4. mantto
The mantto option is for those that don’t want to be bothered with suction cups. Users can simply toss this option into their shower and call it a day. It is made from high quality and safe materials that are perfect for the whole family.
Read moreStyle:
The look of this option is just a little bit different than others we have seen so far. It is built to be incredibly flat, and the surface area is covered in various size holes like swiss cheese that will keep water flowing while keeping you upright in the tub. The bad news about this option is that it is only offered in light blue shade.
Effectiveness:
What is surprising about this product is users rave about how secure that they feel while stand on this unit when the water is flowing in the bathtub, despite that it doesn’t use any suction cups or other methods securing it to the surface. This means that every time you pick it up to wipe it down or wash it, you won’t have to be troubled to securing it back to your tub.
Materials:
This unit is made from a TPE plastic that looks like it would be hard and rigid, but users report that it is incredibly soft to stand on, and soft to sit on when it is bathtime for your little ones.
Size:
Measuring it at 30 inches long and 17 inches wide, this option was made to fit most standard size bathtubs.
Value:
Users love that this unit is one of the more affordable options out there on the market, and cost about the same amount that you would spend on a pack of bar soap.
Overall:
If you want something that is going to be incredibly sturdy while also being incredibly low maintenance, this is a great option. It is also perfect for users that may have an imperfect tub base that often struggle with getting suction cups to stick to an uneven tub.
5. ifrimmy
The ifrmmy design is a little bit stiffer and structured than many of the other designs out there on the market. It is made from a harder material that acts as a board in the base of your bathtub that makes this unit different than made of the other softer designs.
Read moreStyle:
What makes this unit unique is that it is made up from solid planks of plastic that look like that of a dock. The bad news about this option is that it is only offered in one color option- aqua blue- that isn’t considered to be a neutral color and might be a turn off for some users.
Effectiveness:
This unit affixes to the base of your tub using a modest series of suction cups located at the bottom of each plank. What users really love most about this option is that even when it becomes wet, this unit will provide a superior grip to the bottom of your feet on its hard and rigid surface.
Materials:
Like we mentioned earlier, the materials used for this option are just a little bit different than others you may have seen. Instead of a soft, pliable plastic, this unit uses a stiff and rigid TPE and PP plastic.
Size:
This mat measures in to be 24.8 inches long, 15.7 wide, and is only .17 inches high. It is perfect for longer tubs, and if you need more users will have the option to piece multiple designs together.
Value:
The cost of this unit is just a tad more expensive than some of the other designs we have seen. It will likely set you back about the same price that you would spend on a few bottles of shampoo.
Overall:
What users find most appealing about this design is that is has a harder frame that makes water flow beneath it easier, and it makes it simple to wipe down when the soap scum starts to accumulate on the top and bottom.
6. Yimobra
The Yimobra option is made for more modern standing showers. What we really liked about this option is that it comes in a lot of fun color options, and it comes with an additional shower hook that is included with purchase.
Read moreStyle:
This unit has a symmetrical look with evenly spaced small holes on the base to promote water flow. What we love about this option has many color options that users can select from that include white, blue, purple, gray, black, and green.
Effectiveness:
This unit has 169 spaced suction cups along the bottom to ensure that it will style in place while it in use. Plus, instead of a hole in the center for the drain, it has a series of larger holes that will work for almost any style of drains.
Materials:
Made from a thick and durable plastic, users can feel good about selecting this option. This plastic is considered to be BPA free and is antimicrobial. Plus, it can be tossed into the washing machine when the time comes to give it a good cleaning.
Size:
Measuring in at 21 inches long and 21 inches wide, this will work for most standard standing options.
Value:
Our favorite part about this option is that it comes in at one of the most affordable price points on the market, and will likely set you back about the same amount that you would spend buying yourself and a friend a cup of coffee.
Overall:
The Yimobra option is a really solid design that is perfect for standing units. Users love that it is easy to affix to their base, and it comes in a lot of fun colors that will add a little bit of charm and character.
7. Safe Way Traction
You might have noticed that a lot of these options often run into issues when it comes to staying put when mounted in your bathtub. If you feel that safety trumps above all else- this may be the perfect design for you. It is something that will become a permanent fixture in your tub, but it means you won’t need to wash it or worry about mildew forming on the underside.
Read moreStyle:
Design for the Safe Way Traction takes a back seat for a more effective option. It sports a solid white design, and it isn’t offered in many other colors. The end game for this option is to blend in seamlessly to your existing bathtub.
Effectiveness:
Users will not have to worry about this unit shifting around under their feet while it is in use because it sticks right to the base of your tub. To place this design, pull off the sticky backing and place it where you want it in the base of your tub. While it will stay right in place while in use, it means that you will not have the option to remove it to wash it.
Materials:
This unit is made from a textured vinyl that has a sticky backing. The traction on this material means that it will add a good deal of traction in dry areas as well as wet areas.
Size:
The exact dimensions couldn’t be found on the product description, but we do know that it is just a little over 16 inches wide, and it is made to fit most standard sized tubs.
Value:
While it costs a little bit more than some of the other options out there, users find that is is a great permanent option and is well worth the slightly padded price tag.
Overall:
If the grip is, above all else, the most important feature that you are considering when it comes to these products and you are willing to commit to a permanent option, we feel that the Safe Way Traction design is going to be your best bet.
8. ITSOFT
Breaking away from convention, the ITSOFT design is like having a giant and flat loofa at the base of your tub. Users love that this option is great at keeping you upright in the tub, but the textured base cleans and massages tired feet.
Read moreStyle:
Simplicity is the name of the game when it comes to this option. It only comes in a basic white color that is sure to match almost any bathroom, and the solid design will mean that most users might not even notice that it is there after a while.
Effectiveness:
The coarse surface of this option is great for keeping you upright while in the tub. Due to the fact that the surface acts like a loofa right in the base of your tub means that it will help remove dead skin and give your feet a massage all while to are polishing up to be squeaky clean!
Materials:
This unit is made from PVC for the loofa as well as for the base and the suction cups that affix to the base of your tub.
Size:
Measuring in at 17 inches wide and 29 inches long, this unit is just a tad bit shorter than some of the other options that are 30+ inches in length.
Value:
The cost of this unit is a little bit more expensive than others on the market, but users feel that the extra price it worth it to get a great foot massage all while keeping them safe and upright in the tub.
Overall:
It is hard to resist this textured loofa design for what it can do to benefit and ease tired feet. The only downside to this design is that because the base doesn’t have drainage holes, you might run into a bit of a water backing up that get caught around the edges and on top.
9. SlipX Solutions
Our immediate impression of the SlipX Solutions design is that it is something that looks like it is more decorative than practical, but users love that it manages to expertly achieve a great style and be very functional all at the same time.
Read moreStyle:
What we really loved about this design is that it looks like a decorative and rustic multicolored stone style to add a little bit of character to your tub. It is composed of various sizes of plastic stone shape that are arranged with lighter and darker stones. Plus, users can select from a clear option, a gray design, or a light and dark blue options.
Effectiveness:
On the bottom side, under every other stone is a suction cup that adheres to the surface of your bathtub. There are some users that feel that the textured stone design can actually serve to soothe tired and achy feet.
Materials:
This unit is composed of a very high-quality vinyl material. The downside to using this type of material is that it isn’t listed to be antibacterial, and some users are turned off by the chemical smell that comes from this design.
Size:
Measuring in at 30 inches long and 17 inches wide, this is a great option for most standard size bathtubs.
Value:
Our favorite part about this option is that it comes in at an incredibly low price point that will set you back about the same price that you would spend on a bottle of shampoo from a department store.
Overall:
If you are concerned about chemical smells and the materials that are used in these types of products, this one might not be for you. However, if you were looking for an effective and decorative option that comes in at an affordable price point, we feel you will be pleased with this option.
10. SONGZIMING
It’s hard not to be immediately wooed by the style of the SONGZIMING design. It has a series of frosted pebbles that make up the base, and it comes in a few unusual colors that are sure to add a little bit of style and spunk to your boring old bathtub.
Read moreStyle:
Like we mentioned earlier, the design of this product is the very first thing that we noticed. It is offered on colors that include black, blue, and clear, and the surface of the pebbles are frosted in a glossy finish to give it a unique shine.
Effectiveness:
This unit is held in place by in the base of your tub by a series of suction cups that are spaced on the underside of this design. The bad news about this design is that while there are quite a few users that find that it is great at providing a little bit of traction, there are also some that feel that the anti-slip is just a little less than ideal.
Materials:
What users really appreciate about this design is that it is made from a PVC material that is 100 percent non-toxic, and it also is REACH approved ( REACH means the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of Chemicals)
Size:
This unit measures in to be 16 inches wide and 35 inches long, which is quite a bit longer than the standard lengths of 30 inches.
Value:
The cost of this unit runs pretty par for the course. While it isn’t the most expensive design out there on the market, it isn’t the least expensive. It will likely cost you about the same amount that you would spend on a nice bottle of shampoo.
Overall:
We feel that the SONGZIMING is a pretty solid choice. It doesn’t excel in one area more than the other- it provides a decent grip while also offering a little bit a style to your bathroom.
Sources
- , Best Shower Mat, Buyer Guide
