Top pick
This block’s edges are nicely rounded, and its sides have an extra-grippy texture, reducing slippage. It’s on the heavier side, however.
Sturdy and long-lasting, the Manduka Cork Yoga Block has the grippiest texture and the most comfortable edges of all the blocks we tested. It’s ideal to use for standing and balancing poses, but it can also be used for restorative ones.
Cork is long-lasting and has natural cushion that’s not too soft. Cork blocks tend to last a long time, even if shavings inevitably rub off over the years. Krissy Jones, cofounder of Sky Ting Yoga in New York, said she’s been practicing at home with her Manduka cork blocks for about eight years. “They seem totally fine. I don’t think I need to replace them anytime soon.”
The block’s sides and ends are grippier than those of other, similar blocks. So there will be less slipping while balancing or being supported in stretches. The texture of the cork on the sides of this block is somewhat rough but still plenty comfortable against the skin.
The faces of this block have a slightly smoother surface, which you can use while in downward dog. According to Deanna Green, owner of Shambhala Yoga & Dance Center in Brooklyn, New York, cork blocks are better than foam for downward dog or plank.
If your hands don’t have a little warmth to them, you may feel the slightest slip in downward dog while using two of these blocks. As your hands progressively develop a little more moisture, the blocks work better to keep you from slipping. This added height from the blocks may be beneficial for those who have a hard time holding downward dog or want to practice at an elevated height.
This 2-pound block remains stable while balancing. It didn’t budge while I balanced, and I had no issue using it for incorporated core exercises. In fact, that extra weight feels like you’re getting a more vigorous workout.
Its rounded edges are very comfortable. They felt better than those of any other cork block we tested. Along with the thickness, the rounded edges make the blocks comfortable to grab or lean on—even in reclining hero pose.
Dimensions: 8.75 by 5.75 by 3.88 inches
Weight: 2.16 pounds
Material: cork
Flaws but not dealbreakers
The Manduka cork blocks are among the heaviest we considered—yet they are still easy to move around during practice. They also may feel a bit too wide for people who have smaller hands.
