I’ve been a yoga instructor for more than a decade now, and one concerning outlook that I notice from many students is their dislike of yoga blocks.
Some students won’t give blocks a second glance; little do they know that blocks, particularly cork yoga blocks, can transform their practice for the better.
I understand there’s an expectation floating around that reaching for a yoga block is somehow a sign of weakness.
But, nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, just about any certified instructor will tell you yoga blocks are beneficial to your yoga posture.
The yoga blocks play a crucial role when learning tricky poses and will assist in lifts when completing particular yoga positions.
For example, consider a yoga pose like cross-leg. Having a yoga block below your seat alleviates pressure on your lower back while also expanding your chest, both of which are key to a great posture.
But, just as there are countless ways of using yoga blocks, there are also tons of options to choose from when deciding which to buy.
While foam blocks are a popular option, I prefer cork yoga blocks because they don’t absorb sweat and don’t become smelly.
Cork yoga blocks also have textured surfaces with a comfortable grip.
Here are seven of the best cork yoga blocks to consider adding to your at-home yoga practice arsenal.
Table of Contents
- 1 In A Hurry? Here's Our Choice!
- 2 Table of Contents
- 3 Quick Comparison Table!
- 4 The Best Cork Yoga Blocks For The Money
- 5 #1 HemingWeigh Cork Yoga Block - EDITOR'S CHOICE
- 6 #2 Hugger Mugger Cork Yoga Block - Most Lightweight
- 7 #3 Sukha Designs Natural Cork Yoga Block - Best for Home Use
- 8 #4 Manduka Cork Yoga Block - Premium Pick
- 9 #5 Peace Yoga Cork Block - Durable Pick
- 10 Best Cork Yoga Blocks Buying Guide
In A Hurry? Here's Our Choice!
Our list is full of some excellent options on the market, most of which will appeal to the tastes of even the most discerning yogis.
However, we feel the HemingWeigh Cork Yoga Block has what it takes for most users.
It’s a lightweight option, perfect for use both at home, in the studio or any other space.
The block also has several performance-enhancing features, such as a greater density which offers more support when performing yoga poses.
The non-slippery surface also makes a great pick for yogis, so you’re less likely to slip out of your pose or encounter awkward movement when you kick up into that standing split.
Table of Contents
Quick Comparison Table!
The Best Cork Yoga Blocks For The Money
#1 HemingWeigh Cork Yoga Block - EDITOR'S CHOICE
- Quality
- Price
- Our Rating
The HemmingWeigh block is made from an eco-friendly cork material with a slip-resistant surface layer to help you maintain your pose.
Our team chose to include this yoga block at the top of the list because, with cork being a durable material, these blocks are super dense, heavy, and long-lasting, exactly as advertised.
This yoga block can withstand frequent use and the typical wear and tear that comes with a long yogi sweat. Unlike typical foam blocks, it doesn’t start to chip at the corners or on the edges, even after extended use.
Yogis will also love the fact that these blocks are eco-friendly, 100% natural cork. No plastic off-gassing smells to deal with, and you can breathe easy knowing no harm will come to you.
I like my yogi blocks to be attractive, and this option doesn’t disappoint either. I know aesthetics may not play a huge role in a block’s performance, but these cork blocks are just plain nice to look at. Rather than having to deal with funky colored blocks in your studio or apartments, the HemingWeigh takes a more minimalist, subtle approach to your yogi style. If you’re used to working out from your home, these blocks aren’t an eyesore and will complement your space.
And now, to the performance. These blocks don’t disappoint. They’re serious yoga blocks, and by this I mean they’re heavy and solid. They also have a non-slip surface, a more “grippy” design than foam, so you’re less likely to slip out of your pose or encounter awkward sliding when you kick up into that standing split.
And that’s not all!
Cork is less malleable than foam, so this block offers a more tactile sense of stability. It is not squishy or soft to grab and balance with; instead, the HemingWeigh is sturdy and firm, so regardless of how hard you go on them, they’ll still offer support for the advanced poses where balance is critical.
And even after multiple uses, the block’s texture still provides better traction and stability than most blocks.
That said, the molded cork has a soft, finished surface that feels yielding and comfortable to hold on to and lean on.
The dimensions for this cork yoga block are also decent, and with each block weighing a single pound and measuring 9 x 6 x 4-inches, it strikes a balance between ease of use and practicality. It’s easy to hold the block comfortably, , even for users with small hands, yet it’s lightweight enough to tag along with you to your studio or wherever you plan to do your yoga.
And if you are tempted to buy a single block at a time rather than a full set, then this option will surely change your mind. The HemingWeigh is available in a set of two, so it’s reassuring to know that you’ll have a place to rest both of your hands, or feet at the same height for a uniform assist.
What’s more? Both blocks get an even wear as you can use them as a pair over time.
Pros
- Durable
- Eco-friendly
- Natural
Cons
- Heavier than foam blocks
#2 Hugger Mugger Cork Yoga Block - Most Lightweight
- Quality
- Price
- Our Rating
If you’re in search of a lightweight cork yoga block, you can’t go wrong with the Hugger Mugger.
The sustainable cork material helps with its lightness, but more importantly, it also contributes to its durability and stability.
It’s one of the reasons we featured the block as our runner-up.
The fine cork grain makes the Hugger especially lightweight making it easier to travel with to your yoga classes.
Yet, the lightness doesn’t compromise the performance because it’s still possible to manipulate/handle it in each exercise. For me, I need it for increasing my flexibility while still being certain that I’m safe in doing so.
Another main positive with the block is the cork construction. The cork used in this option combines the features of foam yoga blocks with their excellent grip and bamboo wood yoga blocks for a firm, solid surface that will provide excellent support, even in the most challenging poses.
Overall, I consider this option an all-around performer, and for yogis who have always used foam or wood blocks in the past, you won’t be disappointed with the performance of this block.
It’s a durable option too, and even after extended use it rarely gets nicked or scratched or loses its shape. I’ve been using them for some time now, and on my first purchase, I was a little worried they would get soaked in sweat during a workout. But that seems to be a non-issue, and from the look of things, the Hugger blocks will serve me for several seasons to come.
The Hugger’s performance is also exceptional, with the cork’s natural texture providing extra traction even when performing challenging poses.
The rounded edges also don’t chip and will go a long way in offering good support and comfort during your sessions.
The grip is also wonderful, and you don’t have to worry about slippage even when you’re drained in sweat or slippery. For me, I can say goodbye to the awkward twists to my wrists and body as the block is sturdy enough to accommodate my weight without fail.
Overall, the Hugger won many consumers’ hearts with its stable and awesome performance, particularly yogis who need an option for supporting backends and standing/sitting poses.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Premium material
- Perfect quality
- Stable
Cons
- It gets darker over time from the oils from your hands
#3 Sukha Designs Natural Cork Yoga Block - Best for Home Use
- Quality
- Price
- Our Rating
Third on our list of the best cork yoga blocks, the Sukha Designs is a great option for home use.
It’s a little heavier than the other items on our list, but still offers plenty of comfort and ease of use.
Part of the reason we recommend this yoga cork block for home use is due to its heavier weight. Coming in at 2.1 pounds, it’s not an option you would want to lug in your backpack through your day, because it can be a little fatiguing.
However, the heavier weight is also a plus because it offers more support for your yoga sessions. With this option, I don’t need a partner for my support and can comfortably practice yoga at home freely.
It’s also larger, providing me with enough of a platform to sit comfortably or even perform meditation and Iyengar yoga.
The Sukha blocks are also gorgeous to look at, and they’re special to me because of the unique design, consisting of custom paint with a lotus flower.
Durability is also as expected for a cork yoga block, and you’ll have no issues with this one. It doesn’t tear, and the edges don’t crumble after applying weight. It’s not squishy either and isn’t easily affected by the elements or your sweat.
Cork blocks are meant to be eco-friendly, but sometimes, customers don’t get a natural feeling from them. This is not the case with the Sukha. These blocks are exactly as advertised—100% eco-friendly, natural, and free of artificial materials and toxic chemicals. You shouldn’t have any reason to worry about using the block.
Sukha’s performance is also awesome and will provide you with great support and stability. It allows me to stretch, maximizing my yoga poses, while its hefty design helps with my balance and alignment.
It also works well for slippery surfaces, and the grippy nature of the block ensures you don’t have to worry about awkward sliding, even when its slippery.
Regardless of whether you’re a newbie or seasoned yogi, you’ll use the blocks a lot and it may be the only purchase you need.
Even better, this purchase isn’t expensive, but rather a medium budget pick that includes two blocks.
Pros
- Versatile
- Eco-friendly
- Great support
Cons
- Heavier
#4 Manduka Cork Yoga Block - Premium Pick
- Quality
- Price
- Our Rating
The Manduka Yoga Block seems to be the perfect pick for yogis willing to pay extra for a popular brand name.
In general, blocks from Manduka have very good reviews, and this option is not different.
Like all our previously reviewed items, the Maduka block is perfect for those trying to minimize their environmental impact. It doesn’t contain any chemicals as other options such as foam blocks do; instead, it’s completely toxin and chemical-free, so you have nothing to worry about.
The Manduka’s easy-grip surface along the contoured edges offers the perfect platform for yogis to perform their art without the worry of slippage.
We also love the firm support and pose versatility offered by this yoga block. It uses fine-grain cork for better performance.
More importantly, it has a fully slip-resistant foundation, which is perfect when performing tricky yoga poses. These yoga blocks rarely wobble. They stack well and offer excellent support for balance.
Many users have mentioned these blocks are quite heavy. They’re heavier than foam blocks, but I don’t find them cumbersome. I’m happy with my Manduka purchase, and I primarily use them for support in lunge-type and balancing poses.
These blocks are also quite solid and stable, which is perfect for many yogis needs. However, one reason I might knock a star off from this blocks is because it is extremely dense and hard to the touch. I find it a tad uncomfortable for almost all types of use. I use it regularly, but I feel they’re not the best options for Yin yoga.
The good news about the block’s solid density is that it doesn’t give in during exercises. Regardless of how hard you go on them, they won’t crumble or get squishy on patchy sections.
Pros
- Not squishy
- Doesn’t give in
- Supportive
- Versatile: perfect for different yoga styles
Cons
- Bulky
#5 Peace Yoga Cork Block - Durable Pick
- Quality
- Price
- Our Rating
If you’re looking for a cork block that will survive frequent use and abuse, I’m happy to tell you that you’ve found it.
This set of two blocks by Peace Yoga was built to last. They’re incredibly dense, and, unlike cheaper blocks, they don’t yield or even crumble on the edges. From the user reviews, the Peace Block will survive whatever you throw at it and last for a long time.
They’re a tad heavy, though, but nothing ridiculous. Provided you’ll not be carrying them to your class every single day, you’re less likely to be bothered by their bulkiness. However, if you plan on bringing them to class daily, you would be better off with a lighter purchase from our list.
The Peace Block also feels fun to use as it’s been adorned with a few different designs to complement your studio or apartment.
And when it comes to the performance, they don’t fail the test either. There are plenty of positive reviews, with many users listing them as a great addition to their yoga practice sessions.
I love that these blocks are sweat and slip-resistant and won’t slide out from under you unless you’re pushing them forward.
They don’t subject you to awkward twisting or even the risk of slipping and falling when performing your yoga poses.
The blocks are available in different sizes, and you can choose between a three or four inch set, depending on your needs. In case you need clarification, the inches refer to thickness. I prefer the three-inch set as I find the four-inch set too high. However, I believe taller people would be well suited to the four-inch option.
Finally, like all the previously reviewed items, the Peace Blocks are an eco-friendly option as they’re designed from cork. They don’t pose any threat to humans and are free from toxins.
Pros
- Super dense
- Sturdy
- Supportive
- Durable
Cons
- A bit heavy
Best Cork Yoga Blocks Buying Guide
As similar as yoga blocks are, they vary greatly in shape, size, and weight, which ultimately affects their overall performance.
To help you select the right cork yoga block for you, we’ve rounded up the essential features to consider in your next purchase.
Essential Factors to Consider When Selecting the Right Cork Yoga Block
Shape
Traditionally, yoga blocks take the form of a rectangular, cuboid, or brick shape.
But, the original shape is continually evolving, so don’t be surprised to soon come across a block shaped in a half-circle.
Egg-shaped blocks are also a great option, especially for reclining postures and backbends due to their curved design.
At the same time, the hollow half-circle yoga blocks are fantastic for arm balancing, while the yoga wedge is designed exclusively for additional support for sore wrists.
Size
Yoga blocks are available in numerous sizes, but the stands and most common yoga block dimensions are 4″ x 6″ x 9″ and 3″ x 6″ x 9″.
There’s usually not a one-size-fits-all solution with cork blocks, and most yoga blocks are available in different heights to accommodate everyone’s needs. Some blocks even offer four height settings, allowing you to modify asana according to your flexibility and enjoy a smooth practice session.
The high setting excels at relieving pressure on the lower back and hamstrings and might be perfect for poses like the Half-moon.
On the flip side, the lowest setting is perfect for offering support for the sit bone in poses like the Hero or Pigeon pose.
If you’re still unsure of the block’s size to choose, you can use your flexibility level and hand size as a starting point.
For instance, if you’re a tall guy with limited flexibility but bigger hands, you can opt for a larger-sized block as it “raises” the floor while performing asanas.
On the other hand, yogis with more flexibility and smaller hands can get a smaller block, which offers more comfort when gripping.
Material
Yoga blocks are created from numerous different materials, with the most popular options being wood, cork, or foam.
For our assessment, we only consider the cork options.
Cork is a natural and eco-friendly material that is less expensive, both to your pocket and on the environment, and lighter than wood.
Yet, they’re durable and rarely yield, even when squeezed.
However, cork blocks aren’t as smooth as wooden blocks and may have a somewhat flaky texture. But because of that, they’re comfortable to grip and non-slip even when wet. They also stack on each other quite easily,
The only downside of the cork blocks is their porosity, so they’re harder to clean than foam or wood. Cork blocks absorb moisture and sweat, which, with time, may compromise the integrity of the block. This is particularly true for cheaper blocks which often start crumbling on the edges after not much use.
These blocks are also bulky to carry and may feel a bit stiff for some yogis.
Firmness
How you plan to use your yoga block will determine whether you need it to be firm or soft.
For instance, if you plan to use the block for supporting your head or neck, then a softer block is beneficial.
However, if you need to achieve better balance and support more weight, a firm block is a great pick.
Size and weight
Yoga blocks are available in different sizes and weights.
The choice of either is a matter of preference, and affects how your yoga block performs.
If you have smaller hands, then I recommend you stick to blocks three-inches wide instead of the standard four-inches wide, so to give you a better grip.
The size of a yoga block also affects the weight and overall sturdiness.
If you plan on traveling with your block, then choose an option that is lightweight and compact.
Remember that the best blocks are those that strike a balance between size and weight.
Number of cork yoga blocks
The number of yoga blocks you decide to purchase is a matter of personal preference.
However, getting two blocks makes your practice even more versatile.
With a pair, it becomes possible to perform a greater variety of poses, and when both blocks are stacked in a row, you can even use them as an alternative to a yoga bolster.
Cleaning a cork yoga block
Unlike the wooden or foam options, cork yoga blocks will generally require more attention as they absorb more moisture and sweat.
To clean a cork yoga block, start by wiping the surface with a wet cloth and drying it thoroughly before use.
To remove stains or just generally clean the cork, you can start by adding vinegar, soap, or soda to the water to create an organic solution.
