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A mat is the cheapest accessory you can buy for a walking pad, and one of the most useful. It protects the floor, stops the pad creeping, and keeps dust and carpet fibres away from the belt. It will not make footsteps silent, though. This guide covers what to buy and what to expect.
Key points
- Choose a mat longer and wider than the pad. Most walking pads are about 104–124 cm long and 47–53 cm wide.
- A thin, dense mat of about 4–6 mm is typical for fitness equipment. Soft, thick exercise mats can let the machine rock.
- Irish retailers sell equipment mats for about €40.
- A mat reduces vibration and protects floors. For noise in flats, how and when you walk matters more.
What a mat does (and does not) do
- Protects the floor from scratches, rubber marks and pressure dents, which matters on timber and laminate, and if you rent.
- Adds grip, so the pad does not creep across a smooth floor as you walk.
- Keeps the pad cleaner. Carpet fibres and dust are drawn under the belt. See our maintenance guide.
- Damps some vibration from the motor and rollers.
- Does not stop footfall noise. The thud of each step still travels through the floor. Our quiet walking pad guide covers what helps in apartments.
What size and thickness?
Pick a mat that extends beyond the pad on every side, so the feet and wheels never sit on the edge. For reference, the walking pads we cover measure roughly 104–118 × 47–53 cm. Elverys’ Body Sculpture EZ is 124.2 × 52.9 cm. Also leave clear space behind the pad for safety; see our under-desk treadmill guide.
Mats sold for fitness equipment are usually thin and dense, about 4–6 mm. We would avoid putting a machine on a soft yoga mat or thick foam puzzle tiles. They compress unevenly, which can let the pad rock.
Mats sold in Ireland
| Mat | Retailer | Size (cm) | Thickness | Material | Price* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Non-slip Mat for Fitness Equipment | Home Fitness Code | 160 × 70 | 4 mm | PVC foam | €39.99 |
| Domyos Floor Protective Mat, size L | Decathlon | 98 × 198 | 6 mm | Not stated | €42 |
| Rival Protection Mat | Elverys | 200 × 100 | 6 mm | Rubber | €40 |
Buying a pad at the same time? Home Fitness Code sells several walking pads, including the T7, Q2 Pro, C1 and Z3, with a “with mat” option that adds €40 to the price. That is about the same as buying its mat separately.
Check the Home Fitness Code mat
Decathlon and Elverys also sell their mats in store, which is handy if you want to see the size and thickness first. See Decathlon’s mat and Elverys’ mat.
Advice by floor type
| Floor | What to do |
|---|---|
| Timber or laminate | Use a mat to prevent scratches and slipping. Lift the mat now and then to let the floor underneath dry and to check for marks. |
| Carpet | A firm mat gives the pad a stable base and keeps fibres out of the belt. Deep, soft carpet is the least stable surface, so check your manual. |
| Tiles or concrete | The floor will not mark easily, but a mat still adds grip and reduces vibration and rattle. |
| Upstairs room or flat | A mat helps with vibration, not footfall. Walk at a moderate pace, in soft-soled shoes, at considerate times. |
If you rent
Marks from rubber feet or scratches from grit under a machine can end up as a deposit deduction. A €40 mat is cheap insurance. Take a photo of the floor before you start using the pad.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a mat under a walking pad?
It is not essential, but it is recommended on timber, laminate and carpet. It protects the floor, adds grip and keeps dust away from the belt.
Can I use a yoga mat under a walking pad?
We would not. Yoga mats are soft and narrow, so the pad can rock and the mat may bunch up. Use a dense equipment mat instead.
Will a mat stop my neighbours hearing the walking pad?
It reduces vibration from the motor and rollers, but footsteps still travel through the floor. Timing, pace and footwear make a bigger difference.
What size mat does a walking pad need?
Longer and wider than the pad, with a margin on each side. For most pads, a mat of at least 150 × 65 cm works; 200 × 100 cm leaves plenty of room.
How this guide was made: We have not tested these products ourselves. Our assessments use the specifications, prices and policies published by manufacturers and retailers. We checked them on 25 September 2026. Some links in this guide are affiliate links: Resolve Fitness earns a commission if you buy through them, at no extra cost to you. Read our affiliate disclosure and how we research.