Updated October 28, 2026 · 7 min read
We earn a commission when you buy through our links, at no extra cost to you. How this works.
Short on time? Our picks
Best overallAKSPORT Gymnastics Air Track3,600+ ratings · many sizesCheck price on Amazon →
Best for homeFBSPORT Inflatable Air Mat4.7★ · 3,100+ ratingsCheck price on Amazon →Gymnastics · 2026
The best air track mats
An air track is an inflatable tumbling mat that gives a springy, cushioned surface for practising round-offs, back walkovers, handsprings and cheer skills. It is softer and bouncier than a foam mat, so it takes some of the impact off wrists and ankles and gives kids extra air time. Air tracks have become one of the most popular gifts for young gymnasts and cheerleaders.
We compared the best-selling air track mats on Amazon on size, thickness, pump, durability and what thousands of parents say. Below is one clear pick for each need, plus how to choose the right length and thickness and safety tips for home use.
Quick answer: the best air track mats
- Best overallAKSPORT Gymnastics Air Track · 3,600+ ratings · many sizes
- Best for homeFBSPORT Inflatable Air Mat · 4.7★ · 3,100+ ratings
- Best with pump includedAWSUM Inflatable Tumbling Mat · pump included
If you want one answer: buy the AKSPORT Gymnastics Air Track. It is one of the best-selling air tracks on Amazon, offered in many lengths and thicknesses, with an electric pump for quick inflation. For a highly rated alternative, the FBSPORT Air Mat has a 4.7-star average from more than 3,100 buyers.
Choosing length and thickness
| Size | Best for |
|---|---|
| 10 ft | Toddlers, rolls, small rooms |
| 13 to 16 ft | Cartwheels, round-offs, most home use |
| 20 ft and longer | Tumbling passes, backyards, teams |
| 4 in thick | Younger kids, softer bounce |
| 8 in thick | Most home gymnastics and cheer |
| 8 in plus | More bounce for advanced tumblers |
Measure your space first, adding a few feet at each end for safe run-up and landing. Many families choose 13 to 16 feet and 8 inches thick for indoor use.
The best air track mats, reviewed
AKSPORT Gymnastics Air Mat Tumble Track
You need this if: you want a versatile air track in the right size for your space.
- SizesMany lengths and thicknesses
- PumpElectric pump (per listing)
- UseGymnastics, cheer, parkour, yoga
- Rating4.6★, 3,600+ ratings
Why we recommend it: The wide range of sizes means you can match the track to a bedroom, basement, gym or backyard. Buyers praise the bounce, the quick setup with the pump and the durable drop-stitch construction.
Keep in mind: Bigger sizes are heavy to move. Check dimensions and deflate fully for storage.
FBSPORT Inflatable Gymnastics Air Mat
You need this if: you want a highly rated air track for indoor home practice.
- UseHome and gym
- SizesSeveral options
- Rating4.7★, 3,100+ ratings
Why we recommend it: It has one of the highest ratings among air tracks, and parents mention good bounce, solid build and easy cleaning. A dependable choice for daily home practice.
Keep in mind: Confirm whether a pump is included with the size you choose.
AWSUM Inflatable Gymnastics Air Tumbling Mat
You need this if: you want a ready-to-go kit with a pump.
- PumpIncluded
- UseGymnastics, cheer, tumbling
- Rating4.6★, 1,900+ ratings
Why we recommend it: Including a pump in the box means kids can start practising as soon as it arrives. AWSUM mats are popular gifts and well rated for bounce and durability.
Keep in mind: Fewer reviews than AKSPORT or FBSPORT.
Air track mats compared
| Mat | Best for | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| AKSPORT | Size choice | 4.6★ (3,600+) |
| FBSPORT | Home use | 4.7★ (3,100+) |
| AWSUM | Pump included | 4.6★ (1,900+) |
How air tracks work
Air tracks use drop-stitch construction: thousands of threads connect the top and bottom layers, so the mat stays flat and firm instead of ballooning into a round shape. The air pressure you choose controls the feel. More air means a firmer, bouncier surface; less air means a softer landing. Beginners often start softer, while experienced tumblers prefer more bounce.
Air track safety tips
- Only practise skills learned with a qualified coach; air tracks are not a replacement for training.
- Always have an adult present for back handsprings and aerial skills.
- Set up on a flat surface with plenty of space around and above.
- Outdoors, put a tarp under the track to protect it from sharp objects.
- Check air pressure before every session; an underinflated track can cause rolled ankles.
- One tumbler at a time.
Indoor vs outdoor use
Most air tracks can be used indoors or out. Indoors, they are clean and protected but need space. Outdoors on grass, they allow longer tracks and bigger tumbling passes. Avoid using them on concrete or gravel, keep them out of strong sun for long periods, and dry them fully before storage to prevent mildew.
Care and storage
Wipe the surface with a damp cloth and mild soap. Deflate fully, roll it from the end opposite the valve, and store it in its bag in a dry place. Most tracks include a repair kit for small punctures.
Air track vs foam mat
Foam folding mats are firm, quiet and always ready, great for basics. Air tracks are bouncier and softer for landings, ideal for round-offs and back handsprings. Many young gymnasts have both. See our best gymnastics mats.
Gift ideas for gymnasts and cheerleaders
An air track is one of the most exciting gifts a young gymnast or cheerleader can receive. See our gifts for gymnasts and gifts for cheerleaders.
Our verdict
The AKSPORT Gymnastics Air Track is the best air track for most families, thanks to its size range and proven reviews. Choose the FBSPORT for a top-rated home mat and the AWSUM for a kit with a pump included.
Why gymnasts love air tracks
Tumbling on a hard floor is tough on wrists, ankles and backs, especially when learning a new skill that takes many attempts. An air track absorbs much of that impact and gives a little extra lift, which helps young tumblers get the height and rotation they need while building confidence. Gyms have used long air tracks for years for drills; home versions bring the same feel to a living room, basement or backyard, so kids can repeat basics far more often than they could on the gym floor.
Skills that suit an air track
- Forward and backward rolls with extra cushioning.
- Cartwheels and round-offs, with a soft landing.
- Bridges and back walkovers, practised with a spotter.
- Back handsprings, only when already learned with a coach and with a spotter.
- Jumps and drills for cheer, parkour and dance.
- Conditioning and stretching on a comfortable surface.
Choosing air pressure
Air tracks have a valve that lets you add or release air. Pump it fully for a firm, springy feel that helps with rebound and power. Let some air out for softer landings when learning a new skill or for younger children. Check pressure before every session, because temperature changes affect it: a track set up in a cool garage will feel softer after the sun warms it outside.
How much space do you need?
Add at least 3 feet at each end and 2 feet on each side of the track, plus enough ceiling height for jumps and arms overhead, which rules out most rooms with low ceilings for advanced skills. In apartments, a 10 foot track is usually the most practical; houses with basements or garages can fit 13 to 16 feet; backyards suit 20 feet and up.
Setting up quickly
Unroll the track on a clean surface, attach the pump to the valve, inflate to the recommended pressure, then close the valve cap tightly. Most home tracks inflate in a few minutes with an electric pump. To store, open the valve, roll the track toward the valve to push air out, and use the pump in deflate mode if available.
Air tracks for cheer and parkour
Cheerleaders use air tracks to practise standing and running tumbling between team practices, while parkour and freerunning fans use them for rolls, flips and landing drills. The same rules apply: learn skills with a coach first, then use the track for safe repetition. Teams often buy longer tracks to share for warm-ups.
Common mistakes
- Underinflating the track, which makes landings unstable and ankles roll.
- Setting it up on concrete or near sharp objects.
- Letting several kids tumble at once.
- Storing it wet, which causes mildew and smells.
- Attempting brand new aerial skills without a spotter.
What else comes in the box?
Most air tracks include a carry bag, a repair kit and sometimes an electric pump. Some sizes include a manual pump instead, which is slower. Check the listing for your chosen length and thickness, since bundles vary.
Value math
A home air track costs a fraction of private tumbling lessons and can be used daily for years. For a committed young gymnast or cheerleader, the extra safe practice time is a strong investment.
Got questions?
Frequently asked questions
What size air track should I buy for home?
Usually 13 to 16 feet long and 8 inches thick for indoor use.
Are air tracks safe for kids?
Yes with supervision, proper inflation and skills learned from a coach.
Do air tracks come with a pump?
Many do, but check the listing for your size.
Can you use an air track outside?
Yes, on grass with a tarp underneath. Avoid concrete and gravel.
How long do air tracks last?
With good care, several years. Small punctures can be patched.
Are air tracks good for cheerleading?
Yes. Cheerleaders use them for tumbling practice at home.
How we chose
We did not test these mats ourselves. We compared the best-selling air track mats on Amazon on size options, pump, build and ratings, and read what thousands of parents said. We chose one mat for each need.
We research sports gear for players, coaches and sports parents. We compare specs, read verified buyer reviews and name one clear pick for each kind of player. How we pick · Affiliate disclosure
