In-depth review
Gorilla Grip Bath Tub Shower Mat Review (2026)
In-depth review of the Gorilla Grip tub mat: suction grip, drain holes, and whether it is still the in-tub default for smooth tubs.
Gorilla Grip Patented Bath Tub Shower Mat, 35 by 16 Inches, Clear
The in-tub default: a long suction mat with drain holes that stays put on a smooth tub floor and lets water run away underneath.
Our verdict
The Gorilla Grip tub mat is the best in-tub mat for most buyers with a smooth tub, because it does the two things an in-tub mat must do: it stays put, and it lets water drain. Hundreds of suction cups hold it on a clean, smooth floor, drain holes stop water pooling underneath, and the 35 inch length covers most of a standard tub. The limit is absolute, not a flaw in the mat: on a textured, tiled, or refinished tub it cannot grip, and buyers with those floors need a different type entirely.
What we like
- Hundreds of suction cups across the underside hold the mat in place on a smooth tub floor, so it does not bunch up underfoot.
- Drain holes run through the mat, so water does not pool underneath it and the tub floor can dry after a shower.
- The pebble-textured top is soft on bare feet while still giving grip, and the 35 inch length covers most of a standard tub.
What to watch out for
- Suction only works on smooth, non-porous surfaces, so textured tubs, mosaic tile, and refinished tubs are out.
- The mat needs the tub floor cleaned and pressed down firmly before each use to grip at its best, which is an extra step.
- A clear vinyl mat shows soap scum and discolouration sooner than a coloured mat, so it needs regular washing to look clean.
Who it is for
Smooth bathtubs and shower floors where a suction mat can grip properly, for households that want the longest standard tub coverage.
Grip that depends on the floor
Suction is a contract with the floor: on a smooth, clean, non-porous tub it holds firmly, and on anything else it does not hold at all. That honesty is the mat's strength, since the maker states the limit plainly rather than promising grip everywhere. In practice, the mat needs a quick clean of the tub floor and a firm press across its whole surface, and then it stays put through a normal shower without bunching underfoot.
Drainage and daily care
Drain holes matter more than they look: without them, water sits under a vinyl mat, the tub floor stays wet, and soap scum builds where it cannot be seen. The holes here let water run away and let the floor dry, and the mat itself goes in the machine for washing. A clear mat shows dirt sooner than a coloured one, so regular washing is part of owning this version, not an optional extra.
How it stacks up
Against the SlipX Power Grip, Gorilla Grip wins on standard tub fit and on a simpler, lighter mat to lift and wash, while SlipX wins on length for long tubs. Against the ZIKIBL stone mat, Gorilla Grip wins inside the tub, where stone cannot go, while stone wins beside the tub for drying speed. Against the Gorilla Grip chenille rug, the tub mat wins on wet-surface grip, while the rug wins on softness and absorbency outside the tub.
What owners report
Commonly praised
- Stays firmly in place on a smooth tub once pressed down properly
- Drain holes keep water from pooling underneath the mat
- Soft pebble top feels comfortable on bare feet during a shower
Common complaints
- Will not grip a textured or tiled tub floor at all
- Needs regular washing or the clear material starts to look dingy
- Edges can lift if the tub floor is not cleaned before use
Recurring themes from owner reviews on retailers and forums, summarised by our editors. Updated October 2026.
Key specifications
- Size
- 35 by 16 inches
- Material
- Rubber
- Grip
- Suction cups across the underside
- Drainage
- Drain holes throughout
- Care
- Machine washable
Also consider
SlipX Solutions Power Grip Extra Long Bath Tub and Shower Mat, 39 by 16 Inches, Blue
The long-tub answer: an extra-long suction mat that covers the drain end and the slope of a longer tub, where a standard mat leaves bare tub.
- Size: 39 by 16 inches
- Suction cups: Over 200
ZIKIBL Stone Bath Mat, Diatomaceous Earth, 24 by 16 Inches, White
The mat that dries itself: a porous stone slab that pulls water in and dries fast, with no fabric to wash and no damp rug on the floor.
- Size: 24 by 16 inches
- Material: Diatomaceous earth
Research-based assessment. ThePickLedger has not hands-on tested this product; this evaluation synthesizes manufacturer specifications, retailer documentation, and published expert reviews.
Questions, answered
Will this mat work in a textured tub?
No. Suction cups need a smooth, non-porous surface, and a textured tub breaks the seal. Buyers with textured tubs should look at a weighted mat type, not at a different suction mat.
How do I get the suction cups to hold?
Clean the tub floor, wet it lightly, lay the mat flat, and press down firmly across the whole surface, including the edges. Re-press after the first shower if an edge has lifted, and wash the mat regularly, since soap film under the cups reduces grip.
Can this mat go in the washing machine?
Yes, following the listing care guidance. Machine washing keeps the mat clean and helps the cups grip, since soap scum and body oils build up on the underside with use.