About Proto — Veteran Owned Yoga & Athletic Gear
Proto was built by veterans, for people who take their practice seriously. We make premium yoga mats, athletic gear, and apparel for athletes who show up every day — and refuse to settle for equipment that doesn't match their effort.
Why We Built Proto
We are veterans. We know what it means to push your body to its limit, to find discipline in discomfort, and to treat your physical and mental health as a non-negotiable. When we came home, we found yoga — and we found that the gear on the market didn't reflect the seriousness we brought to the practice.
Everything was either cheap and flimsy, or expensive and fragile. Nothing was built for athletes. Nothing was built to last. So we built it ourselves.
Proto is the brand we wished existed. Every product is chosen or designed with one question in mind: is this the best possible version of this thing? If the answer is no, we don't carry it.
What We Stand For
We are about family. We are about community. We are about healing — physical, mental, and everything in between. We believe yoga is one of the most powerful tools an athlete can add to their practice, and we believe you deserve gear that honors that commitment.
We are not a fashion brand. We are not chasing trends. We are building something real, from the ground up, one product at a time — and we are doing it the same way we did everything in the military: with discipline, integrity, and zero shortcuts.
Our Products
From the IronHide Leather Yoga Mat — the world's finest yoga mat, handcrafted from full-grain leather with dual textures for hot and standard practice — to our premium natural rubber mats, waxed canvas yoga bag, athletic apparel, and training accessories, every Proto product is built to perform and built to last.
We carry the Soffe Ranger Panty Silkies because we're a veteran brand and we wouldn't have it any other way. We carry As Colour seamless leggings because they are simply the best legging on the market. We don't cut corners. We don't carry products we don't believe in.
Veteran Owned & Operated
Proto is proudly veteran owned and operated. When you buy from us, you're not just buying premium yoga and athletic gear — you're supporting a small, veteran-owned business built from scratch by people who believe in the mission. We are early. The community is growing. And the people who find us first are the ones who'll say they knew before everyone else did.
We must all suffer from one of two pains: the pain of discipline, or the pain of regret. We are with you.
Fail Forward. Join the Fight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Proto based?
Proto is a U.S.-based, veteran-owned brand. We ship nationwide and internationally.
What makes the IronHide Leather Yoga Mat different?
The IronHide is handcrafted from full-grain leather and features two distinct textures — a smooth side for standard practice and a grainy, towel-like side for hot yoga. It improves with every session, is naturally anti-microbial, and is built to last a lifetime. There is nothing else like it on the market.
Do you offer free shipping?
Yes — free shipping on all orders over $150.
What is your return policy?
We offer 30-day returns on all products. If you're not satisfied, we'll make it right.
How do I care for my leather yoga mat?
Hang dry after sweaty sessions. A cold water rinse every 4–6 months keeps it fresh. No soaps or conditioners needed between sessions.
Are your products suitable for beginners?
Absolutely. Whether you're stepping onto a mat for the first time or you've been practicing for decades, Proto gear is built to support every level of athlete.