Gaiam Evolve Balance Board Review

When it came to Gaiam’s Evolve Balance Board, we were both interested and cautious. The well-known lifestyle brand has not been diligent in bringing the best quality to their customers, with enough users reporting about their Gaiam Balance Ball Chairs quite literally falling apart from just months of careful usage. As much as Gaiam’s ideas seem to be in a more or less correct direction, their execution, to put it generously, has not been flawless.

With quite a few balance boards on the market, the price quality ratio of the board will be its demise or success. Evolve Balance Board looks like a good idea on paper, though. Made from PU, PVC, and TPR, it features an ergonomic shape that keeps the ankles neutral, a non-slip surface, and a generously sized 27″ deck that could accommodate the taller users.

Shaped similarly to FluidStance’s The Level, Evolve’s base appears to be less extreme, making this a more affordable and probably a bit more stable omnidirectional balance board option for those who want a bit less challenge in their wobble for a smaller price. This makes it a solid option for working at a standing desk because it won’t be too distracting, though the iMovR Gymba is still our favorite for that activity.

In terms of aesthetics, Gaiam decided to go with the safest bet – sleek shape and a neutral grey color scheme. Not much to show off, but you probably wouldn’t hurry to get it out of sight in a modern office either.

Unfortunately, quality issues seem to be overwhelming. As more Amazon reviews keep pouring in, it becomes clear that our initial skepticism of the board has been warranted. Users report that Evolve has Gaiam’s, at this point, signature poor quality and surprisingly lacks freedom of motion.

Check out our other Balance Board Reviews or check out the closely related Standing Mat Reviews and Calculated Terrain Mat reviews.

If you’re interested in exercising with your balance board, we’ve put together a list of our favorite balance board exercises.