Francesco Mosto

Coir
Pros: Coir, a coarse fiber that comes from the husk of the
coconut, is a plentiful and renewable resource. It is absorbent,
and its texture makes scraping shoes easy. Widely available.
Biodegradable.
Cons: Can shed excessively. Expands slightly when wet and shrinks
slightly when dry. Not easily cleaned. Shortest life span.
Rubber
Pros: Resilient and long lasting. Inexpensive. Easy to clean.
Cons: Smooth underside can be slippery when wet. Not
biodegradable, though you can find mats made of recycled rubber.
Polypropylene Rope
Pros: Reversible. Won't rip, rot, or fray. Easy to clean with a
hose. Inexpensive.
Cons: For use on non-slip surfaces only. Not biodegradable.
Zinc or Cast Iron
Pros: Ideal for heavy-duty wiping, scraping, draining. Won't peel
or rust (though the color may darken over time). Easy to clean.
Cons: Usually more expensive than rubber or coir; comparable in
price to wood. Can get hot in the sun.
Teak or Cedar
Pros: Resilient to the elements, since these woods contain oils
that prevent drying, cracking, and rotting. Slatted designs
channel away dirt and mud.
Cons: The world's wild teak population is being depleted;
plantation teak is less durable. Cedar, which is not endangered,
is not as durable. Teak is more expensive.