Learning Center

Foam-back seat covers are easy to find, and at first glance, they seem like a smart option. They look great, and the added padding might feel nice when you sit down. But before you throw one in your cart, it’s worth digging a little deeper.

Are foam-back seat covers actually built to last? And do they hold up in real-world conditions?

We’re about to get real nerdy on you. 

What Is Foam Backing Anyway?

When a seat cover is described as "foam-backed," it usually means it has a layer of polyurethane foam stitched or laminated onto the back of the fabric. This foam can range in thickness and density, but the general idea is to add some softness and padding between the cover and the original seat.

At face value, that doesn’t sound so bad. But the reality is, foam doesn’t always behave well under pressure…literally.

Foam Breaks Down Faster Than You Think

Foam might not melt in your truck, but it doesn’t need to catch fire to fall apart.

Polyurethane foam starts breaking down long before it reaches the melting point. Full thermal degradation happens at around 302°F (150°C)—hopefully not a temperature you’re hitting unless your truck’s parked in a volcano. But here’s the catch: your cab doesn’t have to get that hot for damage to start.

In the summer, parked vehicles can easily hit 140°F (60°C) inside. That kind of heat, over time, starts to wear on the foam. It softens. It breaks down. It off-gasses more. And it flat-out doesn’t last.

Here’s what that looks like:

• The foam softens and stops giving proper support

• It starts releasing more VOCs (you’ll hear more on that in a sec)

• The aging process speeds up, shortening its lifespan

• Eventually, it crumbles (literally)leaving gritty bits under your seat and a saggy, sloppy fit

And that’s not the only way foam messes with your seat. In our own heat tests, we found that foam-backed covers actually block seat heaters. The heat doesn’t get through as well, which means your heated seats don’t feel nearly as warm. So not only does the foam break down in heat, it can also rob you of the heat you want.

So if you’re working in high temps or spending all day in the sun, foam-backed covers just won’t hold up. That’s why we don’t mess with foam. We build covers that survive the same conditions you do…no matter how hot it gets.

What about VOCs? 

Fair question. That “new car smell” everyone talks about? It’s mostly VOCs (volatile organic compounds), off-gassed from materials like polyurethane foam. And while it might smell fancy, it’s not doing your lungs any favors.

According to research published by the Ministry of Environment and Food of Denmark, foam can release things like toluene, formaldehyde, and benzene, especially when it gets hot. And if you’ve ever opened your truck after it’s been baking in the sun, you know how hot it can get in there.

We’re not trying to scare anyone. Just calling it like it is. Foam’s got its place, but under your seat cover? Not the best idea.

Bacteria and Odors

Foam acts like a sponge—and not the good kind.

Its open-cell structure soaks up moisture from sweat, rain, coffee spills, or even soggy snow gear. And once that moisture gets in, it’s stuck. It can’t dry out, and that damp layer between the fabric and your seat becomes a mold-and-bacteria playground.

Studies have shown that polyurethane foam, especially in warm, humid environments, is a breeding ground for bacteria, including some nasty stuff like E. coli. That kind of buildup doesn’t just stink (literally), it can also break down the foam itself, wrecking the fit and feel of your seat cover.

And about that stink? Foam grabs onto odors like smoke, food, and sweat, locking them in deep. A study published in Building and Environment found that foam traps airborne contaminants and organic smells. In other words: once it stinks, it stays stinking.

Speaking of stink, not all foam-backed seat covers can be machine-washed. Wet Okole is one of our favorite foam-backed seat covers, but they suggest washing with a wetsuit shampoo and a hose. So keep the maintenance in mind if you’re shopping for seat covers with with a little cushion.

If your work truck pulls double duty as your weekend rig, the last thing you want is your seat cover holding onto last week’s job site or yesterday’s lunch.

Why Some Brands Still Use It

Foam is cheap, light, and easy to work with. That’s why you’ll find it in plenty of entry-level or decorative seat covers. Some companies rely on foam to bulk up thinner fabrics, making covers feel more substantial than they actually are. They can also boast that the foam adds a layer of comfort, which it does, but it can come at a cost

But when durability and protection matter most (especially for work trucks, construction equipment, or fleet vehicles) foam-backed covers just don’t cut it.

A Better Alternative: Fabric That Works Hard Without the Fluff

Heavy-duty seat covers built for the real world don’t rely on foam for padding or protection. They’re made with rugged materials like 1000-denier Cordura or Cotton Duck, engineered to take daily abuse without falling apart.

Instead of padding, they focus on:

• Toughness against wear and tear

• Water resistance and easy cleanup

• Breathability (no soggy foam here)

• A snug, multi-piece fit that won’t shift or bunch

• An optional antimicrobial treatment to prevent bacteria growth

They may not feel “pillowy,” but they’ll protect your seats for years. That’s a tradeoff most working folks are more than happy to make.

So, Are Foam-Back Seat Covers Worth It?

While foam-back seat covers might offer initial comfort and a snug fit, their susceptibility to moisture retention, thermal degradation, odor absorption, and reduced durability make them less ideal for heavy-duty or long-term use. Opting for foam-free, heavy-duty seat covers ensures better protection, longevity, and peace of mind, especially for those who demand more from their vehicles.

When it comes to your seats, you need something that’s tough, breathable, and built to last. Skip the sponge.

There’s a lot of competition when it comes to seat covers. You’ll undoubtedly see the Carhartt SeatSaver Custom Seat Cover when you google best seat covers for my truck.

Everyone loves Carhartt. You’ve got the hat, the jacket, and maybe the coveralls, so it’s natural to want to deck your truck out with it too. You’ve relied on Carhartt on the job, but can you rely on it in your vehicle?

And how do these covers compare to TigerTough seat covers? 

We’ll take an unbiased approach (no…seriously, we will) in comparing these two seat covers.

Covercraft Carhartt vs. TigerTough–who’s going to take home the gold? We’re about to find out. 

Watch the video comparison:

Packaging

We love the box the Carhartt covers arrived in. It was straightforward, said what it was, and branded so that you knew what to expect. The only thing we didn’t love was it wasn’t clear which cover went on the driver’s seat. Since these are airbag-safe, putting the correct cover on the seat is important. 

The Covercraft instructions are pretty simple and what you expect from a standard seat cover company. It’s a universal one-sheeter designed to work for any vehicle.

TigerTough covers come in a branded bag. If you’re ordering a lot of covers (like a fleet), you’ll get a box filled with these bags. Not as shelf-ready as Carhartt, but it does the job.

Unlike Carhartt, we send a detailed full-color instruction packet with our covers and a link to an install video for your specific vehicle. It might not be necessary for everyone, but we try to avoid troubleshooting by offering as much detail upfront.

Materials: What are they made of?

Carhartt SeatSaver Custom Seat Covers are made of “heavy-duty, firm-hand Carhartt® Duck Weave fabric and triple stitched main seams.” This is the same 100% cotton fabric you know from your favorite Carhartt gear. You can feel it already, can’t you? Like their apparel, the seat covers are water-resistant but not waterproof.

TigerTough seat covers are made from 1000 Denier CORDURA®️. That’s a mouthful, so what does it mean? It’s made in the U.S., waterproof, nearly indestructible, and so tough that it meets Military Specifications. It’s designed and tested to withstand some of the most brutal conditions.

Carhartt Duck Weave is tough but won’t withstand the same abuse as 1000 Denier CORDURA®️—seats in a vehicle experience more friction than an article of clothing. So if your truck’s interior will be used well, you’ll want to consider your options carefully.

Derrick had some great things to say about the durability of his TigerTough seat covers:

“These are great quality, tough, very good fitting seat covers. I have had similar covers in the past on a previous Tundra, and they lasted 16 years until I sold that truck. I expect the same from these.”

Design and Fit

The fit of the Carhartt Seat Savers is the number one complaint we hear about them. These covers are made in a single piece (plus the headrest), so you won’t get a secure fit. Covercraft's Carhartt Precision Fit comes in separate pieces and fits more like TigerTough seat covers, but they flaunt a price tag starting at $429, so we didn't use them for this comparison.

The SeatSavers look alright at first but shimmy and shift as you slide in and out of your vehicle.

TigerTough seat covers come in multiple pieces: the seat bottom, back, and headrest cover. You’ll get an accurate fit, no matter your vehicle.

More pieces = better fit

Just take a look at a recently installed Carhartt seat cover vs. a TigerTough seat cover that's been installed for eight years. The seat portion on the Carhartt cover is already shifting:

Headrest

Both headrest covers protect well. We’re happy that Carhartt covers them (because we’ve run into some covers that don’t). If you’re in any type of blue-collar line of work, chances are, you’ll want a cover protecting your headrest.

Just below the headrest, around the headrest supports, there’s a difference.

The Carhartt covers have a visible bias tape around the edge. TigerTough covers are designed to fit under the plastic mounts of the headrest supports for a cleaner look. If you have the headrest all the way down, you wouldn’t notice. None of this affects function; it’s just a difference in design.

Seat back

Covercraft’s option has the Carhartt patch in the area between your shoulder blades. TigerTough arrives bare. If you’d like, you can add embroidery, whether stock or custom, for an additional fee. As far as we can tell, you can't add custom embroidery with Covercraft.

As you move down the seat back, both covers fit well, but TigerTough fits more securely. We make our covers in multiple pieces, so there are additional points for the cover to stay secured to the seat.

On the actual back of the seat, Covercraft gets points for having a pocket come standard on their vehicle seat covers. This is an upgrade feature for TigerTough and will cost you extra.

Seat crease

OK, this is where the difference is most obvious. It all comes back to one-piece vs. two, and the two-piece options just look neater. 

Even if you shoved your hands into the crevice to get a neat look on the Carhartt cover, it would shift as soon as you slid into the vehicle. WeatherTech's seat covers are the same way. It makes for an imperfect fit, but you judge which look you prefer.

Seat bottom

These are pretty comparable. Both covers allow access to the seat controls and tuck in nicely on the side.

We wish there were additional contact points on the seat bottom, but overall it works.

Ease of Installation

Installation on the Carhartt covers was about seven minutes. Since their cover is one piece, it made things simpler. There are little pillows that you shove into the seat crease for the covers to stay in place. 

TigerTough took about nine minutes. That extra piece adds some complications to the installation process.

💡Helpful tip: When we installed the Carhartt seat covers, we couldn't find any indication of which cover went on which seat. In order for these to be airbag-compatible, they need to be on the correct seat. Take a look at the inside of the seat cover for a tearaway seam. That seam should be on the side of the seat closest to the door.

Warranty

Covercraft offers a three-year limited warranty on these particular seat covers. 

“Covercraft’s warranty coverage protects against defects in material and workmanship, as well as the fabric becoming unserviceable during normal use. After factory inspection, at its option, Covercraft will repair or replace the unit or specific panels or parts judged to be unusable. Warranty does not cover fading, which occurs naturally on all products used outdoors, or weather resistance of fabric.”

This is pretty good, but in the end, Covercraft can determine what they’ll cover and what they won’t. 

Our warranty is shorter at just two years, but we believe in the durability of our products, so we’ve made it an unconditional warranty. It doesn’t matter how your seat covers got wrecked (but we bet there’s an epic story there); we’ll repair or replace them for you.

Three-year limited vs. two-year unconditional warranty. Would you rather have limited love or unconditional?

Price

We want to compare apples to apples here, so we used a 2023 Ford F150 as our test model for pricing.

Covercraft Carhartt SeatSavers: $420 (this base price seems to fluctuate with their sales)
TigerTough Seat Covers: $317

The Covercraft covers cost about 32% more than the TigerTough option. However, you’ll be able to find coupon codes for Covercraft, whereas we keep things straightforward with no-fuss pricing on our site. What you see is what you get. 

Customer Reviews

With a 4.5-star rating and over 2,000 reviews when this was published, there’s no denying that people love their Carhartt seat covers. A lot of the reviews echo the same, but we liked how specific Matthew H. got:

“Exactly what I expected. Had put these in my landscape work truck three years ago and have been pleased. When I got a new-to-me CR-V, twelve years old but very clean, there was no question I wanted to invest in seat covers to keep the nearly new interior in good condition. Good fit, decent attachment, and I expect no durability issues.”

TigerTough covers don’t have as many reviews, but we average a 4.9-star rating, which is pretty great! We love what John T. has to say about his TigerTough seat covers:

“As advertised. I tried to jam a screwdriver through them with acceptable (non-extreme) pressure. They held up just fine. I’m sure the friction from my backside over the years getting in and out of the truck (2009 F150) will never wear these covers out. Wish I had bought a set when the truck was new. Would have saved the original seats from wear and increased the resale value. Pursuing ordering a set for my 2019 F250 to just prevent excessive wear.”

Summary

Seat covers are a small investment that can save you thousands of dollars, so you want to choose the right kind. 

We often say that the Carhartt covers are the second-best covers for work trucks. If TigerTough doesn’t have a cover available for your vehicle, definitely go get your Carhartt fix. And if you love the Carhartt brand but want your seat covers to fit like a glove, you might want to consider upgrading to Covercraft’s PrecisionFit Carhartt Seat Covers, with two pieces (plus the headrest); they're designed to fit better.

When it comes down to the facts (and not our paychecks), TigerTough is cheaper, more durable, and has a more forgiving warranty. 

Popular among outdoor enthusiasts, pet owners, and anyone who’s ever spilled coffee during a bumpy commute, neoprene seat covers have carved out a niche in the automotive world.

So, are neoprene seat covers good? Yes, but they aren’t your run-of-mill seat cover, and you need to set your expectations.

Here at TigerTough, while we don’t sell neoprene covers, we appreciate that they’re favorites for people. So, let’s dive into what makes neoprene tick and talk about its pros and cons. Whether you’re considering outfitting your ride with these covers or just curious about them, we’re here to spill the beans (not the coffee!) and help you set the right expectations.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Alright, let’s talk shop about keeping those neoprene seat covers clean. These aren't your regular throw-in-the-wash-and-forget-about-it type of seat covers. Nope, neoprene needs a bit more elbow grease, but it's nothing you can't handle.

Here’s how you clean neoprene seat covers:

• Pull 'Em Off: First up, yank those covers off the seats. It’s straightforward, but give it some muscle—it's good for the arms.
• Prepare Your Cleaning Solution: Mix water with a small amount of wetsuit shampoo. This special shampoo is designed to clean neoprene while also conditioning it, which helps keep the material supple and the colors vibrant. This prevents the material from degrading.
• Use the Right Tools: Grab a lint-free cloth for washing. Apply the soapy water mixture generously to the seat covers, paying extra attention to any spots with stains or heavy soiling.
• Gentle Technique: Avoid using a brush or any harsh tools that could damage the neoprene. Similarly, stay away from harsh detergents, especially those containing bleach. These can degrade the neoprene material quickly.
• Rinse and Dry: Rinse off all that soap. Make sure you get it all out, 'cause leftover suds pull dirt right back. Hang them up to dry but keep 'em out of direct sunlight to avoid fading.
• Rinse Thoroughly: After scrubbing, rinse the seat covers with fresh water to remove any soap residue, which can attract more dirt if left behind.
• Dry Properly: Towel dry the seat covers to remove excess water. Allow them to air dry completely but keep them out of direct sunlight to prevent fading and deterioration of the neoprene.

Yes, they’re a little high-maintenance. And if you've got a mud-magnet dog hopping in your tuck, have fun frequently washing these. But by following these steps, you can ensure that your neoprene seat covers stay clean and in great condition, ready to face whatever comes their way. Remember, the more you wash them using the correct methods, the longer they’ll last. But if you don’t want to take our word for it, Wet Okole’s care instructions literally say, “Washing your Wet Okole Hawaii seat covers will ultimately extend the life of your seat covers.”

Water Resistance vs. Water Retention

Neoprene seat covers are like a wetsuit. They’ll keep you dry, but they hold the water. They're stellar at making sure a spilled coffee or a bit of rain doesn't soak into your truck's seats, but there's a catch.

Here's the lowdown on neoprene:

• Neoprene does a bang-up job at protecting your seats from spills and splashes. This means less worry about water damage on your seats.
• Just like a wetsuit, neoprene hangs onto moisture. Spill something on it, and while your seat underneath stays dry, the cover itself might feel soggy. If you've ever sat back down in a wet swimsuit, you know the drill—it's not the best feeling. It’s a bit like a diaper for your seat.

Managing moist mishaps:

• Spilled something? Grab a towel and dab at the spill quickly. The faster you soak up the liquid from the cover, the less soggy it’ll feel.
• Let the covers air out a bit before you hit the road again if you can. If the weather’s good, crack a window or two to help dry things off faster.

We tested this when we reviewed Wet Okole’s seat covers and they definitely hold water, but protect the seat. 

Compatibility with Seat Features

When outfitting your truck with seat covers, not all materials play nice with the fancy features. Neoprene, for instance, can be a bit of a double-edged sword if your truck's got heated or cooled seats.

Here’s the scoop on neoprene and seat features:

• Cooling features: Got cooled seats? Neoprene might just rain on your parade. Since it’s designed to insulate (think wetsuits), it can block those cool breezes from reaching you. That means during those hot summer days, you might not feel quite the relief you’re expecting from that fancy feature.
• Heating features: And as for heated seats, while neoprene won’t stop the heat entirely, it can definitely take a bit longer for you to feel the warmth and you won't feel the full heat (we tested this). This can be a bit of a bummer when you’re trying to thaw out on a frosty morning before heading to the job site.

What to do:

• If you're set on neoprene and have special seat features, look for covers specifically designed to be compatible. Some might have modifications that allow better functionality.
• If functionality is a deal-breaker, you might consider other materials that won't interfere with your seat’s built-in comforts.

While neoprene covers have their strengths, it's good to know their limits, especially when it comes to high-tech seat features. 

Enhancing Durability with Protectant Spray

Keeping your neoprene seat covers in top-notch condition isn’t just about cleaning off the dirt and grime; it’s also about giving them a bit of armor against the elements. Enter protectant spray—a handy ally in the battle against wear and tear.

Why use protectant spray?

• Boost Longevity: Just like waxing a car, applying a protectant spray helps shield your neoprene covers from UV rays, spills, and stains that can make them age before their time.
• Maintain Appearance: Not only does it help extend the life of your seat covers, but it also keeps them looking fresh and new. This means less fading and fewer signs of wear, so your truck's interior stays sharp.

Protectant Spray Tips

• Make sure your spray is compatible with neoprene. Look for products that offer UV protection to prevent color fading caused by sunlight. We’d suggest Wet Okole’s UV Protectant Spray if you’re going to go with their covers.
• How often should you spray? It depends on how hard you’re working your covers. A good rule of thumb is to apply protectant every few months or after you wash them.

Pro Tip: Always test the spray on a small, inconspicuous area of the cover first to ensure it doesn’t affect the color or texture.

Comfort and Heat Considerations

One of the first questions you might ask about neoprene seat covers is, "Are they comfortable?" The answer is yes. Neoprene covers are generally quite comfy. They provide a soft layer that molds to your seat for a snug fit.

Neoprene seat covers are a popular choice due to their protective qualities, but it’s important to consider how they interact with temperature. Known for their insulating properties, neoprene covers are excellent for retaining warmth. This makes them an attractive option for cooler climates where keeping warm is beneficial. However, neoprene might not always meet with your comfort needs during warmer months or in vehicles with temperature-regulating features like cooled seats.

Neoprene seat covers offer a solid mix of comfort and protection, but it’s important to consider how they interact with your vehicle’s features and the outside temperature. By understanding these aspects, you can ensure that you stay comfortable in your seat year-round, no matter the weather.

Conclusion: Weighing Your Options with Neoprene Seat Covers

Neoprene seat covers definitely offer a lot—comfort, significant water resistance, and a snug fit that can make any seat feel almost brand new. However, like any choice, they come with their own considerations. They aren’t machine washable (unless you buy from a company that says otherwise), they hold onto moisture a bit longer than some might like, and can affect how well your vehicle’s seat cooling or heating features perform. 

So, are neoprene seat covers the right choice for you? It really boils down to your personal needs and what you value most for your vehicle’s interior. They might be the perfect fit if you prioritize water resistance and comfort over ease of maintenance and tech compatibility.

Curious about other options? Maybe you’re looking for something that fits a bit differently or works better with your truck’s built-in features. Check out our detailed blog on the best seat covers for trucks for more insights and recommendations. Whether you drive for work or fun, we’re here to help you find the best seat cover that meets all your needs.

This contractor’s truck has endured 93,000 hard-earned miles of job site grit, gear tosses, and coffee spills.

The covers? Beat to hell (as they should be).
The seats underneath? Still look showroom fresh.

That’s the whole point. TigerTough takes the abuse so your seats don’t have to.
Take a look for yourself.

Want more proof? Check out these photos:

What's the point?

Well, if you still don't see the point of seat covers, we won't try to convince you. But by protecting these seats, the resale value on this truck skyrocketed and the new owner will appreciate the condition.

If you spend $317 on seat covers for your bucket seats, you'll earn that back and more in resale value when you choose to move on to your next vehicle.

It might seem weird that we're reviewing seat covers that aren't ours.

We already compared WeatherTech Seat Protectors with TigerTough seat covers. But we wanted to give these a separate review. After all, if we want to make the best seat covers in America, we better know what other seat cover companies are doing well.

We know WeatherTech makes incredible floormats. They’ve been in the business since 1989 and are well-known in the industry for their floor protection. A few of us at TigerTough even rock their mats in our trucks.

But when we were researching our Best Work Truck Seat Covers article, WeatherTech Seat Protectors were mentioned as an option for work trucks. Since we love their floormats, we had high expectations for their seat covers. So we ordered a single cover to fit a 2023 F150 XLT passenger seat to try our best to give an unbiased review.

Let’s see how it holds up.

Watch the video review

Ordering and shipping

WeatherTech wastes no time in shipping. We received our order in just two days!

The seat cover arrived in a plain brown box. This doesn’t affect our review, but we know their floormats come in a branded box, and it’d be cool to see that same thought put into shipping their covers.

Inside the box was the cover, wrapped in protective plastic, an invoice, and the installation instructions. No swag or fanfare. It was just a straightforward package. 

Design and appearance

The weird thing is, WeatherTech does an excellent job of showcasing their Seat Protectors on the rear bench seats of vehicles in their stock photos, but you need to dig a little to find the covers shown on a bucket or captain seat.

But once we installed the set we ordered on our Ford F150, we had that a-ha moment about why WeatherTech didn’t put their bucket seat covers in the spotlight.

It turns out they only offer six different fits for their seat covers–this fit is far from custom, despite searching for a specific vehicle when ordering. It reminds us of those weighted vests the dentist makes you wear before taking x-rays. 

This is a one-piece seat cover, so you won’t get an attractive fit.

The lack of a headrest cover doesn’t help the appearance of an apron, so when you open the door, you can immediately tell this is a seat cover. Also, any grime from your head will still transfer to the headrest. That won’t help with resale value.

Fit

It’s crucial to point out that WeatherTech advises you not to install their seat covers on seats with side airbags. A standard consumer probably doesn’t realize that these airbags were being placed in vehicles starting in the 1990s. As of 1997, a mandate was put in place that all passenger-side seats contain airbags.  

That means you shouldn’t put WeatherTech Seat Protectors on any passenger seat of a vehicle made after 1998. They could work on airbagless rear captain seats if your vehicle has those, but they wouldn't work on the seats of the Ford F150 we tried them on.

Let’s just skip right past that red flag and move on to the control panels. 

The front skirt of the Seat Protectors went over the side control panels of our Ford F150 passenger seat. So if we needed to adjust the seat, we’d have to pick up that fabric curtain to access the controls. That’s not a deal-breaker, but it's inconvenient.

But the back of the seat is a different story.

The back of the seat isn't covered by anything beyond the hook and loop straps that secure the Seat Protector. This might not be a big deal if you don't have passengers in the second row. But either way, it's not going to give you a secure fit.

Despite claiming their seat covers are semi-custom, having six varieties for thousands of different vehicles won’t give you a custom fit.

Manfred from Connecticut was disappointed with how they fit his 2018 Ford F150:

“I found the quality of the material good. The elastic to hold the fabric up against the seat was not very strong and unable to tighten, allowing the back to sag. The ‘grippy’ material on the bottom does not work well with leather seats allowing the bottom to slide forward. It is almost impossible to access the seat belts. There is no way to secure the bottom to the seat allowing the cover to ride up.

“All in all, for a cover that you advertise as a ‘custom’ fit, it is very poorly designed. I have been using the cover for two weeks. For the price and ‘custom’ fit, I expected much better.”

Material

According to their site, the seat covers are “made from a polycotton twill fabric featuring a water-repellent finish, and an extra layer of nylon lining.” 

We’re always fans of anything that will protect your seats from spills. Waterproof would be better, but we won’t be upset over water-repellent. Just get to those messes quickly before any liquid seeps into your seats. 

But the non-slip backing is questionable. Reviews say that it doesn’t work on leather. Dave tried them on his 2014 Ford F150 with leather interior:

“Purchased cover for backseat. So disappointed. Does not stay in place on the leather seats. Keeps folding up. The whole thing is cheap what we got. I'm sorry....but not good. Seats were full of mud on our trip. A blanket would have served better.”

That grippy material on the back is similar to a foam shelf liner. No, we’re not being snarky; that’s what it’s like.

Installation

Installation was quick. We were able to install it in under three minutes. There’s a strap that goes behind the seat and one that goes under. There’s an additional clip that goes around the headrest. Note that if you don’t have headrests, you won’t be able to install this seat cover. 

We’re happy to report that a novice could install these. 

Effectiveness

We didn’t do any of our torture tests with these seats, so we suggest checking out the reviews on the WeatherTech site from people who’ve used these covers in action. They’ll be able to tell you how these have held up in the long run. 

Spoiler alert: Only 50% of customers would recommend the covers. 

Warranty

Here’s where we can give WeatherTech some points. They offer a limited lifetime warranty on their Seat Protectors.

If anything goes wrong with the cover that you couldn’t prevent, WeatherTech will help you out.

Value

The WeatherTech Seat Protectors cost around $300 for a pair of bucket seats. That’s not cheap. And when you consider that the covers don’t protect the back of the seats or the headrest, and you’d have to pay an extra $55 per seat for a seat back protector, you’re looking at over $400 to fully cover your front bucket seats. 

If you have $400 to spend on a pair of seat covers, there are other brands we think you’ll be happier with.

Summary

We wanted to like these but just couldn’t.

On rear bench seats, these could work well for pets or equipment. (Especially if you don’t need the middle seat because center seatbelts won’t be accessible.) If you’re not hauling around humans, this could be a good option, and the humanless options seem to be what positive reviewers are using these for.

But even then, WeatherTech reviewers give the Seat Protectors 3.2 stars out of 5. That’s a 64%, and if we were still in high school, they’d be getting a D. Not something we’d brag about. 

Let’s face it; seat covers aren’t WeatherTech’s bread and butter. They’re known for floormats and other vehicle accessories. So although we love WeatherTech, we wouldn’t recommend their seat covers, and we’re not just saying that as a seat cover company; we’re saying this based on research, testing, and verified customer reviews.

Mike from Pennsylvania gets how we feel:

“I gotten many items from Weathertech over the years. All top grade. But the front seat protector I just purchased is awful. Looks bad, doesn’t fit well, uses Velcro attachments. Just awful. I have it two weeks. Constantly had to refit and re-adjust Velcro. I gave up and took it off. $150 bucks for an absolute failure. Stick to floor liners. Those work great.”

If you’re ready to invest in seat covers that last, take a look at these favorite brands. 

If you’ve been a fan of Marathon seat covers in the past, you might be in for a surprise the next time you order. 

Quick backstory…we purchased a set of Marathon seat covers back in 2023 to compare them to TigerTough seat covers. But when we got around to filming and needed to look up the specs on the Marathon website, we noticed that it redirected us to Covercraft. Turns out, Covercraft purchased the brand. Technically, they bought the brand in 2018, but things didn’t shift until May 2024. We won’t pretend to know the details; we’re going off what we read.

After Covercraft Industries took over Marathon’s production in May 2024, there have been a few notable changes to the design, materials, pricing, and even where they’re made.

We compared a set of the original Marathon seat covers with the new Marathon seat covers to help you see what’s changed—and decide if they’re still the right fit for your truck.

What’s Included in the Box?

Both the old and new Marathon seat covers come with installation instructions and tools, but here’s where things start to differ:

• Original Marathon Seat Covers
• Six-page, detailed instructions designed for the specific seat cover set.
• Covers included for the driver’s backrest and bottom, and the passenger’s backrest and bottom.
• New Marathon Seat Covers
• Two-page generic installation instructions.
• Covers now include headrests and center console covers as standard—something that was an upgrade in the past.

Material Differences

Both versions of the Marathon seat covers are made with CORDURA fabric, but there’s a key difference:

• Original Marathon Covers: Made from 1,000-denier CORUDRA, a heavy-duty fabric known for its durability and strength. 
• New Marathon Covers: Also made from Cordura, but the exact denier (fabric weight) is unknown. Covercraft’s customer service was unable to confirm the fabric’s specifications. But based on our heated seat test, we know it’s less than 1,000-denier because the tool we used to shove the cover in the seat crevice punctured the seat cover. 

Where They’re Made

This is a big one.

• Original Marathon Covers: Proudly made in the United States, specifically in Montana.
• New Marathon Covers: Manufactured in Mexico under Covercraft’s production.

Design and Features

• Old Design
• Simple and straightforward with no decorative stitching.
• Hemmed edges for a clean finish.
• Straps with hook-and-loop fasteners (Velcro) to secure the covers.
• New Design
• Includes decorative stitching for a more factory-like appearance.
• Uses a bias edge (folded material) instead of a hemmed edge.
• Secured with buckles instead of hook-and-loop straps.

Our Take: While decorative stitching adds a polished look, it introduces perforations that could allow water to seep through. It also affects the durability of the cover. We try to avoid decorative stitching outside of embroidery.

Pricing: Know What You’re Paying For

Pricing for Marathon seat covers has also seen some changes. Covercraft’s MSRP fluctuates frequently, so it’s worth keeping an eye on prices to get the best deal:

• Old Marathon Seat Covers: $269.99 (November 2023)
• Covercraft Marathon Seat Covers:
• $270 (MSRP: $499.99) in August 2024
• $299 (MSRP: $459.99) in January 2025

Pro Tip: With Covercraft, prices can vary significantly depending on timing, and their MSRP jumps around, so it’s smart to shop around or monitor pricing trends before purchasing.

Extra Features with the New Design

The new Marathon seat covers now come standard with:

• Headrest covers
• Center console covers
• Seatback pockets

These were optional upgrades in the old design but are now included in the base set. So you get a little more bang for your buck now if you can get them on sale.

Warranty

Both the old and new Marathon seat covers come with a 4-year warranty against manufacturer defects, so there’s no change in coverage.

The Bottom Line

If you’re considering a new set of Marathon seat covers, here’s a quick rundown of what’s different:

• The original Marathon covers were made in Montana, while the new ones are produced in Mexico.
• The original covers used 1,000 denier Cordura, while the new covers’ exact specifications remain unclear, but it’s not as good.
• The new covers include decorative stitching, headrest covers, and console covers as standard but trade hemmed edges for bias edges.
• Covercraft’s MSRP has been up and down. Be sure to monitor prices to find the best deal.

Which One Is Right for You?

If American-made quality and proven durability are your priorities, the differences in production location and materials might matter to you. But if you’re looking for a slightly more polished design with extra features, the new Marathon covers may still fit the bill.

Whatever you choose, make sure it’s built to stand up to your toughest days on the road. And if you’re not old on Marathon, check out the top seat covers for work trucks and find a brand that suits your needs.

We get asked a lot how TigerTough covers stack up against other big names in the seat cover game. So today, we're going head-to-head with Marathon seat covers (now owned by Covercraft) and giving you a no-fluff, side-by-side look.

This isn’t a review. We're just laying out the details so you can decide what works best for your truck. Let’s get into it.

What Changed with Marathon?

If you’ve used Marathon covers before May 2024, these aren’t the same. Covercraft bought them out, and a few things have changed. We cover that in another blog, but keep in mind this comparison features the new Marathon covers, not the originals.

Unboxing What’s Inside

Marathon by Covercraft

• Arrives in a decent-sized box, packed in a clear plastic bag.

• Includes universal install instructions, a tool (plastic piece with Velcro) for removing headrests, and a mix of seat bottom, back, headrest, and armrest covers.

• Fabric is listed as Cordura®, but the denier isn’t specified.* 

• Made in Mexico.

• Comes with a four-year manufacturer’s defect warranty.

• Standard features include seatback pockets and a center console cover.

*Disclaimer: We reached out to Covercraft and asked about the denier of the Cordura® used for the Marathon seat covers. They said they didn’t know. Our best guess is that they use around an 800-denier Cordura®.

TigerTough

• Ships in a soft-sided branded bag.

• Includes detailed color install guide with truck-specific instructions.

• Covers come clearly labeled for driver and passenger sides.

• Includes our patented Stringlock™ tool for installation.

• Made from 1000D Cordura®…tough enough to last the lifetime of your truck.

• Made in the USA.

• Covered by a 2-year unconditional warranty. If anything breaks, for any reason, we’ll replace it.

Installation Comparison

Marathon

• Driver and passenger pieces aren’t labeled.

• Instructions are generic, with a QR code that just links to the homepage (not install help).

• The center console cover isn’t marked, and we couldn’t get it on despite trying.

• Overall, it was a bit of a guessing game.

TigerTough

• Every piece is labeled and tailored to your specific truck.

• Installation was smooth, even for someone who doesn’t install covers regularly.

• Headrests, seat backs, and seat bottoms went on quickly and securely.

• All seat cover sets come with detailed instructions and an installation video.

Side-by-Side Fit and Finish

We installed both covers on a 2023 Ford F-150 (Marathon on the passenger side, TigerTough on the driver’s). Here’s how they compare:

Fit and Construction Details

Both seat covers are three-piece systems (headrest, seat back, seat bottom) and install separately, which helps them stay in place. They both feature:

• Flaps under the headrest for a tighter fit (no saggy elastic bags here).

• Tearaway stitching for side airbags.

• Hook-and-loop closures.

Differences That Stood Out

Seat Bottom Security

TigerTough wraps around the seat and uses Stringlock to keep the cover tight. It won’t budge. Marathon uses a clip-and-buckle system that feels decent, but isn’t quite as locked-in.

Console Cover Fit 

Marathon includes one, but it wasn’t sized right and wouldn’t go on. TigerTough doesn’t offer one for this truck, though they do for others.

Back Panel Design 

TigerTough makes its own flap that replaces your factory one. Marathon leaves the factory flap and covers over it. Both work, but the TigerTough setup is cleaner.

Final Thoughts

We’re not here to tell you which seat cover is best…that’s your call. But we are here to make sure you’ve got all the facts.

If you value American-made products, a truly secure fit, and a no-questions-asked warranty, TigerTough’s going to be tough to beat.

Want to see more comparisons? We’ve lined up a few other brands in similar side-by-sides.