Sitting down all day is – quite literally – killing us.
Desk jobs are the norm for a lot of us, and with new research throwing light on the fact that sitting down for long periods of time is detrimental to our health and contributing to heart disease and obesity, there has been an uptick in the number of people choosing a treadmill desk or standing desk.
However, standing up all day can also be hard on you. Your body begins to hurt, your muscles get tired, and your legs tense up and become heavy.
That’s where anti-fatigue mats come in. These standing mats allow you to stand more comfortably for longer periods of time by reducing discomfort. By using an anti-fatigue mat instead of a bare floor or carpet, you’ll feel more energized and increase your productivity.
BEST ANTI-FATIGUE MATS REVIEWS: OUR TOP 4 PICKS
Best Overall: Ergodriven Topo Anti-fatigue Standing Desk Mat
The varied terrain makes it easy to move while switching positions and encourages movement, while making standing less tedious.
Runner Up: Cumuluspro Comfort Anti-fatigue Standing Desk Mat
The competitive advantage of this mat is its ecosmart anti-fatigue cushioning system, which adds additional cushioning for long-lasting comfort.
Best Flat Mat: Sky Mat Comfort Anti-fatigue Mat
This flat mat is eco-friendly, and a fantastic option for users searching for comfort without the extra bells and whistles, such as massage or bump features.
Best For Your Budget: Butterfly Ergonomic Non-flat Standing Desk Mat
This mat is a fantastic choice for standing desk users that enjoy constant movement during their working hours, as the teardrop in the center encourages ankle and feet movement and range of motion.
1. Ergodriven Topo Anti-fatigue Standing Desk Mat
Our rating:
The Topo anti-fatigue comfort mat by Ergodriven was explicitly designed with standing desk users in mind, as they will be able to comfortably stand throughout the entire day, aided by the cushioned terrain that encourages natural feet movement. The ergonomic design is unique to this mat, and it’s what makes it our number one pick.
The mat can be easily positioned with one leg, without the need to bend down to adjust it, and another advantage is that it’s super simple to clean. The mat is made from polyurethane, which can easily be wiped to remove the dirt and debris build-up.
Ergonomically designed to mimic nature’s terrain, with strategically placed bumps to relieve discomfort and pain in your feet and legs, it comfortably fits under your standing desk and resists punctures, as the high-quality materials make it a long-lasting mat.
PROS
- Easy and straightforward positioning, no need to bend down
- High-quality materials, made out of 100% polyurethane
- Long lasting
- Unique ergonomic design reduces fatigue
CONS
- Size may make it unsuitable for smaller cubicles
- For users to switch from standing to sitting, moving it can be complicated
- The mat can be considered too soft in some areas
VERDICT
This mat was explicitly created for users who stand for extended periods of time and was designed to engage your muscles and encourage you to move while standing, reducing your pain and fatigue levels.
Runner Up
2. Cumuluspro Comfort Anti-fatigue Standing Desk Mat
Our rating:
The commercial anti-fatigue mat from CumulusPro is the perfect mat for users that are looking for a high-quality mat with a stylish design that will blend seamlessly into their working environment, or any other environment, as you can use this mat in loads of places besides your workspace. You can place one in other areas where you frequently stand, such as your kitchen, as it won’t be a tripping hazard due to its low profile.
One advantage of this mat is its eco-smart anti-fatigue cushioning system technology, which adds extra cushioning for added comfort. The mat is made from 100% polyurethane, though it is more firm than the Topo mat.
The tripping hazard is decreased as it features a stay-flat memory and beveled edges, and along with the non-slip surface and underside, you can be sure that this mat will stay in place all day. The waterproof, abrasion and puncture resistant, and anti-microbial surface also makes it very easy to clean and durable.
PROS
- Reduced trip hazard from its no-curl beveled edges
- Made from high-quality 100% polyurethane
- The non-slip bottom keeps mat in place
- Lifetime warranty
CONS
- Some users find it too soft
- Limited color choice
- Stains easily, so more maintenance is required
VERDICT
The CumulusPro anti-fatigue mat is a fantastic option for users that are required to stand for long periods of time without any rest breaks, as the highly supportive mat can withstand the pressure. The unique technology used to manufacture the product results in great comfort and superior durability.
Best Flat Mat
3. Sky Mat Comfort Anti-fatigue Mat
Our rating:
While also being the best flat mat, the Sky anti-fatigue mat could also be the most versatile. It’s available in various colors and sizes, working in most areas, be it your workspace, kitchen, garage, or any other area of your home. Even though the materials are a blend of PVC and polyurethane, it offers a lifetime warranty, meaning the manufacturers expect it to last
The mat comes with a non-slip bottom that helps to keep it in place while you move, and the beveled edge prevents you from tripping. The rubberized material is super simple to clean, and dries quickly, so you’re good to go soon after cleaning. Another bonus is that the PCV and polyurethane blend is eco-friendly, meaning you can use it with shoes or bare feet.
Its ¾” commercial grade thickness means the mat is highly supportive, reducing lower back, feet, and knee pressure, and you will have minimal impact to your posture-related health while standing for extended periods of time. Plus, the wideness gives you a wide range of motion, so you can move around while working.
PROS
- Made from high quality and eco-friendly materials
- Easy to clean
- A wide range of color options
- Beveled edge prevents slipping and tripping
CONS
- Some users found it to be too firm
- Durability may depend on how frequently and rigorously you use the mat
VERDICT
The mat’s overall length means you can move laterally during the day, and along with the plushness, this encourages you to constantly move and shift your weight, increasing your blood circulation and decreasing fatigue. The sloped angles reduce the tripping hazard while using and moving off the mat.
Best For Your Budget
4. Butterfly Ergonomic Non-flat Standing Desk Mat
Our rating:
A mat doesn’t necessarily have to have four corners, and the Butterfly mat creator certainly proves that. Apart from its aesthetic appeal, this design also comes with some real ergonomic advantages. The contours and curves incorporated into the design give it an uneven terrain, which encourages movement and promotes balanced.
The wings come with raised bumps that are positioned where you would naturally place the balls of your feet, creating a soothing massage, and the mounds and ridges surrounding the mat give the user the chance to move around and stand in several positions.
The mat is made with a polyurethane material which will not compress with use and time, retaining its structural integrity while faced with repeated contact with shoes and chairs. Nonetheless, it seems to be made with lower-quality polyurethane, so it can be a bit more prone to rips and tears. This also means that the mat can slip across floors more easily than 100% polyurethane mats, particularly on wooden or tiled floors.
The butterfly mat still offers excellent value for its price point, as its calculated terrain promotes frequent position changes and increased movement. Its ample surface area gives you enough room to move around, and its thick enough to maintain a comfortable position even while standing for a long time.
PROS
- Ergonomic benefits from its calculated terrain
- Available in a variety of colors
- Comfortable and soft material
- Great price point, making it affordable for most users
CONS
- Mat is prone to slip on certain surfaces
- Material is not 100% polyurethane
VERDICT
If you’re looking for something to spice up your work environment more than a traditional rectangular-shaped mat, you should seriously consider the butterfly mat. While the mat may not have the same durability as other 100% polyurethane alternatives, it’s still an excellent choice for anyone on a budget.
5. Cubefit Terra Anti-fatigue Mat
Our rating:
The TerraMat by CubeFit offers users the best of both worlds, combining the benefits of a topographic mat and a flat standing mat, so users have a varied surface that keeps them both comfortable and active.
The features have been designed to decrease the adverse effects of standing for extended periods of time as it promotes continuous movements while providing ample room for standing.
The uneven surface of this mat has six different design on its edges, giving your leg and joint muscles a workout while working. The sides have two rounded shapes, meaning the mat can easily be slid into storage when not in use, and the pointed back surface gives your feet a fantastic massage.
There are eleven different possible stances on this mat, so you won’t be short of positions and movements while standing up. The high-quality material is soft and provides ample comfort. Your feet are encouraged to shift positions, therefore keeping your body engaged, improving your balance, and reducing body strain.
PROS
- Eleven possible stances and six different surfaces
- Comfortable and thick high-quality materials
- 3D features for massages and feet stimulation
- Simple and easy hands-free storage
CONS
- Some areas of the mat are too thin
- Does not work as a sitting mat, only standing
VERDICT
The CubeFit TerraMat is an anti-fatigue mat constructed to withstand the test of time. The variety of features keeps users active and energized as they shift positions and keep their bodies engaged during their working hours.
6. Batman Standing Desk Mat
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The Butterfly mat isn’t the only quirky design available, as you can see by this creative and cool anti-fatigue mat. Not only will your feet be protected by Batman, but the massage spot is also designed to encourage movement and increase your feet’s blood circulation. The patent-pending high-quality material means its a long lasting product at a good price point.
While the exact material is not provided by the manufacturers, they claim that the mat has been certified by TuVRheinland for quality and safety, and the material is non-toxic and eco-friendly.
PROS
- Unique and quirky design
- Non-toxic high-quality materials
- Good ergonomic design
- Easy, hands-free storage
CONS
- Small, so it may not be suitable for larger workspaces
- Thin in some areas
VERDICT
If you’re looking for a fun office accessory that also promotes movement and eases aches and pains, the Batman stand-up desk mat could be the one for you. The massage points engage your muscles and activate blood flow, while the terrain encourages healthy movement.
7. Ergohead Standing Desk Mat
Our rating:
The Ergohead standing desk mat is a recent addition to the anti-fatigue mat market, but it offers healthy competition. The design has been ergonomically engineered to help users maintain proper posture while being able to stand for extended periods of time. The model also features two massage areas for proper blood circulation in your feet, along with three further massage mounds that aim to promote movement.
The calculated terrain ensures that the user gets the health benefits from using an anti-fatigue mat while working at a standing desk, and the 100% polyurethane materials make it a long-lasting investment. It also certainly stands out from the crowd with its pebbled-skin design.
The one downside that we found with this mat is that the bottom does not have any non-slip coating, so it easily slips on certain surfaces, such as tiled or wooden floors. Therefore, users need to be careful when placing the mat somewhere they could slip.
PROS
- Massage mounds and areas promote active standing
- Easily stored with just one foot
- Comfortable to use for long periods of time
- High-quality materials
CONS
- Not suitable for users under 5’4”
- Slippery on certain surfaces
VERDICT
The Ergohead standing desk mat will give you sufficient cushioning to comfortably stand without any pressure build-up, and offers an intermediate solution between flat and calculated terrain mats.
Benefits of Anti Fatigue Mats
These standing mats were ergonomically designed for one thing: minimizing the adverse effects of long periods of standing. When you use an anti-fatigue mat, you can focus on the task at hand, and forget about any pain in your head, shoulders, back, and legs. They are commonly used in settings that require prolonged standing, such as kitchens or offices.
One of the essential reasons for buying an anti-fatigue mat is the health benefits, as standing on hard surfaces for long periods of time immobilizes and shrinks your leg muscles, which causes pain as your blood flow is restricted.
Over time, it can also cause mild and severe health problems, such as stiffness in the neck and shoulders, lower back pain, muscular fatigue, cardiovascular disorders, varicose veins, swelling of the legs, slouching, sore feet, and backaches.
Not only will an anti-fatigue mat decrease pain, but it will also make you more productive. When you stand up for extended periods, you get lethargic as you lose energy, since your heart is working harder to pump blood through your shrunken muscles. Since anti fatigue mats stimulate blood flow, they awaken and widen your muscles, and increase oxygen levels, therefore, decreasing your mental and physical fatigue.
The following video explains in more detail the benefits that come with having an anti-fatigue mat under your standing desk:
What To Look For When Choosing An Anti-Fatigue Mat
There is an overwhelming amount of choice when it comes to anti-fatigue floor mats. Anti-fatigue comfort mats come in a wide variety of sizes, shapes, and colors so you can match it to your working environment as well as your needs.
Furthermore, they’re also available in different materials, the most common being gel, rubber, and foam. They all have different levels of support, flexibility, and softness, so you can be sure to find your perfect fit.
Before embarking on your search for the perfect standing mat, you need to consider the following:
Characteristics
Firstly, you need to define the use and purpose of the anti-fatigue mat. Will you be needing it to cover a large workspace area? Can it be permanently left in place or will you transport it from place to place? Answering these basic questions will give you a better idea of the characteristics you need to be looking for in your perfect standing mat.
Responsiveness
The responsiveness of the mat will depend on how quickly the mat will return to its original form when you stop using it. Slow responsiveness will usually mean that the mat has too much elasticity, and no responsiveness implies that it can cause additional fatigue, as you will need to make more effort to maintain your stability. Look for a mat that allows you to remain stable while walking or standing on top of it.
Stability
To avoid fatigue, your mat needs to have the right balance of instability and stability, as instability can increase blood flow through your muscles in the right amount. Nonetheless, when the mat is too unstable, it can cause an injury due to a loss of balance, making you more prone to slip or fall.
Firmness
Anti-fatigue mats that are too firm can decrease blood flow, which causes your legs to go to sleep, as well as swelling and blood clots. If you have a tendency to suffer from varicose veins, a firm mat can increase the symptoms, as a decreased muscle blood flow reduces oxygen circulation, putting painful pressure on your muscles.
Durability
The durability of anti-fatigue mats is affected considerably by the construction and the materials. To increase the lifespan of your mat look for models made out of high-quality materials, which will maintain their shape even with heavy use.