- 1. Sky Solutions Anti Fatigue Comfort Standing Desk Mat
- 2. Kangaroo Original Anti Fatigue Standing Mat
- 3. Topo Comfort Standing Desk Mat by Ergodriven
- 4. GORILLA GRIP Original Premium Anti Fatigue Comfort Mat
- 5. ComfiLife Anti Fatigue Standing Desk Floor Mat
- 6. FEZIBO Standing Desk Mat with Anti Fatigue Bar
- 7. AmazonBasics Premium Anti-Fatigue Standing Comfort Mat
- 8. FEZIBO Ergonomic Standing Desk Mat with Foot Massagers
- 9. Sunflower Home Comfort Standing Desk Mat
- 10. DEXI Cushioned Anti Fatigue Comfort Floor Runner Rug
- 11. Sky Mats Standing Desk Anti Fatigue Mat
- 12. Saratoga Premium Black Anti-Fatigue Comfort Mat for Standing Workstation
- 13. Butterfly Ergonomic Non-Flat Anti Fatigue Standing Desk Mat
- 14. iPrimio Extra Soft One Inch Standing Desk Anti Fatigue Mat
- 15. FEATOL Anti Fatigue Mat for Standing Desks
The Best Standing Desk Mat
Standing or sitting at a desk for hours on end is uncomfortable in the short term yet can be damaging to your body in the long term. Anti fatigue can help ease the stress on your legs, feet, and lower back. If you are using a standing desk, a standing desk mat can help to reduce pressure on your feet, and although they won't combat a sore pair of feet, if combined properly with sensible footwear and an ergonomic well-styled working desk they can reduce fatigue.
Improving working conditions for those standing at a desk all day means that all elements of your body should be considered. Say you're working at a bank desk, hotel reception, or store checkout where seating arrangements are limited (or not permitted) there are certain risk reductions that can be put in place to help reduce the daily strain on the entire body.
A standing desk mat is a small and lightweight product that is made with a shock-absorbent material and a slightly varied terrain that encourages slight movement where, otherwise, a person may feel rigid and forget to move when stood on a hard or carpeted floor.
The Unclutterer team tested 15 of those claiming to be pliant, shock-absorbent, comfortable, and offering supporting firmness - even when standing for brief periods of time.
1. Sky Solutions Anti Fatigue Comfort Standing Desk Mat
If you have a standing desk setup the Sky Solutions Anti Fatigue Comfort Standing Desk Mat might be a good thing for releasing pressure on your limbs and spine, promising to offer all-day support. We think it would be good for the indoor office or even by the kitchen sink or if you’re ironing lots. It’s made of soft, eco-friendly material that is long-lasting and offers enough support that you could use it wearing your socks or slippers. Although it’s lightweight, the beveled edges make sure that they don’t curl up so there’s no danger of tripping. We love that the manufacturer offers a lifetime replacement guarantee too – but the only thing we were surprised about was that it uses low-quality PVC rather than polyurethane which is stronger. With lots of colors available, the Unclutterer team chose the Sky Mat as our best choice for 2020.
Pros
Modern style
Wipes clean
Lightweight
Lifetime warranty
Available in 3 sizes
Cons
Interior foam may break down
Might prefer a thicker mat
Easily punctured
2. Kangaroo Original Anti Fatigue Standing Mat
This brand is well known and popular for offering quality health and fitness products and has been around for years. Kangaroo Original Anti Fatigue Standing Mat is waterproof as you would expect and supposedly easy to clean, yet we found that dirt easily traps in the patterned surface so we would recommend vacuuming and removing any sticky stuff that’s made its way onto the mat by using a warm damp cloth. We think you might like that it will help relieve pressure on the spine, improving posture and that the thickness offers impressive support and comfort to the legs while you use it. It stays flat too, so the beveled edges won’t upturn over time. The only thing we noticed is that any liquid spillage will instantly make the surface slippery and dangerous, such spills should be cleaned instantly just as you would the floor.
Pros
5 available sizes
Easy to clean
10-year warranty
Non-toxic material
Good thickness
Cons
Not slip resistant
Make sure not delivered folded
3. Topo Comfort Standing Desk Mat by Ergodriven
This Topo Comfort Standing Desk Mat by Ergodriven is the best standing desk mat, in our opinion, and has therefore made it as the Unclutterer premium pick. This isn’t a flat mat and is contoured which encourages you to make different movements with your feet throughout the day without even noticing, unlike when you’re sitting. The Ergodriven Topo mat enhances circulation and overall good feeling. It uses a high-quality construction using polyurethane and is so sturdy we see it lasting years. Due to its construction, unlike a flat mat, it won’t ‘collapse’ when you stand on it. This doesn’t slip around on a hard floor too. It might seem expensive but we think that as far as fatigue mats go this one is worth the investment.
Pros
High quality
Non-flat
Doesn’t slide
Excellent rating %
Cons
Uncomfortable with shoes
Expensive
One size available
4. GORILLA GRIP Original Premium Anti Fatigue Comfort Mat
Uniquely designed, the GORILLA GRIP Original Premium Anti Fatigue Comfort Mat is from a very well known manufacturer and for this reason is well designed. It is constructed using a high-grade foam and its strength is incredible. Because of not using a poor-graded softer foam it does provide impressive support. Its flat design and sturdiness mean that it can be placed on many different surfaces and with beveled edges that shouldn’t turn up, it’s safe to use in high-traffic areas. Be aware though, the manufacturer is clear that if the edges do turn up then the mat should be disposed of.
It’s ideal in the kitchen for cooking or at a standing desk – in fact anywhere that you may need to stand for long periods. The manufacturer promise is to ship it flat and this means that it won’t be delivered with creases that weaken the surface.
Pros
Alternative sizes available
10-year warranty
Beveled edges prevent tripping
Easy to clean
Cons
Not slip-resistant
Upper surface appears brittle
Be aware of FAKE products
5. ComfiLife Anti Fatigue Standing Desk Floor Mat
While this didn’t come up in our line up as the best flat standing desk mat, the ComfiLife Anti Fatigue Standing Desk Floor Mat comes very close. It is priced very well and all-round it has an impressive ergonomically designed construction along with a good level of five-star ratings. It can reduce pressure and pain associated with the spine, legs, and feet, and where most anti fatigue mats are designed for office use this one is ideal for the home too. The non-slip underside is good on a hard floor and the surface has a stain-resistant surface and constructed with anti-microbial material. The surface could be fairly uncomfortable for bare feet though and you may need the larger size if you want more moving space.
Pros
2 sizes available
Lifetime guarantee
Excellent floor grip
Easy to clean
Cons
Can be uncomfortable on feet
6. FEZIBO Standing Desk Mat with Anti Fatigue Bar
The FEZIBO Standing Desk Mat with Anti Fatigue Bar doubles up as a balance bar/board giving an 8.5° movement each side. This really does benefit anyone having to stand for periods of time. It can work on your core as it gets you moving, just ever so slightly, and can help with circulation as you gently move your muscles and helps with spine pressure. Best used without shoes it warms your feet up after a few minutes too! We like the rubber underside which is ideal for placing on any flat surface or terrain. The surface provides gentle massage too with a nodule (anti fatigue bar) to the front and center so you can stretch out your legs a little and flex one foot at a time to relieve aches. It has been tested to support up to 320lbs in weight although the only thing we found was that the size could perhaps be improved. This is our best value choice standing mat for 2020.
Pros
2 sizes available
2-year warranty
Can withstand heavy loads
Rubber underside
Natural wooden construction
Cons
Adhesive initially produces fumes
7. AmazonBasics Premium Anti-Fatigue Standing Comfort Mat
The Unclutterer team found AmazonBasics Premium Anti-Fatigue Standing Comfort Mat to be incredibly thick and comfortable as the surface contours to your feet, so it definitely isn’t designed to wear with shoes – this would cause damage anyway. It’s a good thickness too so you won’t find your feet touching the floor like some thinner and more flimsy versions. Perfect for a multitude of uses around the home. It has a stain-resistant surface that is waterproof and easy to clean and AmazonBasics promises that this flat mat has non-curling edges. It’s a nice, simple design although it does slip around a little on a hard floor. While this isn’t our best value pick, at this price it is certainly a good investment although there are mentions in previous reviews about the surface material splitting at around 12 to 18 months of use.
Pros
Simply styled
Comfortable
Easy to clean
Soft foot contouring
Cons
Underneath non-slip questionable
Not long-lasting
8. FEZIBO Ergonomic Standing Desk Mat with Foot Massagers
This is the second FEZIBO’s in our line up and one of two great standing mats in the list. FEZIBO Ergonomic Standing Desk Mat with Foot Massagers comes with anti fatigue massage sticks that are moveable – roll each one back and forward one at a time to reduce aches at acupuncture points in the feet. This is truly a fantastic ergonomically designed piece of kit and the Unclutterer team loved it! It’s great to use with shoes but the massage rollers are to be used without, so take off those stinky sneakers and have a go. Just a point to make that the images make it look like it is solid plastic but the surface is made of rubber (elastic) so is spongy. We think that this is one of the most ergonomic standing desk mats to encourage leg movement to release lumbar pressure and improve circulation while using a standing desk.
Pros
10-year warranty
Superb design
Excellent price
Great quality
Cons
Too bulky to place in front of desk chair
Wipe to dust rather than brush
9. Sunflower Home Comfort Standing Desk Mat
The Sunflower Home Comfort Standing Desk Mat is perhaps not the best standing desk mat on our list but it has plenty of advantages. It is affordably priced for what you get. Working in a stationary job can be detrimental to wellness and this is especially true when standing for long periods of time. It is a non-flat anti fatigue mat and could easily fit under a standing desk ready for use. To rest your feet there’s a raised area to the front, the edges are curved, and each side features a raised ‘massage mound’ so you will find yourself subconsciously moving your legs around the mat throughout the day. May tire you out if you overuse it though!
Pros
Good quality
Easy to clean
Keeps feet active
Lifetime warranty (10 years)
Cons
One color only
10. DEXI Cushioned Anti Fatigue Comfort Floor Runner Rug
The DEXI Cushioned Anti Fatigue Comfort Floor Runner Rug is our budget pick. It is affordable and has a good thickness with the mat contouring to your feet. The beveled edge limits the chance of tripping over the mat and the thickness means that your feet won’t feel like they are touching the floor. As far as budget fatigue mats go, the Unclutterer team says that this is comfy for a few hours of use and as well as relieving pressure on the feet compared to standing on a hard surface, it’s also easy to wipe clean! For this price, we wouldn’t say it’s an investment for the long term or extended use, but it’s a good choice to use without shoes at a standing point such as the cooker or ironing board.
Pros
4 sizes available
Inexpensive
Cons
Needs anti-slip additions
Not for long term use
11. Sky Mats Standing Desk Anti Fatigue Mat
This Sky Mats Standing Desk Anti Fatigue Mat is probably one of the most modern of styles compared to the others on our review list. It has different surfaces so that it can be extremely soft on your feet but supportive when you need it to be. It might look modern on the images, and it really is. Ergonomically designed, the manufacturer claims it’s the only flat standing mat with a built-in roller ball – and yep, we tried to find another and couldn’t! Without distracting you from your work you’ll find yourself subconsciously moving your legs and feet around the mat. It has some great reviews and it seems others like it as much as we did. The only thing is that it is a high budget product which might not suit your pocket.
Pros
Unique design
Well styled
Easily cleaned
Firm & supportive areas
Cons
Expensive
Not very spongy
Takes time practicing different positions
12. Saratoga Premium Black Anti-Fatigue Comfort Mat for Standing Workstation
Unlike flat anti fatigue mats the Saratoga Premium Black Anti-Fatigue Comfort Mat for Standing Workstation in black is ergonomically shaped and designed to encourage movement throughout use. It has a non-slip surface and relieves pressure from the lumbar spine taking the pressure off when standing up for long periods. There are different textures – a tilted massage section at the back, two massage mounts either side, and it comes with a loose massage ball too so your feet can play while you work – and you will subconsciously be working your legs at the same time. The Saratoga standing mats come in different shapes and sizes so if this one isn’t quite for you, there’s likely to be an option that suits. This comes at a mid-range price. There are reports of the massage mounds wearing quickly, so to avoid damage, these are designed to massage your bare feet or while you wear socks so if you must wear them, remove shoes when using the mat – this standing desk mat is cushioned and not designed for use with shoes.
Pros
Ergonomic design
Free massage ball
High quality standing desk mat
Good cushioning
Cons
Can’t be used with shoes
13. Butterfly Ergonomic Non-Flat Anti Fatigue Standing Desk Mat
One of the best standing desk mats if only for the shape! The Butterfly Ergonomic Non-Flat Anti Fatigue Standing Desk Mat is quite a feminine shape and, in our opinion, a pretty unique design. It has a 3D surface that is cushioned so it is ultra-comfortable on the feet with massage points on the wings and the central ‘stem’. The thickness is more than sufficient to provide comfort and support and we like the colors available. This is the 1st generation but you might like to check out the 2nd gen that’s available also but only in black; the two have very slight differences but both encourage your legs and feet to move around and encourage balance and support. As far as standing desk mats go, we just love this in the office and even better if your boss will let you take your shoes off behind your desk. Best standing desk mat for shape and that’s the Unclutterer team’s final decision!
Pros
Beveled no curl edges
Great shape
Engineered design
Large and lightweight
Cons
Underside not anti-slip
Raised massage bumps not defined enough
14. iPrimio Extra Soft One Inch Standing Desk Anti Fatigue Mat
If you are looking for flat anti fatigue mats this is the iPrimio and while we have featured plenty of standing desk mats that stand flat rather than have 3D elements, this one stood out so we decided to add it into our line up. iPrimio Extra Soft One Inch Standing Desk Anti Fatigue Mat can be used on any type of hard floor surface, or indeed carpet, and we like that it has anti-turn edges to avoid tripping over it if it’s placed in high traffic areas. This is one of the best standing desk mats for firmness and it’s a strong contender if you’re looking at budget standing mats. We think it would be a good mat for the kitchen, office, or workshop. It’s an inch thick which we thought you might like, and while firm the non-toxic phthalate material is still soft on bare feet. The pattern on it does ‘catch’ dirt which to some is ideal although it does mean it takes a bit more than a wipe to clean it properly.
Pros
Lightweight
Good thickness
Sturdy yet soft
Affordable
Excellent reviews
Cons
Dye wears off quickly
Not for long periods of standing
Non-toxic
15. FEATOL Anti Fatigue Mat for Standing Desks
The FEATOL Anti Fatigue Mat for Standing Desks is one of the cheapest standing desk mats in our review list. We weren’t sure about the dull, muted colors available but at least they are subtle enough to fit into any surroundings. If you cook barefoot or have a standing desk area at home – or if your boss will let you work without footwear – then this is one of the best standing desk mats for its price. It has been constructed using a high-quality foam with beveled edges, a waterproof standing surface, and a non-slip underside. We think if you are looking for comfort and taking the pressure off your feet and back, this is a good choice. It has excellent ratings and some of that is down to how comfortable it is and that it’s environmentally friendly – the material is non-toxic phthalate.
Pros
Non toxic
Inexpensive
Cons
Slides a little
Color difference in those shown
Questionable color choices!
Features To Consider With Standing Desk Mats
Let's face it, a soft surface under foot is just too nice to be without and a standard carpeted mat is, well, okay for a bit of light cushioning on a hard floor. Normal mats though aren't good for stress-reducing and offering anti fatigue when having to stand in one spot for long periods during the day or night. A conventional mat lacks support and any type of cushioning.
If you are on the lookout for a little more cushion and comfort for your feet and body while you're standing, the best standing desk mats are necessary and worth considering for more than just the office. You can use them in the kitchen, the bathroom, workshop, and at work behind a standing checkout. They are designed to care for your feet which, in turn, cares for the rest of your body. Designed in such a way to ensure that your spine is aligned by helping with your standing posture.
There are flat and non-flat (active) options, those with balance bar features and those with massage mounds and balls. Here are a few tips on what to look out for if you want to make sure you can improve your day.
Comfort
Comfort is key whichever way you look at it. Choosing a standing desk mat means you are in need of support. You might be suffering fatigue at the end of a long day of being on your feet so it's time to make a small investment. Increased comfort will help with concentration while you work, meaning you can focus more on what you need to rather than on your aches and pains.
Think about if you want a simply designed cushioned mat to keep in place whether it's near the oven while you cook or at your standing desk while you work. These are usually lightweight and offer cushioned support - best used without shoes. They contour to your feet and return to their shape when you step off.
An active standing mat might be the best choice for you. They can offer massage points, mounds, or bars for your feet. Some, like the FEZIBO we featured at number 6. on our list can act as a balance bar, tipping side to side. This type of mat helps you to keep moving.
Material And Durability
Typically speaking, durability should be offered from a desk mat that doesn't need additional materials like vinyl. If a mat is made using polyurethane, it will give a high-quality finish that will last. This gives you a durable piece of equipment without the need for layering different materials to achieve the desired finish.
Massager
Massage balls, massage mounds, and a massaging surface are all designed to relieve foot fatigue. While a flat mat will cushion your fee, active mats are designed to offer an all-round bit of relief from stress and strain on your body. They will also help to stretch and flex the calf, increase circulation, and keep your body moving whilst improving your posture.
Size
The size you are looking for will depend on two things - the space you need to move around on the mat without coming off it and the space you have to store it if you aren't leaving it out all the time. If you have, say, size 14/15 feet then of course you are going to want the largest size you can so that you aren't limited with too small a footprint. You will need to consider this if you are opting for an active desk mat with raised sides, front or back.
Thickness
Just because a mat is thick doesn't mean it will be more comfortable or offer greater support. Even an inch-thick flat mat might not be the best choice as it depends on the foam used inside it.
If it is constructed using a high-grade foam it still will offer soft support.
Unfortunately, the low-density foam won't last long and you could feel like you're standing on the actual floor. In this case, you are getting no extra support at all.
Why Do You Need One & How Do They Work?
Some benefits of using a standing desk mat include:
- Increased support
- Improved circulation
- Reduced compression
- Comfort
- Ease on knee joints
- More energy
When you don't get to the end of a day feeling fatigued and achy, you will want to sit less. If you have to work at standing desks during your working hours or simply spend time standing in one place there are plenty of health and wellness benefits. It simply now comes down to making your choice.
Standing Desk Mat FAQ
Q: How long should you stand at a desk for before sitting?
Sitting for long periods is bad for your health. Experts have been recommending that standing is much better than sitting. Over an hour, standing for 15 minutes is far more beneficial than sitting for the full hour but if you can manage more than this then that's great.
If you find you get fatigued after a period of time standing then the desk mat is an ideal choice.
Q: Are workplaces required to provide standing desk mats?
There is no law mandate in place stating that sit-standing desks are required in the U.S.
It would be entirely at the employers' discretion to provide standing mats for desks that are used at height but we would certainly recommend requesting that they do either recompense you for a mat you have purchased, or consider providing one at their direct expense. By putting forward the benefits of having a mat available to use and if you have symptoms of being made to stand at a desk all day or night then they have to consider it under the safety section covered by a 'workstation' risk assessment.
Last of all, good luck choosing and enjoying the release of pressure and enhanced energy levels.
Sources
Why We Choose Standing Desks - ACHS.edu