An anti-fatigue mat can make a world of difference, particularly if your work involves prolonged standing. It's a dense, multi-layered mat which acts as a buffer between your feet and the solid floor, absorbing impact and easing strain on your legs.
The concept is the same as how supportive insoles can make all the difference when you go for a walk. Nowadays, companies encourage employees to explore standing desks mat to relieve unnecessary pain on the back and feet.
Standing at a standing desk or in the kitchen for an extended period of time can exert some strain on your feet, knees, and legs. However, a standing desk mat will help you stand comfortably for long periods. They are used instead of a soft carpet and have a lot more benefits to the users.
The challenging part is there are a lot of options in the market, which can be confusing. To help make the right decision, we have a review of the best anti-fatigue mat and a buying guide to help you know what to look for in an anti-fatigue mat.
5 Best Anti-fatigue Mats
1. Sky Solutions Anti Fatigue Mat
- All Day Support: For anyone who spends a lot of time on their...
- Quality that feels like Clouds: Our 3/4" thick density kitchen...
- Padded mat Improves Balance & Posture: Ergonomically designed,...
- Commercial Grade: Complete with a non-slip bottom and an...
- Stylish & Easy to Clean: The sleek anti fatigue floor mat comes...
Sky solutions mat is our top pick as the best anti-fatigue mat. It comes in the best quality of commercial-grade for use as a kitchen mat and a standing mat. If you're struggling with a foot, knee, or back pain, then you should consider getting this one for your everyday use.
It features a comfortable core form, a non-slip surface on the bottom, and a beveled edge. This product comes in three sizes and four dark colors, giving you a range of choices to choose your best fit. It is ¾ inches thick, reducing pressure on your feet, knees, and lower back.
With its outstanding design, the sky mat prevents tripping, is simple to clean, and durable. It doesn't wear or tear even after months of use. It is made of non-toxic materials that are of the highest quality in the market. It is the top reviewed and rated anti-fatigue mat in the market today in terms of affordability and effectiveness.
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2. ComfiLife Anti Fatigue Floor Mat – 3/4 Inch Thick
- Anti Fatigue Mat: The ComfiLife anti-fatigue floor mat enhances...
- High Quality Materials: Manufactured from superior materials, the...
- Multi-use Floor Mat: The ComfiLife standing pad is exceptional...
- Stain Resistant Surface: This ergonomic mat is durable, stain...
- Lifetime Satisfaction: ComfiLife is trusted by hundreds of...
The ComfiLife is another high-quality and one of the best standing desk mats in terms of effectiveness. It is 3/4 inch thick and well-cushioned to provide comfort to your legs and back. It is made from a high-density memory foam that is durable.
With this flat mat, you are able to stand for a long time and feel like you only stood for a little time. It comes in two sizes of 20″ x 32″ and 20″ x 39″ and available in 5 different colors. It also has an anti-microbial surface to prevent any dirt from accumulating over time.
Ergonomically designed, this mat by ComfiLife is easy to clean and also stain resistant. Like most of the anti-fatigue mats, this one also a non-slip bottom to prevent any tripping hazard.
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3. Kangaroo Original Standing Rug
- All Day Support: perfect for anyone who stands for long periods...
- Superior Cushioning: extra thick, three quarter inch high mat is...
- Ergonomic Benefits: ergonomic design helps reduce stress and...
- Ultra Durable: designed for long term use; durable high density...
- Stylish and Easy to Clean: mats come in a variety of colors and...
The Kangaroo Original Premium Anti-Fatigue Standing Mat comes in various bright colors, including green, blue and red, to brighten up your space. You can easily choose a color that perfectly matches your decor while still giving you the comfort you need.
It is ¾” inch thick, made from a high-quality non-toxic foam layer, and has a textured surface that will help reduce stress on your feet and lower body. It also features beveled edges and a non-slip bottom to ensure you fall while on it.
This Kangaroo mat is durable and won’t break down over time. It is also very simple to clean, lightweight, and very comfortable to stand on. It is worthwhile to invest in an anti-fatigue standing mat to protect your feet and legs.
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4. Topo Comfort by Ergodriven
- THE BEST STANDING DESK MAT: Topo is the first anti-fatigue mat...
- SIT LESS AND STAND BETTER: Spend more time out of your chair and...
- IMPROVE YOUR MOVEMENT WITHOUT EVEN THINKING: Topo’s cushioned...
- MAKE THE MOVE TO STANDING EASIER: You can reposition Topo with...
- GET THE TRUE BENEFIT OF STANDING: Topo will leave you feeling...
The Topo Comfort mat by Ergodriven is designed as a high-end topographical mat where they imitate hills, rocks, and plain ground. It promotes movement that helps maintain the blood flow, massaging the feet, and sometimes, burning some calories.
It is one of the best standing mats when it comes to quality. This comfort mat is a 100% polyurethane mat that is resistant to wear and tear compression and delamination. It is ¾ inches thick, which provides the perfect blend of support and softness for standing all day. There is a great chance that this mat will improve your life with its excellent cushioning features.
However, the Ergodriven anti-fatigue comfort mat is not comfortable while sitting down. So, if you're looking to move positions from standing to sitting after every half an hour, then you want to consider something cheaper and straightforward to meet your sitting needs.
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5. Imprint CumulusPRO Commercial grade Standing Desk
- Top Rated Standing Desk Anti-Fatigue Comfort Mat - Up to 97%...
- Made with Cushion-Core Technology to reduce fatigue and increase...
- Beveled edge design and no-curl edges reduce trip hazard while...
- Lifetime Warranty
The CumulusPRO Commercial Grade mat may look like other desk mats but the experience you get from it is better than average. It features a one-piece construction of polyurethane with a texture more like silicone or rubber. It is a 3/4-inch thick, high-end mat that comes in only two colors and one standard size.
It is made from a high-quality 100% polyurethane material that is non-toxic and also long-lasting. The layers of cushioning are thick enough to reduce the muscle fatigue caused by prolonged standing, no matter how long you stay standing.
The Imprint mat has a beveled edge design, no-curl edges, and an anti-slip bottom, which keeps the mat in place. It is a smart choice both for the workplace and household use. Although, it fits everywhere and guarantees no tripping. Also, the 24-inch width on this standing mat maybe a little wider than most standing desk mats.
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What To Look For When Buying An Anti-fatigue Mat
1. Size
A square mat may work for some areas, however, it may be problematic for a standing desk. You may need a rectangular mat that’s around 2 feet by 3 feet long for standing desk use. If you're looking for kitchen use, then a rectangular mat that’s 6 feet by 8 feet long or sometimes longer may be the best to ensure you are comfortable even while moving.
If your mat is too small, you could end up standing with one foot on and one foot off of the mat, which may cause posture issues. Most mats are designed to allow one person to stand in place fairly comfortably but not move around.
It is important to measure the floor space of where you will be standing,g, which will give you an idea of the size of the anti-fatigue mat to buy. If you want the ability to move back and forth in a kitchen or working space without leaving the mat, then buy longer and runner-style mats.
2. Material
Anti-fatigue mats are available in a variety of materials. A mat that’s too soft may not be the best since it will still strain your back, legs, and neck because you will be struggling to maintain balance. Some common materials used in anti-fatigue mats include:
- Foam- These mats are affordable and mostly used in areas where there is not much traffic like the bathroom. This is because they are not durable and can be worn out very fast.
- Foam-rubber- These are durable and comfortable, making them ideal for office use. They have multiple layers and feature a foam core and rubber outer shell.
- Hard-rubber- These ones are extremely durable. However, they’re not the best for comfort. They are mostly used on tiles or cemented floors, like a factory or hardware.
- Gel mats- These mats have a gel core and a waterproof outer shell. They are durable and popular for home use.
3. Thickness
An anti-fatigue mat is thicker compared to a traditional floor rug. The additional thickness in a standing desk mat promotes improved blood flow. The feet sink into the material to allow small adjustments to your muscles and posture.
A mat that is too thin may make you feel tired faster. For maximum comfort, it is recommended to buy a mat that is at least 3/4-inch thick.
4. Safety
A good mat should have an anti-slip design on the base, which acts as a built-in rug pad, which will keep you from slipping. Anti-slip features are essential especially for areas where the mat could quickly get wet or on slippery floors, like tiles.
The mat should also be washable. Dirt and bacteria may easily spill on your mat and cling to it. In addition to keeping your mat clean, you should also make sure it’s safe. This is important to avoid harming parts of your body.
5. Durability
It is important to buy mats that are made from durable materials. A mat with a sealed bottom and top will protect it from tearing up and sliding. If you are standing on it barefooted, you can use the less tough materials, but if you're standing in heels, you may need more rigid materials to avoid damaging it. Consider what kind of wear and tear your mat will be subjected to know the type of mat to purchase.
6. Design
There are a variety of shapes and colors that anti-fatigue mats come with. For example, for a V-shaped room, a rectangular standing mat won't be the best option. It is advisable to look for an antifatigue mat that goes well with the shape and size of the room.
It is also recommended that the best mats for use in hardwood floors are those with sloped edges. This is because they reduce the risk of slipping and falling.
When it comes to colors, it possible to find more options in an array of colors and even patterns. Find a color that matches your room or your floor. If that is not possible, you can find one with a neutral color like black, white, gray, etc.
7. Your Needs
Find out what your needs are before buying an anti-fatigue mat. Apart from alleviating fatigue from the body, other needs will help you in the decision. For example, where you're using it; is it for the kitchen, as a standing desk mat, or for the bathroom.
It is important to know your needs to determine the type of anti-fatigue mat you will buy. However, the main need should be to reduce fatigue in your body, especially the feet.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on an anti-fatigue mat
1. Which anti-fatigue mat is best?
The best anti-fatigue mat is for sure the Sky Solutions Anti Fatigue Mat. This is because it is thick, comfortable and creates a balance between firm and soft, offering excellent support to the feet. It also comes in a range of different sizes and colors to suit your needs and preferences.
2. Do anti-fatigue mats really work?
Yes, anti-fatigue mats work by providing comfort because of the cushioned surface of the mat. Users of anti-fatigue mats have reported a significant increase in comfort, blood circulation, and posture. Their legs and lower backs were the ones that were mostly influenced, and significant improvements were experienced.
3. How thick should an anti-fatigue mat be?
Generally, anti-fatigue mats should be anywhere from 1/4 inch to 1 inch thick. If you're looking for maximum comfort and relief, then a mat that is not less than 3/4-inch thick would be the best. However, choosing a mat that is too thick may sometimes cause slipping.
4. Is a standing desk mat worth it?
Yes. With a standing mat, you will be more productive than you would without having it. An anti-fatigue mat will help in reducing the amount of fatigue felt while standing. It provides comfort and support to your feet. The incredible texture of these mats within which your legs will disappear when standing is very comfortable.
