Best Anti-Fatigue Mats
Whether you’re in the kitchen all day preparing food, in your home office using a standing desk or spending hours working on a project in the garage, standing for long periods of time can take its toll on your body.
Back or neck pain, sore feet, loss of concentration – the list of side effects is long. Our bodies need to move to stay healthy. Studies show that sitting for long periods of time is just as detrimental to us as too much standing, so what’s the solution?
Anti-fatigue mats can be the key to alleviating discomfort associated with standing too long. These floor mats are made from thick, comfortable material that take the pressure off your feet to balance your body and actually improve your posture and core strength. Some anti-fatigue mats also encourage you to move your feet, legs and body while you work, further enhancing the benefits.
We narrow down the best anti-fatigue mats you can buy online. Read on to find the one that suits you best.
1. Best Budget: Asvin Premium Kitchen Mat Set
You spend so many hours in the kitchen cooking and baking, you laughingly tell your friends you’re thinking of putting a bed in the kitchen so you can rest your back every now and then. But kidding aside, the long hours on your feet are taking a toll on your body. No matter what shoes you wear, or even if you are barefoot or wearing socks, it’s becoming more difficult to do your work without feeling it in your back. If you are looking for a comfortable reprieve from the strain of standing, then consider this product.
To relieve the stress and tension on your body from standing long periods of time, we recommend the Asvin Premium Kitchen Mat Set.
The multi-use Asvin flat anti-fatigue floor pad is perfect to use in your kitchen or in any room of your home or office. The larger mat measures 47 inches x 17 inches and is just shy of 1/2-inch, while the smaller model measures 30 inches x 17 inches. They’re light enough to carry from room to room, but the great thing about buying this dual set is that you don’t have to lug your mat around every time you move rooms or even workspaces in the kitchen.
Designed to provide the perfect balance of softness (comfort) and tightness (eliminating stress and providing excellent support over a long period of time). This mat is made from non-toxic, phthalate-free PVC, low rebound memory foam and a non-slip rubber base. Its textured design and friction-enhancing surface prevents slipping and tripping. The mat helps to reduce discomfort on your feet, knees, legs and back when you stand for a long time.
This high-quality mat is available in a handful of colors such as red, black, blue, cyan, grey and off-white. The surface is durable, waterproof, oil-proof and easy to clean. Just wipe with a damp cloth. What more could you ask for?
Pros:
- Affordable
- Made from non-toxic, phthalate-free foam
- Lightweight
- Comes with two different sized mats
Cons:
- May not be thick enough for some users
2. Best Non-Flat Mat: FEZIBO Standing Desk Mat with Anti Fatigue Bar
You’ve recently set up your home office with a standing desk. While standing all day seems to be better than sitting for long periods of time, you’re still noticing tension in your feet and legs.
If you’re looking for a non-flat standing desk mat that will relieve foot tension and also keep your body moving, we recommend the FEZIBO Standing Desk Mat with Anti Fatigue Bar, Wooden Wobble Balance Board with Ergonomic Design Comfort Floor Mat (Second Generation) Obsidian Black.
The ergonomically engineered design of this standing mat combines the theory of anti-fatigue with balance training using an 8.5° tilting angle. The tilting angle keeps your legs, core and body active and helps to improve your focus, reduce fatigue and relieve foot tension. Add to that the massage bar in the middle of the mat and the anti-fatigue massage points, and you have a full range of massages to relax the soles of your feet.
This anti-fatigue mat is also ideal if you want to do balance exercises while you stand and work. Doing so creates a low-impact rocker movement to keep your mind and body engaged while you’re working. It also helps to relieve muscle stress and pain in the back, core, legs, and ankles.
Made from high-density, non-toxic latex and natural rubber, it is odor-free, and the comfortable non-stick surface will keep you from slipping or falling. Measuring 21 inches x 15.4 inches x 4.2 inches, and weighing 6.4 pounds, it’s pretty compact and easy to carry around, and can withstand up to 320 pounds of weight.
Pros:
- Has a massage bar
- Has massage points
- Has an 8.5° tilting angle
Cons:
- Does not lay flat
3. Best Portable: ergohead Original Anti-Fatigue Comfort Standing Mat
You spend a lot of your day standing, but it’s never in the same room. Some hours are in the kitchen preparing food and baking. Then it’s off to the laundry room to iron and after that, a few hours in your home office at your standing desk. You’d like an anti-fatigue flat mat, but most are too large or cumbersome to drag from room to room.
If you’re looking for a great anti-fatigue mat that is lightweight and has a handle that makes it easy to take from room to room or hang on a hook when not in use, then we recommend the ergohead Original Anti-Fatigue Comfort Standing Mat perfect for your kitchen or home office (18 x 22 x ¾, Black).
This anti-fatigue mat is designed to help reduce the discomfort caused by long-time standing and helps to alleviate plantar fasciitis, leg pain, backache and sciatica. When you stand on the mat, the pressure from your body weight will be spread more evenly on your foot, instead of centering on the heel and ball. By doing this, blood pooling in the lower extremities (which is related to discomfort) is reduced.
The surface of this durable mat is water repellent and is easy to clean with a damp cloth. Super strong, you don’t have to worry about damaging the surface with high heels. The foam won’t flatten over time, and the bevelled edges prevent tripping or curling. And for added safety, the bottom has anti-slip padding to prevent shifting on various types of flooring.
Measuring 18 inches x 22 inches x 3/4 of an inch, it’s lightweight enough to take from room to room: just grab the handle and go.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Has a handle for easy portability
- Bevelled edges
- Easy to clean
Cons:
- Size may be too small for some people
4. Best High End: GelPro Elite Premier Anti-Fatigue Kitchen Comfort Floor Mat
You’re busy in the house all day, most of the time spent standing in the kitchen. You suffer from arthritis, so by the end of the day, your feet and hips are killing you. You love new technology and don’t mind paying the price for a high-quality product if it means less pain and more comfort to let you get things done.
If you’re looking for a stylishly designed flat anti-fatigue mat with patented gel technology, then we recommend the GelPro Elite Premier Anti-Fatigue Kitchen Comfort Floor Mat, 20×72”, Vintage Leather Sherry Stain Resistant Surface with Therapeutic Gel and Energy-return Foam for Health and Wellness.
This exceptional mat features a ¾-inch core of soothing gel and energy-return foam that significantly reduces stress, fatigue and discomfort while standing. It also has reinforced bevelled edges that will not curl or wear down; a slip-resistant bottom to ensure maximum safety that has been certified by the National Floor Safety Institute; and a stain-resistant top surface constructed with non-toxic polyurethane that is easy to clean with a damp cloth and a mild detergent.
Measuring 72 inches x 20 inches x 3/4 inch and weighing 20.9 pounds, this anti-fatigue mat is larger and heavier than most models. Manufactured in the United States using imported fabric, this mat is backed by a five-year warranty.
Pros:
- Made from patented gel technology
- Manufactured in the US
- Backed by a five-year warranty
Cons:
- More than three times the price of other models
- Large and heavy
5. Best Stain Resistant: ComfiLife Anti Fatigue Floor Mat
You love to cook and spend hours on end making masterpieces for you and the family to enjoy. Perhaps your kids are getting to an age where they want to get in on the action and help you prep for dinner or bake your family’s famous cookies. With a busy, action-packed kitchen, it’s inevitable that accidents will happen and all sorts of items will hit the floor.
If you’re looking for a durable, comfortable mat that won’t fade with use but can take a beating, then this ComfiLife Anti Fatigue Floor Mat is a great option. This ergonomic mat is not only stain-resistant but is also resistant to abrasions, punctures and waterproof. It’s also easy to clean – all you need is a damp cloth.
This mat is made of 3/4-inch thick, high-density foam and features a safe, non-slip bottom in addition to bevelled edges to prevent tripping. This mat is also available in a variety of sizes and colors, so depending on your specific needs and preferences, you can find the best mat for your unique space.
Pros:
- Bevelled edges
- Easy to clean
- Available in a wide range of colors and a handful of sizes
- Stain-resistant
Cons:
- May be too soft for some users
Things to look out for:
Consider these things when looking for an anti-fatigue mat so you will choose one that best suits your needs:
Thickness
Most anti-fatigue mats are ¾-inch thick, which is considered to be a good thickness. Softer or thicker is not always better. Anything thinner may not do the best job, however that may depend on how long you stand at one time. It’s important to choose a mat that offers some elasticity, but at the same time, is not so soft that you are not able to stand comfortably.
Safety
Anti-fatigue mats should not slip or create a slipping hazard. Look for a mat that has sloped or beveled edges, which prevent tripping. Make sure the underneath of the mat is made from anti-slip material that is good for a variety of floor surfaces so it won’t move while you are standing on it.
Cleaning
If you use your mat in the kitchen, where you will be working with food, or in the garage where you may be working with car oil and grease, make sure the mat is easy to clean and mold and mildew resistant. Some designs may have grooves or patterns that can trap dirt and make cleaning difficult.
Type of mat
There are three types of anti-fatigue mats: flat, non-flat active and full active.
Some people prefer a flat mat, which is great for standing long periods of time on a hard floor. This style of mat is usually 0.5 – 1 inch thick, made from dense foam, and completely flat all over. Its primary purpose is to provide cushioning.
A non-flat active mat comes in a variety of shapes and forms, but all have the same purpose: to create a more active working stance. They have a variety of ridges, bumps, and rises for your feet that enables and encourages you to twist and stretch your legs. Standing on one of these mats will get you moving and stretching, improve blood circulation and make your muscles and joints more limber.
Full active mats are usually equipped with features to provide activity, such as massage balls inside a groove, massage points or rocking mechanisms to rest and swing your legs on. The full active mats promote more activity and movement.
Cost
It’s never a good idea to purchase something you can’t afford. Luckily, anti-fatigue mats come in a range of prices. Although the most expensive items are not always the best, generally, you get what you pay for. As a rule of thumb, a flat mat made from quality material with a 2/3-inch thickness will be more affordable than an active mat that has more features. Always consider how you will use the mat and for how long before deciding how much you’d like to spend.
Warranty/lifespan
The durability of a mat is an important consideration. Things can drop on it, especially if it’s used in the kitchen or garage, so it should be stain-resistant. Mats can also wear down, so it’s a good idea to look for an anti-fatigue mat that has at least a one-year warranty.