The 5 Best Standing Desk Mats of 2024

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In my bartending days we always dreaded dragging out the thick, black anti-fatigue mats that lined the bar. They were heavy, often sticky with the residue of spilled cosmos, and we figured our spry 20-something bodies didn’t need them anyhow. We were wrong, of course—our knees told us so at the end of a shift whenever we left the mats in a pile in the corner. So when I got a standing desk, I knew from experience that buying the best standing desk mat was the next most logical purchase. Because far from being an overly self-indulgent commodity, a standing desk mat is an office must-have for added comfort during prolonged standing.

For example, studies show that a standing mat helps reduce fatigue in the legs and evenly distribute pressure on the feet—two vital functions, especially for longer work sessions. There are also many mats to suit many standing styles, including my favorite: mats with textured surfaces to promote subtle movement, which can improve circulation and reduce fatigue. At the same time, you may want to avoid a mat that’s too squishy, which can cause instability or compromise posture or balance. To help you make an informed decision, we’ve rounded up our favorite standing desk mats, including a few we’ve tested ourselves. Here are our picks:

Our Picks for the Best Standing Desk Mat:

• Best Overall: Topo Comfort Mat by Ergodriven
• Best Standing Desk Mat for Sore Feet: FEZIBO Standing Desk Anti Fatigue Mat with Ergonomic Design
• Best Budget-Friendly Standing Desk Mat: Comfilife Anti-Fatigue Floor Mat
• Best Color Options: Sky Solutions Sky Mat
• Best for Active Users: FEZIBO Standing Desk Anti Fatigue Mat Wooden Wobble Balance Board

Best Overall: Topo Comfort Mat by Ergodriven

Key Features:

• Material: Polyurethane
• Thickness: 2.7 inches
• Size: 26.25 x 29 inches

Our pick for the best overall standing desk mat looks deceptively simple. In fact, if your depth perception is shaky, it might look like a plain black square. But the benefits are all in the subtle valleys and ridges of the surface (hence the “Topo” for topography in the name). If you'd like, you can assume a more neutral position—there’s ample flat space—although most users love to reap the benefits of the rises, including a robust massage ball in the center. Overall, the phrase “game changer” frequently popped up in Amazon reviews about the Ergodriven Topo, citing its transformative effect on the standing experience. Wrote a purchaser, “This is a game changer. I stand at my desk all day and was having a lot of pain in my feet and knees. This mat completely resolved all of this. Great product. I highly recommend.”

Pros:

• Blue, purple and black color options available
• Easy to carry and move around if needed
• Trying different configurations keeps your feet busy

Cons:

• Some found the mat to be too slick upon unboxing

Best Best Standing Desk Mat for Sore Feet: FEZIBO Standing Desk Anti Fatigue Mat with Ergonomic Design

Key Features:

• Material: Polyurethane
• Thickness: 3.07 inches
• Size: 27.36 x 23.62 inches

More than 75 percent of over 1,200 reviews on Amazon give this mat five stars, including myself. I bought this standing desk mat after first trying a plain, flat anti-fatigue kitchen mat. However, I’m a big-time fidgeter, and needed somewhere to dispel all that activity when it came time for things like extended Zoom calls. The Fezibo is the perfect solution. It’s like a playground for my feet. When I first got the mat I spent days cheerfully discovering favorite new standing positions to hang out in—a pretty cool feat for an item that’s about 27 by 24 inches. And even though the feel is a little harder than some other mats, I feel super comfortable standing for extended periods of time, especially since I’m often involving the foot massage rollers. I lay my mat on hardwood floors, and have had zero slippage. And after two years, the mat is going strong, with no signs of wear and tear.

Pros:

• Includes foam rollers for self-massaging feet
• Light gray and black options available
• Stain-resistant finish

Cons:

• The polyurethane foam foot rollers feel too hard for some people

Best Budget-Friendly Standing Desk Mat: Comfilife Anti-Fatigue Floor Mat

Key Features:

• Material: High-density memory foam
• Thickness: 0.75 inches
• Size: 20 x 32, 39 or 70 inches

An anti-fatigue mat can be as simple as a rectangular piece of foam, which is precisely what the Comfilife is. As I noted before, mats as straightforward as the Comfilife have been thrown on hard floors in kitchens and bars for eons, so it makes sense that it’d be the new normal for office furniture in the age of the standing desk. If you need more comfort in your workday but fewer bells and whistles, this is the perfect, budget-friendly pick for you. Sports Illustrated Showcase Editor Rachel Pasche uses this mat at her standing desk setup, and loves the fun color selection. The mat is also easy to move around if you want to swap it out in favor of an under-desk treadmill or elliptical.

Pros:

• Non-slip bottom for hard surfaces and lifetime warranty
• Lots of color options available
• Can double as a kitchen mat, since it won’t impede movement

Cons:

• Less stylish option compared to other mats

Best Color Options: Sky Solutions Sky Mat

Key Features:

• Material: Polyurethane
• Thickness: 0.75 inches
• Size: 17 x 24 inches; 20 x 32 or 39 inches; 24 x 70 inches

Sky Solutions offers another flat standing desk mat option in an array of colors and patterns to complement (or power clash with) your home office’s wallpaper. There’s also plenty of sizes to fit the space. The high-density memory foam will sink enough to alleviate pressure, but not so much that it’s adding strain to your muscles. And the non-slip bottom and beveled edges keep the mat from wandering away (unlike that rolly office chair with a mind of its own).

Pros:

• Can be moved from workspace to kitchen as needed
• Budget-friendly

Cons:

• Some may prefer a more textured surface

Best Standing Desk Mat for Active User: FEZIBO Standing Desk Anti Fatigue Mat Wooden Wobble Balance Board

Key Features:

• Material: Rubber and wood
• Thickness: 2.2 inches
• Size: 20 x 13.9 inches

Don’t mind the challenge of standing on shakier ground? Then a wobble board is an excellent standing desk mat type, especially if you’re an active user who begrudges every second spent static standing at their desk. The FEZIBO Anti-Fatigue Balance Board will help keep you more engaged, mentally and physically—your core will be put to work as you work. But there’s plenty of luscious massage points flanking the board to ease fatigue in your lower limbs. One reviewer on Amazon wrote they had never realized how much they like moving around until they had the board: “The ability to rock back and forth, or stand to one side and rest my other foot on the raised end, also makes a big difference in how comfortable I am able to stand for an entire day,” the reviewer added. This standing desk mat type is definitely quirky, but a winner for the active user who doesn’t mind feeling a little unbalanced in the name of defying stoicism at the desk.

Pros:

• Resistance bands included, which can be attached at either end for exercising
• Simple way to add movement to your day

Cons:

• Max weight 220 pounds
• Some may find the movement too distracting

Why Buy a Standing Desk Mat?

The primary reason to buy a standing desk mat is added comfort during long periods of standing. You may not need the anti-fatigue effects, but adding a little more joy to your routine is never a bad thing. However, there are noted benefits, including the aforementioned anti-fatigue effect. Another benefit I’ve found: If you get nervous when you’re on camera for Zoom meetings at work, certain anti-fatigue standing mats can be a way to dispel nervous energy. And in the long run, a standing desk mat is a lot less costly than the bill from the podiatrist if you can prevent or delay the development of foot issues, like plantar fasciitis.

Related: Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis

How We Chose the Best Standing Desk Mats

Our top picks were those with excellent word-of-mouth, value and durability. We looked at the thickness, materials and ratings from users and evaluated some of our own experiences with the mats and brands. We also included a variety of anti-fatigue comfort mat types to help you find the right kind of mat.

How To Choose the Best Standing Desk Mat for You

Depending on the surface you’ll lay the mat, you may need more or less robust anti-slip properties on the bottom of the mat. Consider also if you want the mat to be more nimble, i.e., able to carry from room to room or home to office. Another consideration is if you want the mat to be able to massage your feet: Such models will include foam rollers or ridges and valleys for self-massage. You also need to factor how stable you want the mat to be. Some won’t budge an inch, while others are intentionally wobbly to keep you on your toes.

FAQs

What is the best thickness for a standing desk mat?

There isn’t a “best” thickness per se. However, a thinner standing desk mat will typically be more firm, while a thicker standing desk mat may have more smush. Take that with a grain of salt though—the material itself is a significant determinant of the feel.

What is the best material for a standing desk mat?

The best material for a standing desk mat will depend on your preferences. A high-density memory foam build may have more pressure relief but wear you down more quickly. A firm, bouncy surface—like rubber—might be less cozy, but spur more productivity.

How often should standing desk mats be replaced?

Like a mattress, standing desk mats should be replaced when the foam or core support material manifests signs of wear and tear in the feel. For example, indentations made by your feet don’t reform. Quality mats should last seven to 10 years at least. Be sure to keep the mats away from pets for longevity. Cats have been known to scratch mats pretty deeply, while a puppy may treat it like a chew toy.

Should I wear shoes on a standing desk mat?

Wearing shoes on a standing desk mat is another matter of preference. I prefer my bare feet on the surface, to really reap the benefits of the ridges in the foam. If you do prefer to wear the best shoes for standing atop your anti-fatigue mat, look for a model that’s easy to clean.

Final Thoughts

A standing desk mat can be an excellent investment for your health. However, be mindful never to let nifty tools like standing desk converters and anti-fatigue mats trick you into standing for too long. After all, standing for too long carries risks comparable to those of sitting for too long, such as lower back pain and cardiovascular issues. Instead, like many things health related, it’s all about taking a balanced approach. Include a healthy mix of breaks in your day, sitting, standing and walking. Compact treadmills are an excellent tool for the walking part, if you need easy access. And if you need gentle reminders to mix up your routine, many of the top fitness apps can nudge you.

Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.