Working at a standing desk may help reduce back pain, lower the risk of heart disease, improve mood, and even increase productivity. However, without a desk mat, studies have shown that standing on hard floors for too long can have a negative impact on circulation or cause foot pain.
More than just offering positive health benefits, standing desk mats can protect the floor around a desk from getting worn down from standing in the same area for extended periods. Some also offer additional features that can boost productivity, and others are designed for use while standing, sitting, or using a standing desk chair.
If you’re searching for a standing desk mat but are unsure of the many options, you’ve come to the right place. This guide shares important shopping considerations for choosing the best standing desk mat and includes some of the top products on the market.
- BEST OVERALL: Topo Comfort Mat by Ergodriven
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Zeppoli Royal Anti-Fatigue Comfort Mat
- BEST FOR ACTIVE PEOPLE: CubeFit Standing Desk Terramat
- BEST FOR SORE FEET: Kangaroo 3/4 Inch Thick Cushion, Standing Mat
- BEST ANTI-FATIGUE: Ergohead Standing Desk Mat
- BEST ERGONOMIC: Butterfly Ergonomic Anti Fatigue Standing Desk Mat
- BEST FOR STRETCHING: Vari – The ActiveMat – Standing Desk Anti-Fatigue Mat
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Standing Desk Mat
Performing a quick search for standing desk mats can reveal that not only are there numerous products on the market, but also that standing desk mats are available in a variety of sizes, styles, and materials. They also may offer different design features or be portable or stationary. Taking some time to determine priorities when selecting a standing desk mat can help expedite the search process and increase satisfaction with the product you ultimately choose.
Size
Just as the size of a desk chair mat can affect a work space, the size of a standing desk mat is also important. The amount of available space in front of a desk can help guide the search for an appropriately sized mat.
Measure the open space in front of the desk to determine how much room is available for a mat. Whether it provides standing room only or if it needs to provide enough space for feet to move around or stretch during work can help you decide between a more spacious standing desk mat or a more compact model.
A more compact standing desk mat is usually around 22 inches long and 18 inches wide, while larger options may be closer to 30 inches long and 28 inches wide. Standing desk mats that also double as a desk chair mat may be even larger at around 36 inches long and 50 inches wide.
Thickness also varies among mats to provide different levels of padding and comfort for joints and feet. Most standing desk mats range from about .5 inches thick to about 2.5 inches thick. Some may have elevated terrain features that add height to sections of the mat.
Material
Standing desk mats may be constructed using different materials. When evaluating the material, consider how compressible it is. Mats that are overly soft may bottom out or compress too much, making them almost as hard as the floor beneath them. Mats that don’t compress enough can place too much pressure on the joints and feet. Finding a standing desk mat that offers support with some give is ideal for blood circulation and relief of pressure points. If a mat starts showing signs of wear or doesn’t feel as cushioned, it may be time to replace the mat.
Some common materials include gel, foam, and foam-rubber.
- Gel: Gel standing desk mats are very durable. They have a gel core to provide comfort and alleviate pressure on joints. Many gel pads also offer a waterproof design.
- Foam: Foam standing desk mats offer cushioning to support the body and relieve pain and pressure. However, they are not as durable as other types of mats and may not last as long.
- Foam-rubber: Foam-rubber mats offer a more durable upgrade to a foam mat. They have a tough rubber shell that covers the foam core to increase the lifespan of the mat. Most foam-rubber mats last for a few years.
The materials used for standing desk anti-fatigue mats affect both the comfort of the mat as well as its durability, but cleaning and care are similar for the different materials. Sweeping daily reduces dirt buildup, and cleaning with a mild detergent or soap with warm water helps keep a mat in good condition. These mats need to dry fully before standing on them again.
Features
Some standing desk mats offer additional features to make them more ergonomic or allow users to stretch more effectively as they use a standing desk. These features may include a built-in footrest, trackballs, and contours.
- Built-in footrest: Some standing desk mats are designed to be used both as a mat for standing and a mat for sitting. Some of these models feature a raised footrest area to keep the feet more comfortable while sitting.
- Trackballs: A trackball is a rolling ball built into some desk mats. Users can rub a foot back and forth over the ball to increase their concentration and focus while also massaging the foot for added comfort.
- Contours for movement: Many standing desk mats have contoured sides, rather than being completely flat. The contoured sides can encourage individuals to shift their position, move their feet around, or stretch more as they work.
Portability
Portability may be an important feature to consider. In some cases, users may want to switch between a standing desk and a sitting desk during their workday. Some also may prefer a portable mat that is easy to move between their desk and the kitchen sink or a hobby area where they’ll be standing for extended periods of time.
A mat that is lightweight and easy to move can make it easier to switch between sitting and standing throughout the day. Standing desk mats range from around 3 to 10 pounds. While thicker or bulkier mats may be more challenging to move, some mats are designed to be pushed under the desk or pulled back out using just one foot. These mats can make it even easier to transition between sitting and standing.
Our Top Picks
To help make the search for the best standing desk mat easier, this list of top picks includes a variety of products in a range of styles and materials. Selected using the shopping considerations mentioned above as a guide, the following are some of the best standing desk mats that can make helpful additions to many kinds of office spaces.
Photo: amazon.com
The Topo Comfort Mat by Ergodriven is designed to keep individuals comfortable as they stand to reduce the amount of time they spend sitting at a desk. The mat is made from a cushioned and comfortable material that offers special terrain features including a raised central teardrop, rails, a hook, a back ramp, and a calf raise shelf.
The purposeful design of the terrain encourages movement and stretching to improve comfort, energy levels, and productivity. The mat has a unique indentation for a heel or toe that helps make it easy to transition it from a sitting mat to a standing mat.
Photo: amazon.com
The Royal anti-fatigue mat from Zeppoli is a budget-friendly choice for those who want to enjoy the benefits of a standing desk mat. This mat is 32 inches long and 20 inches wide and is made from a ¾-inch-thick piece of durable foam. The foam cushion enhances blood flow and circulation to alleviate aches and pains for a more comfortable work experience.
This standing desk mat features a nonslip backing that makes it suitable for use on a variety of floor types including laminate, wood, and marble. It also has contoured beveled edges that ensure the mat stays in place while also making it less of a potential tripping hazard. Its waterproof and textured surface can stimulate feet and provide additional comfort. This mat is available in black and mocha brown.
Photo: amazon.com
CubeFit’s Terramat is designed with an array of three-dimensional features to encourage movement and activity while standing at work. It includes a full balance bar across the front of the mat to work the core and perform calf raises, two massage mounds for the soles of the feet, a power wedge for stretching calf muscles, acupuncture pressure peaks to stimulate feet, and a support track for stretching hip flexors. These design features allow for 11 different stances while working.
This mat is 30 inches long and 27.5 inches wide, and users can slide the mat out from under their desk using one foot when they are ready to switch from a sitting position to a standing position.
Photo: amazon.com
This standing mat from Kangaroo is made using a 0.75-inch-thick foam to provide cushioning and comfort for individuals as they stand at a desk for long periods of time. The cushioning offered by the foam works to alleviate stress placed on feet and joints for decreased soreness.
This mat is designed to be durable and long lasting, and the base of the mat is designed to not bottom out after repeated use. The mat features low-profile beveled edges for a more cohesive look with the floor and to prevent accidental tripping. A waterproof, stain-resistant, and easy-to-clean material covers the mat. It is 32 inches long and 20 inches wide.
Photo: amazon.com
The Ergohead standing desk mat is an anti-fatigue mat with an ergonomic design to encourage movement while standing and working at a desk. The mat has a compact size and measures 27 inches long by 25 inches wide. Its smaller size makes it an optimal choice for more petite individuals or those with a tighter work space.
This anti-fatigue standing desk mat is made from 100 percent polyurethane foam. A special skin with a pebbled texture covers the foam for increased durability. The mat features raised edges, a central teardrop, and other terrain features to allow individuals to stretch their legs, massage their feet, and engage their toes as they stand and work. Use the terrain design to switch between 10 different standing positions. The design of the mat also makes it easy to slide under or out from under a desk using just one foot.
Photo: amazon.com
Those looking for an ergonomic choice may want to consider the Butterfly standing desk mat. This mat offers cushioned support for the feet, massage points, a center teardrop, and other terrain features to engage the muscles and facilitate healthy movement when standing.
The mat, which is shaped like a butterfly, also features a beveled edge design with no-curl edges to prevent accidental tripping. It can be placed in the ideal position by simply sliding it with a foot. This mat is 36 inches long and 24 inches wide at the widest and longest parts.
Photo: amazon.com
The ActiveMat by Vari is a standing desk mat that provides the ability to stretch muscles during a workday. Designed with a flat center and raised side rails, the 25-degree angle of the side rails provides an ideal spot for individuals to stretch their calves and move their feet and legs more throughout the day.
The mat’s design allows movements that engage different muscles than those used while standing still. This standing desk mat has a high-density core and is 35.5 inches long by 23.75 inches wide.
FAQs About Standing Desk Mats
If you are looking for more information about selecting the best standing desk mat for an office or work space, the following questions and answers may offer additional insights.
Q. Do I need a mat with a standing desk?
While you could work at a standing desk without a mat, many health professionals advise against doing so as various health problems including poor circulation, swelling, joint damage, and heart problems may be caused by standing for prolonged periods of time. According to studies, using a standing desk mat improves circulation, provides cushioning to relieve joint pressure, places less strain on the heart and muscles, and increases energy levels.
Q. What makes a good standing desk mat?
What is considered the best standing desk mat may vary from person to person. The right standing desk mat for you will be appropriately sized for the space, while allowing the motion and movement you desire. It also will offer an ideal amount of cushioning for your personal preferences and needs.
Q. How long will my standing desk mat last?
How long a standing desk mat will last can vary based on the quality of the mat, how regularly it is used, whether you wear shoes on it or not, and other factors. Most standing desk mats can last for at least a few years.
