The best standing desk mats are the ultimate partner to standing desks or anyone who is standing in place for long periods of time. These cushy slabs help redistribute the pressure from standing to reduce fatigue, back pain, and achey feet. "As a physical therapist, I think a standing desk and standing mat should go hand in hand," says Jessica Schwartz, a doctor of physical therapy and a spokesperson for the American Physical Therapy Association. She said a good standing desk mat will help you move naturally without having to think about it.
We think every standing desk owner should invest in an anti-fatigue desk mat. Mark Benden, a certified professional ergonomist and department head of environmental and occupational health at Texas A&M University, explained that standing mats also help with blood flow. "A good mat will encourage you to stand longer than without one due to extra blood flow and more comfort," he said. "Venous return in the lower legs is difficult for some, so the extra foot and ankle movements act as a pump to help move blood back to the heart."
To find the best mats to place under a standing desk, we spoke with multiple experts, read hundreds of reviews, and tested a few out for ourselves. Our top pick is the Ergodriven Topo, which features a curved design that can help strengthen and tone your legs over time, while still providing plenty of anti-fatigue properties.
Our top picks for standing desk mats
Best overall: Ergodriven Topo - See at Amazon
Best basic: Safco Anti-Fatigue Mat - See at Amazon
Easiest-to-move: Sit-Stand Premium Smart Mat - See at Amazon
Best for stretching: Uplift Active Anti-Fatigue Mat E7 - See at Uplift
Best overall
Thoughtfully designed to promote movement and allow for a variety of exercises and stretches, the Ergodriven Topo makes muscle fatigue a thing of the past.
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Every expert I spoke to agreed that the most important function of a standing desk mat is to encourage movement throughout the day. The Ergodriven Topo does just that. Made of high-density polyurethane, the Topo's ridges and contours allow for a variety of subconscious movements. The raised edges are a plus, too — Benden recommends bevelled edges to prevent tripping. It also comes with suggested exercises and instructional videos for those who want to take breaks throughout the day for more deliberate stretching.
Business Insider reviewer Simon Hill tested the mat and said he moved around more and felt less fatigue when standing for long periods. "Some of the stretches the mat encourages feel good, particularly on the calves and lower back," he said, and the mat feels comfortable in bare feet, socks, or shoes.
An indentation in the front of the mat allows you to move it from under your desk with the heel of your foot. "This feature makes sit-to-stand transitions more seamless and discourages awkward bending of the spine to drag out the mat every time you change positions," said Nikki Weiner, occupational therapist and president of ergonomic service company The Rising Workplace.
Unlike flat anti-fatigue mats, the Topo's contours allow you "to do a heel raise [and] get more range of motion, which is better for overall conditioning and strengthening," said Schwartz.
The Ergodriven Topo comes in two sizes. The original is designed for people over 5'4", while the Mini is smaller and will work for shorter people with a narrower stance. Compared to some of the other mats on the list, the Topo is a bit pricier, but it checks every box on our experts' lists.
Best basic
Light enough to move around and only an inch thick, the Safco Anti-Fatigue Mat is good for areas with lots of foot traffic.
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If you want an uncomplicated, flat mat, Weiner recommends the Safco Moveable Anti-Fatigue Mat. "Unless you have an advanced ergonomic issue, sometimes less is more," she said. "Not a lot of bells and whistles are needed to increase comfort in standing." It's affordable and comfortable, and you can move it with your foot, so you're not constantly bending down.
The Safco provides pliable padding with an inch of self-skinning polyurethane, making it easy to clean and resistant to punctures and tears (though it's not meant for use with high-heeled shoes). A front grip and molded glides on the bottom allow you to move the mat on most surfaces with your foot, but it stays in place once you're on it. The material should prevent the edges from curling.
The mat comes in two sizes, so most people should be able to find one that meets the needs of their workstation and body. While it provides cushion, it's not meant for someone who wants the kind of movement that comes from contoured designs, like the Topo.
That said, the Safco Anti-Fatigue Mat is a good option for people who have concerns about tripping over contours and ridges. Schwartz recommends this kind of mat for people who work as cashiers, bartenders, and in kitchens.
Easiest-to-move
The Sit-Stand Premium Mat is flat yet well-cushioned and light enough to move several times a day.
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For a simple-to-move option, Karen Loesing, owner of ergonomic evaluation company The Ergonomic Expert, recommends the Sit-Stand Premium Smart Mat. Its design lets you push it with your foot when you want to transition from sitting to standing, while its rubber back keeps the mat secure once it's in place. It also comes in two designs, one for carpet and another for hard surfaces.
Its soft, breathable cushion is meant to appeal to people who like working in socks or with bare feet. As with other flat mats, it doesn't offer the kind of options for movement as those with uneven terrain.
"Not everyone is meant to be on uneven surfaces, [such as people with] preexisting conditions, ongoing discomfort, or balance issues," said Schwartz. If any of these apply to you, the Sit-Stand Smart Mat could be a great choice.
Best for stretching
The Uplift Anti-Fatigue Mat has lifted sides, massage points, and wedges to help you stretch and stay active throughout the work day.
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Contours help encourage movement, but "ridges and edges may be a trip or balance hazard for some users," said Weiner. The Uplift Active Anti-Fatigue Mat has a flat center and sloped, textured edges for movement and stretching when you need it.
The mat has a foam core but firm side ridges. At three inches tall, you can use them to engage the muscles in your ankles, calves, and feet. Its beveled, no-curl edges and non-slip bottom keep the mat securely in place.
The Active Anti-Fatigue Mat also falls in line with Schwartz's recommendation for a mat with good thickness, though at nearly eight pounds, it's heavier than others on our list. To avoid injury, she wouldn't recommend this mat unless you feel comfortable moving it as often as every 30 to 60 minutes.
It's a big standing mat, measuring in at 28.25 inches wide. Users appreciate its range of options, from using the wedge for a calf stretch to standing on the mat's wide, flat surface. It also comes with a 15-year warranty: extremely generous, especially compared to shorter, policies with other standing mats.
What to look for in a standing desk mat
The mat you choose will ultimately come down to your needs and personal preferences, but here's what our experts say to look for.
Comfort and thickness: Above all, the best standing desk mats are comfortable to stand on; at least more comfortable than standing on the floor. Look for mats with a moderate thickness: thick enough to provide some cushion, but not so thick that you sink into the mat. Our favorite standing desk mats are about 1 inch thick. If you wear heels, Benden recommends a thinner, firm mat for optimal comfort.
Size: "If you're petite, you won't need a large mat, but for taller and wider users, a larger mat allows you to stretch and have a wider stance," said Karen Loesing, owner of The Ergonomic Expert. "You also have to consider the space around you. Ideally, your mat shouldn't be larger than the space where your chair will be when you're working in sitting positions."
Ease of movement: While you'll want a mat that's easy enough to move in and out of place as you transition from sitting to standing, you also don't want a mat that moves when you're standing on it. "You want the mat to be secure on the floor surface," said Weiner. "If you find that the mat scoots around, consider attaching some non-skid cabinet liner to the underside."
Durability: Experts we spoke to said you should aim to stand about 30% of your day, if possible. That means a significant chunk of your day will be standing on your mat, so it needs to be durable. Materials like polypropylene and polyurethane foam strike a good balance of comfort and durability.
Standing desk mat FAQs
How often should you stand during the workday?
Experts we spoke to recommend a general guideline of 30% of your workday standing. However, you may tolerate more or less time based on your individual anatomy.
"Just like sitting has been referred to as the new smoking, standing for too long of a period can also be harmful," Schwartz, spokesperson for the APTA, said. She recommends changing positions every 30 minutes, whether it's from sitting to standing, walking to get water, or simply shifting your stance to reduce inflammation.
Benden recommends the 20/8/2 rule, meaning you break up your day with 20 minutes of sitting, eight minutes of standing, and two minutes walking."
My experience as an occupational therapist has taught me that we should stand as tolerated, rather than attempting to pin [ourselves] into a schedule or goal," adds Weiner. "Change positions with early signs of discomfort, and remember that although standing can promote more movement, it is not a substitution for actual movement."
Where should I place my standing desk mat?
"Make sure the mat is centered in front of the workstation and placed close enough so you can stand in relation to the desk with ergonomics in mind," said The Rising Workplace's Weiner. "Keep arms close to the body, shoulders relaxed, and ears over your shoulders and hips. If a mat is placed too far away from the desk, it could cause you to lean forward or over-reach for the mouse and keyboard."
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