Best desk mats for sore feet

A standing desk is a great way to improve your health while you work, but while your back may thank you, your feet may have a different opinion. Here are five of the best foot mats to help keep you comfortable.

Standing desk mats aren’t particularly complex in design—they’ve been around much longer than the recent batch of standing desks, and help workers in retail, food preparation, and other occupations who stand up. in the same place for long shifts to relieve foot fatigue. .

That said, some are definitely a cut above the rest, thanks to quality materials and thoughtful features. We’ve selected the best overall, the best for those on a budget, those who like to fidget and move while working, and the best for those who want an extra-large mat for large workspaces.

Update, 05/10/22: Verified text and updated links. Replaced the discontinued “Best Flat Mat” and “Best for Fidgeters” selections.

What to look for in a standing desk mat

Although they may seem boring at first, standing desk mats are quite interesting. They come in a variety of sizes and designs, and keep your feet, legs, and back feeling great after a long day on your feet. Here’s everything you need to keep in mind when looking for one:

• Material: What materials is a rug made of? Make sure the outer material is durable and easy to clean, and has a non-slip bottom that stays in place all day. Us
• Size: Do you want a mat that is large enough to fit your feet while standing? Would you prefer a little more room to move (or dance, we won’t judge)? Do you like a rug that is square, rectangular, or a creative size that changes every few inches? There are plenty of mats here for each option, so think about how you move around your standing desk.
• Border design: Some mats are flat with edges that taper to the ground so you don’t trip over them. Others have multiple edges that are slanted up or wavy, giving you an easy way to stretch and fidget throughout the day. There is not necessarily any benefit to either and ultimately it comes down to a matter of personal preference.

Best Overall Pick: Ergodriven Topo

Number one on our list is the Ergodriven Topo. This relatively small mat stands out from the rest thanks to its irregular shape, which encourages the user to change positions frequently to avoid fatigue and repetitive stress injuries. Its variable thickness ranges from three-quarters of an inch thick to almost three inches, with deep ramps on the back and center “teardrop” ridge for when you need extra support. Granular polyurethane feels great and is easy to wash, and it comes in a few muted colors to match different office décor.

The mat slides in and out from under your desk with ease, and its bowl shape allows it to double as a kickstand if you use a medicine ball to sit on your desk. However, the Topo isn’t cheap, nor is it suitable for people under 5’4″ (a smaller “mini” version is available for people of shorter stature), but it’s worth it if you’re looking for the best way to keep the comfortable feet throughout a working day.

Best Flat Mat: VIVO Comfort Mat

The VIVO Comfort Mat is the way to go for those who prefer their comfortable cushions to be completely horizontal. While the 28-by-17-inch mat doesn’t include any of the foot-massaging topography seen elsewhere on this list, its high-density foam interior provides plenty of support without going flat (ter) or leaving permanent marks.

Users appreciate its non-slip bottom, which makes it useful for any non-desk tasks you might need, like working in the kitchen or garage, and rolling chairs can be rolled onto it via its sloped edges if you need to. get some rest. It is made of easy-to-clean polyurethane material that is easy to clean and can be wiped clean with a damp cloth or vacuumed.

Best Fidget Mat: Gaiam Standing Mat

If you like to move while standing at your desk, try the Gaiam Foot Mat. It includes irregular cushioning zones like the Topo, but the more complex curves offer even more lean and rock positions. Plus, it has two large built-in massage ball nubs, which can give you extra points of cushioning and a bit of stimulation for restless legs.

The rug features nearly 10 resting ridges plus a (mostly) flat center valley to support a variety of footing areas. The mat base has a non-slip design, ideal for those who alternate between sitting and standing. However, not all edges are sharp towards the ground, so be careful when you’re around so you don’t trip.

Best Budget Choice: Gorilla Grip Comfort Mat

Those willing to trade some features for a lower price will like the Gorilla Grip Comfort Mat. This general-purpose mat is just $30 for the smaller version, only about a third of the price of the alternatives on this list, and it matches the three-quarter-inch-thick polyurethane of the non-grooved parts of the other picks. . .

The rug comes in 19 different colors and patterns, and features a water-resistant, hand-washable finish that’s perfect for use in the kitchen. Taller users will want to upgrade to the longer 39-inch version for a few bucks more, but those who need a mat that slides in and out quickly should look elsewhere, as the company’s non-slip bottom it is designed not to move even on slippery surfaces. surfaces.

Best Oversized Mat: Butterfly Long Anti-Fatigue Mat

If your workspace is large enough to stand in various positions throughout the day, ergonomically designed mats are probably not practical for you. But this jumbo rug can get the job done, thanks to its surface area of ​​nearly six feet long by two feet wide. Even at more than twice the size of the next largest mat on the list, the price is more than reasonable at under $90.

The three-quarter-inch thickness matches the standard set by other rugs, and Butterfly offers a lifetime warranty on construction. As this rug is designed for semi-permanent use in one location, it features a non-slip bottom and a handful of decorative colors and patterns that will make it look a little less utilitarian in a kitchen or laundry room. If you plan to use it somewhere other than a conventional office, choose a printed pattern instead of an embossed one; it will be easier to clean if you spill something.

What about the balance boards?

Make no mistake, we love standing desk mats. They keep our feet, legs, and back pain-free as we write articles every day. They’re not the only accessory option for your standing desk, though – check out our favorite balance boards! While they don’t do much to keep your body comfortable, they can improve your balance and even help tone some muscles. They are a good passive exercise and ideal for the restless.