7 Best Anti-Fatigue Mats, Tested for Every Kind of Work

While many anti-fatigue mats come in more subdued color palettes, The House of Noa shows us a different path. Its standing mats are adorned with beautiful patterns, many of which more closely resemble ornate rugs than the easily-conjured image of a black rectangle. They also come in a variety of sizes so you're likely to find one that fits your kitchen or home office setup, and they even make play mats for young ones.

All of this doesn't come at the price of functionality or durability however. The staff of GH's Test Kitchen and Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab has been using these mats for the past month and love the comfort they provide while not compromising on looks. "They're soft and don't move around so you don't trip. I love the variety of designs to choose from." says Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab director Nicole Papantoniou (who spends a lot of time on her feet!). While we love the stylish designs of these mats, we also noted that their light colors were susceptible to staining, so be sure to opt for a darker variation if you tend to spill.

Though we love the utility of anti-fatigue mats, many of them can have prices well above $50 that might dissuade novices or first-time standing desk owners. This mat manages to provide both support and cushioning at a fraction of many of its competitors prices. It's made of polyvinyl chloride too, so cleaning it is as easy as wiping it down with a damp cloth.

Though we weren't able to get hands-on with this mat, we appreciate how accessible the price point makes anti-fatigue mats and the slew of colors available. Our sentiments are echoed by more than 3,000 5-star Amazon reviews, many of which attesting to the relief it brings for the price. If you have pets though, you may want to consider other mats as some reviewers pointed out that it isn't very resistant to clawing from furry friends. At the price however, replacing a well-loved mat isn't much ado.

"It's important to try to change your position frequently throughout the day when possible to mobilize the body. Even shifting weight between your feet can prove to be effective in reducing discomfort." remarked Sassos. The beveled sides and central ball of this mat encourage you to move without feeling uncomfortable, and there's also sufficient flat surface area for when you want to keep still.

Consumer testers liked the cushioned feel and remarked that the varied surface helped reduce the strain of standing still while working upright. "I'd avoid using it in the kitchen," Papantoniou, who pointed out that the raised surfaces can be a tripping hazard (definitely something you don't want around hot oil and sharp knives).

If you find your dogs barking after standing for a long time, CubeFit's TerraMat might be your solution. Whereas many textured anti-fatigue mats simply have protrusions to encourage movement, the TerraMat's are designed to massage your feet as you stand. The two mounds on the side are intended to be sole massagers, and the checkered pressure peaks at the front are meant to stimulate feet with your shoes off.

While we didn't get to try this innovative mat ourselves, we couldn't help but be impressed by the design of this mat, perfect for the stressed multitasker. A bevy of glowing reviews also encourages our suggestion, with some describing how the mat is firmer than others but doesn't reduce comfort. Some however noted a strong plastic smell upon receiving their mat, though many said it dissipated with time. Marko also notes that less-wide mats like this one may not be suited for work wherein you need to move around a lot, as you'll want to ensure you remain on the surface as you complete your tasks to reap the benefits.

Amazon Basics offers an anti-fatigue mat with all of the simple and necessary functionality and none of the frills, making it a great pick for in the garage or shed. It's made of foam, which Marko prefers in anti-fatigue mats, noting that it provides better cushioning than rubber. It also cleans easily with just soap and water. The beveled edges and slightly textured surface also help to reduce tripping as walking onto and passing by the mat. It's also lighter than some of our other picks, clocking in at only 2.6 pounds.

Though we didn't test this mat in Lab, we liked the simplicity it offers in getting you started on your upright journey. We also like that it's sold in multipacks if you're looking to cushion multiple areas in your home, office or garage, or have friends who are on their feet a lot. Over 6,000 5-star Amazon reviews speak to this mat's efficacy, though some note that it's durability leaves a bit to desire as it may start to curl after shorter periods of time than other picks on this list.

ComfiLife's mat is so plush it's shocking it doesn't cost more. Coming in several color options from understated to bold, this mat impressed our testers with its slip-resistance and softness. "It's very soft, sleek and understated" says Papantoniou, who was also impressed with the slip-resistance of this mat, which hasn't moved as she's used it under the sink in the Kitchen Appliances and Innovation lab.

While we appreciate the plushness, Marko warns that it may not be for beginners. "Something to consider about a softer standing surface, however, is that it does challenge your balance more, causing your core musculature to activate since you are standing on an 'unstable' surface," she says. "I view this as a good thing as it helps you build strength. However, after some time you might feel tired from working, so you might need to ramp up your usage on the mat until you build strength."

The Gorilla Grip Anti-Fatigue Comfort Mat is a simple and effective option for your standing work. This foam mat has a rubber backing that helps to prevent slipping and comes in a good range of sizes such that you'll be sure to find one that fits your home's needs.

Although we didn't get the opportunity to test this mat in our Labs, we appreciate the deeply beveled edges to prevent tripping and the swath of muted color options that complement any home office. Though we love the options, some reviewers noted that the colors and patterns were slightly different than depicted once they arrived, so be sure to check some review photos before picking your favorite.