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The 8 Very Best Standing-Desk Mats

To complete your ergonomic WFH setup.

Photo: Marcus McDonald
Photo: Marcus McDonald

In this article

Wherever you’re working from, switching to a standing desk can help alleviate the aches and pains that come from sitting down all day. But while working at a standing desk does take pressure off your back, standing for long periods can put some strain on your feet, knees, and legs. That’s where a standing-desk mat, which can help you stand comfortably for a lot longer, comes in. It will “aid in increasing circulation, improving posture, and decreasing joint compression in the feet, ankles, knees, hips, and lower back, thus decreasing pain and discomfort.” Sometimes called an “anti-fatigue” mat, it will help you use your standing desk for longer periods of time because it’s more comfortable than standing on a hardwood or carpeted floor without one, adds chiropractor Dr. Randi Jaffe. So I asked three chiropractors about the best standing desk mats to add to your work from home setup, and then tested out their top pick.

What we’re looking for

Material

Dr. Adam Lamb of Lamb Chiropractic, a New York City–based practice, says to look for a mat that is made of foam or a high-density polyurethane.

Thickness

According to Manhattan Medicine chiropractor Dr. Jasmine Bhoola, a standing-desk mat should be at least a half an inch thick to best alleviate pressure from joints.

Size

And, of course, you want to note the size of each standing-desk mat to make sure you have enough floor space to accommodate it.

Best overall standing-desk mat

Material: Polyurethane | Thickness: 0.85 inches | Size: 26.2 x 2.7 x 29 inches

This mat really encourages “subconscious movement,” explains Jaffe, ensuring that you don’t stay in one position for too long, which can lead to a decrease in blood flow, poor posture, and more pressure on your joints, especially your knees. I’ve been recently dealing with some joint pain in my ankles and knees and wasn’t sure I’d be able to stand for very long without getting achy, but the mat incorporates different textures and levels that encouraged me to stretch and move, which made it much more comfortable. I also really appreciated that the mat slides easily with the push of one foot, so I didn’t even need to bend down and reposition it when I went from sitting to standing throughout the day.

Best less expensive standing-desk mat

$65

Material: Polyurethane | Thickness: 0.85 inches | Size: 25.2 x 19.2 x 2.5 inches

And if you have less space, Topo makes a mini-model that has the same varied topography design as its original Comfort Mat above but is smaller (and more affordable).

Best budget standing-desk mat

Material: PVC | Thickness: 0.47 inches | Size: 17.3 x 28, 17.3 x 47, or 17.3 x 39 inches

For an even more affordable option, Bhoola suggests this super-plush anti-fatigue mat. “The cushioning protects the knee joints and alleviates pressure from the hip, lower back, and ankles,” she says. “These are especially great, because they come in a variety of sizes to choose from.”

Best standing-desk mat with a range of colors

Material: Memory foam | Thickness: 0.75 inches | Size: 20 x 39 inches

Jaffe likes this mat from Sky Solutions, which she says is a good bang for your buck. It comes in 15 colors, so your mat can complement your home-office décor.

Best massaging standing-desk mat

Material: Polyurethane | Thickness: 1 inch | Size: 27.36 x 23.62 x 3.07 inches

“Standing is better than sitting, but if you’re just standing in one place, that’s not great for you either,” says Lamb, who recommends getting a standing-desk mat that will encourage you to move as much as possible. He recommends looking for standing mats that have ample room to stand with your feet flat, have some sort of raised or textured surface, massaging aspect or other features that encourage you to move your feet around, stretch and improve circulation while decreasing fatigue. He loves this one, which includes a balance bar, as well as a massager ball.

Best flat standing-desk mat

From $46

Material: Memory foam | Thickness: 0.75 inches | Size: 20 x 32, 20 x 39, or 24 x 70 inches

Lamb says that a more standard desk mat is typically flat, and while the simple design doesn’t encourage as much movement as the other mats on this list, it does provide some extra cushioning to relieve pressure on your joints. Not only is this mat well cushioned and comfortable, it is slip resistant, even if it’s on a hardwood floor.

Best standing-desk mat in multiple sizes

Material: Polyurethane | Thickness: 0.75 inches | Size: 20 x 32 inches

Depending on the size of your floor, you might want to better customize the area size of your mat. This one, recommended by Jaffe, is great because it comes in six different sizes.

Best balance-board standing-desk mat

Material: Foam and hardwood | Thickness: 2.6 inches | Size: 20.87 x 13.39 inches

If you tend to get fidgety or just like being able to shift your weight while working, this standing mat–balance board hybrid may be the right choice. Lamb calls it a “great addition” to your home office, especially for those who are looking for even more activity while working — although he does note that new users would have to ease into using one regularly, so you may want to consider buying the balance board in addition to one of the stabilized mats above. The mat has a ton of thoughtful design touches, including a slip-resistant rubber bottom, a rolling massage ball, and a grid of massage points to relieve tension in your feet.

Some standing desks to pair with your mat

Our experts

Dr. Jasmine Bhoola, Manhattan Medicine chiropractor
Dr. Randi Jaffe, chiropractor
Dr. Adam Lamb, chiropractor and founder of Lamb Chiropractic

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The 8 Very Best Standing-Desk Mats