The 10 Best Anti-Fatigue Mats of 2023, Tested and Reviewed

The Sky Solutions Anti-Fatigue Mat stole the show

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The 10 Best Anti-Fatigue Mats of 2023, Tested and Reviewed

If you've ever worked at a standing desk or prepared a meal for hours, you know how very painful it can be to stand in one place for too long. We're big fans of using anti-fatigue mats in our homes and office spaces, but with so many great options out there, it can be hard to narrow down which styles are really worth your money.

If improving your joint health is important to you, then adding an anti-fatigue mat or two in areas like the space below your standing desk, next to your bed, or in front of your sink can make a world of difference. We tested 16 anti-fatigue mats to discover which products deserve the PEOPLE Tested stamp of approval.

These are our favorite anti-fatigue mats for everyday use.

It has a memory foam cushion which nicely molded around our feet.

The mat comes in a variety of shades and patterns to suit your space.

The smooth surface is easy to wipe clean.

None that we could find.

There was no contest regarding which style performed the best during our tests, as the Sky Solutions Anti-Fatigue Mat scored the best across categories of design, comfort, ease of cleaning, and more. Its memory foam material allowed for the mat to mold around our feet, providing firm support and cloud-like cushion. The variety of colors and patterns made this mat a great choice for anyone looking to add a bit of comfort to their space, as its versatility offers options for any style of decor. However, we suggest that you pick the black shade over a color if you want to disguise small messes.

We were impressed by the easy cleaning process; during testing, we watched flour and molasses rinse right off the mat. Compared to anti-fatigue mats with textured surfaces, this one's smooth exterior made cleaning a breeze — making this the perfect option for a kitchen.

However, no mat is one-size-fits-all — and thankfully, this style comes in five different dimensions to accommodate your space — whether under a standing desk or in your kitchen. We wished the mat we tested was a bit larger, but since this option is available in several different sizes, you can get the proper ratio for your space. From its comfortable 0.75-inch cushion to the attractive price point, we found the most favor with the Sky Solutions Anti Fatigue Mat.

This mat has a non-slip textured surface.

It has a gel and memory foam cushion which felt extremely soft and comfortable.

While the textured surface is great for preventing slip, it is more difficult to clean.

For a great price, this cushy mat was our top contender with the most attractive (and we do mean lowest) price point. After standing on the mat for an hour, we thought the 0.90-inch gel and memory foam material (the thickest cushion on our list) was the standout quality. The longer we stood on this mat, the more our feet started to sink in and carve out a mold. Staying true to its memory foam core, this mat supports a contouring cushion for long days spent on your feet.

The PU leather exterior is detailed with a non-slip woven surface, and while pleasing to the eye, it could create potential cleaning issues. After the mess test with molasses and flour, we noticed that the grooves made this mat a bit hard to clean. However, if you plan to use this mat under your standing desk, your chance of spilling molasses is pretty slim.

It is much wider than most mats on our list and is ideal for large kitchens or office spaces.

It's made of high-quality cushion material.

It's not necessarily intended for home use.

Though the Cactus Mat retails higher than others on our list, its large dimensions more than justify its price tag. At 60 by 35 inches, this mat answers our earlier wishes for a comfortable and large anti-fatigue mat. The Cactus ended up being the largest mat we tested, and it's not much more expensive than some of the higher-end, smaller kitchen mats we tried — making it well worth the price tag.

Ideal for office spaces, this nondescript mat provides just the right amount of cushion for people with a larger walking path. While it's not specifically meant for home use, self-professed chefs or home cooks may prefer the extra width of this mat as they flit around the kitchen. We think that at this size, you could move between your counter, sink, and stove, all without stepping foot on the floor.

It's worth noting that because of its larger size, this anti-fatigue mat would need to be dragged outside to clean up after a long day in the kitchen. However, its thick nitrile rubber cushion is supportive enough to support the bottoms of your feet all day long.

It has a non-slip, pebbled surface.

This mat was very easy to clean.

It comes in tons of color options to suit your space.

During the break-in period, we noticed a lack of heel support.

We truly loved testing the Gorilla Grip Anti-Fatigue Mat thanks to its equally comfortable and sturdy material. Coming in at 32 by 30 inches, this is the perfect mat for slipping under a standing desk or placing it at the base of your counter for long days on your feet. Its high-density foam helped cushion our feet without collapsing our arches or making our feet feel uncomfortable in any way. A huge perk was its easy-to-clean pebbled rubber surface, which can be wiped down or even hosed in the case of a more significant spill.

We did think that our heels could have used a bit more support after an hour of testing, but seeing as this mat was brand new (and these usually have a break-in period), we're willing to overlook that for its reasonable price, superb comfort, and hefty color options (12!).

This mat has a sturdy, non-slip design.

It contains a circulation-improving biofoam core.

It's a great choice for high-traffic spaces.

It's only available in one color.

Made with an energy-returning biofoam, this non-slip ergonomic mat is great for high-volume foot traffic and office use. Its beveled edges prevent sliding when walking, and its standard 0.75-inch cushion provides comfortable support to tired feet. So whether you're stopping to refill at the water cooler or placing this mat under your standing desk, the GelPro mat could be a welcome addition to your workspace. It only comes in one color — black — which gives it more of an industrial appearance.

While we wished that this mat was a bit bigger (we tested the 32 x 20-inch size), there are larger options available, and the comfort and support that this biofoam option provided outweighed its size. Its smooth exterior allowed for an easy clean as well — not as effortless as the Sky Solutions option, but just a wash and a few rinses did the job.

The no-curl beveled edge keeps it flush to the ground throughout use.

It comes in several colors and shades.

This mat has a non-slip bottom.

None that we could find.

Adding an anti-fatigue mat to your home may seem like a no-brainer, but not every mat is right for your space — that is until you get acquainted with the ComfiLife Anti-Fatigue Floor Mat. This features a 0.75-inch thick cushion for superior support. Though this may not be the thickest mat of the bunch, it ranked the highest for this category due to its dense foam core that provided an extra layer of comfort.

Another perk is the non-slip bottom, which is essential if you have little ones running around or want to avoid falling. We also appreciated the beveled edges to reduce the risk of tripping over the side. This comfortable anti-fatigue mat comes in three different sizes and 13 solid color options to fit into your kitchen space or home office under your standing desk.

This mat provides even weight distribution from heel to toe.

It has a firm, yet comfortable surface.

It's available in 15 colorways.

The diamond-etched surface can complicate the cleaning process.

The main takeaways from our time testing the Kangaroo mat were its firmness and support. Its rubber and foam makeup provided even support from heel to toe, making this mat feel quite firm but overall comfortable. After standing on the mat for an hour, we felt that the weight of our feet was evenly distributed, which is instrumental in protecting our ligaments. (Did we mention that it comes in 15 colors and patterns?)

The diamond-embossed surface creates a massaging yet decorative texture, which is great for use at the kitchen counter or under a standing desk, but unfortunately, it can tamper with the cleaning process. After letting the flour and molasses test go on overnight, we found it more challenging to clean the surface of this mat due to its texture. However, the waterproof rubber exterior will help avoid water damage after a scrub-down if you do get this mat a little messy.

It's extremely easy to clean.

It's made of durable, long-lasting material.

This mat is available at a low price point.

It is slightly small in size compared with other mats.

Home cooks will love this comfortable and easy-to-clean mat that fits perfectly in front of your kitchen counter. We appreciated the mat's cushion despite its relatively thin makeup (0.63 inches, to be exact), and upon doing some digging into reviews from years past, we discovered that shoppers have had their Amazon Basics anti-fatigue mats for nearly one and a half years — so we're pretty excited to see how this durable mat continues to perform in our long-term testing.

While we do think that this mat is slightly small (you'd have to be pretty much stationary to get the full effects), we think it's worth the price for people who end up at the sink for extended periods of time washing dishes or preparing food.

It will fit well in a kitchen with a nautical style.

It's made of comfortable material.

It's easy to clean.

It moved around slightly despite non-slip claims.

The fabric could highlight dirt or spills.

If your home décor screams nautical or you live by the beach, then you'll love this coastal-inspired anti-fatigue mat that definitely stands out from the bunch (in the best way). This ivory and dusty blue striped mat looks like it's straight out of Nantucket. We were pleased with this mat not only because of its stylish look but its super comfortable material as well — a high-density foam covered with the celebrated lined fabric that let our heels sink right in.

We do want to point out that while this mat claims to be non-slip we did notice some sliding around as we moved about on the mat (though nothing major, it's still something of note). However, we think that this mat is excellent for kitchens or other hard-floored spaces decorated in a light color palette, though we do warn you that its light coloring may show off a bit more dirt and messes than darker options will. Luckily, this mat is very easy to wipe down if you have a spill, making this note a little less concerning.

It's one of the more cushioned mats that we tried.

This mat contours to the shape of your feet.

It's available at an affordable price point.

The textured surface made it a bit more challenging to clean.

The AmazonCommercial anti-fatigue mat is the perfect multi-use mat. Use it at a standing desk for extra comfort in your workplace or home office, or place it by your sink for a pleasant dish-washing experience. We appreciated the thickness of the foam core and how it reminded us of an outdoor mat but with the structure of a personal mat. It even contours to the shape of your feet. This anti-fatigue mat is a solid option if you want to buy something affordable without thinking too hard (thank you, Amazon).

Simple decision-making aside, it was a bit challenging to clean the mat. Its textured surface is great for traction on the bottom of one's shoe but not ideal for washing out hardened food or liquid spills. If you do happen to spill, we recommend quickly wiping up the mess with a damp cloth to prevent any substances from settling into the texture.

Anti-fatigue mats are typically made from foam, but getting down to the nitty-gritty of your mat makeup can help you select the best one. "Anti-fatigue or standing mats are designed to offload stress to the foot and body associated with prolonged standing. Some mats provide cushion, whereas others provide irregular surfaces or texture to stimulate and massage the feet," says New York City podiatrist Emily Splichal, D.P.M.

Uber-comfortable anti-fatigue mats are often made from memory foam, which is ideal for shoppers looking for a surface to comfortably contour to the shape of their feet for support and comfort — not unlike how memory foam mattresses cushion the body. Another popular material is biofoam, which claims to release energy back into your ligaments to activate the muscles in your footbed as you stand (take the GelPro NewLife EcoPro, for example). Additionally, your mat's exterior can complicate your cleaning process, as textured surfaces hold more grime than smoother ones.

Most anti-fatigue mats range from 0.25 to 1 inch thick. The right thickness is a matter of personal preference. The most comfortable and supportive anti-fatigue mats are generally at least 0.5 inches thick, and commercial grade mats typically don't drop below 0.38 inches, so anything thinner likely won't provide you with longterm support. You’ll also want to consider the amount of time you’ll be standing on the mat each day and whether or not you’ll be wearing shoes (which also add support and cushioning) when deciding on thickness.

To choose the right size mat, measure the size of the area where you’ll be using it. If you have a large, open area, you may opt for a larger mat that allows you to move around freely without stepping on and off the mat. Alternatively, if you plan to use your anti-fatigue mat in front of the kitchen sink or under a standing desk, you can choose a smaller mat that just fits that footprint.

Just as different rooms have different purposes, the anti-fatigue mat you choose for different areas should have unique roles as well. For example, you wouldn't want an oddly-shaped standing mat to be the style you choose for a bustling kitchen, just like you wouldn't want a mat that's too large under your desk. However, it is important to keep an eye out for non-slip mats no matter which room it ends up in, as they should all serve the purpose of keeping you upright.

After all, an anti-fatigue mat is part of your room, so it should match your personal style or the atmosphere of your space, which is why it may be important to choose a mat that has multiple color and pattern options (we suggest the House of Noa Nama Standing Mat for an aesthetically-pleasing print or the Gorilla Grip mat for color options). This way, you can find a style that suits you and looks like it belongs in your room.

Anti-fatigue mats work by providing a cushion between your feet and the floor, much like how the best insoles provide an extra layer of comfort between your feet and soles of your shoes. If you stand for long periods of time, whether cooking in the kitchen or working at a standing desk, an anti-fatigue mat can reduce the discomfort caused by standing for long periods of time on a hard surface, similar to the function of men's and women's work shoes.

Anti-fatigue mats are available in a range of thicknesses from 0.25 to 1 inch. The thickest mat that we tested was 0.90 inches, almost hitting that density ceiling (and if you didn't pick up on it before, it's also our cheapest option). As a reference, industrial-grade mats should be at least 0.38 inches thick, so you probably don't want anything thinner.

While you should check for any special care instructions from the manufacturer, most of these mats can be cleaned simply using soap, water, and a cloth or sponge. It is advisable to let your mat dry completely before putting it back on the floor to prevent trapping moisture between it and the floor. Make sure you keep an eye out for mats that have low-maintenance surfaces, like the Amazon Basics mat that has a rubber surface, which allows spills to be hosed or wiped right off.

These tools alleviate the impact transferred to the joints and spinal column when walking and standing on hard floors. They also promote better circulation by cushioning the feet, which helps reduce issues later in the lower limbs. It's really no different than putting on a pair of supportive cushioned running shoes before hitting the pavement for a long-distance jog. Splichal recommends "looking for a mat that can activate, release, and offload the foot during prolonged standing." She goes on to explain that the ball of the foot and heel can often feel the most stress from prolonged standing, as this is where the most pressure is placed, so finding a mat that provides even cushioning is key.

Yes. In fact, they are ideal mats to use on hardwood flooring because they are scratch-resistant, water-resistant, and easy to maintain. Just make sure you're picking a tapered edge, non-slip mat to avoid any falls or accidents.

After scouring the internet, researching, and reading countless reviews, we selected 16 of the most popular anti-fatigue mats to test in our PEOPLE Tested lab. Once we had the mats in front of us, we picked apart each mat by the numbers to get all the specifications recorded — from inside and outside materials to dimensions and thickness (and everything in between).

We then evaluated the comfort of these mats by placing them at the feet of testers in the kitchen and having them stand on each for an hour as they prepped and cooked meals. After this, the testers were asked to assess how their feet, ankles, knees, hips, back, and shoulders felt.

Once the initial standing tests were done, next came the cleaning test. Each mat was dirtied with a dusting of all-purpose flour, drizzled with black strap molasses, and left to sit out and harden for 12 hours — so we got the real low-down on how these mats clean off. Next came the cleaning attempt, where they were rinsed or scrubbed off (depending on how much the mat wanted to hold onto the mess).

After each test, we evaluated each anti-fatigue mat based on its performance in terms of design, comfort, and ease of cleaning, rating each on a scale of 1 to 5 based on performance (1 being the poorest and 5 being the best). From there, we took the average scores across each category to give each mat its editorial rating, which gave us our clear winners — the joint-saving mats you've read about above.

Alyssa Brascia is a PEOPLE commerce writer covering beauty, fashion, home, and lifestyle products. She has previously written commerce content for Dotdash Meredith brands like InStyle, Shape, and Southern Living. For this article, she compared the features, benefits, and uses of some of the most popular anti-fatigue mats. Based on the input of our product testers, she rated these mats based on factors like price, design, size, material, comfort, ease of cleaning, and durability. For additional insight on selecting the best mat for specific needs, Brascia spoke with Emily Splichal, D.P.M., a New York City podiatrist and human movement specialist. Splichal offered advice on which mat materials and surfaces best massage and comfort the feet.

We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.

But we don't stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we've awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square.

In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.

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