We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Home Decorating Kitchen Decorating These Anti-Fatigue Mats Will Have You Feeling Like You’re Standing on a Cloud If you spend hours standing in the kitchen or office, these supportive mats will be much more comfortable than hard floors. By Lindsey Lanquist Lindsey Lanquist Lindsey Lanquist is a contributing writer for Real Simple. She covers fashion, home, and lifestyle products, including clothing, decor, furniture, and more. Her work has also appeared on MyDomaine, The Spruce, Byrdie, and Verywell. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Updated on March 05, 2024 Fact checked by Emily Estep Fact checked by Emily Estep Emily Estep is a plant biologist and journalist who has worked for a variety of online news and media outlets, writing about and editing topics that range from film and beauty to science and the automobile industry. Her plant biology degree has a focus on sustainable agriculture, and she’s an expert on growing your own food, environmental sciences, and all topics relating to houseplants. Our Fact-Checking Process In This Article Expand Jump to a Section Our top picks Reviews Final Verdict How to Shop FAQs Take Our Word for It Real Simple / Sabrina Jiang Standing for hours can take a toll on the body, but a great anti-fatigue mat can make you more comfortable in your home office, kitchen, or laundry room. Anti-fatigue mats are specifically designed to support you while you stand, cushioning your feet and subtly stimulating your muscles. To find the best anti-fatigue mats, we spent hours researching various options, assessing them on size, thickness, durability, and style. We also spoke to two experts—Grant Radermacher, DC, chiropractor at Ascent Chiropractic, and Brittany Ferri, PhD, occupational therapist at Simplicity of Health—to learn more about anti-fatigue mats and what to consider when buying them. Our Top Picks Best Overall: ComfiLife Anti-Fatigue Floor Mat at Amazon ($46) Jump to Review Best Budget: KitchenClouds Anti-Fatigue Kitchen Mat at Amazon ($20) Jump to Review Best for the Kitchen: Gorilla Grip Anti Fatigue Cushioned Comfort Mat at Amazon ($42) Jump to Review Best for Standing Desks: Ergodriven Topo Comfort Mat at Amazon ($99) Jump to Review Most Stylish: House of Noa Standing Mat at Thehouseofnoa.com (See Price) Jump to Review Best Portable: WellnessMats Mobile Floor Mat at Amazon ($90) Jump to Review Best Firm: Kangaroo Anti-Fatigue Mat at Amazon ($45) Jump to Review Best Oversized: M+A Matting Anti-Fatigue Mat at Amazon ($66) Jump to Review Best Set: HappyTrends Anti-Fatigue Mats at Amazon ($38) Jump to Review Best Overall ComfiLife Anti-Fatigue Floor Mat Amazon View On Amazon $46 View On Walmart $46 View On Comfilife.com What Stands Out This mat is comfortable, supportive, easy to clean, and has maintained its cushiness after six months of use. What Could Be Improved It comes in multiple sizes and colors, but not any patterns. Thick, durable, and non-slip, this ComfiLife pick has everything you need from an anti-fatigue mat. It’s stain-resistant, easy to clean, and available in a range of colors and sizes, which are nice-to-haves that make the mat an even better find. The mat is made of high-density memory foam, so it’ll cushion your feet every time you step onto it. After six months of use, we can confirm it maintains that cushiness, too. It's a whopping 0.75 inches thick, making it considerably thicker than the 0.5-inch baseline Dr. Radermacher recommends. Since the mat comes equipped with a non-slip bottom, it won’t slide out from under you as you stand, and thanks to its beveled edges, it won’t curl at the corners, making it easy to move around without tripping. It’s available in three sizes and 13 colors, so you can easily find a version that suits your space. Size: 20 by 32-70 inches | Thickness: 0.75 inches | Material: Memory foam | Weight: 3-8 pounds Best Budget KitchenClouds Anti-Fatigue Kitchen Mat KitchenClouds View On Amazon $20 What Stands Out This affordable mat is a fraction of the price of many others. What Could Be Improved It’s very slightly under our experts’ thickness recommendation. The KitchenClouds Anti-Fatigue Kitchen Mat costs almost half as much as our top pick, but it’s so well-rounded that we’d recommend it even if we weren’t paying attention to price. Made of high-density PVC foam, this mat is sturdy, soft, and supportive. It’s also stain-resistant, water-resistant, and easy to clean, making it a great pick for kitchens and laundry rooms. The mat boasts a non-slip bottom and beveled edges, so it’ll protect against slipping and tripping. And although it’s one of the thinnest options on our list at right under 0.5 inches, it’s almost thick enough to earn our experts’ approval. (It’s also thicker than most of the anti-fatigue mats you’ll find at this price point.) To top things off, this mat comes in three different sizes and seven different colors. Size: 17 by 28-60 inches | Thickness: 0.5 inches | Material: PVC foam | Weight: 2-4 pounds Best for the Kitchen Gorilla Grip Anti Fatigue Cushioned Comfort Mat Amazon View On Amazon $42 View On Walmart $70 What Stands Out This mat is supportive and easy to clean, so it’s suitable for messy kitchens. What Could Be Improved It's not slip-resistant. We spend plenty of time in the kitchen, from brewing our first cup of coffee to washing dishes after dinner, so why not make it a more comfortable place to stand? The Gorilla Grip Anti-Fatigue Cushioned Kitchen Floor Mats add a soft, cushioning foam that creates ergonomic support for all your kitchen tasks. The high-density foam is stain-resistant, scratch-resistant, and waterproof, making it sturdy enough to withstand plenty of wear and tear. In fact, after six months of standing on it for hours every day, there are no indentations, staining or deterioration of any kind. We've also noticed a huge difference in how we feel. It's soft, thick, and springy, which we like, but if you're looking for a firmer mat, this isn't it. Kitchen safety is a priority, so this mat has a rubber backing that won’t slip or move while you cook. You can choose from the seven sizes to find the right fit for your kitchen, and with 15 colors and patterns available, your anti-fatigue mat can easily coordinate with your existing decor. Just note that it's not slip-resistant, so you need to quickly wipe away any liquid spills. Thankfully, it's very easy to clean. Size: 17-20 by 24-70 inches | Thickness: 0.75 inches | Material: High-density foam | Weight: 2-7 pounds Best for Standing Desks Ergodriven Topo Comfort Mat Amazon View On Amazon $99 What Stands Out This dynamic anti-fatigue mat is perfect for those who stand at the office, and it's the thickest option on this list. What Could Be Improved The uneven surface may be awkward to walk across when not in use. The Ergodriven Topo Comfort Mat doesn’t look like the other anti-fatigue mats on our list. That’s because it’s designed specifically for standing desks, giving your feet a supportive place to rest as you knock out a few hours of work. Whereas most anti-fatigue mats are rectangular, this one is shaped like a rounded square and has edges and a center that slopes upward, inviting you to move around as you stand, making for an ergonomic workspace. You can balance on the mat’s raised corners, massage your feet on its lifted center, or elevate your heels on its back ramp. At its tallest point, the mat is a whopping 2.7 inches thick. And even at its shortest point, it’s 0.85 inches thick, making it one of the thickest mats on this list. It’s also made of high-density polyurethane foam, so it’s soft, supportive, and easy to clean—and it’s available in three different colors. Size: 26.25 by 29 by 2.7 inches | Thickness: 2.7 inches thick | Material: Polyurethane foam | Weight: 8 pounds Most Stylish House of Noa Standing Mat House of Noa View On Thehouseofnoa.com What Stands Out This chic mat looks like an area rug. What Could Be Improved It only comes in three neutral color schemes. Thick, sturdy, and easy to clean, the Nama Standing Mat from House of Noa is a great anti-fatigue mat. It’s 0.75 inches thick and made of high-density foam, so it’s just as cushioned and supportive as a classic anti-fatigue mat—but unlike the competition, this mat is lined with a layer of fabric. It feels soft rather than smooth, and looks more like a rug than a therapeutic mat. Despite its fabric top, the mat is still water-resistant, stain-resistant, and easy to clean. Plus, it’s equipped with the non-slip bottom and no-curl beveled edges you’d expect from an anti-fatigue mat. There are only three patterns and colors to choose from, but there is a wide range of sizes available. If you prefer bold colors and patterns, this may not be the best choice for you. Size: 20-30 by 32-108 inches | Thickness: 0.75 inches | Material: Fabric-lined foam | Weight: Not listed Best Portable WellnessMats Mobile Floor Mat Amazon View On Amazon $90 View On Walmart $90 View On Pottery Barn $90 What Stands Out The built-in handle makes it easy to take this mat on the go. What Could Be Improved It only comes in one size that’s on the smaller side. The WellnessMats Original Mobile Mat is a classic anti-fatigue mat with an unusual feature: The mat comes with a built-in handle you can use to take it on the go. At nearly 2 feet long and 1.5 feet wide, this mat is a good size for kitchens, laundry rooms, and workspaces, and since it’s 0.75 inches thick, it meets the most basic requirement on our checklist. Made of easy-to-clean polyurethane, the mat feels soft, sturdy, and supportive. It comes with a non-slip bottom and a non-slip top, and its no-trip beveled edges are ADA-compliant. Put simply, this well-rounded mat would make a great addition to any home, but what really sets it apart is its built-in handle. This hard-to-find feature makes the mat particularly portable, giving you an easy way to tote it to and from the office, in and out of storage, or just around your home. Size: 18 by 22 inches | Thickness: 0.75 inches | Material: Polyurethane foam | Weight: 3 pounds Best Firm Kangaroo Anti-Fatigue Mat Amazon View On Amazon $45 What Stands Out The waterproof material is ideal for places like the laundry room. What Could Be Improved It doesn’t have a slip-resistant bottom. Many anti-fatigue mats are merely water-resistant, but the Kangaroo Anti-Fatigue Mat is genuinely waterproof—and that’s not the only reason we’re recommending it. The mat is also thick, supportive, and easy to clean. After six months of use, it's still in great condition, with no signs of tearing or warping. It looks the same as the day we got it, and it's helped alleviate the pressure of standing on hard flooring all day. Just note that this is one of the firmer options available and doesn't provide as much bounce underfoot as others. Like many other mats on this list, this mat is 0.75 inches thick. It’s made from high-density foam and feels incredibly supportive underfoot. The mat’s slightly ribbed top gives you plenty of traction, and its textured bottom cuts down on slipping and sliding, although it’s not advertised as slip-resistant. These features—plus the mat’s availability in six sizes and 18 colors—make this mat one of the most versatile options on our list. Size: 17-24 by 24-70 inches | Thickness: 0.75 inches | Material: Foam | Weight: 3-7.5 pounds Best Oversized M+A Matting Anti-Fatigue Mat Amazon View On Amazon $66 What Stands Out This mat is heavy duty and spacious—it's the biggest mat on our list. What Could Be Improved It looks quite industrial and doesn’t come in multiple colors. Made of oil-proof, slip-resistant material, the M+A Matting Hog Heaven Anti-Fatigue Mat is the sturdiest mat we came across. And since it’s available in several extra-large sizes, it’s also the biggest mat on our list. Whereas many popular anti-fatigue mats are made of high-density foam, this one is made of nitrile rubber—a material Dr. Radermacher specifically recommended for its longevity. This sturdy material is oil-proof, grease-proof, and slip-resistant even when wet, so it’s ideal if you’re looking for a commercial-grade, heavy-duty mat for high-traffic areas. Despite its durability, this mat is as comfortable and supportive as any other. It’s one of the thickest mats we tested, coming in at 0.875 inches, and thanks to its textured top and no-curl edges, it’s certified slip-resistant by the National Floor Safety Institute. The mat is available in just one color (black), but it comes in four different sizes: 2 by 3 feet, 3 by 5 feet, 3 by 12 feet, and 4 by 6 feet. For context, the second widest mat on our list is just 2.5 feet wide, and the longest one is 9 feet long. So in addition to being remarkably thick and durable, this mat is also one of the biggest you’ll find. Size: 24-48 by 36-144 inches | Thickness: 0.875 inches | Material: Closed-cell nitrile rubber | Weight: Not listed Best Set HappyTrends Anti-Fatigue Mats HappyTrends View On Amazon $38 What Stands Out This set comes with two mats for around the price of one. What Could Be Improved They’re on the thinner side compared to others on our list. When one anti-fatigue mat isn’t enough, you can usually score a great deal on a set. We recommend the HappyTrends 2-Piece Anti-Fatigue Mat set because it’s available in three different size combinations and six different colors, making it easy to find a pair that suits your space. The mats are made of PVC foam, so they’re sturdy, water-resistant, and easy to clean. Plus, they come equipped with non-slip bottoms and no-trip beveled edges. Unfortunately, they’re only 0.47 inches thick, so they fall a little short of our expert-recommended thickness baseline. That said, since they’re only 0.03 inches off and otherwise well-rounded, we’ve decided to give them a pass. One of the things we like most about these mats is that they come in four colors and three size combinations. Finding one anti-fatigue mat that suits your space is hard enough—finding two is even tougher. So, we appreciate that you’ll have several options to choose from as you consider this two-piece set. Size: 17 by 28-39 inches, 17 by 28-47 inches | Thickness: 0.47 inches | Material: PVC foam | Weight: 4-6 pounds Final Verdict Thick, non-slip, and easy to clean, the ComfiLife Anti-Fatigue Floor Mat is a well-rounded anti-fatigue mat that meets most shoppers’ needs. The mat ticked every box our experts told us to consider, including a 0.75-inch thickness, durable construction, and beveled edges, plus it’s available in an array of different colors and sizes. For a mat at about half the price, we recommend the KitchenClouds Anti-Fatigue Kitchen Mat, which has a 0.5-inch thickness. How to Shop for Anti-Fatigue Mats Like a Pro Size Anti-fatigue mats are typically sized to comfortably fit the area around your kitchen sink, usually measuring between 20 to 24 inches by 30 to 36 inches. Most mats come in at least a few sizes, though, so if you need something slightly larger (like if you're standing at your desk) or smaller, you have options. Plus, some mats come in a runner size in case you want a long mat to cover both the sink and food prep area. Consider your needs and room size and go from there. Thickness Both of our experts had the same advice: Look for an anti-fatigue mat that's thick. Anti-fatigue mats are supposed to cushion your feet and stimulate your muscles, and a thin mat can't do that as well as a thick one can. Dr. Radermacher recommends looking for a mat that's between 0.5 and 1 inches thick. Material Anti-fatigue mats are often made of PVC or polyurethane foam. These materials are comfortable, supportive, and durable, plus water-resistant and easy to clean. But if you're looking for the sturdiest mat you can find, Dr. Radermacher recommends a different material: closed-cell nitrile rubber. "For a high-quality, heavy-duty anti-fatigue mat that'll last, look for closed-cell nitrile blended cushion mats," he says. "They've been shown to last longer than traditional PVC foam mats." Non-Slip Features A great anti-fatigue mat shouldn’t slip, slide, or cause you to trip, so keep an eye out for non-slip features. These include non-slip bottoms, textured tops, and no-slip beveled edges, all of which increase the safety of your mat. Questions You Might Ask How do anti-fatigue mats work? Anti-fatigue mats work in two ways: They cushion your feet to keep you comfortable, and they subtly stimulate your muscles while you stand. "Anti-fatigue mats put a bit of cushioning between you and the floor, reducing the impact the joints [in your back, hips, knees, and ankles] have to absorb," Dr. Radermacher says. "More importantly, the flexibility of anti-fatigue mats encourages subtle lower body movement, as your feet and legs adapt to keep you balanced." This causes the muscles in your legs to contract and relax, promoting blood flow and cutting down on swelling. Who should get an anti-fatigue mat? According to our experts, there are two main groups of people who should consider anti-fatigue mats. The first? People who stand for long periods of time. "If your career involves standing for an hour or more at a time, you should consider using an anti-fatigue mat," Dr. Radermacher says. The second group includes people who experience discomfort while standing, even if they’re not standing for very long. “[Anti-fatigue] mats can also be helpful within certain parts of the home,” Dr. Ferry says, adding that many people use them while cooking or cleaning. “They can still be helpful for short periods of time—especially if someone has arthritis, back problems, or is experiencing discomfort in that spot.” Take Our Word for It This article was written by Lindsey Lanquist, a contributing writer for Real Simple with seven years of experience writing lifestyle content. To decide which anti-fatigue mats to feature, Lindsey spent hours researching options, assessing them on size, thickness, durability, and style. For expert advice on how anti-fatigue mats work and what to consider when buying them, she turned to Grant Radermacher, DC, chiropractor at Ascent Chiropractic, and Brittany Ferri, PhD, occupational therapist at Simplicity of Health. Was this page helpful? 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