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If you've ever worked at a standing desk or spent multiple hours preparing a meal, you know how painful it can be to stand in one place for too long. If improving your joint health is important to you, an anti-fatigue mat can make a world of difference.
Anti-fatigue mats provide a cushion between your feet and the floor, much like how the best insoles offer an extra layer of comfort between your feet and the soles of your shoes. An anti-fatigue mat can reduce discomfort and strain if you stand for long periods on a hard surface.
The Best Right Now
The best anti-fatigue mat we tested is also one of the most attractive options on our list. The Martha Stewart Mira Mat comes in six colors and is priced under $23 at Amazon.
We picked 22 of the most popular anti-fatigue mats to try in our PEOPLE Tested lab and in our real homes. Each mat was assessed based on thickness, cushioning, design, durability, and comfort level with long-term standing. After extensive testing, we narrowed it down to the best anti-fatigue mats for everyday use.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall
Martha Stewart Anti-Fatigue Kitchen Mat
Made of thick memory foam
Comfortable to stand on for long periods
Rubberized backing keeps it in place
Water-resistant surface easily wipes clean
Pet hair clings to surface
We knew we'd love the Martha Stewart Mira Mat as soon as we pulled it out of the packaging. Thanks to air-infused memory foam, it's thick and cushy, with a water-resistant surface, beveled edges, and a rubberized backing that prevents it from sliding around. This mat provided ample support for daily kitchen tasks, keeping us comfortable on our feet for long periods.
The design proved durable, too. Even after weeks of daily use, it still looked new, with no stains, rips, or indentations. We also appreciated that the sides and corners didn't curl up like some other mats we tested.
Though pet hair clings to the surface, we found this anti-fatigue mat easy to care for. We wiped it down with a damp cloth as needed, but the heathered pattern naturally conceals most dirt. We think the price is more than fair for such a high-quality mat that does its job of preventing foot fatigue and leg strain.
Dimensions: 19.6 x 39 inches | Thickness: 1 inch | Material: Polyester, memory foam, rubber | Non-Slip: Yes | Colors: 6
PHOTO: People / Kayla Kitts PHOTO: People / Kayla Kitts PHOTO: People / Kayla Kitts PHOTO: People / Kayla Kitts PHOTO: People / Kayla Kitts
Best Overall (Almost)
Sky Solutions Sky Mat Comfort Anti-Fatigue Mat
Memory foam cushion molds around feet
Smooth surface easily rinses clean
Variety of shades, patterns, and sizes
Lighter colors show scuffs and spills
We were also impressed with the Sky Solutions Anti-Fatigue Mat — the memory foam material molded around our feet, offering firm support and cloud-like cushioning.
The variety of shades and patterns makes this mat a great choice for anyone looking to add a bit of comfort and color to their space. We suggest getting a darker hue, as the lighter option we tested showed scuffs and spills. Still, cleaning was a breeze — we watched flour and molasses rinse right off the surface.
No mat is one-size-fits-all, and thankfully, this one comes in four sizes to accommodate different spaces, whether under a standing desk or in the kitchen. From its comfy 0.75-inch cushion to the attractive price, you really can't go wrong.
Dimensions: 32 x 20 inches | Thickness: 0.75 inches | Material: Memory foam | Non-Slip: Yes | Colors: 16
PHOTO: People / Fred Hardy PHOTO: People / Fred Hardy
Experts Say
"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." —Emily Splichal, DPM, podiatrist and human movement specialist
Best Budget
KitchenClouds Anti-Fatigue Kitchen Mat
Very soft, cloud-like cushioning
Ideal for kitchen use
Durable and easy to clean
Not ideal for long periods
Attracts some pet hair
If you're looking for something more wallet-friendly, the KitchenClouds Comfort Mat is an excellent choice. The ultra-soft, plush cushioning was very comfortable underfoot — stepping onto it was a truly pleasurable experience. Though it may not be our first pick for long stretches of standing, it was perfect for washing dishes, prepping food, and other everyday kitchen tasks.
This anti-fatigue mat was easy to clean, too. The surface is slightly tacky, so it attracts some pet hair. But this wasn't a big deal, and it was no problem to vacuum off and remove spills with a wet mop.
The Comfort Mat proved durable, holding up well during the testing window without any discoloration or tears. It went above and beyond what we'd expect quality-wise for under $25.
Dimensions: 17 x 39 inches | Thickness: 0.75 inches | Material: PVC | Non-Slip: Yes | Colors: 7
PHOTO: People / Erin Johnson PHOTO: People / Erin Johnson PHOTO: People / Erin Johnson PHOTO: People / Erin Johnson
Non-slip textured surface
Extra-thick cushioning
Variety of sizes and colors
Textured surface more difficult to clean
This anti-fatigue mat might offer the most bang for your buck. At 0.9 inches, it's the thickest one we tested, and after standing on the gel-infused foam for an hour, we were thoroughly pleased with the performance. The longer we stood, the more it seemed to mold to our feet.
We liked how the woven faux leather surface offered some grip underfoot to prevent slipping. However, the texture was a little tricky (but not impossible) to clean. We applied a mixture of molasses and flour and noticed it stuck within the grooves.
The quality is really impressive, especially for such an agreeable price. Plus, there are several colors and sizes available, so you can get a mat for multiple spaces in your home.
Dimensions: 32 x 20 inches | Thickness: 0.9 inches | Material: Gel, memory foam, faux leather | Non-Slip: Yes | Colors: 6
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People / Fred Hardy
Best for Kitchens
Gorilla Grip Anti Fatigue Cushioned Comfort Mat
Cushions feet and supports arches
Scratch-resistant pebbled surface
Easy to clean
Lacks heel support
Not slip-resistant
We truly loved testing the Gorilla Grip Anti-Fatigue Mat, thanks to its comfortable and sturdy material. Available in several sizes, including narrow runners, it's the perfect option to place below a kitchen sink or island.
The high-density foam cushioned our feet without collapsing our arches or making us feel uncomfortable, even when standing for long periods while cooking or cleaning up a meal. A huge perk was the scratch-resistant, easy-to-clean pebbled rubber surface, which can be wiped down or even hosed off in the case of a more significant spill.
Our heels could have used a bit more support after an hour of testing. But seeing as this mat was brand new (and some anti-fatigue mats have a break-in period), we're willing to overlook that for its reasonable price, superb comfort, and wide range of color options.
Dimensions: 32 x 20 inchs | Thickness: 0.75 inches | Material: Foam, rubber | Non-Slip: No | Colors: 13
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Best for Standing Desks
Ergodriven Topo Comfort Mat
Generous cushioning but not too hard or soft
Encourages movement and muscle engagement
Promotes good posture
Not the most aesthetically pleasing
Pricier than others
If you use a standing desk, the Ergodriven Topo Mat might be the one. Nearly three inches thick and not too hard or too soft, we appreciated the generous cushioning and thought it offered the ideal amount of support for long stretches of standing.
The grooves, rails, calf-raise shelf, and ball in the center helped alleviate pressure and kept us from standing in one position for too long. We could feel it activating the muscles in our legs. This anti-fatigue mat even seemed to support good posture, encouraging us to keep our shoulders back and not slouch while working at a computer.
We were able to stand comfortably at a desk for an entire workday. The price is on the higher end, but the quality and performance are top-notch.
Dimensions: 29 x 26.25 inches | Thickness: 2.7 inches | Material: Foam | Non-Slip: No | Colors: 2
PHOTO: People / Bridget Annear PHOTO: People / Bridget Annear PHOTO: People / Bridget Annear PHOTO: People / Bridget Annear
Best Cushion
SoftDuo Anti-Fatigue Mat
Supportive yet soft
Provides comfort for extended standing
Lightweight yet durable and crease-resistant
May shift when placed on carpet
Grooves collect dust
The SoftDuo Kitchen Mat is made of high-density foam that offers support while still being soft. We found the cushioning ideal for long-term standing in the kitchen or while working on a computer.
The textured surface helped keep us steady on our feet. Although the grooves collected some dust during the testing window, wiping the mat clean was simple. The non-slip backing helped it stay in place on hard floors, but it slid around a bit when we placed it on a rug.
This anti-fatigue mat is lightweight yet durable, maintaining its appearance, repelling stains, and resisting creases. It not only feels good but also looks good. And considering you get two mats with your purchase, it's undoubtedly good value.
Dimensions: 17.3 x 29 inches, 17.3 x 47 inches | Thickness: 0.5 inches | Material: Foam, PVC | Non-Slip: Yes | Colors: 5
PHOTO: People / Bridget Annear PHOTO: People / Bridget Annear PHOTO: People / Bridget Annear PHOTO: People / Bridget Annear PHOTO: People / Bridget Annear
Best Support
Kangaroo 3/4" Anti-Fatigue Comfort Mat
Provides even weight distribution
Firm yet comfortable surface
Many sizes and colors
Diamond-etched surface can be hard to clean
Not slip-resistant
The Kangaroo mat stood out for its firmness and support. Its rubber and foam makeup provided even weight distribution, keeping us comfortable from heel to toe while standing for upwards of an hour.
The diamond-embossed surface seemed to prevent slipping while providing a massage-like sensation underfoot. We also liked the texture's decorative appeal. Unfortunately, the grooves made it a little harder to clean off the flour and molasses, but a good scrub-down did the trick.
This anti-fatigue mat isn't billed as slip-resistant, so be careful not to let water underneath it. It comes in six sizes and 11 colors, all of which are reasonably priced. If you need extra support, you won't regret buying one.
Dimensions: 32 x 20 inches | Thickness: 0.75 inches | Material: Foam, rubber | Non-Slip: No | Colors: 11
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People / Fred Hardy
Best Design
House of Noa Standing Mat
Doesn't sacrifice form or function
Hand-illustrated surface; looks like a textile runner
Supportive cushioning offers long-lasting comfort
Slides on some flooring materials
Expensive
Anti-fatigue mats often prioritize function over form, but this one is an exception. The House of Noa Ula Nama Mat flaunts a stylish design that resembles a textile runner. Meanwhile, the thick, firm, and supportive cushioning kept our feet happy while standing for long periods.
Since it doesn't have a non-slip backing, it may not stay in place as well on certain hard flooring materials. However, it seemed durable enough for common areas, withstanding lots of shoe-wearing foot traffic, resisting pet damage, and cleaning easily with a vacuum.
We're big fans of the hand-illustrated pattern and neutral colorways and would happily place this mat in our kitchen or workspace. The steep price could be hard to justify, but considering how good it looks, feels, and performs, we think it might be worth a splurge.
Dimensions: 22 x 54 inches | Thickness: 0.75 inches | Material: High-density foam, fabric | Non-Slip: No | Colors: 3
PHOTO: People / Erin Johnson PHOTO: People / Erin Johnson PHOTO: People / Erin Johnson PHOTO: People / Erin Johnson
Easiest to Clean
Amazon Basics Premium Anti-Fatigue Standing Comfort Mat
Washes off with soap and water
Lightweight and portable
Doesn't slide on hard flooring
Not as thick or cushioned as others
Only one color
If you want a low-maintenance anti-fatigue mat, look no further than Amazon. Made of foam with a textured, stain-resistant surface, this easy-to-clean mat can be washed as needed with soap and water — you could even hose it down outside.
While we thought the cushioning was sufficient, it's not as thick as others we tested. But due to the thinner design, it's conveniently lightweight and portable but still weighty enough to stay in place on the floor without sliding around. Although this anti-fatigue mat only comes in one color (black), we appreciate the versatile, utilitarian design.
Dimensions: 20 x 36 inches | Thickness: 0.6 inches | Material: Foam, rubber | Non-Slip: Yes | Colors: Black
PHOTO: People / Fred Hardy PHOTO: People / Fred Hardy PHOTO: People / Fred Hardy
Other Anti-Fatigue Mats We Tried
- Hebe Anti-Fatigue Kitchen Rug: We liked that this option looks more like a rug than a mat but fear the floral motifs are a bit outdated. It was easy to clean but is somewhat thin and not supportive enough for long periods of standing. This mat comes in lots of sizes, though, and the two-pack offers a decent value.
- ComfiLife Anti-Fatigue Mat: This mat stood out for its extra-thick cushioning. We appreciated how the non-curl beveled edges and non-slip bottom kept it in place and flush with the floor. But in the end, it just wasn't our favorite.
- GelPro Anti-Fatigue Mat: This anti-fatigue mat has a sturdy foam core that may improve circulation in the feet and legs. We liked that it didn't slide around on the floor and found the smooth surface easy to clean. However, we wish it came in more sizes and colors.
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People / Fred Hardy
What to Know About Anti-Fatigue Mats
Benefits
Anti-fatigue mats 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 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 explains 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.
Material
Anti-fatigue mats are typically made from foam, but getting down to the nitty-gritty of the material makeup can help you select the best one. As with the Martha Stewart Mira Anti-Fatigue Mat, the most comfortable options are often crafted from memory foam. The material contours to the shape of your feet to provide support and alleviate pressure — not unlike how memory foam mattresses cushion the body. Pay attention to the surface material and backing as well. Ideally, an anti-fatigue mat will have an easy-to-clean exterior, such as faux leather or thermoplastic, and a rubberized non-slip bottom.
Thickness
Most anti-fatigue mats range from 0.25 to 1 inch thick. The right thickness is a matter of personal preference, but more cushioning is usually better when standing for longer periods.
The most comfortable and supportive anti-fatigue mats are generally at least 0.5 inches thick, like the SoftDuo Kitchen Mat. And commercial-grade mats typically don't drop below 0.4 inches, so anything thinner likely won't provide you with long-term 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.
Size
To choose the right size mat, measure the area where you'll be placing it. If you have a large, open space, you might want a bigger mat (or a narrow runner-style option) that allows you to move around freely without stepping on and off. 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.
Purpose
Just as different rooms have different purposes, the anti-fatigue mat you choose for a specific area should have a unique role as well. For example, you probably wouldn't want an oddly-shaped standing mat for a bustling kitchen. You'd need a mat made for high-traffic areas. You also wouldn't want too large of a mat underneath a standing desk. But the strategically contoured, posture-promoting Ergodriven Topo Comfort Mat is ideal for this use.
Care
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. Keep an eye out for mats that have low-maintenance surfaces, like the rubber Amazon Basics mat, which allows spills to be hosed or wiped right off.
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People / Kayla Kitts
Behind the Scenes
After scouring the internet, researching, and reading countless reviews, we selected 22 of the most popular anti-fatigue mats to try firsthand in our PEOPLE Tested lab and in real-life settings — our homes.
- Design: Once we had the mats in front of us, we inspected them carefully, from inside and outside materials to dimensions and thickness (and everything in between). We also made note of the overall appearance, size, and color options.
- Comfort: We evaluated comfort by standing on them for an hour or more while prepping and cooking meals, working at a standing desk, folding laundry at a counter, or ironing clothes. We then assessed how our feet, ankles, knees, hips, back, and shoulders felt.
- Cleaning and Maintenance: Each mat was dirtied with a dusting of all-purpose flour and drizzled with blackstrap molasses, then left to sit out and harden for 12 hours. To see how easy they were to clean, we rinsed them with water, scrubbed them down, and used soap if needed.
- Durability: At the end of the testing window, we checked the mats for signs of damage and general wear and tear, such as rips, creases, discoloration, or curled corners.
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 one to five based on performance. From there, we took the average scores across each category to give each mat its editorial rating, which gave us our clear winners.
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People / Fred Hardy
Why Trust PEOPLE?
Alyssa Brascia is a PEOPLE shopping writer covering beauty, fashion, home, and lifestyle products. She has previously written shopping content for InStyle, Shape, and Southern Living. Theresa Holland is a writer, editor, and product reviewer specializing in home goods, textiles, decor, wellness, and lifestyle products. Her stories have appeared on The Spruce, Travel + Leisure, Byrdie, and MyDomaine.
Our Expert Panel
Emily Splichal, D.P.M., is a New York City-based podiatrist and human movement specialist.
What Is PEOPLE Tested?
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.