The Clever Productions mat boasts two sets of massage beadssmaller ones on the raised edge and larger, flatter bumps on the flat section. The flat mats had no issues staying in place, so I was surprised when it happened. How Stable Are The Most Popular Standing Desks? On the flip side, I have been really surprised by the quality of products that I had low expectations for. This is also the most firm mat in the category;, with shoes and barefoot I found it to be uncomfortable. This might not be an option for some users in public offices. We found the smaller, firm beads on the lower border to be a refreshing DIY foot massage that also forced us to move our feet instead of standing in a static position. While not a mat for everyone, the Gorilla Original is an option if phthalate-free construction is a priority and you want a more varied color palette or more size options. High-quality polyurethane construction Standing desk mats have softened the hard surface found in most offices, creating much more comfortable standing positions for users. The FLEXISPOT Ergonomic Office Mat is a solid hybrid mat if you're undecided on whether to go the flat or raised mat route or want the best of both worlds. One of the most interesting parts of this process was understanding the warranties in the category. Flat anti-fatigue mats are made from varying materials that include PVC foam and polyurethane. No ads. Its solid foam construction creates a damp feeling that both cushions and supports, allowing us to stand for long periods without tiring. Even though it was small, it was still able to provide a nice solid connection to the floor. The Gorilla Original has a slightly grooved pattern, but it, too, felt slick to our testers. Doesnt slide around as easily as the less expensive options The only mat we tested that is 100% made in the USA, the Eco Pro was almost the perfect mat. Strong integral skin that prevents peeling There are a ton of of topo features and large elevations changes throughout the mat. Full list with review summaries and pros/consfor each mat And, to assure complete independence, we buy all the products we test ourselves. We discovered that the mat's size works best with desks with nothing underneath them. The Ergodriven Topo's raised sides and center served as a less prominent massage feature. Greg Knighton
[] I have a standing desk and some back issues. The FEZIBO also features massage beads on both sides of its concave side and horizontal raised lines in the middle. Your email address will not be published. Made with a three layer construction While it is currently the number one sold anti-fatigue mat on Amazon, I still had some skepticism. She's spent roughly 6,000 hours standing at her desk and knows well the woes of tired legs. Overall, this is a product that most should at least consider during their search for a flat anti-fatigue mat. The size of shoe you wear will also impact how far you sink into the material. Keep in mind that the rug is also sold on its own, so youll want to be sure youve selected the rug and mat combo before heading to checkout. Eco Pro is manufactured from high-quality polyurethane with no vinyl layering required for added durability. We may receive a portion of sales from products purchased from this article, which was written by our Commerce team. Keep in mind that the high elevation of this mat means youll want to move it out of the way when youre not using it to prevent any tripping. A major concern of the ErgoGo mat is the lack of a published warranty. Second most expensive non-flat mat we have tested. Reports of peeling from top layer. The lowest quality products used PVC foam with a vinyl covering and a third layer of high-density foam on the bottom. It consists of an area rug and a smaller anti-fatigue mat. Promoting movement with the use of various shapes and elevation changes, topo standing desk mats have made standing more fun. While other alternatives offered lifetime warranties, Imprint is the only company that has the clout and history to back their guarantee. Strong integral skin that prevents peeling Second, I stood on the mat and tested how much you could move while working on the mat. To top it off, the Terramat lite comes with one of the shortest warranties in the category. GelPro Eco Pro Price: Starting at $98.99 (Buy on BTOD), High-quality polyurethane construction We had to peel it off the floor to remove it, something we'd not seen with any other mat. Its blue tracking massage ball seemed gimmicky at first (and also, potentially hard to clean), but we found that it quickly became addictive. The raison d'etre for a standing desk mat is to avoid fatigue and discomfort while standing at your desk. The Sky Mat's surface is the smoothest of all tested, and testers could slide easily on it while wearing socks. All but one of the non-flat standing desk mats tested were manufactured with polyurethane that included an integral skin. We left footprints in it almost immediately. The Clever mat has a thinner middle than other raised mats that we tested, but its stability and easy storage make it an excellent option for someone seeking a raised mat that doesn't break the bank. Who is BTOD.com and The Breakroom Blog? The Kangaroo also showed lift on one corner that continued along its length, making it a potential trip hazard, especially on smoother surfaces. They have recently updated their warranty, now offering a full lifetime warranty to the original purchaser. Can bottom out with heel when used barefoot. Short warranty period The ErgoGo standing desk mat by AmComfy is the softest mat in the category. With a seven year warranty, the ErgoDrivens Topo mat offers our second best warranty in the category. The CumulousPro is manufactured with a high-quality polyurethane core and has a vinyl covering for added durability. And while aesthetics is another potentially subjective evaluation, we looked at whether the mat looked like it would fit in with standard home dcor or had a utilitarian vibe more suited for a corporate or factory backdrop. We noticed that it was easy for us to leave foot imprints on the smooth surface, indicating a softer cushion than other mats. Without shoes I found myself bottoming out, especially when putting weight on my heels. We found that all the raised mats had elevated sides that encouraged movement, which reduced leg and foot fatigue compared to flat mats. Im not sure how this would hold up to power users that stand for three to four hours a day. Short warranty period Back terrain lacking elevation change Provides a lot of different standing options Thanks for the helpful reviews. home office, RS Recommends, stress relief, work from home. We could roll our chair off the flat mats, though it was nearly impossible to execute gracefully. Love it!. If you need a small topo mat, this is the best option currently available. One reviewer wrote: I chose this [mat] after I received a standing desk at work. The testers discovered that it was pretty much impossible to push or pull the flat mats with their feet. Full Disclaimer: We are an office furniture dealer and sell some of the products we review. Great value, Can be too firm for some users Has a two layer construction with vinyl covering It also has a thick, shock-absorbent foam core that provides support for the whole body and wont compress over time, while the slightly textured surface adds a little extra friction. The 0.75-inch mat is made with a high-density memory foam core that absorbs impact and provides cushioning support for long days on your feet, and the mats no-curl, beveled edges help prevent the risk of tripping. Of course, the brilliant part: The removable and machine-washable rug is specifically designed to be used in concert with the mat, thanks to the high-traction underside and four adhesive Gelly Grippers at each corner that help keep the two pieces locked together. Strong integral skin that prevents peeling Firm topo features that dont collapse when you stand on them Made with a three layer construction We tested the smallest size they make, but this mat is offered in six other dimensions, making it one of the most accomodating models we tested. Easily the most comfortable mat to stand on, its great with shoes and barefoot. Without getting an opportunity to try the VARIDESK comfort mat, I would have never known how uncomfortable it was. Bevel angles among the flat mats we tested didn't vary significantly, but the mat's materials meant that they behaved differently when testers stepped on them. Surprisingly, the Royal Mat didnt bottom out with shoes or barefoot. No cherry-picked units sent by manufacturers. Its important to consider the construction of the mat to give a better insight on how long it will last. The lowest quality mats didnt offer much support and would easily bottom out. The ComfiLife Anti-Fatigue is the softest of all the mats we tested. Adding a standing desk mat to your new or existing setup can help create a more comfortable working environment. One of the first experiences with the topo mats was a spread eagle. We found that softer mats showed foot imprints easily. I am 60 tall and weigh about 190 lbs., when looking at my experience I would consider how that applies to your stats. The Designer Comfort was the softest mat that I tested that didnt bottom out with shoes or bare feet. All trademarks property of their respective owners. I have reached out to AmComfy, the manufacturer of this product, and have yet to receive a response. Aesthetically speaking, few mats scream cool to us outside of the FEZIBO. Strong integral skin that prevents peeling This is the reason why we bring all of the products in for our comparisons and reviews. Yet, we noticed that the mat did travel on hard surfaces. This was one of the reasons I was never able to consistently use my flat mat prior to the research done for this post. In spite of the bevel Ive tripped over the edge of the mat several times when stepping away from my desk and can also see how someone might trip over the mat when walking close to my desk, so Ill be returning it. If you are a tall user this mat will likely be to small for you. While the LiCloud was comfortable in shoes, I found it to be a little to soft with bare feet. Standing desk mats are designed to prevent foot and leg fatigue while upright over time. Our testing process involved weary limbs and fatigued feet after hours of standing, digging in our heels, and walking on and across various surfaces. The mat has an easy-to-clean top surface thats textured to give feet a firm grip, and its water- and stain-resistant. For me personally, I found that it was a little too firm with shoes and barefoot. Buying Tips and Guides
The Genius's massage ball and features make it a great option if you have a carpeted office or add grip tape to the bottom before using it. Using a standing desk for about eight years, I had previously used a few different standing desk mats. We liked the gently beveled edges, which were less defined than other mats we tested, minimizing potential trip hazards. The final product to make our list is the GelPro New Life Advantage. Cushioning your feet where you stand is easier on the body, leading to less exhaustion and fatigue by the end of the day. One of the biggest concerns I have with the OFM Topo mat is safety; it was hands down the most slippery mat to use. To identify the best standing desk mat, we looked at five key areas: cushion and support, stability, materials and durability, versatility, and ease of use. Instead, look for a mat made from high-density foam or memory foam that has a little give for comfort but enough resistance to keep you stable. No matter if you wear shoes or go barefoot, the VARIDESK mat was way too firm. In This Article: It comes in an impressive range of 37 colors and styles, so you can choose one that complements your workspace. Best flat standing desk mats 2022 Seven year warranty period, Barefoot you tend to bottom out with heel Retrieved from https://jech.bmj.com/content/73/7/625, ComfiLife Anti-Fatigue Memory Foam Standing Desk Mat, GelPro Elite Premium Gel + Foam Anti-Fatigue Mat, GelPro Nevermove Anti-Fatigue Mat and Rug, Scientists untangle a long-standing mystery of female reproductive biology, Post-Roe America: People seeking permanent sterilizations are being turned away. The bottom of the mat is super grippy and stays put on the floor. Feels like standing on a hard floor This is actually a product that we have access to and have chosen not to sell. Great for multitaskers or restless people. We were very intrigued with the Genius massage ball, which opened up one tester's cramped arches. Short one year warranty period. Top layer of vinyl holds up well to scratch tests Offers good comfort with shoes and barefoot Fine print on 5 year warranty The Ergohead is currently only offered for sale on Amazon and the warranty is currently unknown. Finding the ideal mat that supports your legs and feet may feel like it's straight out of Goldilockshow to find the one that's just right for you? Its hardwood center, textured faux leather bottom, and leather hook stands apart from the foam mats. Some of the companies that offered long warranties had bad feedback, with customers stating the companies did not get back to them for warranty support. We did not attempt the chair rolling test on the raised mats for obvious reasons. There are also moving mats designed specifically for standing desks, that promote good posture and reduce back strain while encouraging subtle movement. The raised mats also have varying levels of cushioning. If there was anything suspicious I deducted points. While you are able to move around on the mat, it is restricted by the overall dimensions of the mat. Made from the same material as the larger mat, the strong integral skin will have no problems holding up to daily office abuse. Successfully achieving that requires a combination of cushion and support. No warranty information available from manufacturer Youll stand up straighter for longer. With over 20 mats in my office, the smell was overwhelming at first. Since the general rule of thumb is to alternate between sitting and standing, we looked at whether mats could easily slide under the desk and how easy it was to roll a chair over them (in most cases, it's not). Sign up for our newsletter. The full-size Topo mat gives you plenty of room to move, but if you want something more compact and less expensive, the Topo Mini is a good choice, but its best suited to those 5 feet 4 inches and under. One additional note on the Varidesk Active Mat: I recently purchased one (before reading your article) and would add that because of the size of the mat I found the raised sides protrude beyond the area under my desk and are a tripping hazard. To keep you moving, the Ergodriven Topo mat features a varied terrain that encourages feet to wander and stretch while promoting circulation. I found there was no give at all and it made my experience less than enjoyable. Inner core is made from high quality polyurethane, Has a two layer construction with vinyl covering The topo mats tended to be firmer than the flat mats and many of them were uncomfortable with shoes on. There was no rhyme or reason to many of the warranties that existed either. The mat's pebbled surface could trap smaller bits of dirt after prolonged use. We stood on the mats side by side to assess cushion and support. I LOVE doing the calf stretches and arch massage on the shapes.. By the end, you should have a better idea which mat is best for your specific needs. If youre going to be standing up at work, you might as well do it comfortably. This type of material breaks down quicker than high quality polyurethane and wont offer as much bounce in the mat. Topo MiniPrice: Starting at $69.00 (Buy on Amazon), Small flat space for standing The most expensive option we tested This is the ideal construction to offer good support and a high level of durability. If you're serious about alternating between standing and sitting at your desk and want a high-quality mat, the Ergodriven Topo is an investment that your feet will appreciate. Doesnt slide around as easily as the less expensive options With a lifetime warranty that will either replace or provide a full refund to the end user at any point during ownership. A nonskid base further enhances safety by keeping the mat planted in place, and spills and stains wipe easily from the durable surface. With many mats featuring textured surfaces, we wondered how easy they would be to clean. We like the Genius' smaller footprint for both storing and use. If you are taller than 60, depth might be an issue as this mat was a bit short compared to other high ranking alternatives. The Kangaroo has a slightly firmer and more supportive feel. Its wood core and latex top translate into a more supportive, less cushiony ride. Large flat space for standing The higher-end products had the best safety ratings, while the lower-end products tended to slide a bit more. Kitchen, garage, or even for home gym workouts? However, these features mean these mats aren't ideal for anything other than a standing desk situation in most cases. The ComfiLife Anti-Fatigue Mat's low price and generous cushioning make it a great value flat mat. Uplift 900 Desk vs. VertDesk v3: Which is better? Are you able to add manufacturer part numbers or links to the manufacturer website so we know the specific model that was reviewed? In case it doesnt, the seven year warranty from ErgoDriven will provide a free replacement. Over the course of the last two months I have personally tested 20 of the most popular flat and non-flat standing desk mats available. Thinnest mat we tested The mat's center is smoother, and we found that standing there allowed the board to remain flat with no wobble. We only recommend products we love and that we think you will, too. Made in the USA, Second thinnest mat we tested Without an integral skin or vinyl layer over the top, the VARIDESK mat is susceptible to damage from everyday abuse. Very comfortable without shoes The flat mats on the other hand started out softer and without shoes some became too soft. While the topo features are smaller than the larger alternative, they are still firm and wont collapse when you stand on them. Front massage bar can be uncomfortable barefoot Provides good bounce even with vinyl covering This is an important aspect of this type of mat; too soft and you wont be able to put any weight onto the terrain features without them flattening out. I think this is still an investment and having a solid warranty is important. Inner core is made from high quality polyurethane Consider this mat if you're primarily using it on a carpeted surface and if you prioritize non-toxic construction or size and color options. The nonskid bottom stays firmly in place on hard-surface floors, and the beveled corners resist curling and give the mat a low-profile edge that prevents tripping. The mat provided a good amount of support with shoes on and I didnt find myself bottoming out. The Kangaroo Original provides reliable support in a phthalate-free package, but the mat developed some unfortunate corner lift within a very short period. While the GelPro Designer Comfort mat didnt rank as highly as its close cousin, the Eco Pro, it doesnt mean that it was a bad product. Low quality PVC foam breaks down quicker than Polyurethane. The FLEXISPOT is soft enough that it isn't as effortless for all testers. Chance the Rapper, Joey Bada$$ Deliver Artsy Performance of 'The Highs and the Lows' on 'Fallon', Georgias Gun Laws Are Forcing Atlantas Midtown Music Festival to Cancel This Year, I Meant No Disrespect: Diane Warrens Shady Beyonc Tweet Sparks Debate About the Art of Collaboration, Better Call Saul Writer on Finally Entering the World of Breaking Bad, Trump Sides with Russia Over Brittney Griner, Dentist Convicted of Murdering His Wife on Safari, RS Recommends: The Best Electric Razors for an Easier Morning, From Grown-Up Truth or Dare to the Return of M.A.S.H., These Party Games Turn Up Any Gathering, From Stress Relief to Muscle Recovery, Heres Why Its Time to Invest in a Massage Chair. Mats with raised edges were easier to push to store under a desk. The Breakroom Blog is different from most review sites because we order the products we review and feature on our lists. High quality also comes with a higher than average price tag. We also like the subtle texture of the Imprint, ComfiLife, Gorilla, and Kangaroo mats. With the invention of non-flat standing desk mats, movement can now be a major part of your time spent standing. While this might not be a surprise for those that already own this mat, the fact that it only comes with a five year warranty was disappointing. We find that a 20" x 32" size is a large enough footprint to accommodate a range of standing positions, foot sizes, and desk sizes. The Imprint and ComfiLife are floppier, translating to them slumping against the wall and being more difficult to store upright. One of the most comfortable topo mats with shoes It would be a decent alternative for those wanting a softer version of the Ergodriven product. Its important to look at the details of the warranty. I work without shoes and followed your recommendation for the TerraMat by CubeFit. Here are some ways a standing desk mat addresses this. All Rights Reserved. The rug portion is thin and lowvpile. Making the transition to a standing desk can certainly be easier said than done. While the Clever mat's center is soft enough to leave footprints, its raised sides are noticeably firmer, providing more support. Type: A basic mat is exactly what it sounds like a thick, cushioned mat. This skin provides all the protection the soft core requires, while still providing the perfect amount of bounce to maintain proper ergonomic principles. We like its versatility, adding challenge to home workouts like planks and squats.
Coming in right behind its bigger brother is the Topo Mini from ErgoDriven. Considering it comes with a short two year warranty and higher than average price tag, the New Life Advantage is the worst value in the flat mat category. Our testers had an unmistakable preference for the Ergodriven Topo Comfort. The Butterfly mat tied the OFM mat for the least safe mat, with slipping issues found on low pile carpet and hard surfaces. Depending on the amount of breaks you take and the comfort of the shoes you wear, your feet can take a beating early in the process. If you are in a shared work environment, you will want to keep these mats tucked under the desk. My rating included six different aspects of the non-flat mat. One of the most expensive options available. We also found the mat's surface and bevels to be slick, a potential tripping hazard. Has a two layer construction with vinyl covering The Best Standing Desk Converter For 2022, The 5 Best Varidesk Alternatives And Competitors. Too soft for proper ergonomic support The first was with your shoes on. Overall, this would be the least likely to get a recommendation for me. There is a lot more to standing desk mats than one likely considers. We also appreciate the variety of colors offered, which include prints, stripes, and solids. Having now spent over 100 hours standing on these mats, through the good and bad products, I definitely gained a new appreciation for them. It is hard to believe how much different the Lite mat felt from the full size Terramat. However, if you go with some of the cheapest options I found the smell lasts longer than better quality products. The Original KANGAROO comes with a ten year warranty that will replace your mat due to manufacturer defects, no questions asked. Without an integral skin or layer of vinyl added for protection, the VARIDESK Active Mat appears to be susceptible to damage from normal use in the office. At only .624 thick, the VARIDESK mat is the thinnest mat we have tested. There were major differences in quality from one mat to another. With only two massage balls, there werent any other options for side standers. Do you plan to roam from one end of your desk to the other? Short one year warranty period. That said, the FEZIBO takes top honors as the firmest. What did I learn about standing desk mats? One reviewer wrote: I just bought a stand-up desk and could not do without the anti-fatigue comfort mat. My biggest concern is how it will hold up to rocks in your shoes. The 0.75-inch mat has a nonslip bottom that keeps it planted in place, and the beveled edges help prevent trips and curling. Bottoms out with shoes and bare feet This post will introduce you to each type of mat, what I learned about each and their corresponding ranking based on criteria that Ive found to be most important to these types of products. Just real, honest, side-by-side testing and comparison. The first thing to consider is material. While a few of the high-end brands offered solid warranties, the two products that ranked highest had the worst warranties in the category. The warranties varied significantly and didnt always align with a products level of quality. We found the beads' placement on the far sides of the mat allowed us to move our feet when we wanted a break without forcing us to stand on them the entire time. These are more commonly referred to as anti-fatigue mats. The VARIDESK Active Mat is constructed from high-quality polyurethane material, but is the only mat in the category not to include a integral skin. This allows us to provide a large number of detailed pictures and first-hand information on the products. The Jarvis Standing Desk, 13 Best Standing Desk Chairs And Stools For 2022, Wire Management Explained for the VertDesk v3 and More, WobbleMeter: Stability Testing For Autonomous SmartDesk Pro, Top 5 aeris GmbH Muvman Problems, Solutions and Alternatives 2022, 11 Best Standing Desk Converters for 2022. Provides a lot of different standing options Good value, Better for kitchen applications than standing desks There are a plenty of different standing options on the mat and it works well in all directions. KANGAROOPrice: Starting at $35.99 (Buy on Amazon), Includes ten year warranty that replaces defective mat Provides good amount of bounce Mat tends to be slippery on hard and carpeted surfaces. Utilizing a two layer construction, the vinyl top coat is a major concern and they are known to peel over time. No elevation change on back of mat There werent any slipping issues on low-pile cart or hard surfaces. Not great for side standing options. We compared them side by side and evaluated them on a range of tests to determine which one was the best. This was a bit of a gimmick in my opinion, but the mat did have a few features that users may appreciate. We also looked at whether it could fit easily under a desk and be stored flat, where the desk had nothing underneath it. While the warranty is better on the Topo, I would have to problem recommending the TerraMat over ErgoDrivens most popular product. Most mats require no setup or instructions for use. I am not sure what the warranty period is so I scored it with the one year rating. However, as the surface wears, that might change. Compare The Best Flat Standing Mats of 2022, Compare The Best Non-Flat Standing Mats of 2022, Full list with review summaries and pros/consfor each mat, Best non-flat/topo standing desk mats 2022. I personally found the KANGAROO to be a little too soft. One of most well-known brands in the category, No integral skin or vinyl covering for added durability The Imprint CumulusPRO Commercial Couture Strata is the only mat we tested to be certified by the National Floor Safety Institute, which makes the price tag a bit easier to swallow.