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Whether you work in an office or at home, switching to a standing desk can help relieve the pain that comes from sitting all day. However, while working at a standing desk can reduce the strain on your back, standing for long periods of time can cause strain on your feet, knees, and legs. Consider using a standing desk stand.
According to chiropractor Dr. Randy Jaffe, these mats, also known as anti-fatigue mats, can provide “better support and cushioning” for our joints and help “reduce the pain that can come with prolonged use of a standing desk.” These mats come in a variety of shapes and sizes, including simple flat mats and mats with varying surface heights to suit different needs. To help you find the best standing mat for your space, I spoke to 10 chiropractors, physical therapists, and ergonomics experts about the standing mats they recommend time and time again to their patients and clients. Whether you prefer a standing mat that encourages movement throughout the day or simply a mat that supports your joints, you’ll find a mat here that fits the bill.
A few things to keep in mind: A standing mat is only effective when you use it, so you’ll want to choose one that fits easily under your desk or can be easily moved from room to room. You’ll also want to think about what kind of shoes you’ll wear with your mat. Going barefoot is always an option, but if you work in an office, Carla Jaspers, founder of Workup Ergonomics, suggests looking for “flats or very low wedges that provide support.” While sneakers are ideal, she adds that dress shoes are fine, too, “as long as they have a supportive sole and don’t have a high heel.”
Dr. Adam Lamb of Lamb Chiropractic Clinic in New York City recommends choosing pillows made of high-density foam or polyurethane, which are generally dense enough to support joints and are easy to clean.
Cameron Still, founder of ergonomics consultancy The Ergo Lady, says standing desk pads should be at least half an inch thick to provide maximum relief from joints. However, she notes that the thicker the padding, the better: “For most people, a half-inch to three-quarters of an inch of padding is usually soft enough to comfortably support the feet, legs, and knees,” Still tells me.
You’ll want to make sure the standing desk mat you choose will fit your workspace. Dr. Brian Williams, founder and CEO of Concierge Physical Therapists, says, “If someone has a large workspace with multiple screens and is juggling multiple aspects of their workday, they may need a 4-foot (48-inch) mat instead of the standard 30- to 36-inch mat.” I’ve listed all the mat size options below.
“Often, standing desk pads are a problem because they’re big, flat, and hard to move,” says Dr. Scott Diamond, a chiropractor and founder of Diamond Chiropractic. All of the options I reviewed are lightweight enough to be easily moved, because “when things are simple, you use them correctly and more often,” says Karen Loesing, a licensed physical therapist assistant and owner of The Ergonomic Expert. Some even have indentations or grooves for your feet, which is helpful for those using a standing desk pad to help alleviate an existing injury. Here are some things I noticed about a standing desk pad.
Material: Polyurethane | Thickness: 0.85″ to 2.7″ | Size: 26.25″ x 29″ | Availability: Toe Relief
With a large surface area and various raised sections, the Topo Comfort mat is thick enough to take the pressure off your joints while making it easier to shift weight and change your posture. Six of the pros I spoke to recommended the mat, with many noting that its main benefit was the varied terrain. “The mat has a flat surface where you can stand in a normal position, but there are also other raised areas where you can massage the soles of your feet, stretch your calves, and do some micro-exercises,” says Jaffe. The mat moves easily with your feet thanks to built-in grooves in the toe, so it’s easy to put away after use.
When I tried the mat myself, I found that I had plenty of room to change my work position as I pleased. I particularly like the raised front and back rails for stretching my calves, and the raised ridge in the middle is a great feature for balancing and taking the pressure off one leg. It’s worth noting that some experts don’t recommend using multi-surface mats like the Topo, as they can increase the risk of tripping in the workplace. I’d say the postural flexibility you get from working on different terrain is worth the extra caution, but if you consider yourself clumsy, you might want to consider the simpler desk pad options below.
Material: Polyurethane | Thickness: 0.85″ to 2.7″ | Size: 25.2″ x 19.2″ | Availability: Ribbed Edge
If you have a small workspace, you can save money by opting for Topo’s mini mats. In fact, Diamond prefers the mini version, as the smaller size makes it easier to slide the mat under your desk when you’re using it. The variety of textures means you still have plenty of ways to change up your position: “Sometimes you can lift one leg, which takes some of the pressure off your hips,” says Diamond. “Sometimes you can use it for calf stretches. It’s made of a material that creates more macro and micro motion, so it gets the blood pumping because you’re moving around on the mat.”
As a short person, standing at around five feet three inches tall, I found that I liked the Mini Topo mat better than the regular mat. While the mini pads don’t have the foot grooves that regular pads have for easy adjustment, they’re small and light enough to be easily moved around with one foot. Plus, it’s the perfect size for my New York City apartment. However, if you’re taller or have larger feet, I’d recommend considering the regular version above so you have plenty of room to stretch your joints and move around.
Material: High Density Foam Thickness: 0.75″ Dimensions: 17″ x 24″, 20″ x 32″, 20″ x 39″, 20″ x 48″, 20″ x 60″ and 24″ x 70″ Availability: No
While researching this article, I came across a variety of simple coasters, all of which have a flat surface, while the Topo coaster featured above has different textures on its surface. I think this one is the best because it comes in a wide range of sizes — from 17 by 24 inches to 24 by 70 inches — and in a variety of colors. I’ve actually heard of this one before: Recipe developer and food content creator Justine Doiron told me about it when I was researching the best kitchen rugs, but Stihl also recommends it. When it comes to coasters, she says, “You want to make sure you’re using a flat one with beveled edges so you don’t create a tripping hazard.” Dr. Nikki Weiner, president of The Rising Workplace, agrees. In addition to the beveled edges and flat surface, the Gorilla Grip coasters are thick enough (0.75 inches) to support your joints. While Stiehl suggests that 17-by-24-inch models typically fit well under a desk, you may want to choose a larger model if your workspace requires it.
Material: High Density Foam | Thickness: 0.75″ | Dimensions: 20″ x 32″, 20″ x 39″, and 20″ x 70″ | Availability: No
The biggest difference between the Gorilla Grip and ComfiLife mats is their sizes: Gorilla offers six options, while ComfiLife offers three. Choose this mat unless your workspace requires the more specific sizes that Gorilla Grip offers. Jaffe and Williams recommend it because it’s thin (0.75 inches) and easy to use. Williams says the price is another draw, so if you’re only interested in a standing desk pad, this is a great option that won’t break the bank.
If you’re looking for a desk pad that you can easily move between work stations or across the floor, I recommend this model. The pad’s handles make it easy to move, according to Stihl, and you can use it with your feet or hands. Like the simple pads on this list, the Mount-It! Pad is flat, 0.75 inches thick, and has those beautiful beveled edges that both Weiner and Stihl praised. However, if you’re looking for a wider range of sizes or more color options, you’ll want to check out the other options above.
While some professionals I spoke with thought that simpler is better when it comes to standing mats, the Balance Board Standing Mat is designed for those looking to add a little exercise to their daily workday. The balance component “forces people to engage their core muscles to stay upright,” says Williams. Lamb’s favorite mat has a ton of thoughtful features, including a non-slip rubber base, a grid of massage points to relieve foot tension, and a rotating massage ball. In his practice, physical therapist James Higgins has found that patients especially like mats with rotating massage balls “because they allow patients to give themselves a foot massage and relieve some of the pressure points on their feet.” Despite all of these fancy features, though, it’s worth noting that Lamb says regular use will take some getting used to for new users, so you might want to consider investing in a balance board in addition to one of the stabilization mats above.
• Dr. Scott Diamond, chiropractor and founder of Diamond Chiropractic • James Higgins, physical therapist and co-owner of New York Integrated Physical Therapy • Dr. Randy Jaffe, chiropractor • Carla Jaspers, founder of Workup Ergonomics, occupational therapist, industrial designer, and certified professional ergonomist • Dr. Adam Lamb, chiropractor and founder of Lamb Chiropractic • Karen Loesing, licensed physical therapist assistant and owner of The Ergonomic Expert • Cameron Steele, advanced office ergonomics assessor and founder of The Ergo Lady • Dr. Nikki Weiner, licensed occupational therapist, chief ergonomist, and president of The Rising Workplace • Dr. Brian Williams, founder and CEO of Concierge Physical Therapists
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As part of your account, you will receive occasional updates and offers from New York, which you can unsubscribe from at any time.
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As part of your account, you will receive occasional updates and offers from New York, which you can unsubscribe from at any time.