We Tested 7 Anti-Fatigue Mats—Here Are the Best Ones for Your Kitchen

Most of the tools we use in the kitchen are designed for our hands. Balloon whisks with comfortably grippy handles, chef’s knives with just the right amount of weight distribution, and even countertop equipment, like air fryers, all require manual use. But cooks who spend a lot of time in the kitchen—or suffer from joint or back pain—may be familiar with a tool made specifically for their feet: an anti-fatigue mat.

Anti-fatigue mats are floor mats made from foam; they’re intended to help relieve joint pain, as well as act as a preventative measure. While they’re not necessary for cooking in the way, say, a skillet is, they’re incredibly helpful for anyone who spends a prolonged amount of time in the kitchen.

All of the mats we tested came with manufacturer claims about the mat's effectiveness; they would “relieve pressure,” “increase circulation,” and “reduce stress on your knees, muscles, and joints.” To better understand the function of anti-fatigue mats, we spoke with Austin Sumner, a physician specializing in Occupational Medicine and the Medical Director of Occupational Medicine at the University of Vermont Health Network. Anti-fatigue mats are spongy surfaces, he explains, requiring consistent corrective foot movement to maintain balance. These small, corrective movements are considered dynamic, and better combat fatigue and pain than prolonged fixed muscle contraction with non-movement (also called static movement) on a firm surface.

“[A] softer surface leads to more dynamic foot movement, better circulation, and better rhythmic muscle contraction. Keeping it dynamic, in theory, reduces discomfort,” he says, also noting that working barefoot on an anti-fatigue mat may result in more dynamic movement, thereby boosting its beneficial effects. (Shoes can lock the foot into a static, stabilizing position, which is important for some activities—like exercise. But prolonged static position can cause discomfort, like standing at a kitchen counter).

Although Dr. Sumner doesn’t endorse a particular brand of mat, he does prescribe and recommend them clinically to injured workers who have to stand for long periods on hard surfaces. (Dr. Sumner’s practice is in occupational medicine, but he notes that application in the workplace can also apply to the home).

To find the best anti-fatigue mat, we performed an extensive Lab test on a variety of mats—all available online from popular retailers, like Amazon, or for direct sale on their own websites. We then chose seven of the best lab-tested mats for further at-home kitchen testing, with considerations for performance, comfort, durability, and ease of maintenance and upkeep. 

The Tests

To thoroughly review the mats, our test was broken down into three parts. We also considered aesthetics (including color options, patterns, and texture of the protective topper), because anti-fatigue mats are both a tool and a piece of decor.

• Daily Use Test: We used each mat for two full days in the kitchen, cycling through sneakers, socks, and bare feet. The first day was situated between a cutting board and the stove, where we did basic meal prep tasks, like chopping vegetables, searing meat, and whisking sauces. For the second test, we positioned the mat at the sink, where it was used during dishwashing and cleanup. In both instances, we considered plushness, texture, grip, and whether the bottom and surface of the mat were at all slippery. We spent approximately six total hours standing on each mat.
• Durability Test: We placed a 15-pound dumbbell in the middle of each mat for four hours. Once the weight was removed, we noted the depth of the depression left behind, and timed how long it took to spring back fully.
• Staining Test: We spread a mixture of 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil and 1/2 teaspoon of ground turmeric on a small portion of each mat. After letting it sit for an hour, we followed the manufacturer's instructions for cleanup to assess both ease of cleaning and stain resistance.

What We Learned

Foam Density Mattered

Mat height is essentially useless for choosing the best anti-fatigue mat: It’s really about the density. Some mats, like one made by ComfiLife, were flimsy, with a low foam density underfoot, and failed to deliver support. Others, like an extra-long mat by Amazon Basics, were so firm and industrial-looking, that they’d fare better as an entryway mat.

All anti-fatigue mats are made from foam, despite different wording in the marketing copy for each one. Jargon like “energy-returning” and “Biofoam” is a sales point. Although “high density” should tell you more about the makeup of the mat (higher density means more support), none of the manufacturers we tested gave actual specifications or details about the production. The only way to determine a foam mat’s density without slicing it open is to stand on it yourself. (Dr. Sumner recommends testing mats in person before buying, if you can.) 

Some of the mats we tested felt too plush under our feet, reminding us of water beds: they feel great at first but with prolonged use become unsupportive and posturally problematic. Others were so dense, that there was minimal difference between standing directly on the floor and using the mat.

The mats we liked best performed like memory foam mattresses: thoroughly molding to our feet with gentle spring back, and without too much of a depression.

The Surface Texture Was Important for Safety AND Maintenance

Some of the mats we tested had a slick, slippery surface. Although it made cleanup easier, we didn’t like using these mats in socks or slippers. An accidental slip or slide is annoying at best, but dangerous when working with knives or heat. Since so many kitchen tasks involve one of the two, it's hard to argue in favor of an ultra-smooth mat topper.

On the other hand, very textured surfaces—like pebbled or waffle-weave toppers—made cleanup unnecessarily challenging. One of the mats we tested had grooves so tiny, that only a toothpick could dislodge small crumbs (and forget about stains).

Our favorite anti-fatigue mats had slightly different textures that both worked well. The House of Noa mat topper was slightly rough, which discouraged slipping. On the other hand, the Office Depot GelPro mat had a rubbery, “grippy” texture on its surface that felt virtually accident-proof.

A piece of equipment that lives in close proximity to your cutting board or kitchen sink needs to be easy to clean. We found that with daily upkeep, the mats were mostly easy to maintain. A stick vacuum and damp rag worked just fine for a full day’s worth of crumbs, pet hair, and spills, like maple syrup or a blob of yogurt. But when it came to staining, the darker-colored mats won out. Our top pick, the House of Noa Nama Standing Mat, was a low performer in a turmeric stain test, owing to its beige and pale blue coastal motif. However, with dozens of designs to choose from, a darker, more camouflaging pattern could be chosen.

Quality Construction Reduced Tripping Hazards

Some of the mats experienced a slight flare around their edges and corners, while others sat firmly and entirely on the floor. At first, we wrote off the flare as a minor aesthetic flaw—it looked sloppy—but after our daily use test, we realized that flared edges could be a tripping hazard, too. While stepping onto the mat, it was easy to trip or scuff the lifted edge, especially if we had our eyes elsewhere, or were shuffling our feet. We also experienced awkward step-ons and step-offs with one of our competitors, which featured a large bevel and a towering (by comparison) 9/10-inch height.

While moving about a kitchen with hot pans, knives, and other sharp objects always presents hazards, a central piece of equipment that ups the risk factor is unnecessary. Price does matter here: the two sturdiest mats were also the most expensive.

Design, Color, and Pattern Options Matter More than You May Think

Although it didn’t rank higher than other requirements, we also considered aesthetics. Unlike bulky or unsightly small appliances that can be tucked away in a closet, anti-fatigue mats double as decor. Most home cooks wouldn’t consider buying a rug that didn’t match their kitchen design (or at least offered a little personality), so we held the anti-fatigue mats to the same standard.

Of course, looks are subjective. What we found attractive may not be your cup of tea. Instead, we favored mats with a variety of colors and patterns, so cooks could choose from a handful of styles.

The Criteria: What to Look for in an Anti-Fatigue Mat

The best anti-fatigue mats have a moderately high density, which allows the foam to mold around your feet without a feeling of “sinking in.” We favored mats with well-constructed, heavier edges to avoid annoying (and potentially trip-hazardous) flared corners. A very gently textured topper is ideal for ease of cleaning, but deep grooves will collect crumbs and stains. Super smooth surfaces, while attractive, invite slipping—especially when wearing socks. Finally, aesthetics matter for this tool. We liked mats that offered a variety of colors and patterns, or at least blended into the background with basic colors.

Our Favorite Anti-Fatigue Mats

The Best Anti-Fatigue Mat

The House of Noa Nama Standing Mat

View on Thehouseofnoa.com

What we liked: This mat has just the right amount of plush and comes in over two dozen designs and color options. Of the models we tested, House of Noa also offered the greatest array of mat sizes. While it would be easy to fall for the company’s glossy marketing (the website is highly polished), our testing cemented this as our top pick. It had the most luxurious, cushion-like feel under our feet without being too soft to actually provide support. The edges stayed firmly put on the floor, and the just barely textured surface minimized slipping without being a pain to clean. 

What we didn’t like: The light coloring of the mat meant deeply hued stains were obvious. But basic daily cleanup (a quick swipe with a stick vacuum and wipe with a damp rag) kept the mat looking almost brand-new. It’s the priciest option of the bunch.

Key Specs

• Materials: High-density foam (per manufacturer)
• Size options: 20 x 32, 20 x 48, 20 x 72, 30 x 72, 30 x 108 inches
• Thickness: 3/4-inch
• Care instructions: Use an all-purpose cleaner or mild dish soap and water; dry completely
• Colors available: 14 (at the time of publish), which can be browsed here
• Non-slip bottom: Yes
  

Another Great Anti-Fatigue Mat

GelPro NewLife EcoPro Commercial Grade Anti-Fatigue Floor Mat

$15 at Walmart $101 at Office Depot View on Northerntool.com

What we liked: This a serious mat that can handle heavy use and mess, and would work well as a standing desk mat or in a laundry room space, too. The mat topper was slightly rubberized, with a very grippy feel that made us feel confident to cook in socks. In fact, the GelPro outranked every mat in the staining test and durability test and stood neck-and-neck (or rather, toe-to-toe) with the House of Noa in our daily use test. It’s comfortably heavy, well-made by a reputable office supply company, and carries a certification by the National Floor Safety Institute, an organization that aims to “aid in the prevention of slips, trips-and-falls through education, research, and standards development."

What we didn’t like: The lack of customizable options was disappointing. While black works just fine at a standing desk or garage workbench, it will fall short for cooks with strong design opinions or a themed kitchen. While slightly less than the House of Noa mat at the same size, it still costs just over $100.

Key Specs

• Materials: "Energy returning biofoam” (per manufacturer)
• Size options: 20x32 inches
• Thickness: 3/4-inch
• Care instructions: None given
• Colors available: N/A (just black)
• Non-slip bottom: Yes

The Best Budget-Friendly Anti-Fatigue Mat

Gorilla Grip Anti Fatigue Cushioned Comfort Mat

$60 $42 at Amazon

What we liked: This super-plush mat was incredibly comfortable to stand on. Its surface was easily wiped clean, too. Available in lots of colors, patterns, and sizes, this is the best anti-fatigue mat to buy on a budget. In fact, the largest size (70-by-24 inches) is still well under $100.

What we didn't like: This mat's lower-density foam made us question its longevity. It's also lighter in weight, and more prone to slipping around.

Key Specs

• Materials: Foam and rubber
• Size options: 17x24, 17x48, 17x29, 17x59, 20x32, 39x20, 48x20, 60x20, 70x24 inches
• Thickness: 3/4-inch
• Care instructions: Vacuum or wipe with a damp cloth
• Colors available: 13 (at the time of publish)
• Non-slip bottom: Yes

The Competition

• Amazon Basics Anti-Fatigue Standing Mat: Despite its appealing XL length, this mat's ultra-firm texture wasn’t much better than standing directly on the floor. Due to its industrial aesthetic and almost perfect stain-resistant topper, we felt it would fare better as an entryway mat or at a garage workbench.
• Sky Solutions Anti-Fatigue Mat: This mat was the least expensive—and poorest performer—of all we tested. A slick, slippery surface, too-hard firmness, and sloppily printed design were too much to compromise, even in exchange for a low price tag.
• FEATOL Anti Fatigue Standing Mat: Although this mat had the tallest profile of any we tested, it was far from the comfiest. Its textured, intricate waffle-weave pattern also made it impossible to clean—the grooves were a magnet for stains, pet hair, and crumbs.
• ComfiLife Anti-Fatigue Floor Mat: A slight sheen and texture on the surface highlighted the stain during our cleaning test. Its lightweight construction, flared corners and poor springback made it an underwhelming option.

FAQs

What size anti-fatigue mat should you buy? 

Anti-fatigue mats come in a variety of sizes. Some, like House of Noa, offer multiple lengths and widths. But for most kitchens, the standard 20- by 32-inch mat will work just fine near your cutting board or by the sink. If the design of your kitchen allows for a longer length, it may be worth buying one that covers a larger footprint. But, for the most part, you won’t need extra width—20 inches is plenty of room to work before straying too far from the counter.

How do you clean an anti-fatigue mat? 

For everyday cleaning, use a damp cloth to wipe the mat free from crumbs and spills. Bigger messes can be cleaned with a gentle multi- or all-purpose cleaner. It’s best to dry the mat immediately with a dry cloth or towel. Avoid dampening the underside of the mat; if you do, allow it to dry completely before you place it back on the floor. Every mat we tested also stood up to the vacuum (without an agitating beater bar). As always, we recommend checking the manufacturer's care instructions to see if they recommend (or don't recommend) anything specific.

Will an anti-fatigue mat ease back pain?

According to Dr. Sumner, an anti-fatigue mat's spongy texture leads to “more dynamic foot movement, better circulation, and better rhythmic muscle contraction.”

Can you put a chair on an anti-fatigue mat?

The kind of mats in this review aren't designed for office use. They're meant to be stood on and it'd be difficult to roll a chair across them. Plus, chairs with pointier legs could potentially puncture the mat.

Is an anti-fatigue mat waterproof?

The top of an anti-fatigue mat is resistant to spills and splashes, while the underside is more porous. The mat shouldn't be submerged in water but will survive standard kitchen messes easily.

How long do anti-fatigue mats last?

A high-quality anti-fatigue mat, like our winners, should last for many years—as long as proper care and cleaning are taken (i.e. no high heels, sharp chair legs, or pet claws, which could all damage the mat). If your mat's in a high-traffic area, this may limit its lifespan a little. It's worth noting that our senior commerce editor, Riddley Gemperlein-Schirm, has owned two House of Noa mats since 2020. They've been in her kitchen for years and are still in fantastic shape.

Can you trim a standing mat?

If you have a uniquely sized space where traditional mats won't fit, you can trim it using a very sharp utility knife (save your kitchen shears, please) and a straight edge. That said, you'll lose the beveled edge, and keeping the sides clean will be a bit trickier, as the foam will be exposed.

Why We're the Experts

• Rochelle Bilow is Serious Eats' commerce editor.
• Previously, she worked for Bon Appétit and Cooking Light.
• To find the best anti-fatigue mats, Rochelle tested seven models—evaluating them for weeks to evaluate their comfort, durability, and more.
• For this review, Rochelle interviewed Austin Sumner, a physician specializing in Occupational Medicine and the Medical Director of Occupational Medicine at the University of Vermont Health Network.