We Tested 10 Anti-Fatigue Mats to Find Ones That Stood Out for Comfort and Style

Most of the tools we use in the kitchen are designed for our hands. But cooks who spend a lot of time in the kitchen—or suffer from joint or back pain—may be familiar with a piece of gear made specifically for their feet: an anti-fatigue mat.

Anti-fatigue mats are floor mats made from foam; they’re intended to help relieve and prevent joint pain. They’re incredibly helpful for anyone who spends a prolonged amount of time in the kitchen. We first tested anti-fatigue mats a few years ago and recently reevaluated our winners and a new batch of contenders. The results? We found six anti-fatigue mats that are comfortable to stand on and safe to use—and some even look good underfoot.

The Winners, at a Glance

The Best Anti-Fatigue Mat

The House of Noa Nama Standing Mat

$79 at Amazon View on Thehouseofnoa.com View on Thehouseofnoa.com

We named this the best anti-fatigue mat in our previous review, and it came out on top again. The foam density was ideal: moderately soft but not squishy. Available in loads of sizes, patterns, and colors, it’s a beautiful and functional investment. Our associate editorial director, Riddley Gemperlein-Schirm, has owned two for about three years and says, “They've held up really well—just a quick wipe down is all that's needed for cleanup. I keep one at my go-to prep area and the other at the sink.”

The Best Firm Anti-Fatigue Mat

GelPro NewLife Bio-Foam Professional Anti-Fatigue Mat

$100 $81 at Amazon $90 at Walmart $78 at Home Depot

We found this mat at an office supply store—it’s strong enough to handle commercial office use, which means it’s very firm. A 20-pound weight left a barely-there indentation that sprung back in a mind-blowing 90 seconds. (Most of our contenders took five to 10 minutes.) 

The Best Pro-Level Anti-Fatigue Mat

WellnessMats Original Anti-Fatigue Floor Mat

$150 $120 at Amazon $150 at Williams Sonoma $300 at Frontgate

We were duly impressed with this heavy-duty mat, which wouldn’t even dream of sliding or slipping across the floor. It kept spills contained and was stain- and puncture-proof. It’s pricey but well worth the splurge.

The Most Versatile Anti-Fatigue Mat

Fulton Standing Mat

View on Walkfulton.com

The Fulton mat passed all of our tests, but what sets it apart is its style. This eye-catching mat is made from recycled foam, cork, and cactus leather (a vegan alternative to traditional leather). It comes in two colors, a hunter green and a neutral tan. It’d look smart at a standing desk, entryway, or in front of a kitchen sink.

The Best Budget Anti-Fatigue Mat

ComfiLife Anti-Fatigue Floor Mat

$50 at Amazon $50 at Walmart View on Comfilife.com

This mat was a solid performer. It absorbed too much water during the spill test, but beyond that flaw, we thought it was a great value—it comes in loads of colors and a few sizes, too.

Another Good Budget Anti-Fatigue Mat

Sky Solutions Sky Mat 0.75-Inch Comfort Anti-Fatigue Mat

$31 $18 at Amazon

It’s hard to beat the price of this mat. It was comfortable to stand on and was water-resistant. We question its longevity, though, after noting that the edges started to curl during testing.

The Tests

• Daily Use Test: To assess the mats’ comfortability, we stood on them and performed a variety of cooking tasks: chopping vegetables, sautéeing at a stove, and washing dishes. We conducted this test in both shoes and socks. 
• Durability Test: We placed a 20-pound dumbbell in the middle of each mat for 15 minutes. Once the weight was removed, we noted the depth of the depression left behind, and timed how long it took to spring back fully. We then poured boiling water on the mats to see if it could be easily wiped off or if it was absorbed by the mat. We also stepped on and off the mats repeatedly to take note of any curled edges (potential trip hazards).
• Staining Test: We poured one tablespoon of olive oil onto the mat and let it sit for 10 minutes. Afterward, we cleaned the mat according to the manufacturer's instructions and noted any staining.

What We Learned

How Does an Anti-Fatigue Mat Work?

Most 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 Dr. 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,” Sumner says, also noting that working barefoot on an anti-fatigue mat may result in more dynamic movement, thereby boosting its benefits. (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 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. Sumner’s practice is in occupational medicine, but he notes that application in the workplace can also apply to the home.

Mat Height Wasn’t Important, But Foam Density Was

Most of the mats we tested were 0.75 inches in height, although the Matterly Happy Feet Anti-Fatigue Mat was 0.6 inches, and the GelPro NewLife Commercial Grade Anti-Fatigue Floor Mat measured 0.5 inches. Some of the mats we tested felt too plush under our feet, reminding us of water beds: They felt great at first but with prolonged use could 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.

Low foam density mats like the Gorilla Grip Anti Fatigue Cushioned Comfort Mat failed to deliver support. Simply put, they were too squishy. Others, like the GelPro NewLife Commercial Grade Anti-Fatigue Floor Mat were very firm. A firmer mat can feel more stable underfoot, but remember that a certain amount of instability is what gives these mats their posture-correcting superpowers.

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 of the mats we tested gave actual specifications or details about their production. The only way to determine a foam mat’s density without slicing it open is to stand on it yourself.

Surface Texture and Edge Integrity Were Crucial for Safety

Mats with a slippery surface were easier to clean but we didn’t like using them in socks. An accidental slip or slide is annoying at best, and dangerous when working with knives or heat. Since so many kitchen tasks involve one or both, it's hard to argue in favor of an ultra-smooth mat topper. It’s also worth pointing out that even the textured mats, like the Wellness Mats Original Collection Anti-Fatigue Mat, were easy to clean with a rag and dish soap.

Our favorite anti-fatigue mats had gently textured surfaces—the word “pebbled” comes to mind. The House of Noa Nama Standing Mat was slightly rough, which discouraged slipping. Equally good but different, the GelPro NewLife mat had a rubbery, almost sticky texture on its surface that felt virtually accident-proof.

All of the mats had beveled edges. (The Fulton Standing Mat touts this in its marketing copy, although the argument could be made it’s actually a straight edge.) Beveled edges, which gradually slope toward the floor, are in theory easier to step on and off, but we didn’t experience any difficulty getting on or off of the Fulton. Again, foam density comes into play: The edges of lower-density mats, like the Sky Solutions Anti Fatigue Mat, were more likely to curl away from the floor, which could pose a tripping hazard.

Most of the Mats Were Easy to Clean

We were thrilled by the results of our staining test. Oil is frustrating to wipe up, but almost all of the mats we tested were easily cleaned with a rag and a bit of mild cleaner. The Wellness Mats Anti-Fatigue Mat required a few rounds with dish soap, but after a little elbow grease, it was spotless. The ComfiLife model remained slick after cleaning, but there was no visual damage from the oil. The Sky Solutions mat was the only one that suffered discoloration from the oil; the rest came out looking like new.

Patterns and Sizes Mattered More Than You May Think

Although it didn’t rank higher than other requirements, we also considered aesthetics. Unlike bulky or unattractive 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 complement 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 smallest size offered by our winners varied, but it was around 20 x 35 inches, which is just right for standing at a stove or kitchen sink. Our favorites offered way more than that—the House of Noa, for example, comes in: 22 by 36, 22 by 54, 22 by 72, 30 by 72, and 30 by 108 inches.

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

Choose an anti-fatigue mat with high-density foam—it will be firm with a little give, like a memory foam mattress. Our favorite anti-fatigue mats had lightly pebbled or textured surfaces, which provided a no-slip grip. Anti-fatigue mats should be water- and stain-resistant and ideally come in a variety of sizes and colors.

Our Favorite Anti-Fatigue Mats

The Best Anti-Fatigue Mat

The House of Noa Nama Standing Mat

$79 at Amazon View on Thehouseofnoa.com View on Thehouseofnoa.com

What we liked: The Nama Standing Mat achieved the ideal foam density, with a nice spring and moderate softness. It was well-made, extremely durable, and chic. It comes in pretty patterns, soft neutral colors, and lots of sizes. It rebounded within seconds after the dumbbell test, which was faster than any mat we tested. It’s easy to clean. It’s Serious Eats editor-approved: Associate editorial director Riddley Gemperlein-Schirm owns two, and editor Rochelle Bilow (that’s me!) has owned one for two years. I keep mine in a sunny spot, and the color hasn’t faded at all. 

What we didn’t like: It’s certainly not the cheapest mat we tested. 

Key Specs

• Materials: High-density foam (no other details given)
• Size options: 22 x 36, 22 x 54, 22 x 72, 30 x 72, 30 x 108 inches
• Colors available: 11 patterns available; colors vary per pattern
• Thickness: 0.75 inches
• Care instructions: Use mild soap and water or all-purpose cleaner and dry completely. Wipe up spills as they happen with a dry cloth. Do not allow water or moisture to be trapped under the mat.

The Best Firm Anti-Fatigue Mat

GelPro NewLife Bio-Foam Professional Anti-Fatigue Mat

$100 $81 at Amazon $90 at Walmart $78 at Home Depot

What we liked: This is a no-fuss, no-frills anti-fatigue mat that provides very firm support. Its foam density is high, which means it doesn’t have as much give as most of the mats we tested. It’s a good pick for cooks with balance issues. At 0.5 inches, it has the lowest profile of any mat we tested; again, a nice option for people worried about tripping on the step up or down. The GelPro has a grippy, super non-slip surface, and it had a lively spring back after the dumbbell test. Although this mat only came in black when we first tested it, its manufacturer has since expanded its color options.

What we didn’t like: Because it’s so firm, it does not offer as many of the micromovement benefits as more plush mats. 

Key Specs

• Materials: “Bio-foam” (no other details given)
• Size options: 20 x 20, 20 x 32, 20 x 48, 20 x 72, 24 x 36, 36 x 60 inches
• Colors available: Midnight, earth, stone, vine black, vine brown, vine gray, vine latte (vine patterns are highly textured)
• Thickness: 0.5 inches
• Care instructions: Hand-wash only. Wipe clean with a damp cloth.

The Best Pro-Level Anti-Fatigue Mat

WellnessMats Original Anti-Fatigue Floor Mat

$150 $120 at Amazon $150 at Williams Sonoma $300 at Frontgate

What we liked: This mat acts like it belongs in a professional kitchen: It’s on the firmer side, and made from a grippy, heavy-duty material that’s truly stain-repellant. (During the stain test, it took a few rounds of soapy water to clean because none of the oil had been absorbed by the mat.) There’s no top layer of the mat, which means it won’t eventually peel away and is harder to puncture. It comes with a 20-year manufacturer’s warranty.

What we didn’t like: Color and size options are limited, depending on the retailer. 

Key Specs

• Materials: Polyurethane foam
• Size options: 24 x 36, 24 x 72, 36 x 36, 36 x 60, 36 x 72, 48 x 60 inches (size availability varies by retailer) 
• Colors available: Brown, black, gray
• Thickness: 0.75 inches
• Care instructions: Hand-wash with water and soap

The Most Versatile Anti-Fatigue Mat

Fulton Standing Mat

View on Walkfulton.com

What we liked: Visually speaking, this mat stands out. In addition to foam, it’s made with cork, which lends an earthy, “natural” look. (This brand, more than any we tested, touts its materials as being sustainably sourced, with nods to recycled foam and faux leather made from nopal cacti.) Cleaning up the oil spill was as easy as a wipe with a rag, and it’s on the pleasant side of very firm. It would look and perform just as well in an office as it would in a kitchen.

What we didn’t like: The exposed cork sides could collect crumbs, oil, pet hair, and other mysterious kitchen debris. There is only one available size. It’s pricey.

Key Specs

• Materials: Pressed granulated cork, recycled foam, cactus leather made from nopal cacti
• Size options: 22 x 30 inches
• Colors available: Fulton green, natural cork
• Thickness: 0.75 inches
• Care instructions: Use an all-purpose cleaner or mild dish soap with water. Do not submerge in water. Wipe spills with a dry cloth as soon as they happen.

The Best Budget Anti-Fatigue Mat

ComfiLife Anti-Fatigue Floor Mat

$50 at Amazon $50 at Walmart View on Comfilife.com

What we liked: This is a great mat. It’s reasonably priced and has a firmness similar to our overall favorite from House of Noa. Cleaning it was easy, and we were impressed with how stain-resistant the material was; no oil stuck to the grooves of the mat. This is one of the more textured mats we tested, making it safer and more slip-resistant. It comes in some fun colors, including Scarlet and Mustard.

What we didn’t like: We were disappointed with how much water the mat absorbed. After 10 minutes, we wiped it away but found that standing on the mat caused excess water to rise up.

• Materials: “High-density foam” (no other details given)
• Size options: 20 x 32, 20 x 39, 24 x 70 inches
• Colors available: Black, beige, brown, charcoal, denim, mustard, navy, red, rose gold, scarlet, silver, teal, gray
• Thickness: 0.75 inches
• Care instructions: None given

Another Good Budget Anti-Fatigue Mat

Sky Solutions Sky Mat 0.75-Inch Comfort Anti-Fatigue Mat

$31 $18 at Amazon

What we liked: If a basic and inexpensive mat is what you’re looking for, this is the one. It has plenty of give—it was one of the softest mats we tested, and comes in a variety of patterns. This was the cheapest mat we tested.

What we didn’t like: The edges of this mat were curling upward upon unboxing, and the problem got worse when exposed to a hot water spill. It was stained with olive oil, even after cleaning. We question its durability over time. 

Key Specs

• Materials: Polyurethane foam
• Size options: 20 x 20, 24 x 24, 20 x 32, 20 x 39, 24 x 70 inches
• Colors available: Black, chocolate brown, light gray, natural beige, Sedona red rocks, blue diamond, burgundy, dark blue, gray, green ombré, indigo deco, leather (color availability varies according to size)
• Thickness: 0.8 inches
• Care instructions: None given, beyond, “clean spills and dirt with a quick wipe.”

The Competition

• Gorilla Grip Anti Fatigue Cushioned Comfort Mat: Although this was a contender for the best budget anti-fatigue mat, we demoted it because it was more slippery than the ComfiLife, and it was too squishy to be supportive.
• Matterly Happy Feet Anti-Fatigue Mat: This mat absorbed a lot of water during testing, which made it slippery and unsafe to work on.
• 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, we felt it would fare better at a garage workbench.
• FEATOL Anti Fatigue Standing Mat: Although this mat had the tallest profile of any we tested, it was far from the comfiest. Its deep waffle-weave pattern also made it tough to clean—the grooves were a magnet for stains, pet hair, and crumbs.

FAQs

How long do anti-fatigue mats last?

High-quality anti-fatigue mats, like most of our winners, should last for years. During testing, we questioned the longevity of one of our budget picks, the Sky Solutions Anti Fatigue Mat, but we’ll continue evaluating it through long-term use. To prolong the life of any anti-fatigue mat, use mild cleaners or soaps, never submerge it in water, and allow the floor to dry completely before replacing the mat.

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.

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 stand on and it'd be difficult to roll a chair across them. Plus, chairs with pointier legs could potentially puncture the mat. Even the GelPro NewLife mat, which advertises itself as being a good standing desk mat, does not mention using it with a chair.

Are anti-fatigue mats 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.

Why We’re the Experts

• Rochelle Bilow is an editor at Serious Eats. She has been reviewing kitchen equipment since 2021 and has worked as a food journalist since 2014.
• Rochelle is a culinary school graduate and former line cook. 
• We first tested anti-fatigue mats in 2022. We updated our review in early 2025 after re-testing our favorites and new contenders—10 mats in total.