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You've probably heard about the negative health effects of sitting for prolonged periods of time. But standing on a hard, bare floor for several hours, whether it's because you're cooking a time-intensive meal over the stove or meal-prepping several ingredients at the counter, also takes a huge toll on your body. Not only is prolonged standing exhausting, but it also puts immense stress on your muscles and joints.
Enter the anti-fatigue mat. These thick, multi-layered mats, usually made of either rubber, gel, or memory foam, provide a cushion between your feet and the hard floor, absorbing shock and relieving stress on the body. The best anti-fatigue mats even encourage subtle movements in your leg muscles that promote blood circulation. Plus, these mats also help improve traction, reduce slipping, and even protect your floors by catching any splatters or spills.
There are a lot of options to choose from, of varying sizes, styles, and thicknesses, so we rounded up some of the best anti-fatigue mats on the market to help you pick the right one for you.
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For a simple yet effective anti-fatigue mat, you should consider the Sky Mat.
The reasonably-priced Sky Mat comes in three sizes and four dark colors, letting you choose the best fit for your kitchen. The anti-fatigue mat is ¾” thick and made from the company’s patented foam, which they describe as the “perfect blend of support and softness for standing all day” and claim will reduce pressure on your feet, knees and lower back by up to 32 percent. The mat has a beveled edge to prevent tripping, as well as a non-slip bottom. Further, the Sky Mat is designed to be durable and is easy to wipe clean if you spill anything on it.
Perhaps the most compelling part of this product is the glowing reviews from verified buyers. People say the Sky Mat makes it easy and comfortable to stand for long periods of time, and they like that the mat does not wear down or curl after months of use. Overall, this top-rated anti-fatigue mat is an affordable and highly effective product for your kitchen.
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If your anti-fatigue mat is going to get a lot of foot traffic, you need a super durable product like the GelPro NewLife Bio-Foam Comfort Mat. This high-quality product comes in five sizes, and its polyurethane foam will always spring back, no matter how many shoes walk across it.
The GelPro NewLife Bio-Foam Comfort Mat is more expensive than many other options, but it delivers in terms of both comfort and durability. The anti-fatigue mat helps to properly suspend your body weight to prevent physical discomfort and fatigue when standing, and it has an abrasion- and puncture-resistant surface to increase longevity. The mat features beveled edges and a no-slip bottom to prevent tripping, as well as reinforced no-curl edges. As an added bonus, the GelPro mat has antimicrobial properties to keep it clean and sanitary, no matter what gets tracked across it.
Reviewers rave about this anti-fatigue mat, even writing that it “makes cooking and doing the dishes feel like taking a vacation.” Many also note that the mat doesn’t crack or wear down, even in high-traffic areas.
If you’re going to use an anti-fatigue mat in your kitchen, it’s important that you can easily wipe off any spills. The AmazonBasics Premium Anti-Fatigue Standing Comfort Mat is made from a stain- and abrasion-resistant surface, ensuring that your mat will remain as good as new, despite being located in a spill-prone area.
This mat from AmazonBasics measures 36" by 20" and comes in three neutral colors. The mat’s foam layer will conform to the contours of your feet as you stand, reducing discomfort in your feet, legs and back. Further, the anti-fatigue mat’s surface is easy to clean with soap and water, allowing you to wipe up any spills that may happen in the kitchen. Plus, the product features non-curling sides and a non-slip bottom — no tripping hazard here!
Users have good things to say about the AmazonBasics Premium Anti-Fatigue Standing Comfort Mat, including that it’s durable and easy to clean. However, some note that this mat is a little stiffer than comparable products and that it’s not the best option if you’ll be standing for multiple hours.
Many anti-fatigue mats are plain in appearance, but not the Oversized Chef Series. This product comes in a dozen cafe-inspired designs, ranging from floral patterns to wine collages, all of which will bring an extra bit of decor and comfort into your kitchen.
The anti-fatigue mats from the Oversized Chef Series are 24" by 36" and 1.18" thick. Like other similar mats, this product, which is made of foam, is designed to make prolonged periods of standing more comfortable, and it has a non-skid backing to keep it in place on the floor. The mats come in a variety of rustic patterns, making them a perfect choice if you want to give your kitchen a bit of flair. To wash this product, simply wipe it down with a damp cloth and soap, then let it air dry.
Reviewers say this mat is comfortable on their feet, and many say the beautiful patterns are an added bonus. However, a few people do note that the mat is not the most durable, forming small tears after a few months of use.
For an anti-fatigue kitchen mat that won’t get ruined if you spill water on it, you need the Royal Anti-Fatigue Comfort Mat. It comes in a variety of sizes and colors, and it is perfect to use when prepping ingredients and cooking.
According to the manufacturer, the Royal Anti-Fatigue Comfort Mat’s ¾” pad can relieve up to 40 percent of the pressure on your feet and knees, and you can use it on any type of flooring, from marble to hardwood. The mat has a non-slip bottom to keep it in place, a waterproof finish, and beveled edges that won’t curl. You can clean it with the vacuum or wipe it down with a damp cloth if it gets dirty.
According to buyers, this anti-fatigue mat is extremely comfortable to stand on, and it succeeds in reducing strain on their feet. Overall, this is an incredibly durable, waterproof mat that’s perfect for use in the kitchen.
Your anti-fatigue mat doesn’t have to be boring black or brown! The Original 3/4" Kangaroo Premium Anti-Fatigue Comfort Standing Mat comes in a variety of colors, including green, blue and red, allowing you to choose a product that matches your decor perfectly and still provides the comfort you need.
This highly-rated mat is ¾” inch thick and made from high-quality foam that will reduce stress on your feet and lower body. It’s non-toxic and phthalate-free, and it features beveled edges, a non-slip bottom and a textured surface to ensure you don’t trip or slip on it. The Kangaroo mat won’t break down over time, and it can easily be vacuumed or wiped down if it gets dirty.
This anti-fatigue mat is lightweight and very comfortable to stand on. The Kangaroo mat is also easy to clean and holds up well over time, making it a worthwhile investment to protect your feet and legs.
Our top pick is the Sky Solutions Sky Mat, Comfort Anti Fatigue Mat because it hits the sweet spot between firm and soft, offering incredible support. It's thick, grippy, and comes in a range of sizes and colors. Looking for something suited to high foot traffic? Look no further than the GelPro NewLife Bio-Foam Comfort Mat. This firm, durable option is almost an inch thick, offering outstanding support even after several hours of use.
Why Trust The Spruce Eats?
Camryn Rabideau is a lifestyle writer specializing in all things home products. She's reviewed everything from the latest and greatest kitchen gifts to the must-have cookware essentials for your kitchen. She's also taken several interior design courses, which has given her an additional angle when it comes to products.
What to Look for in an Anti-Fatigue Mat
Size: Before you purchase, make sure you measure the space—or spaces—where you'll place your anti-fatigue mats. If you want the mats to meet in a corner, it’s wise to make sure the seam between them won’t be in a spot where you’ll be standing. Longer mats are also available from some manufacturers, so you can cover a larger area of standing space.
Thickness: Thicker mats can be more comfortable, but they can also be a trip hazard for people who tend to shuffle their feet. A thicker mat could also become a barrier for your automatic floor sweeper, so your robot might need a little help keeping the kitchen floors as clean as you like.
Aesthetics: Looks aren’t everything, but if you’ve spent time choosing colors for your appliances, gadgets, kitchen towels, and other accessories, you’ll probably want mats that add to the décor—or at least don’t clash.
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