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Standing desks are a great solution to improve your posture while working and simply be able to shift and keep your legs active during the work hours. However, while standing in front of the desk and working on your computer can have its benefits, it might not always be the most comfortable, especially if you’re standing for awhile.
That’s when gel mats for standing desks come in to combat leg and feet fatigue whenever you need to stand for long spans of time.
In this buying guide we’ve analyzed several products in order to give you an honest review of the 6 best gel mats for standing desks available. Here’s the full list of the items we will cover:
The Best Gel Mats for Standing Desks in 2023
- ComfiLife Anti Fatigue Floor Mat: Best Overall
- Sky Solutions Anti Fatigue Mat: Premium Pick
- Kangaroo Cushioned Floor Mat: Best Soft and Firm Ratio
- Gorilla Grip Cushioned Comfort Mat: Best Standing Gel Mat Sizing Options
- KMAT Office Mat: Best Value
- Amazon Basics Comfort Mat: Budget Pick
In this product review, you’ll find everything you need to choose the perfect mat for standing desks. The characteristics and features we’ve decided to focus on include the price for value ratio, the ergonomic design, the thickness and the durability of each product described in this article. Mostly, we hope our buying guide will be able to give you everything you need to purchase the mat that most suits your specific needs.
One of the absolute best gel mats for standing desks we tested is this floor mat by ComfiLife. It’s anti-fatigue and ergonomic design works perfectly for enhancing comfort while standing for hours on end. And it was professionally engineered to not lose its original shape with use.
This mat is 3/4“ thick, meaning it’s thick enough to reduce discomfort on your lower body whenever you are standing. Moreover, this mat can be used in the office, but it can also be placed in other areas, such as the kitchen or the laundry room.
Thanks to the mat’s anti-skid bottom, slipping won’t be a problem, and its stain resistant surface makes it extremely easy to clean. The mat’s tapered edges prevent you from tripping when you step on it, however, they also make it easy to notice the height difference.
Lastly, the ComfiLife mat is available in three sizes and it comes in a variety of different colors.
KEY FEATURES:
- Ergonomic design
- 3 sizes
- Tapered edge
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Dimensions: 32 x 20 x 0.75 inches
- Weight: 3.52 lbs
PROS:
- Anti-slip bottom
- Stain resistant
- Easy to clean
- Can be used in different rooms
- Different colors available
CONS:
- When you step on it you might notice the height difference
As the second item on our list of the best gel mats for standing desks, we’ve chosen the Sky Solution anti fatigue mat. The foam core of this standing mat helps relieve spinal pressure while also improving blood circulation by encouraging subtle muscle movement.
This will not only reduce back pain and joint pressure, but it will also improve your balance and overall posture while working. The mat includes a non-slip bottom, an anti-curl edge that prevents tripping, and a unique diamond design that makes the item comfortable to use even without wearing shoes.
As a negative note, although the mat is easy to clean and waterproof, the surface texture does tend to capture crumbs and dust.
Lastly, the Sky Solutions mat comes in three sizes (20 x 32 inches, 20 x 39 inches and 24 x 70 inches) and it’s available in 9 different colors.
KEY FEATURES:
- Anti-fatigue
- Foam core
- 3 sizes
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Dimensions: 32 x 20 x 0.75 inches
- Weight: 2.74 lbs
PROS:
- Non-slip bottom
- Beveled edge
- Diamond texture
- Waterproof
- Easy to clean
CONS:
- The surface tends to easily capture crumbs and dust
The third option on our buying guide is this cushioned mat from Kangaroo which is perfect for anyone who needs to stand for longer periods of time during the day.
This ¾ inch high mat feels comfortable even after hours of use and it can greatly help with reducing stress and fatigue by absorbing the day-to-day impact. Moreover, its unique balance of soft and firm helps improve blood flow and stand comfortably.
The gel mat is stain-resistant, waterproof and easy to clean, while its beveled edge successfully prevents tripping. Currently, Kangaroo offers four sizes to choose from, 17 x 24 inches, 20 x 32 inches, 39 x 20 inches and 70 x 24 inches and 9 color options.
As a downside, be aware that this mat does tend to move around and shift during the day.
Read more: Best pneumatic standing desk
KEY FEATURES:
- Ergonomic design
- 4 sizes
- Soft and firm balance
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Dimensions: 32 x 20 x 0.75 inches
- Weight: 3.14 lbs
PROS:
- Stain-resistant
- 9 color options
- Waterproof
- Easy to clean
- Beveled edge
CONS:
- The mat doesn’t stay put and tends to shift
The fourth item on our list is the Gorilla Grip comfort mat, an option that will not easily break or compress over time. This ¾ inch thick mat works to eliminate pressure on your feet, keeping you comfortable during your work shift.
The unique surface design, along with the beveled edge successfully prevent people from tripping or slipping on the mat, and the stain resistant material makes the item easy to wipe down or vacuum when needed.
As an added bonus, the Gorilla Grip mats come in 6 size options, from 17 x 24 inches to 70 x 24 inches, and all of them are ¾ inch thick. Moreover, the mat is available in 15 different colors.
Before choosing this mat, know that some customers complain it might be a bit too thick to stand on it all day. We didn’t mind but worth calling out.
Read more: Best portable standing desk
KEY FEATURES:
- Ergonomic design
- Anti-fatigue
- 6 size options
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Dimensions: 32.5 x 20.2 x 0.75 inches
- Weight: 2.85 lbs
PROS:
- Beveled edge
- Unique surface design
- Stain resistant
- 15 color options
CONS:
- The mat might be too thick for some people
If you’re looking for cushioned support for your legs and lower body while you work at a standing desk, then the KMAT anti-fatigue mat might be a good solution.
This item allows you to stand comfortably for longer periods of time, while improving both your posture and your blood flow.
The product is anti-slip, meaning it’ll stay in place when you use it or walk on it, however some customers complain that it sometimes slips on hardwood floors. Additionally, its beveled edge prevents you from accidentally tripping. The surface, other than being waterproof, is quite easy to clean either with a damp cloth or with a vacuum.
The mat comes in two sizes, either 20 x 30 inches or 20 x 39 inches and you’ll be able to choose between the brown version and the grey version.
Read more: Best standing desk with storage
KEY FEATURES:
- Anti-fatigue
- 2 sizes
- Foam core
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Dimensions: 39 x 20 x 0.5 inches
- Weight: 3.14 lbs
PROS:
- Easy to clean
- Less than $30
- Beveled edge
- Waterproof
CONS:
- It might slip on hardwood floors
As the last suggestion on our list of the best gel mats for standing desks we have this comfort mat by Amazon Basics. It’s also one of the cheapest options in our buying guide.
This anti-fatigue mat works well for standing workstations and thanks to its foam layer it can conform to the contours of your feet, effectively reducing stress and pressure during the day. The surface, with its diamond design, is stain-resistant and quite easy to clean with water and a cloth. Its non-slip base will keep the mat in place, while the non-curling edges will most likely prevent accidental tripping.
Although the mat comes for a fairly good price of less than $30, you should know it comes in only one size (20 x 36 inch).
KEY FEATURES:
- Foam layer
- Anti-fatigue
- Diamond surface design
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Dimensions: 36 x 20 x 0.63 inches
- Weight: 3.30 lbs
PROS:
- Good price
- Easy to clean
- Beveled edge
- Non-slip base
CONS:
- The mat is only available in the 20×36 inch size
Thing to Consider Before Buying a Gel Mat for Standing Desks
Working at a standing desk for several hours a day can take its toll on your feet and lower body but luckily, a gel mat can greatly improve the situation by reducing stress and helping your blood flow. However, it won’t do to choose just any mat and that’s why along with our description of the 6 best gel mats for standing desks we’ve prepared a list of the main factors to consider before buying a gel mat.
How thick should a gel mat be?
On Amazon you’ll be able to find a huge selection of gel mats that come in all kinds of sizes. In terms of thickness, you need to make sure the gel won’t be neither too thick nor too thin. This said, a good thickness level might be around 0.75 inches.
Should I choose a thin mat?
If the mat is too thick, your feet will probably sink in too much, which can make working quite uncomfortable. However, if it is too thin, you most likely won’t feel much of a difference.
Should the mat have a beveled edge?
A beveled edge, or anti-curling edge, successfully prevents you from accidentally tripping on the mat. This doesn’t completely avoid tripping, but it considerably reduces it.
Do anti-slipping mats work?
When a mat is anti-slipping it means it won’t move while you’re walking on it or whenever you’re not standing on it. Because of this, you won’t have to adjust or change the position of the mat often during the day. However, in some cases the mat might move a bit nonetheless.
Should the mat have a design on the surface?
The design on the surface of the mat helps prevent accidental slipping. Most of the items featured on our list have a unique surface design and that can be considered a pro when choosing a standing gel mat for your workstation.
Will the mat lose its original shape?
Good quality gel mats, such as the ones mentioned in our list, are designed to last and won’t easily lose their original shape over time. When choosing a gel mat, it’s important to check the quality of the materials.
Can the mats be used on any kind of flooring?
Yes, the gel mats we’ve described can be used on any type of flooring. However, they work best on hardwood floors.
Are gel mats the only option available for standing desks?
No, on Amazon you can also find ergonomic rubber mats that are harder and while they can reduce fatigue, they don’t adapt to the shape of your feet.
The Benefits of a Gel Mat for Standing Desks
As we’ve mentioned earlier, gel mats are not the only options available if you’re looking for a way to relieve pressure on your feet while working at a standing desk, so why should you choose one? Here is a list of benefits a gel mat can offer:
- Gel mats are anti-fatigue and ergonomic
- They can adapt to the contours of your feet
- They can be used on any type of flooring
- Gel mats come in different sizes
- They are extremely easy to clean either with water or with a vacuum
- Gel mats feature a unique design on the surface that prevent slipping
- Most gel mats are waterproof and stain-resistant
- They don’t easily lose their original shape
- They come for a fairly good price
- Gel mats are light to carry and easy to move from one place to another
- The beveled edges can reduce accidental tripping
Should I Buy a Gel Mat for Standing Desks?
Gel mats offer a real chance of improving your overall comfort when working for several hours a day at a standing desk. Most people have found that using this kind of mat can help relieve pressure on your feet, while at the same time keep a healthy posture throughout the day and improve your blood circulation. Therefore, buying a gel mat can be the solution you’re looking for to improve your overall comfort during the work shift.
The mats we’ve described in our list all offer great features to achieve that goal, from an ergonomic design to unique surface textures, foam layers, non-slip bottoms and beveled edges. Not to mention all these products are meant to last over time, without losing their shape with use.
With this buying guide, we hope to have answered all your questions regarding the best gel mats for standing desks and hopefully you’ll now have all the tools you need to choose the best option for your specific situation!
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