The best standing desk accessories to help you get back on your feet

If you’ve bought a standing desk, chances are you’re wondering about the health benefits of not sitting all day. Better posture, reduced back pain, and increased productivity through improved mood and focus are some of the top benefits of standing, according to a 2021 study published by the National Institutes of Health.

But without the proper equipment to support you when you stand, there are some health disadvantages compared to sitting. Those who stand report an increase in pain in their legs and feet, as well as vein problems, including varicose veins, according to the Canadian Center for Occupational Health and Safety. Experts recommend having proper support to alleviate pain and switching between standing and sitting frequently to maximize ergonomic benefits and reduce the risk of injury. We’ve rounded up some of the best accessories to help you stand safely and ergonomically while you work at your desk.

anti-fatigue mats

Paired with comfortable, supportive running shoes, anti-fatigue mats can take the strain off your feet, knees, and legs. When it comes to soft support for your feet, you should look for a thicker mat – some mats are only 0.5 inches thick, while industrial mats can be over 1 inch thick – although the actual footprint of the mat is small. it doesn’t really matter if you don’t intend to move around too much. These rugs come in a variety of colors and patterns to match your décor or add some pop of color to your workspace.

Anti-fatigue floor mat ComfiLife

One of the best options we tested was the ComfiLife Anti-Fatigue Floor Mat. Available in three sizes, with the largest variant being 24×70 inches, these rugs make you feel like you’re standing on clouds. It comes with a non-slip bottom, making it safe for the office, and it’s versatile enough to be used on a desk or kitchen, bathroom, or anywhere you have to stand a lot. A lifetime replacement warranty, an anti-microbial stain-resistant finish, and a 3/4-inch high-density memory foam core make this the top choice on our list.

Good

• Very comfortable
• Multiple size and color options
• Softer foam than competing options
• Versatile design can be used throughout the home
• Lifetime Warranty

Badly

• Strong smell from the box
• Heavy weight makes repositioning difficult for people with limited mobility

Flexispot DM1 anti-fatigue mat

Another great option is the Flexispot DM1 anti-fatigue mat. Like ComfiLife, this high-density polyurethane foam mat provides excellent support, and its manufacturer advertises that the mat can help relieve fatigue and compression of the spine and coccyx while promoting active standing. What makes this particular Flexispot mat different is that it has molded beads on the left and right sides of the mat that help massage your feet and encourage blood flow while you work. Given the massage balls, this mat is more suitable for barefoot users. The mat also feels a bit firmer to the touch than the ComfiLife, and it’s a matter of preference how much you want your feet to sink into the mat – I prefer the softer feel of the former.

Good

• Comfortable and soft feeling when standing
• Ergonomic design with beaded edges helps to massage the feet.
• Not as “intense”looking as topography-inspired rugs.

Badly

• Strong smell from the box
• Versatile design

Anti-Fatigue Standing Mat StarTech

The StarTech Anti-Fatigue Anti-Fatigue Mat is a great option for those who want a denser, more durable foam anti-fatigue mat. There’s nothing inherently wrong with this rug – it’s a bit thicker than the other options on our list, at 0.7 inches thick – but I found the denser polyurethane foam core to be too firm to be comfortable for me during long periods of standing. Again, it’s a matter of preference. And, like its competitors on this list, it has an anti-slip backing on the bottom, although I found this material to be less grippy on my hardwood floors than ComfiLife. But at $128, it’s the most expensive option.

Good

• Comfortable to stand for a long period of time
• Versatile design can be used throughout the home
• Thick construction for durability and comfort

Badly

• Harder to the touch, but this helps reduce foam wear.
• Heavy weight makes repositioning difficult for people with limited mobility

Springboard for swimming

Springboard by Fluidstance is a great alternative to black dull rubber anti-fatigue mats. Created for design-conscious home users, the Springboard is made from all-natural materials, including a wooden top surface, natural wool felt and a non-slip bottom. In keeping with the manufacturer’s claim that you’ll feel a subtle yet responsive bounce, standing on the Springboard is exactly what it sounds like – it’s a springy feeling, and you can definitely see the materials on your back compress and expand to help relieve tension. While it looks nice, it’s still not as comfortable as a standard anti-fatigue mat, and when paired with shoes with comfortable soles, you’ll get more support when standing on a trampoline than if you’re standing on a hard floor.

Good

• Very comfortable
• Multiple size and color options
• Softer foam than competing options
• Beautiful design; can be used throughout the house

Badly

• Does not provide as much cushioning as traditional anti-fatigue mats.

Ergodryden Topo

Topo by Ergodriven is a spinner version of the anti-fatigue mat. As the name suggests, Topo has exaggeratedly raised edges and a small protrusion in the center, which Ergodriven calls “calculated relief”. The goal is to get you to move your feet into different positions across the terrain, which will help with anxiety and encourage a little bit of footwork and movement when you’re standing. You don’t need as much coordination as some of the core building options on our list, and the mat provides relief with its anti-fatigue foam construction. Given its topography-inspired design, Topo isn’t as versatile as a standard anti-fatigue rug and might not look as elegant in the kitchen as the ComfiLife or Flexispot options on our list.

Good

• Promotes leg movement while standing
• Unique design adds value to standard anti-fatigue foam mat
• Compact design makes it easy to move

Badly