The best standing desk accessories to get you on your feet

If you bought a standing desk, chances are you’re interested in the health benefits of not sitting all day. Better posture, reduced back pain and increased productivity due to boosted mood and focus are among the top benefits of standing, according to a 2021 research paper published by the National Institutes of Health.

But without the right equipment to support you while standing, there are some health disadvantages compared to sitting. Those who stand have reported an increase in leg and foot pain and vein problems, including varicose veins, the Canadian Center for Occupational Safety and Health said. Experts recommend having proper support to alleviate pain issues and alternating between standing and sitting positions frequently to maximize ergonomic benefits while reducing the risk of injury. We’ve rounded up some of the best accessories to help you stand safely and ergonomically while working at your standing desk.

Anti-fatigue mats

Paired with comfortable, supportive athletic shoes, anti-fatigue mats help take the pressure off your feet, knees and legs. When it comes to padded support for your feet, you’ll want to look for a thicker mat—some mats start as little as 0.5 inches thick, while industrial mats can be as thick as 1 inch—although the actual footprint of the mat doesn’t It doesn’t matter if you don’t plan to move much. These mats can come in many different colors and patterns to match your decor or add color to your workspace.

ComfiLife Anti-Fatigue floor mat

One of the best options we tested was ComfiLife’s Anti-Fatigue mat. Available in three sizes, with the largest option covering a 24×70-inch footprint, these mats make you look like you’re standing on clouds. It comes with a non-slip bottom, making it safe for the office and is versatile enough to use in the office or kitchen, bathroom or anywhere you find yourself standing a lot. Its lifetime replacement warranty, stain-resistant cover with antimicrobial treatment, and three-quarter-inch high-density memory foam core make it a top pick on our list.

The good

• Very comfortable
• Multiple size and color options
• Softer foam than competitive options
• The versatile design can be used throughout the home
• Lifetime warranty

The bad

• Strong smell out of the box
• The heavy weight makes repositioning difficult for people with limited mobility

Flexispot DM1 Anti-Fatigue Mat

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

The good

• Comfortable and soft feeling when standing
• The ergonomic design with beads on the edges helps to massage the feet
• Not as “bold” as the topographically inspired mats

The bad

• Strong smell out of the box
• Design to suit everyone

StarTech Anti-Fatigue Standing Mat

StarTech’s anti-fatigue standing desk mat is a great choice for those who want a denser, firmer anti-fatigue foam mattress. There’s nothing inherently wrong with this mat—it’s slightly thicker than the other options on our list at 0.7 inches thick, but I found the denser polyurethane foam core to be slightly too firm to be comfortable for me over long periods. Again, this is a matter of preference. And like its competitors on this list, it comes with a non-slip base on the bottom, though I found the material to be less grippy on hardwood floors than the ComfiLife. But at $128, it’s the most expensive option here.

The good

• Comfortable to stand for long periods of time
• The versatile design can be used throughout the home
• Thick construction for durability and comfort

The bad

• Harder feel, but this helps reduce wear on the foam
• The heavy weight makes repositioning difficult for people with limited mobility

Fluidstance Springboard

Fluidstance’s Springboard is a beautiful alternative to the black, monochrome anti-fatigue rubber mats. Made for design-conscious home users, the Springboard is made with all-natural materials, including a wood-paneled top, natural wool felt and non-slip sole. True to the manufacturer’s claim that you’ll experience a subtle but responsive bounce, standing on the Springboard is exactly what it sounds like—it’s a springy feel, and you can definitely notice the materials on the back compressing and expanding to help relieve tension. . While it looks pretty, it’s still not as comfortable as a standard anti-fatigue mat, and when paired with shoes with a comfortable sole, you’ll have more support on the Springboard than if you’re standing on a hard floor.

The good

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

The bad

• It does not provide as much cushion as traditional anti-fatigue mats

Ergodriven Topo

Ergodriven’s Topo is the fidget-spinner version of an anti-fatigue mat. As its name suggests, the Topo comes with extremely raised ends and a slight bump near the center, which Ergodriven calls “calculated terrain.” The goal is to move your feet to different positions along the ground, which will help with restlessness and encourage some leg movement and movement while standing. You don’t need as much tuning as some of the core building options on our list, and the mat offers relief with its anti-fatigue foam construction. Given its topography-inspired design, the Topo isn’t as flexible as a standard anti-fatigue mat, and it might not look as stylish in the kitchen as the ComfiLife or Flexispot options on our list.

The good

• Helps promote leg movement while standing
• The unique design adds value to the standard anti-fatigue foam mattress
• Compact design makes repositioning easy

The bad

• It must be ventilated – the polyurethane material can smell bad out of the box
• It does not replace walking or exercise
• It can feel a little cramped