18 Best Flat and Non-Flat Standing Desk Mats For 2019

Making the transition to a standing desk can certainly be easier said than done. Depending on the amount of breaks you take and the comfort of the shoes you wear, your feet can take a beating early in the process. Adding a standing desk mat to your new or existing setup can help create a more comfortable working environment. With the invention of non-flat standing desk mats, movement can now be a major part of your time spent standing.

Over the course of the last two months I have personally tested 20 of the most popular flat and non-flat standing desk mats available. This post will introduce you to each type of mat, what I learned about each and their corresponding ranking based on criteria that I’ve found to be most important to these types of products. By the end, you should have a better idea which mat is best for your specific needs.

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Best Standing Desk Mats for 2019

What is a standing desk mat?

Compare The Best Flat Standing Mats of 2019

Compare The Best Non-Flat Standing Mats of 2019

Full list with review summaries and pros/cons for each mat

– Best flat standing desk mats 2019

– Best non-flat/topo standing desk mats 2019

Why trust The Breakroom Blog?

What did I learn about standing desk mats?

How did we pick the best standing desk mats for 2019?

What is a standing desk mat?

A standing desk mat isn’t a new invention, well at least the flat version. These are more commonly referred to as anti-fatigue mats. They have been used in various industries over the years, with many recently finding their way into home kitchens. Flat anti-fatigue mats are made from varying materials that include PVC foam and polyurethane. They are designed to offer a soft, yet supportive standing surface for extended periods of standing. With the rise of standing desks came the need to create a more comfortable standing option. Standing desk mats have softened the hard surface found in most offices, creating much more comfortable standing positions for users.

Within the last few years, as the standing desk market has matured, products used with standing desks have evolved as well. Topo standing desk mats or non-flat standing desk mats are the most recent evolution in this category. Promoting movement with the use of various shapes and elevation changes, topo standing desk mats have made standing more fun.

Compare The Best Flat Standing Mats of 2019

Compare The Best Non-Flat Standing Mats for 2019

Best Flat Standing Mats for 2019

1. GelPro Eco Pro Anti-Fatigue Mat – 83/100 Rating

GelPro Eco Pro Price: Starting at $92.99

GelPro Eco Pros and Cons

Pros High-quality polyurethane construction

Strong integral skin that prevents peeling

Provides good amount of bounce

Comfortable with shoes on

Made in the USA Cons Highest price on flat mat tested

Fine print on 5 year warranty

Can bottom out with heel when used barefoot

GelPro Eco Pro Summary

What we liked

The GelPro Eco Pro was our number one rated flat standing desk mat for 2019. The only mat we tested that is 100% made in the USA, the Eco Pro was almost the perfect mat. Eco Pro is manufactured from high-quality polyurethane with no vinyl layering required for added durability. Through the injection molding process, the mat is heated on the outside surfaces to create a thick and flexible integral skin. This skin provides all the protection the soft core requires, while still providing the perfect amount of bounce to maintain proper ergonomic principles. Easily the most comfortable mat to stand on, it’s great with shoes and barefoot.

What we didn’t like

High quality also comes with a higher than average price tag. While this might not be a surprise for those that already own this mat, the fact that it only comes with a five year warranty was disappointing. Looking closer at the fine print, you’ll find that after the first year the warranty only covers 80% of the mats value. By the time you reach the final year of the warranty, you can expect to only get back 20% of the Eco Pro’s value. While this mat will likely survive the average abuse from an office worker, many of the standing mats we tested for half the price included better warranties than the Eco Pro.

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2. Imprint CumulusPRO™ Anti-Fatigue Mat – 81/100 Rating

CumulusPRO™ Price: Starting at $35.99

CumulusPRO™ Pros and Cons

Pros Best value of the flat mats we tested

Includes lifetime warranty that replaces or refunds customer

Doesn’t bottom out in shoes or barefoot

Provides good bounce even with vinyl covering

Inner core is made from high quality polyurethane Cons Can be too firm for some users

Has a two layer construction with vinyl covering

Reports of peeling from top layer

Imprint CumulusPRO™ Summary

What we liked

The second best standing mat on our list comes with a price tag that is less than half the price of the GelPro Eco Pro. Imprint CumulousPRO was hands down our best value in the flat mat list. With a lifetime warranty that will either replace or provide a full refund to the end user at any point during ownership. While other alternatives offered lifetime warranties, Imprint is the only company that has the clout and history to back their guarantee. The CumulousPro is manufactured with a high-quality polyurethane core and has a vinyl covering for added durability. Even with the vinyl covering, the CumulousPRO mat still provided good bounce during testing and didn’t bottom out with shoes and barefoot.

What we didn’t like

Unfortunately, a mat that retails under $40 can’t be perfect. With reports of peeling of the top layer of vinyl, you will want to make sure you register for that lifetime warranty. While I enjoyed the feel of the CumulousPRO, some may find that the mat is a bit to firm for their preference. Overall, this is a product that most should at least consider during their search for a flat anti-fatigue mat.

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3. Sky Anti-Fatigue Mat by Sky Solutions – 70/100 Rating

Sky Mat Price: Starting at $35.97

Sky Mat Pros and Cons

Pros Includes lifetime warranty that replaces defective mat

Doesn’t bottom out with shoes or barefoot

Top layer of vinyl holds up well to scratch tests

Great value Cons Can be too firm for some users

Made with a three layer construction

Reports of peeling from top layer

Low quality PVC foam breaks down quicker than Polyurethane

Sky Mat Summary

What we liked

The Sky flat standing desk mat by Sky Solutions was a bit of a surprise for me. While it is currently the number one sold anti-fatigue mat on Amazon, I still had some skepticism. This mat also comes with a lifetime warranty, but unlike the CumulousPro, they won’t provide a full refund ten years down the road. That’s okay though, because CumulousPro’s warranty was over the top. I found that during my scratch testing, the Sky Mat’s top layer was durable enough to resist most scratches. It also provided enough support to prevent bottoming out while standing in shoes or barefoot.

What we didn’t like

Cutting open the Sky Mat, one of the first things I noticed, when compared to the first two mats on our list, was the foam inside the mat. Using a lower quality PVC foam, the Sky Mat is likely to have its foam break down earlier than the higher quality Polyurethane foam alternatives. The three layer design also presents another opportunity for peeling at some point, which will expose the less dense PVC foam hidden inside. Even with the shortcomings, the Sky Mat was still a great value in the flat mat category.

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4. The Original ¾” KANGAROO Anti-Fatigue Mat – 68/100 Rating

KANGAROO Price: Starting at $35.49

Original KANGAROO Pros and Cons

Pros Includes ten year warranty that replaces defective mat

Softest mat we tested for users who want extra “cush”

Good value Cons Better for kitchen applications than standing desks

Too soft for proper ergonomic support

Made with a three layer construction

Reports of peeling from top layer

Low quality PVC foam breaks down quicker than polyurethane

Original KANGAROO Summary

What we liked

For those that are looking for a mat that really has a lot of “cush”, the KANGAROO is your ticket. This was easily the softest standing desk mat we tested that didn’t bottom out with shoes on. The Original KANGAROO comes with a ten year warranty that will replace your mat due to manufacturer defects, no questions asked.

What we didn’t like

I personally found the KANGAROO to be a little too soft. Without shoes I found myself bottoming out, especially when putting weight on my heels. Without the proper bounce, I found that during testing it created fatigue and was hard to consistently use. Its three layer construction was exactly the same as the Sky Mat, but utilized less dense PVC foam. The lack of density with this lower quality PVC foam was a bit concerning for extended usage. I’m not sure how this would hold up to power users that stand for three to four hours a day. While the KANGAROO mat can definitely be used in the office, this is a better product for kitchen applications.

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5. GelPro Designer Comfort Anti-Fatigue Mat – 65/100 Rating

Designer Comfort Price: Starting at $70.99

Designer Comfort Pros and Cons

Pros Softest mat we tested that didn’t bottom out

Won’t bottom out in shoes or barefoot

Provides good bounce even with vinyl covering

Inner core is made from high quality polyurethane Cons Has a two layer construction with vinyl covering

Reports of peeling from top layer

Short one year warranty period

GelPro Designer Comfort Summary

What we liked

While the GelPro Designer Comfort mat didn’t rank as highly as it’s close cousin, the Eco Pro, it doesn’t mean that it was a bad product. The Designer Comfort was the softest mat that I tested that didn’t bottom out with shoes or bare feet. Constructed from high-quality polyurethane, with a layer of vinyl added for durability, the Designer Comfort had a good amount of bounce. This is the second mat to hit the list that is manufactured in the USA.

What we didn’t like

The Designer Comfort would have ranked higher in our list if it didn’t come with one of the worst warranties in the category. With only one year coverage from GelPro, this was a bit of a disappointment. Utilizing a two layer construction, the vinyl top coat is a major concern and they are known to peel over time. With a lot of similarities to the CumulousPro, the higher price tag might be hard to justify unless you want a softer mat that is made in the USA.

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6. Royal Anti-Fatigue Comfort Mat – 56/100 Rating

Royal Mat Price: Starting at $29.99

Royal Mat Pros and Cons

Pros Cheapest standing desk mat we tested

Doesn’t bottom out in shoes or barefoot

Won’t slide around the floor easily Cons Better for kitchen applications than standing desks

Short warranty period

Made with a three layer construction

Reports of peeling from top layer

Low quality PVC foam breaks down quicker than polyurethane

Royal Mat Summary

What we liked

As we get to the bottom of the list, the Royal Anti-Fatigue standing mat is the last mat I could find myself recommending. To be honest, the only reason I would recommend it is for those that are on a tight budget. This was the cheapest flat standing desk mat that we brought in for testing. Surprisingly, the Royal Mat didn’t bottom out with shoes or barefoot.

What we didn’t like

One of my biggest concerns with the Royal mat was the reports that they don’t respond to warranty claims or questions. I have also reached out to them for more information on their warranty and have yet to receive a response. Made with low quality PVC foam and constructed with a three layer design, the Royal Mat is likely to have durability problems. Not getting any type of warranty support means the Royal mat will likely find a garbage can. This is only a good standing desk mat for those who want a firm mat and need to stay under $30 for their budget. If you spend another 20% you could get a much better quality mat.

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7. VARIDESK Anti-Fatigue Comfort Floor Mat – 55/100 Rating

VARIDESK Mat Price: Starting at $50.00

VARIDESK Mat Pros and Cons

Pros Made from high quality polyurethane

One of most well-known brands in the category Cons No integral skin or vinyl covering for added durability

Short warranty period

Thinnest mat we tested

Tends to be hard with shoes and bare feet

VARIDESK Mat Summary

What we liked

When I first received the VARIDESK Standup desk mat, I never would have thought it would find its way this far down the list. With a high-quality polyurethane construction, the mat had a good foundation. With the mat in my hands, it felt like this could easily be the best value in the bunch.

What we didn’t like

This is the reason why we bring all of the products in for our comparisons and reviews. Without getting an opportunity to try the VARIDESK comfort mat, I would have never known how uncomfortable it was. No matter if you wear shoes or go barefoot, the VARIDESK mat was way too firm. At only .624” thick, the VARIDESK mat is the thinnest mat we have tested. The mat bottomed out, but was still soft on the top so it had a squishing sensation that felt like it should be soft. Without an integral skin or vinyl layer over the top, the VARIDESK mat is susceptible to damage from everyday abuse. Considering this mat only comes with a one year warranty, the lack of a proper skin for protection will lead to the polyurethane breaking down.

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8. GelPro New Life Advantage Anti-Fatigue Mat – 48/100 Rating

New Life Price: Starting at $49.95

New Life Pros and Cons

Pros Inner core is made from high quality polyurethane

Made in the USA Cons Second thinnest mat we tested

Has a two layer construction with vinyl covering

Bottoms out with shoes and bare feet

Short warranty period

Worst value in the category

New Life Advantage Summary

What we liked

The final product to make our list is the GelPro New Life Advantage. This is actually a product that we have access to and have chosen not to sell. The core of the GelPro New Life Advantage is made from high-quality polyurethane. The mat is also manufacturer in the USA at the GelPro factory in Texas.

What we didn’t like

The New Life Advantage is easily the softest mat of the group. Measured to only be .661” thich, this is the second thinnest mat we have tested. Unfortunately, anyone over 140 lbs. will have issues with bottoming out in shoes or barefoot. Considering it comes with a short two year warranty and higher than average price tag, the New Life Advantage is the worst value in the flat mat category.

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Best Non-Flat Standing Desk Mats For 2019

1. TerraMat Standing Desk Mat by CubeFit – 81.4/100 Rating

TerraMat Price: Starting at $100.99

TerraMat Pros and Cons

Pros High-quality polyurethane construction

Strong integral skin that prevents peeling

Provides a lot of different standing options

Very comfortable without shoes

Largest flat space available to standing in mats we tested

Firm topo features that don’t collapse when you stand on them

Doesn’t slide around as easily as the less expensive options

Lifetime warranty Cons Can be too firm with shoes

The most expensive option we tested

Doesn’t offer a lot of side standing options

TerraMat Summary

What we liked

The TerraMat standing desk mat by CubeFit is my overall favorite product from the non-flat standing desk category. With the largest flat space of any mat tested, the TerraMat can easily replace your standard flat anti-fatigue mat. High-quality construction with one of the thickest integral skins we measured, the TerraMat should have no problem lasting a long time. There are a ton of of topo features and large elevations changes throughout the mat. I found that this mat was best used without shoes. If safety is a concern, the TerraMat was the most stable topo mat that we tested. They have recently updated their warranty, now offering a full lifetime warranty to the original purchaser. This is great news as the best product now comes with the best warranty in the class.

What we didn’t like

The only real shortcomings I found with the TerraMat were the side standing options and firmness while wearing shoes. With only two massage balls, there weren’t any other options for side standers. While wearing shoes I found that the TerraMat was a bit too firm for me.

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2. OFM Topo Terrain Standing Desk Mat – 69.2/100 Rating

OFM Topo Price: Starting at $105.00

OFM Topo Pros and Cons

Pros Only topo mat to offer a lifetime warranty with full replacement

Offers good elevation changes for front, side and back standing options

High-quality polyurethane construction

Strong integral skin that prevents peeling

Very comfortable without shoes Cons Mat tends to slide around a lot on carpet and hard surfaces

Depth available for flat space is limited

Back not tall enough for calf rises

Second most expensive non-flat mat we have tested

OFM Topo Mat Summary

What we liked

It’s likely a bit surprising for most readers to find this unknown topo mat from OFM to rank number two in our list. While the OFM Topo has a lot going for it, the lifetime warranty that OFM has given it provided a massive boost in the rankings. The OFM mat does offer a good amount of elevation changes; with plenty of front, side and back standing options. Manufactured with a high-quality polyurethane and strong integral skin, it should hold up well over its lifetime. During my testing I found that the OFM mat was especially comfortable without shoes.

What we didn’t like

One of the biggest concerns I have with the OFM Topo mat is safety; it was hands down the most slippery mat to use. Stepping onto the mat was equally scary on low pile carpet and hard surfaces. If you are taller than 6’0”, depth might be an issue as this mat was a bit short compared to other high ranking alternatives. While I feel the OFM Topo mat is a good mat, the lifetime warranty is a major reason why it sits this high in the list.

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3. Topo Standing Desk Mat by ErgoDriven – 67.8/100 Rating

ErgoDriven Topo Price: Starting at $99.00

ErgoDriven Topo Mat Pros and Cons

Pros High-quality polyurethane construction

Strong integral skin that prevents peeling

Provides a lot of different standing options

Firm topo features that don’t collapse when you stand on them

Doesn’t slide around as easily as the less expensive options

Seven year warranty period Cons Can be too firm with shoes and bare feet

One of the most expensive options available

ErgoDriven Topo Mat Summary

What we liked

The third ranked mat in the non-flat standing desk mat category is the Topo from ErgoDriven. The creators of the first topo mat, ErgoDriven is definitely a pioneer and we might not be talking about non-flat mats. The Topo features high quality polyurethane construction with a durable integral skin. There are a plenty of different standing options on the mat and it works well in all directions. The firm topo features don’t collapse when weight is applied and it offers good support. With a seven year warranty, the ErgoDriven’s Topo mat offers our second best warranty in the category.

What we didn’t like

There isn’t a lot not to like about the ErgoDriven Topo mat and that is likely why it is highly ranked on Amazon. For me personally, I found that it was a little too firm with shoes and barefoot. Ranking as our second firmest mat, only the VARIDESK Active Mat was more uncomfortable to stand on. While the warranty is better on the Topo, I would have to problem recommending the TerraMat over ErgoDriven’s most popular product.

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4. Topo Mini Standing Desk May by ErgoDriven – 65.7/100 Rating

Topo Mini Price: Starting at $69.00

Topo Mini Pros and Cons

Pros High-quality polyurethane construction

Strong integral skin that prevents peeling

Provides a lot of different standing options

Firm topo features that don’t collapse when you stand on them

Doesn’t slide around as easily as the less expensive options

Seven year warranty period Cons Small flat space for standing

Can be too firm with shoes and bare feet

Not great for side standing options

ErgoDriven Topo Mini Summary

What we liked

Coming in right behind its bigger brother is the Topo Mini from ErgoDriven. Costing thirty percent less than the full size Topo mat, the Topo Mini is good for those on a tighter budget and for smaller users. Made from the same material as the larger mat, the strong integral skin will have no problems holding up to daily office abuse. In case it doesn’t, the seven year warranty from ErgoDriven will provide a free replacement. While the topo features are smaller than the larger alternative, they are still firm and won’t collapse when you stand on them.

What we didn’t like

Because the Topo Mini is small, it won’t fit large users as well. With a smaller flat space for standing, tall users will have a hard time spreading out on the mat. The firmness rating on the Topo Mini was identical to the full size Topo and wasn’t comfortable in shoes or barefoot. If you want a soft mat, this is not the product for you. If you need a small topo mat, this is the best option currently available.

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5. Ergohead Standing Desk Mat by Butterfly Mats – 65.1/100 Rating

ErgoHead Mat Price: Starting at $79.99

ErgoHead Mat Pros and Cons

Pros High-quality polyurethane construction

Strong integral skin that prevents peeling

Best value of non-flat mats we tested

Offers good comfort with shoes and barefoot

Large flat space for standing

Good all-around for front, side and back standing options Cons Unknown warranty period

Front massage bar can be uncomfortable barefoot

Mat tends to be slippery on hard and carpeted surfaces

Butterfly ErgoHead Mat Summary

What we liked

The Ergohead standing desk mat by Butterfly mats is the best value I’ve found in the non-flat standing desk mat category. Selling for 20% less than the more popular brands, the Ergohead standing desk mat does a lot of the same things the more well-known products do. Also made from high-quality polyurethane, the Ergohead mat comes with a strong integral skin to prevent peeling. This is the first mat in the list to offer good comfort in shoes and barefoot. The Ergohead also comes with a good amount of flat space for standing.

What we didn’t like

The Ergohead is currently only offered for sale on Amazon and the warranty is currently unknown. I have made multiple attempts to reach out to the Butterfly Mat reps and haven’t had any luck. I am not sure what the warranty period is so I scored it with the one year rating. I would be surprised if the warranty wasn’t at least two years, based on others in the category. The fact that they haven’t responded is a bit concerning.

Similar to the OFM Topo mat, the Ergohead had slipping issues when used on low pile carpet and hard surfaces. It included a massage bar on the front of the mat that also provides an elevation change. While this was nice with shoes, it can be a bit uncomfortable barefoot.

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6. LiCloud Standing Desk Mat by LiCloud – 62.9/100 Rating

LiCloud Mat Price: Starting at $86.99

LiCloud Mat Pros and Cons

Pros High-quality polyurethane construction

Strong integral skin that prevents peeling

One of the most comfortable topo mats with shoes

The only topo mat we tested to include massage balls

Seven year warranty period Cons Barefoot you tend to bottom out with heel

Center ball too soft to offer much support

Very slick bottom that moves easily

Back terrain lacking elevation change

Star massage can be uncomfortable for some

LiCloud Mat Summary

What we liked

The LiClound standing desk mat was the first non-flat mat that I tested to include two massage balls. At first I was a bit skeptical how they would be used. After getting a chance to use the mat for a few days I found that I really liked them while barefoot. They give you the opportunity to stretch and relieve pressure built up in your feet. If you’re a fidgitter I could see the balls being nice with shoes on as well. The mat was the second softest non-flat mat that I tested and the most comfortable with shoes. There were quite a few different standing options, with the front and sides offering the most elevation change. The LiCould mat was also constructed from a high-quality polyurethane material with a strong integral skin to prevent peeling. They advertise a seven year warranty and I couldn’t find any negative feedback linked to not fulfilling that guarantee.

What we didn’t like

While the LiCloud was comfortable in shoes, I found it to be a little to soft with bare feet. If you put a lot of pressure on your heal, you will likely bottom out. The back of the mat offered very little elevation change and this will limited the overall standing options. Because the LiCloud was one of the softer mats, the topo areas tended to flatten down more than the firmer competition. The LiCloud also rated as the third most slippery mat, with the OFM mat and Butterfly mat just a little more slippery overall.

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7. ErgoGo Standing Desk Mat by AmComfy – 56.4/100 Rating

ErgoGo Mat Price: Starting at $75.00

ErgoGo Mat Pros and Cons

Pros Least expensive full size non-flat mat we tested

Softest mat in the category

Offers good elevation changes for front, side and back standing options

High-quality polyurethane construction

Strong integral skin that prevents peeling Cons Heavy users will bottom out with shoes and barefoot

No elevation change on back of mat

No warranty information available from manufacturer

Mat tends to slide around a lot on carpet and hard surfaces

AmComfy ErgoGo Mat Summary

What we liked

The ErgoGo standing desk mat by AmComfy is the softest mat in the category. With an overall score of 40 with shoes and 30 without, this mat might be a good fit for those looking for a “cush” non-flat mat. The ErgoGo mat was also the least expensive full size non-flat mat that we tested. The overall shape of the ErgoGo mat was similar to the more expensive ErgoDriven mat. It would be a decent alternative for those wanting a softer version of the Ergodriven product. Similar to the ErgoDriven Topo, the ErgoGo had plenty of standing options. It offered topo features that allowed for front, side to side and back standing.

What we didn’t like

Because the ErgoGo mat was the softest mat we tested, I personally had issues with bottoming out with the mat. My experience with bottoming out was the same with shoes and barefoot. If you are a lighter user this may not be an issue. A major concern of the ErgoGo mat is the lack of a published warranty. I have reached out to AmComfy, the manufacturer of this product, and have yet to receive a response. While this product is the least expensive option, if warranty is a major concern, I would proceed with caution.

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8. Butterfly Standing Desk Mat by Butterfly Mats – 51.8/100 Rating

Butterfly Mat Price: Starting at $89.00

Butterly Mat Pros and Cons

Pros High-quality polyurethane construction

Strong integral skin that prevents peeling

Offers good front and side standing options

Comfortable with shoes on Cons Heavy users will bottom out with shoes and barefoot

No warranty information available from manufacturer

Mat tends to slide around a lot on carpet and hard surfaces

Butterfly Mat Summary

What we liked

The Butterfly standing desk mat was an interesting non-flat mat to test. The most obvious part of that was the fact it was shaped like a butterfly. This was a bit of a gimmick in my opinion, but the mat did have a few features that users may appreciate. The design featured nice elevation changes in the front and sides of the mat. It featured a polyurethane design with an integral skin to prevent peeling. The mat provided a good amount of support with shoes on and I didn’t find myself bottoming out.

What we didn’t like

The second most noticeable feature about the Butterfly mat was the significant amount of massage points. Because the mat was undersized, it was is difficult to avoid all of these massage points. While they won’t impact you if you are wearing shoes, those that decide to go barefoot could find them to be uncomfortable. The mat also had issues with bottoming out when I was bare foot, especially when putting a lot of weight towards your heel. The Butterfly mat tied the OFM mat for the least safe mat, with slipping issues found on low pile carpet and hard surfaces. I have reached out to Butterfly Mats to find out what their warranty is. Unfortunately, this is another brand, only sold on Amazon, that fails to disclose this information.

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9. TerraMat Lite Standing Desk Mat by CubeFit – 51.3/100 Rating

TerraMat Lite Price: Starting at $55.99

TerraMat Lite Pros and Cons

Pros Good side and back standing options

High-quality polyurethane construction

Strong integral skin that prevents peeling

Firm topo features that don’t collapse when you stand on them

Doesn’t slide around as easily as the less expensive options

Least expensive TerraMat Cons Second most firm non-flat mat that we tested

Uncomfortable with shoes and barefoot

Feels like standing on a hard floor

Short warranty period

Smallest flat standing space of non-flat mats we tested

TerraMat Lite Summary

What we liked

The Terramat Lite was one of the most surprising products in the list and it wasn’t for good reason. After using the full size Terramat, I was expecting to get a similar experience with the smaller version. The Terramat Lite offers the smallest footprint of the group of non-flats mats we tested. Even though it was small, it was still able to provide a nice solid connection to the floor. There weren’t any slipping issues on low-pile cart or hard surfaces. Large elevation changes on the side and back of mat offered good variation for different standing positions. The firm topo features didn’t collapse when you applied weight to them. This mat is best fit for lightweight users that are shorter than 5’5”.

What we didn’t like

It is hard to believe how much different the Lite mat felt from the full size Terramat. Regardless, if you wear shoes or go barefoot, this mat is like standing on a hard surface. I found there was no give at all and it made my experience less than enjoyable. If you are a tall user this mat will likely be to small for you. With the smallest flat space of any of the non-flat mats, the Terramat Lite doesn’t offer a ton of options for people looking to replace their flat standing desk mat. To top it off, the Terramat lite comes with one of the shortest warranties in the category.

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10. VARIDESK Active Mat – 41/100 Rating



Active Mat Price: Starting at $95.00

Active Mat Pros and Cons

Pros Tall front and side elevation changes

Firm topo features that don’t collapse when you stand on them

High-quality polyurethane construction Cons No integral skin for added durability

Most firm non-flat mat that we have tested

Doesn’t offer back standing options

Side to side can be hard to reach for shorter users

Short one year warranty period

VARIDESK Active Mat Summary

What we liked

The last ranked non-flat anti-fatigue mat is the VARIDESK Active Mat. This mat featured the tallest front and side elevation changes in the category. It was also the most firmst option, so the topo features will not collapse when you stand on them. The VARIDESK Active Mat is constructed from high-quality polyurethane material, but is the only mat in the category not to include a integral skin.

What we didn’t like

Without an integral skin or layer of vinyl added for protection, the VARIDESK Active Mat appears to be susceptible to damage from normal use in the office. My biggest concern is how it will hold up to rocks in your shoes. During scratch testing we found the the polyurethane material easily chips and broke apart without a layer of protection. Considering this mat features a short warranty and high price tag, I would be concerned with how well it holds up over time. This is also the most firm mat in the category;, with shoes and barefoot I found it to be uncomfortable. It was as close to standing on a hard surface as you will find from a non-flat standing desk mat. Small users will find it tough to use sideways, as the side topo features have a large distance between tem. Overall, this would be the least likely to get a recommendation for me.

Why trust the Breakroom Blog?

The Breakroom Blog is different from most review sites because we order the products we review and feature on our lists. This allows us to provide a large number of detailed pictures and first-hand information on the products. Most review sites base their reviews on manufacturer specifications and user feedback made publicly available from sites like Amazon. This is not very reliable for providing the most accurate information because you don’t truly know how a product is going to perform until you use it. You need to be able to touch it, test it and experience it for extended periods before you can make a reliable review for it. There have been products that I thought would be really great based on their specs but ended up being subpar. On the flip side, I have been really surprised by the quality of products that I had low expectations for.

We’ve gone through the entire buying and testing process for you. Our goal is to provide you with honest feedback to base your buying decision on. All of the products on this list have been tested extensively in our office. Some products on this list are sold by us on BTOD.com and some are not. You will find that we provide the positives and negatives on all of the products so that you know what to expect with each mat.

What did I learn about standing desk mats?

Having now spent over 100 hours standing on these mats, through the good and bad products, I definitely gained a new appreciation for them. Using a standing desk for about eight years, I had previously used a few different standing desk mats. There is a lot more to standing desk mats than one likely considers. Here are some of the most important things I learned during my review process.

Long warranties don’t always equal quality

One of the most interesting parts of this process was understanding the warranties in the category. Some of the brands made it almost impossible to find an actual written warranty. There was no rhyme or reason to many of the warranties that existed either. While a few of the high-end brands offered solid warranties, the two products that ranked highest had the worst warranties in the category. It’s important to consider the construction of the mat to give a better insight on how long it will last. If a warranty is important in your buying decision, make sure the company backing the warranty has a good amount of history. Some of the companies that offered long warranties had bad feedback, with customers stating the companies did not get back to them for warranty support.

Major differences with and without shoes

There is a major difference in how the mats feel with and without your shoes on. There were only a few mats that felt good in my socks and with my shoes on. The topo mats tended to be firmer than the flat mats and many of them were uncomfortable with shoes on. Because of this, the non-flat mats ended up having lower overall scores than the flat mats.

When you removed your shoes most of the firm mats became more comfortable. The flat mats on the other hand started out softer and without shoes some became too soft. This allowed your heels to dig into the mat and led to my feet bottoming out. Once you start to bottom out you lose the ergonomic principles associated with an anti-fatigue mat. Beyond that, they just become uncomfortable and could potentially lead to discontinued use. This is all about feel and will vary between users.

Most topo (non-flat mats) are slippery

One of the first experiences with the topo mats was a spread eagle. I carelessly put one foot on the mat and went for a ride. The flat mats had no issues staying in place, so I was surprised when it happened. Once you put enough weight on most of the mats, they stopped sliding. There were some mats that were definite safety hazards in the office. If you are in a shared work environment, you will want to keep these mats tucked under the desk.

Not all mats are created equal

There were major differences in quality from one mat to another. This was especially true with the flat mats, as there were a lot of cheap options available in this category. There was only one flat mat that I tested that included a polyurethane material with an integral skin. This is the ideal construction to offer good support and a high level of durability. This type of design also reduces the opportunity for peeling that can be found on mats that use multiple layers. I found that most of the cheap flat mats used lower quality PVC foam for the structure of the mat. This type of material breaks down quicker than high quality polyurethane and won’t offer as much bounce in the mat.

All but one of the non-flat standing desk mats tested were manufactured with polyurethane that included an integral skin. Each of these non-flat standing desk mats with integral skin rated at 70 or better for their overall quality score. This design also allowed for most of the non-flat mats to offer a good amount of firmness throughout the terrain features. This is an important aspect of this type of mat; too soft and you won’t be able to put any weight onto the terrain features without them flattening out.

They all stink when they come out of the box

No matter the brand, all of the mats came out of the box with a strong odor. With over 20 mats in my office, the smell was overwhelming at first. Truth be told, you likely wouldn’t have 20 mats in your office and it shouldn’t be as bad. However, if you go with some of the cheapest options I found the smell lasts longer than better quality products. Over time the smell will subside and eventually most will no longer notice the smell.

How much space do you need?

How much space do you need is an important question to ask yourself. The topo mats tend to offer much less flat space for standing. While you are able to move around on the mat, it is restricted by the overall dimensions of the mat. The same thing is true with the flat mats. Do you plan to roam from one end of your desk to the other? If you get a longer flat standing desk mat don’t forget that it will need to find a home when not in use. This was one of the reasons I was never able to consistently use my flat mat prior to the research done for this post.

Every users experience will vary

Because I talk a lot of about how these mats feel, everyone’s experience will likely be different. A lot of this will depend on your weight, the type of shoes you wear and your preference for a firm or stiff mat. If you are over 240 lbs., there is a good chance most of the mats will be too soft. If you’re less than 5’3”, some of the topo features may be hard to reach on the non-flat mats. For users that are over 6’5”, some of the smaller topo mats will be too compact. I am 6’0” tall and weigh about 190 lbs., when looking at my experience I would consider how that applies to your stats.

How did we pick the best standing desk mat for 2019?

Quality

The first aspect of the mats that I scored was its overall quality. Depending on the construction of the mat, I looked for defects in the material and if it was a single piece mold. Each mat was cut to see the inner material inside the mat. The highest quality mats were made from single piece polyurethane rubbers with an integral skin. The second tier of mats included polyurethane for the core, with a layer of material like vinyl over the top for added durability. The lowest quality products used PVC foam with a vinyl covering and a third layer of high-density foam on the bottom. This higher density foam is used to protect the lower quality foam and creates a stickier bottom to prevent sliding. The better quality mats tended to have more bounce in them. This improved overall comfort and allowed the mat to quickly return to its original state when the user lifted their weight from the mat. The lowest quality mats didn’t offer much support and would easily bottom out.

Comfort with Shoes

There are two aspects with comfort that I looked at. The first was with your shoes on. This is tough because many wear different shoes. The size of shoe you wear will also impact how far you sink into the material. Each shoe offers different levels of support and so these results can vary significantly. I wore sketchers for the testing and they included the comfort sole. They tend to offer a little better cushioning than most dress shoes.

Comfort without Shoes

The second aspect of comfort I looked at was how the mat felt without shoes on. This might not be an option for some users in public offices. I found that when I didn’t wear shoes I was able to really take advantage of the topo mat features. Many of these mats offered bumps and ridges that couldn’t be felt with your shoes on. If the mat included a ball, wearing only socks allowed you to stretch and massage your feet. Many of the mats that were too firm with shoes ended up being very comfortable without.

Versatility

The versatility rating on standing desk mats was only for the topo mats. Because flat mats are flat they really only serve one purpose and that is to stand in place. Topo mats have the opportunity to be much more versatile, with multiple shapes and massage components. My rating included six different aspects of the non-flat mat. I took an average of all six to get the versatility score. The first was how much flat space was available on the mat. The next three rated the amount of options when standing straight, sideways and backwards on the mat. The fifth aspect was how much elevation change the mat had from its lowest to highest point. Finally, the last aspect looked at the overall firmness rating which is important in taking full advantage of the terrain features.

Safety

Thinking about safety with an anti-fatigue might seem a little odd. While all of the flat mats were all safe, the topo mats safety varied quite a bit. The higher-end products had the best safety ratings, while the lower-end products tended to slide a bit more. I looked at how the mats reacted on both a hard surface, like hardwood, and low pile carpet that is commonly found in commercial offices. The first test was to put one foot on the mat and see how much weight was required for it to stop sliding. Second, I stood on the mat and tested how much you could move while working on the mat.

Warranty

The warranty on these products might not be as big of a concern because most mats retailed under $100. I think this is still an investment and having a solid warranty is important. The warranties varied significantly and didn’t always align with a products level of quality. Some of the lesser known brands might offer a good warranty, but I’m not sure you’ll be able to capitalize two or three years down the road. It’s important to look at the details of the warranty. If there was anything suspicious I deducted points.

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