Standing desks are a recommended way to break up the periods of time spent sitting down in front of a PC, especially if you do not own an office chair that supports a healthy posture. As well as the standing desk itself, it's also worth considering a mat to go along with it, since you'll likely be using nothing more than the flooring, which if hard could become uncomfortable to stand on.
Here are some excellent examples of anti-fatigue mats for standing desks.
Ergodriven Topo
The Topo by Ergodriven is a solid piece of kit. Resistant to punctures and spillage, which can occur with liquids and other objects on the desk, this handy floor mat is designed to be easy to use. At first, it may seem a little strange, especially to the eye, but the weird layout and padding of the mat encourage subconscious movement, as well as active and varied stances.
Here's what Wirecutter had to say about the Topo:
The Topo's flat portions are more comfortable for neutral standing positions than other mats with raised features, but its selling point is its contoured, topographic (get it?) surface, which lets you place your feet however you want—crossed, one foot forward, raised and apart, or in a flamingo-style perch. Whichever way you stand, the Topo relieves pressure on your heels, back, legs, and shoulders, and it feels far better than the floor.
When you're done standing for an hour or so, the Topo can be easily maneuvered into position for sitting down on an office chair. Priced at $99 (opens in new tab), it's not exactly cheap, but when it comes to your feet and maintaining a healthy lifestyle in front of a PC, the price really is worth it.
The Ergodriven Topo is available in black and grey.
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Ergohead
This standing desk mat from Ergohead is a stunning product for anyone looking for a solution to fatigue. Available in black, gray, and purple, Ergohead managed to pack a bunch of features into this mat. With sizes up to 26 inches by 28 inches, there's ample enough room for a variety of postures and micromovements. Two massage areas are available for aiding with blood circulation and muscle engagement. A further three massage mounds encourage movement and ankle rotation.
Made from 100 percent polyurethane foam with a durable integral pebbled skin, you're going to be using this $80 (opens in new tab) mat for a long time before needing to give it a proper clean. Standing at the desk can now be healthier for your feet, as well as your back. Just shy of 120 owners of this mat have positively reviewed the product on Amazon.
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Imprint CumulusPRO
The CumulusPRO by Imprint is a well-reviewed mat, by both owners and reviewers. What makes it so appealing to those with standing desks is the thickness. This a seriously comfortable mat to stand on for long periods of time. The "Cushion-Core" technology helps reduce fatigue and increases productivity. It's also rather flat compared to other mats, which makes it less of a hazard to those who attempt to step over.
This is what Gadget Review made of the CumulusPRO:
CumulusPRO definitely does everything it needs to and so much more. If you're someone who experiences back, knee, or ankle pain as a result of standing at a desk for six or more hours a day, this mat is definitely worth a second look.
The $68 (opens in new tab) (around $86 if you opt for the brown color) price is backed by a lifetime warranty. If you need a mat that will support you for hours on end, this option is certainly worth checking out.
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If you own a standing desk and use it on a frequent basis, which mat do you prefer to stand on?
Rich Edmonds is a word conjurer at Windows Central, covering everything related to Windows, gaming, and hardware. He's been involved in technology for more than a decade and knows a thing or two about the magic inside a device chassis. You can follow him over on Twitter at @RichEdmonds.
