The Best Anti-Fatigue Kitchen Mats Are Cushy yet Stylish

Final Verdict

I highly recommend sticking with the pros at WellnessMats (view at Williams Sonoma) for its generous warranties, materials technology, and timeless designs. However, if your aesthetic is a bit more classic, good options for neutral fabric prints remain KMAT’s affordable pair (view at Amazon) and this unique set from MELAJIA (view at Amazon).

What to Look for When Buying an Anti-Fatigue Kitchen Mat

Materials

Anti-fatigue mats are a broad term that can include a variety of materials from foam rubber to polyvinyl chloride to relieve stress from your feet, legs, and back. "Mat materials and construction can vary widely based on application," says Severson. "Pick a material that’s a good fit for where you plan to use the mat."

If going the foam rubber route, you want to make sure that these two materials are listed together, as durable hard rubber won’t do you any favors when it comes to fighting fatigue. Foam rubber mats are typically multi-layer and feature a foam core to absorb impact. This is then encased by an outer shell made of rubber to provide longevity. For best results, opt for nitrile rubber if you can as it's naturally resistant to microbes, and will be highly resistant to degradation from grease and oil. You want to steer clear of unsealed foam mats. If the base is just glued on, it will be easily torn to shreds.

Gel is known to be a soothing material—it’s cooling and provides responsive give that then cushions your feet. However, they don’t do too much good on their own; you might just sink in unevenly if it’s a thin layer, or struggle for stability if it’s too thick. Anti-fatigue mats made with gel are typically reinforced with energy-returning foam to provide more structure, then wrapped in another material for water resistance, grip, and shape protection.

Also commonly known as just PVC, polyvinyl chloride is a very affordable and common material. It doesn’t last as long and has been known to ripple, crack, and curl over time. These mats feature a pleather-like surface that's easily printed on, which is why most of the ones with artistic designs (as opposed to textural patterns) are typically made of PVC. Bear in mind, though, what the “v” stands for. Vinyl can harden over time and may contain chemicals like phthalates.

Tackier than PVC, polyurethane is an excellent material if you’re looking for solid grip that just won’t slip. They’re loved as anti-fatigue mats since they offer great springy rebound, giving feet a buoyant, cushioned feeling as they disperse the impact of your step across the entire surface. Additionally, they’re less apt to tear, delaminate, curl up, or smell of chemicals. Finally, they’re usually molded, which means that, unlike glued mats, they won’t start splitting. 

Features

Beyond material and cushioning, there are a few features that you should keep an eye out for. Some are expected and necessary; others are just nice to have. You want your anti-fatigue mat to be at the very least resistant to water and stains. Better still is if it’s oil-resistant and waterproof. It’s extremely important that the bases be nonskid. A slippery or bunched-up kitchen mat can be very dangerous, particularly since it’s a high-traffic room where people often have to maneuver around quickly, carrying hot or heavy items. Finally, the better mats will have a sloped, tapered, or beveled edge that's flush to the floor. "A flexible, beveled edge can help reduce trip hazard risk," Severson says. This also reduces the chance of just losing your balance due to a sudden drop in floor height.

When shopping for an anti-fatigue kitchen mat, there are a few traits you want to screen reviews for and avoid. Delamination is when layers of a product separate. When it comes to anti-fatigue kitchen mats, this can happen in a few ways: a protective outer shell can break loose from the inner material and create a loose "skinfold" or the layers just start beginning to separate.

Additionally, check the memory foam. Similar to mattresses, it should hold your imprint long enough to absorb the pressure, then return back to its original shape. You don’t want a mat where your footprint remains, as that means no cushioning or bounce-back will be present to absorb your next step.

Size

An anti-fatigue kitchen mat should be placed in the spots you spend the most time standing in. Typically, that’s going to be your favorite countertop workspace, in front of the stove, or the sink. Some people also like to put a mat or rug in front of the refrigerator, which can catch spills but might also make standing in front of the open door too welcoming! 

You should measure the size you need based on the width of the focal point. For instance, in front of the stove or sink, you want to have a little bit of an overlap on either side so that you don’t accidentally slip off or trip, which can be a hazard. A few inches of buffer is fine. For a kitchen island, it’s better to go a little smaller than the full width to create balance in the room. 

FAQs

How do you clean anti-fatigue mats?

Easily! You can vacuum debris using a rollerless setting as I do, or just sweep crumbs right off it. If it’s sticky or dirty, a few swipes with a damp towel or cloth usually takes care of it. You can let it air-dry after that. But it’s important to remember that they are not machine-washable. Putting them in the wash can degrade the material and break it down, as well as cause separation between material layers.

Are anti-fatigue mats safe for all floors?

In older kitchens with carpeting, they’ll slide around and become a hazard. However, they are typically fine on wood, porcelain or ceramic tile, luxury vinyl, linoleum, marble, and any other hard surface where they can get a grip. Just check the type of backing your mat has, as some cheaper materials that are not heat or liquid-resistant may stick to your floor.

Also, don’t be afraid to let your kitchen floor "air out" from time to time. Constant pressure and placement on an anti-fatigue mat can lead to discoloration in light tile, and if your kitchen is sunlit, natural fading will not be even throughout the room if you keep a spot protected by your mat. 

How often should you replace an anti-fatigue mat?

Depending on the material and how much traffic you’re subjecting it to, they can last up to 5 years. The best way to gauge if it’s time for a new one is to play it by ear and look for telltale signs of wear and tear, like worn-out patches, fading patterns and prints, and tearing of seams or layers. If the edges start curling, it’s definitely time to go, as they become tripping hazards. Along those lines, if you find yourself slipping while standing, the traction’s worn off and it’s time to toss. Finally, if it just doesn’t feel that good underfoot anymore, just let it go.

Why Trust Simply Recipes?

This guide was authored by Su-Jit Lin, who has over a dozen years of experience writing about food, twice that in cooking it, and thrice in enjoying all of it with extreme and likely unseemly gusto. She’s most often found on her feet, which are not indefatigable—hence this guide. When not standing (on an anti-fatigue mat) at her desk, she’s doing the same at her stove, counter, or sink.

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