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The 10 Best Anti-Fatigue Mats for Home Cooks With Back Pain

These supportive mats will reduce discomfort as you chop vegetables, assemble pies, or wash dishes.

Composite of Fatigue Mats
Photo: Courtesy of Target, Wayfair, House of Noa

If you love spending time in the kitchen, you'll want to invest in an anti-fatigue mat. While rugs of any kind can help with back pain to some extent, anti-fatigue options are specifically designed to make standing a whole lot more comfortable. And luckily, there are a lot of anti-fatigue mats on the market to choose from.

Perhaps one of the most overlooked kitchen tools, anti-fatigue mats can reduce the feeling of sore, tired feet and a stiff, aching back after an afternoon spent prepping for a party, baking several batches of cookies, or just making dinner. However, you need to choose the right one for you and your kitchen, taking into consideration how you cook and your lifestyle.

Select one that's too thick, and it may be a tripping hazard, but if you choose one that's too thin, it won't provide enough support. You'll also need to remember the size of your kitchen and how messy of a cook you are (some anti-fatigue rugs are much easier to clean than others). Here are some of our favorite anti-fatigue mats and what we like about each one.

Ula Nama Standing Mat

light grey aztec kitchen mat on a pink background

Courtesy of House of Noa

Featuring a neutral palette and a hand-drawn bohemian design, this anti-fatigue mat is both stylish and comfortable for your feet. It's also available in four different sizes, giving you the option to customize your mat to your space perfectly.

GelPro Elite Mat Tallahassee By Amy MacCready Anti-Fatigue Mat

kitchen mat with blue and white designs on a grey background

Courtesy of GelPro

GelPro's Elite series is unique in that it combines both gel and energy-return foam to help cushion your body while standing on the mat. It's also non-slip and has reinforced edges so that it won't wear down. This pretty pattern is available in six colors and five sizes.

Martha Stewart Bloomfield Lemon Whimsy Anti-Fatigue Kitchen Mat

kitchen mat with lemon designs on a yellow background

Courtesy of Amazon

Bright yellow lemons bring cheer to your kitchen floors with this anti-fatigue mat designed by our founder. The thick memory foam fill reduces stress on your body as you chop vegetables and prepare dinner, and the PVC lining is slip-resistant, stain-resistant, and easy to wipe spills.

Laura Ashley Anti-Fatigue Kitchen Mat

kitchen mat with blue flower designs on brown background

Courtesy of Amazon

Pretty hydrangea blossoms add some whimsy in the form of this anti-fatigue mat. Thick memory foam makes up the interior of this mat, with durable PVC construction that can stand up to the wear and tear of working in your kitchen.

AmazonBasics Premium Anti-Fatigue Standing Comfort Mat

AmazonBasics Premium Anti-Fatigue Standing Comfort Mat
Courtesy of Amazon

More than 4,000 Amazon shoppers have given this anti-fatigue mat a five-star review. Unlike many kitchen mats which are made of gel, this one is made of foam, and that cushiony composition is exactly what may make you want to do the dishes. While there aren't many patterns or color options, this mat offers quality at an unbeatable price. Bonus: It has a stain-resistant surface that is easy to clean.

Sky Solutions Anti-Fatigue Floor Mat

Sky Solutions Anti-Fatigue Floor Mat
Courtesy of Sky Mat

Made from commercial-grade foam, this anti-fatigue kitchen mat promises to reduce stress on your muscles, knees, and joints by 32 percent. Easy to clean and available in various colors, the mat features anti-curl edges to prevent tripping. It's no wonder it's a favorite in restaurants.

Modern Boxes Design Standing Anti-Fatigue Mat

Modern Boxes Design Standing Anti-Fatigue Mat
Courtesy of Wayfair

This kitchen mat is ideal for large kitchens or for those who'd like a mat under the counter and another near their sink or dishwasher. The piece provides some cushioned support thanks to its durable PVC build. Its rubber backing will also keep it in place.

Kangaroo Non-Slip Anti-Fatigue Mat

Kangaroo Non-Slip Anti-Fatigue Mat
Courtesy of Amazon

You can vacuum it, it's waterproof, and it comes with a 10-year warranty. What's not to like about this mat? What's more, this mat stays firmly in place thanks to a grooved underside while its textured top surface prevents slipping and tripping, and its 3/4 inch-thick foam feels like standing on clouds.

ComfiLife Anti-Fatigue Floor Mat

ComfiLife Anti Fatigue Floor Mat – 3/4 Inch Thick Perfect Kitchen Mat, Standing Desk Mat – Comfort at Home, Office, Garage – Durable – Stain Resistant – Non-Slip Bottom (20" x 32", Teal)
Courtesy of Amazon

Let's face it: Households full of kids or pets (or both) are messy. Finding any rug that will stand up to a busy home is a challenge, but finding one for a high-traffic area like the kitchen can be near impossible. Luckily, there's a ComfiLife Anti Fatigue Floor Mat. Moderately priced and composed of non-toxic materials certified by OEKO-Tex, these anti-fatigue floor mats come in three size options, are stain-resistant, and easy to clean. As an added bonus, each size comes in a variety of colors, so you'll be able to find one to match your kitchen style.

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