Is prolonged standing taking a toll on your legs, calves, and feet? You need a standing mat that can give support and cushion. And if you are used to moving a lot, you’d love an active standing mat.
And one of the popular brands in the market is the Ergodriven Topo mat. This standing mat is unique and is packed with a lot of ridges if I must say. So let’s see if these terrains and bumps can do good to your tired feet and legs.
Standingdesktopper's pick
Uneven terrain relieves tired feet
A flat mat can be too hard on your feet. On the other hand, an uneven train with lots of bumps and ridges can do wonders for tired legs and feet. And that’s one of the things that I love about the Ergo Driven Topo mat.
If you’re just switching from sitting to standing, you would benefit from a standing desk mat. But even the most comfortable brand may require some break-in period. Your leg and feet might be used to prolonged staining so you should cut it some slack.
The unique terrain can give your feet a short break. It makes changing from one stance to another pretty easy. You can squeeze and pull your feet over the bumps to alleviate the pain. And you can do this without shoes. The bumps on the mat feel like a gentle foot massage. Some mats don’t feel as comfortable when used barefoot. But the Ergodriven Topo mat offers bliss to your tired bare feet.
Another great option that can provide a range of foot movement is the Genius Skymat. It‘s also equipped with a ball at the center which can be a blissful massage for your aching feet.
Cushion for less muscle fatigue
A well-cushioned mat can spell the difference between comfort and pain. The rubber material is quite thick and you’ll not feel the floor through it. That’s why it feels great even on bare feet. And apart from the uneven contours and ridges, the thick cushion can alleviate muscle fatigue.
Especially if you are standing on hardwood floors, a thin mat with no cushion is basically the same as not using any mat at all. You’ll just be wasting money on a product that won’t even serve its purpose.
I personally love the support I get from this mat. It’s thickly padded but it can still provide me the needed firmness and support. I do have flat feet. And this mat can help me stay in a standing position without the prickly pain, numbness, and fatigue.
Mini leg workout
Apart from hardwood floors, no movement can cause pain too. The Ergodriven Topo mat can be a mini playground for your feet. The uneven terrain allows you to do some mini lower leg workout. You can do leg raises or place your heel on the raised bump for a good stretch.
The contours of the Ergodriven Topo mat are made for movement. As the name suggests, it’s driving your feet to move.
Ergodriven topo mat gives me the liberty to change stances while standing. Albeit standing is better than sitting all day, standing in one position can still be too much for your legs and feet. I look at this design as stations where you can move your feet across. The brand is even included in a manual on how you can use them for foot exercises.
Durable and unique design
Ergodriven topo mat features a front real with peaks at the corners. It also has side rails. Hence, it’s not your regular rectangular standing mat. It packs a lot of shapes and curves. And the pebbled texture adds structure to the mat. It makes it look solid and sturdy.
If you’re wondering what the teardrop center in the middle of the mat is for, it’s a comfortable rest stop for your feet. It’s a great relief when your knees lock up.
Some qualms
It may require a break-in period. Dipping your toes for a few minutes is recommended before plunging in. That’ll give your feet and legs time to get used to standing. Some users might have found the mat too firm for them. And breaking it in could prepare your feet and leg muscles. It’s like buying new shoes, you have to try the shoe first for a couple of days before you’d find it comfortable.
The overall design of the Ergodriven topo mat is unique, weird, and different. It looks different from the other standing mats that you might have used. That’s why it can be intimidating at first. And the size is also large and the bumps are pronounced. So this may not entice you to buy the product. But with some break-in period, you’d find that it’s one of the most comfortable mats in the market that can support the movement.
The uneven terrain is one of the most notable features of the ErgoDriven topo mat. But if you’re not into the bumps and the raised contour, you would benefit more from a flat mat with cushion. The Royal anti-fatigue mat is a great choice. It’s padded but it doesn’t have any bumps. So it can still protect from fatigue. especially if you’re standing on hardwood floors. It doesn’t allow for much movement compared to the Ergodriven topo standing mat.
Another qualm has something to do with vacuum robots. Those with this reliable cleaning machine often get stuck in the ridges or the sides of the Ergodriven topo mat. That can’t be avoided, so you just have to keep your robot vacuum aways from the mat.
In addition, those who have a wider stance often find the mat uncomfortable. They might find their feet halfway between the flat terrain and the ridges. Though some do not mind this since they are constantly moving their feet. But if you’re going to stay in one position, you’d have sore feet soon.
Who is it best for
The Ergodriven topo mat will benefit those who have fidgety feet. The bumps, ridges, and teardrop at the center allow for more movement. If you feel restricted in a rectangular cushioned standing mat, the unique design of the Ergodriven topo mat will make you happy.
And if you need more cushion for your hardwood floors, it can provide you with support and comfort. The Ergodriven topo mat is akin to a mini massage mat for the feet. So it’s best used barefoot. Though you may also use it with shoes and slippers on, you might be compelled to stay on the flat surface. You might feel some raised edges but you might not maximize the benefits of the mat with shoes on.
And if you do intend to use it with shoes on, you’re better off buying a lower-priced flat mat. You’d just be wasting your money if you’re going to wear your sneakers on your Ergodriven topo mat.
This mat is meant for movement. That is why the flat terrain is a bit thin compared to the other parts of the mat. So if you’re going to use it and stay in the middle of the entire day, you will have sore feet and legs. You’re better off with a thick cushioned standing mat like the Imprint Cumulus or the Imprint CumulusPro.
Some people use their standing mats in the kitchen. Well, this is okay for those rectangular flat mats. But if you have a contoured and raised mat such as the Ergodriven topo, you can’t use it in the kitchen area. The bumps and ridges can be a tripping hazard. So if you need one for the kitchen, you’re better off with a Newlife by Gel Pro or Sky Solution Mat.
Where to buy
Conclusion
The ErgoDriven topo mat is like a mini exercise mat for your feet. It can be the bliss of your legs and feet. But it can also be too much for you. So if you are the fidgety type, you’d benefit from this active standing mat. Whereas if you tend to just stand in one position, you might not enjoy the Ergodriven topo mat.
