People often reach for a pair of insoles if they are feeling discomfort from standing on their feet. But sometimes insoles don’t cut it and more support is needed. If that sounds like you, then stay reading as this article compares the benefits of an anti-fatigue mat v insole. This article assesses each based on 9 key factors to determine which is better. Stay tuned to find out which is best for you!
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Anti-Fatigue Mat V Insole
| Feature | Anti-fatigue mat | Insole |
| Level of support | Higher | Lower |
| Cost | $4 – $185+ | $8.77 – $129.95 |
| Durability | Light, medium and heavy duty | Less durable |
| Weight capacity | 300 pounds | Some designed for heavier people |
| Safety features | Multiple | Few |
| Uses | Multiple places & can be shared | For one shoe and person |
| Thickness | 0.375 – 1.25 inches + | 0.2 – 0.5 inches |
| Material | Multiple | Multiple |
| Size | Small, medium, large | Small, medium, large |
| Style | Limited functional design | Limited styles and shapes |
Fatigue can occur when standing despite wearing top quality footwear. Source
Anti-Fatigue Mat V Insole
Level of support
Anti-fatigue mats are designed to offer a high level of cushioning and shock absorption to allow you to stand for longer periods with less fatigue and discomfort.
Insoles on the other hand, offer a lighter level of cushioning. But they have the advantage over fatigue-reducing mats of being able to move with your foot.
Standing mats merely offer protection in the location it is positioned.
Insoles are often thin and lack the volume of cushioning material which gives anti-fatigue mats that enhanced fatigue-reducing experience.
Insoles may be sufficient if you:
- move between various areas on your feet
- are standing for short periods
- don’t experience any significant discomfort to date
But in the long run, a standing mat will help to offset the effects of standing on your feet.
Cost
Anti-fatigue mats have a price range between $4 – $185+. In comparison, an insole can start anywhere from $8.77 and reach prices as high as $129.95 + for custom fit shoe insoles.
The majority of the time, it will be cheaper to opt for an insole instead of a standing mat.
However, this financial saving could come at a cost to your health, so you’ll have to decide are anti-fatigue mats worth it!
As you know, insoles offer a lower level of cushioning and support compared to anti-fatigue mat.
Therefore, if you do opt for insole as a cheaper option, you might suffer from fatigue, discomfort, muscle soreness and varicose veins as a consequence.
Durability
Anti-fatigue mats are designed in different degrees of durability. It tends to be based on the time that the anti-fatigue mat will be used for. This means that part of your selection criteria for a standing mat will be the length of time that you and others use it for.
| Type of anti-fatigue mat | Duration of use | Environment suited to |
| Light duty | < 4 hours a day | Office, reception |
| Medium duty | 4 – 6 hours a day | Kitchen, office |
| Heavy duty | > 6 hours a day | Kitchen, workshop, assembly line, outdoors |
The fatigue-reducing mat should return to its original shape quickly as you shift your weight off it.
This is an important consideration when selecting a quality anti-fatigue mat.
Fatigue-reducing mats can also be resistant to spills, stains, hot objects and punctures.
In general, anti-fatigue mats have a lifespan of approximately 2 years.
However, if you opt for the Safco Movable Anti-Fatigue Mat, you can get a lifetime warranty.
In contrast, insoles have a lifespan of about 6 months. This is dependent on factors including:
- frequency of use
- intensity (running v walking)
- your foot structure
There are heavy duty insoles which offer extra cushioning to help minimize pain and discomfort.
Tip: Anti-fatigue insoles are better at reducing discomfort than standard insoles.
Weight capacity
When purchasing an anti-fatigue mat, you’ll notice that there is a weight limit provided. This indicates how much pressure the standing mat can withstand without becoming subject to sinking or damage.
Anti-fatigue mats can handle weights up to around 300 pounds.
On the other hand, insoles don’t come with a weight capacity. However, some insoles, specify that they are designed for people over certain weights.
For example, Dr. Scholl’s® Pain Relief Orthotics for Heavy Duty Support are designed for people that weigh over 200 pounds.
Safety features
Anti-fatigue mats are designed for a range of work environments. To cater to such environments, you can choose the safety features of the fatigue-reducing mat based on the environmental conditions it will need to endure.
Safety features that industrial anti-fatigue mats have include:
- Anti-slip
- Chemical resistant
- Drainage built in
- Fire resistant
- Oil resistant
- Anti-static
There generally are no selectable safety features with an insole. Insoles don’t even offer any protection against tripping or falling on a wet or slippery surface.
But then again, that should be the purpose of the shoe, not the insole.
Uses
Anti-fatigue mats can be used in multiple locations and other people can merit the benefits of them.
Conversely, insoles must be provided for each person and cannot be shared.
Furthermore, if you use numerous pairs of shoes, you’ll either need to:
- Opt for wearing the same shoes while standing
- Purchase multiple insoles
- Swap the insoles between shoes (unlikely)
The primary benefit of insoles over standing mats is that if you’re standing or working in multiple places, the insoles will follow your feet around.
In contrast, an anti-fatigue mat only offers protection if you’re standing on it.
Thickness
Anti-fatigue mats come in an array of thickness levels, starting from 0.375 inches and ranging as thick as 1.25 inches +.
The extra padding offers you a greater level of cushioning. However, choosing too much could make using the anti-fatigue mat a bit of a balancing act.
With insoles, the thickness is often referred to as volume. There are varying ranges of thickness depending on the quality and purpose of the insole.
The average volume of an insole is between 0.25 – 0.5 inches thick.
Some of the anti-fatigue insoles, such as the Timberland PRO anti-fatigue insoles have greater degrees of thickness than standard shoe inserts.
Plus, the material that insoles are made of makes them liable to sinking under your weight.
However, anti-fatigue mats are designed to be durable to this pressure.
Material
Both standing mats and insoles are made from numerous different materials.
Anti-fatigue mats are generally made from polyurethane foam, gel, vinyl or rubber which are sturdy materials with cushioning properties.
High density memory foam is a popular choice for anti-fatigue mats.
Insoles are made from a variety of materials including:
- Foam
- Gel
- Rubber
- Cork
- Leather
Tip: Memory foam insoles tend to offer the best fatigue-reducing properties.
Size
Standing mats are available in compact sizes suitable for fitting one person on.
The small sizes begin at approximately 17 x 24 inches while larger standing mats measure in around 24 x 70 inches.
Mats can range all the way up to room sizes which are suited to workshops or more industrial environments.
Insoles are also available in practically all shoe sizes. Plus, they can often be cut to size!
Style
Anti-fatigue mats tend to be designed with functionality and safety in mind. They are generally sold in a black color and have limited aesthetic features, especially industrial anti-fatigue mats.
For most people, the style of the insoles won’t matter that much. It is covered up practically all the time by your foot anyway.
Related: Balance boards vs anti-fatigue mat – cheat sheet included
Can you wear insoles with an anti-fatigue mat?
Insoles can be used in addition to an anti-fatigue mat, especially if you step off the anti-fatigue mat frequently. Anti-fatigue insoles have been shown to offer an elevated level of comfort and cushioning when used in conjunction with a fatigue-reducing mat.
That said, it’s important that the insole fits you properly and doesn’t create other issues, such as increasing your shoe tightness.
Conclusion
As you can see, the anti-fatigue mats prevail over insoles in almost every feature.
Anti-fatigue mats are usually more effective than insoles at providing cushioning while you stand.
However, if you require light cushioning or support that moves with your foot, then an insole might tick the box!
You might even consider using both insoles and anti-fatigue mats!
If you’re still not sure or would like further dive into the many benefits of anti-fatigue mats, I have written some articles that have some invaluable tips and facts.
Here are some other useful articles I wrote that you should go check out:
- Balance board vs anti-fatigue mat – cheat sheet included
- How do anti-fatigue mats work? With FAQs
- How to choose an anti-fatigue mat – 16 essential factors
- How to maintain anti-fatigue mats – 12 easy tips
- Are Anti Fatigue Mats Worth It? 11 Unexpected Pros & Cons!
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