Are you planning on purchasing an aerobic step bench? I have listed out a few options below that are of a quality good enough for our advanced aerobic step classes. We are looking for sturdiness, durability, and firmness. Other qualities to look for are not as easy to figure out from an Amazon listing- like how effective are the rubber feet, or is there enough smooth areas where stickers can be applied.

My name is Ralph Richbourg, I have been teaching step for over 20 years, first at Gold's Gym, then at 24Hour Fitness.

I own 3 step benches, currently my main is the Original Reebok Step - it is a little different from the typical teal and purple gym bench. I have listed 3 good alternatives to the standard gym bench that are all basically the same design. Finally, I give 2 products I would avoid.

Do your research, and read the reviews!!!  Talk to members of my classes about their benches. I am speaking from my experience and offering my advice below. I have not been paid for my opinion.

The gold standard bench found in most gyms is "The Step"- yep, thats the brand name.

I have seen the price fluctuate wildly on this item - from $99 - $179

This option is often costly - there are alternatives discussed below.

No matter what model you decide to choose, you will want a "Standard" size.

The standard bench size is (recommended for step aerobics):
42-43" long
About 13-14" wide
4"-10" tall depending on fitness level and intensity. This is adjustable.

I do NOT recommend smaller sizes, like circuit size, or 26" benches for what we do.

I use and recommend the Reebok Original Aerobic Step Bench

The cost of this bench fluctuates on Amazon from below $80- to over $125
It comes in black/gray (but really black/red), or in white/blue - the blue one seems to never drop in price, it stays around $115.

The bench itself is heavy compared to others. This is good if you are concerned about slipping. 2 months in and the rubber feet are holding up well. This bench is only used outdoors, on outdoor basketball courts and on concrete. 
The large rubber feet have good grip to an indoor floor - but unlike the standard design, you must always use the "risers" even if it is set to the position of not making the bench taller. The rubber feet are part of the riser, not the bench.

While the Reebok bench looks a bit smaller than the gym standard, the rubber platform portion is the same (36" x 13.5"). There is less outward bezel on this model.

The plastic is single wall thick. I imagine it might be prone to cracking if left out in the sun over a season or two. But so far, no problems with the one I own. The texture on the side surfaces is relatively smooth, this is perfect for stickers... you know how I like those.

At its lowest, the Reebok (6" tall) is slightly taller than the Standard Bench with one riser by about an inch. So it can never get to the low position. The Reebok bench can go to 10" without additional risers.

These 3 models below are all really good substitutes from the gym standard branded as "Original Step".

Several of my participants own these. I have checked them out, from my brief encounter with these benches, they all look to be decent quality and a worthy substitution from the costly one mentioned above. They are all nearly identical to "The Step".

MaxKare Exercise Step Platform Adjustable Workout Aerobic Stepper with 4 risers 

Price: $65 and up

Yes4All Adjustable Aerobic Step Platform with 4 Risers Health Club Size & Extra Risers Options
by Amazon.com
Price: $59 and up

Also comes in pink!

ZENY 43'' Aerobic Step Platform with Adjustable Risers 4" - 6" - 8" Exercise Fitness Workout Stepper by ZENY Direct

Price: $60 and up

Goplus 43'' Step Platform Adjustable Fitness Aerobic Stepper 4" - 6" - 8" Non-Stick Surface W/Risers

Looks good, super fun colors, but I find it is super "squishy" to step on. The plastic is not very firm and feels easy to distort. I own one of these, and I am concerned about the longevity of this bench. Also, on a side note, the surface of this bench is rough and not very good for stickers. In fact, the surface texture is down right terrible for stickers.

JungleA 30 Inch Adjustable Aerobic Stepper Workout Exercise Step Platform Riser 3 Levels Adjust 4" - 6" - 8" for Fitness Strength Training

Not just this brand, but any in this style. As mentioned above- I think these are simply too short for the type of choreography that we are doing.

Lower cost steppers like this do not have much support in the middle and are prone to breaking in half.