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How is your working space these days? How many times did you find yourself being unproductive or simply in pain from long hours of sitting? Have you been trying to find the right position for hours, or propping your feet on some makeshift surfaces to get more comfortable? Well, you are not alone.
If you find your workspace uncomfortable and experiencing back pain, there might be one simple solution to the problem.
Footrests are often overlooked when setting up an ergonomic workspace, whether in-house or office, but the benefits you can get by using a footrest include:
- Improve in posture while sitting for long spans of time
- Keep your blood flowing and reduce swelling in the legs
- Reduce strain and fatigue in your lower body
- You’ll be able to stretch and rock your feet back and forth while sitting and working
- The price for value is usually very good
In fact, in 2020 there was a big increase in lower back pain, cervical radiculopathy, inflammation, or damage to a nerve root in the cervical spine, and carpal tunnel syndrome complaints. All due to the vast majority having to work from home.
Best under the desk footrests for every need
| Model | |
Best Ergonomics ErgoFoam Adjustable Foot Rest Cushion | Material: Velvet, ErgoFoam high-density foam Dimensions: 17.3 x 11.5 x 5.9 (3.9 + 2) inches Weight: 1.52 lb Color: Black, Dark Blue Positions: Two heights, rocking motion - Most ergonomic shape - Softest on your soles - Firm feet support - Adjustable height |
Multifunctional Solution Office Ottoman | Material: Polyester, Cotton, Memory foam Dimensions: 17.5 x 11.5 x 4 inches Weight: 1 lb Color: Black Positions: Rocking motion - Most compact cushion footrest - Lightweight - Can be used as a back or under-the-knee pillow |
For Restless Feet Eureka Ergonomic Height Adjustable Foot Rest | Material: Metal Dimensions: 15.35 x 11.81 x 3.35 inches Weight: 5.16 lbs Color: Gray Positions: Adjustable angle, Rocking motion - Most durable metal frame - Easiest floating adjustments between -20° to 20° angle - Textured pad for good grip and foot massage |
Best Height VIVO Stand FT01 | Material: Steel Dimensions: 16.9 x 14.5 x 5.2 inches Weight: 7.81 lbs Color: Black Positions: Adjustable height - Most height options (6 adjustable positions between 6 and 11 inches of height) - Tallest footrest - Fits for tall or standing desks. - Durable metal frame |
Most Aesthetic Footrest StrongTek Professional Wooden Foot Rest | Material: Wood Dimensions: 17.7 x 10.5 x 4.4 inches Weight: 3.4 lbs Color: Wood Positions: Rocking motion - Most aesthetically pleasing - Sturdiest (can withhold up to 350 lbs) - Stand-on footrest with a rocking motion - Eco-friendly (made of wood) |
Budget-friendly Mind Reader 3 Position Adjustable Height Ergonomic Foot Rest | Material: Plastic Dimensions: 18 x 13.4 x 4.3 inches Weight: 4.75 lbs Color: Black Positions: 3 heights, rocking motion - Good platform size - 3 adjustable heights between 1 and 6 inches |
For Travellers Econo-High Portable Footrest | Material: ABS Plastic Dimensions: 5 x 4 x 1 inches when folded; 10 – 15 x 4 x 5 inches when assembled Weight: 1.05 lb Color: Black Positions: 5-inch height, tilt - Most compact - Has several settings - Can be used as a footstool or tilt |
How did we choose?
First, we researched more than 20 highest-rated footrests in different categories such as material, adjustability, usage ease, stability, durability, and ease of cleaning. We focused on footrests with mobility features that are stable and durable, based on advice from ergonomics experts.
Then we eliminated models with customers’ reviews pointing to poor durability or inconvenience in usage, focusing on a total of 10 models.
For these 10 models, we analyzed more than 100 customers reviews. We were able to highlight the most important features footrests users seek and chose the best footrests for each category of users.
You can see the result of our methodology below.
What to look for in the under under-desk footrests?
Types:
- Hammocks — will give your feet a gentle swing. They are compact and lightweight. However, hammocks will not provide proper support for the feet and thus are not so good for back pain relief.
- Cushions — very comfortable for bare feet. Can be used as an under-desk footrest, back pillow, or support cushion for your makeshift workspace on the couch or bed.
- Metal — most durable footrests (also the heaviest).
- Plastic — not so durable, but affordable.
- Wooden — eco-friendly and very durable, good looking, and can be a great aesthetic addition to a wooden desk.
Key Features:
- Durability — even with great design, cheap materials can shorten the lifespan of the footrest by a lot. Whether it is steel, wood, plastic, or fabric, make sure the materials are of the best quality.
- Adjustability — there are two main adjustments: height and tilt. Some footrests offer one or the other and some offer both.
If you are short, height is most important to you, so make sure the height of the footrest is enough for your needs (there are many factors, like your chair, desk, or monitor, that can play a role in how high your footrest should be. You can try putting a stack of books under your desk to measure the height of a footrest you need).
The ability to rock your feet back and forth is a great feature for blood circulation and can bring relief from stiffness in the ankles and knees.
- Surface — for those of us who work from the home, the soft surface of cushion footrests feels best on our bare feet. Some footrests offer massage surfaces, but keep in mind, if you are not wearing shoes, you will be feeling those bumps for long periods of time.
- Portability — portable footrests are usually small in size and offer limited adjustability, but are sufficient enough for people who need foot support in many different places.
Our top picks: Detailed reviews
ErgoFoam Adjustable Footrest Cushion — best ergonomics
ErgoFoam Adjustable Foot Rest
Category winner:
Best ergonomics
| Material: | velvet, ErgoFoam high density foam |
| Dimensions: | 17.3 x 11.5 x 5.9 (3.9 + 2) inches |
| Weight: | 1.52 lb |
| Color: | black, dark blue |
| Positions: | 3.9 or 5.9 inches height, under the desk, on a chair/couch/bed, rocking motion |
| Benefits: | Most ergonomic shape Softest on your soles Firm feet support Adjustable height |
Pros
- Soft support for the feet
- Suitable for adults and children
- Can be used at the desk or on a couch/bed
- Easy to clean and can be washed
- Provides active rest for blood circulation
Cons
- Velvet may collect debris from the floor
This ergonomic footrest cushion is made of high-density foam that is firmer and more durable than memory foam used in other cushion footrests and gives your feet a nice feeling of firm support. The velour material of the cover is way softer than mesh, used by other brands. It may look like a dust collector, but is very easily cleaned and is removable if you need to wash it.
The latest version from ErgoFoam brand has additional 2 inches platform for boosted height. The platform can be easily separated and both parts have a non-slip bottom to ensure the cushion will stay in place.
When you feel the need to move, but need to stay at your desk, just flip the cushion over and rock your feet back and forth. This type of active rest is great for blood circulation.
Office Ottoman footrest cushion — multifunctional solution
Office Ottoman footrest cushion
Category winner:
Multifunctional solution
| Material: | polyester, cotton, memory foam |
| Dimensions: | 17.5 x 11.5 x 4 inches |
| Weight: | 1 lb |
| Color: | black |
| Positions: | under the desk, on a chair/couch/bed, rocking motion |
| Benefits: | Most compact cushion footrest Lightweight Can be used as a back or under-the-knee pillow |
Pros
- Soft feel
- Hypoallergenic and antimicrobial material
- Multifunctional (use it for your feet, knees, back; flip over and rock back and forth)
Cons
- Moves easily
The easiest footrest to use for your feet, legs, and back. A lighter version of a cushion footrest — Office Ottoman gives firm support for your feet but is not as high as the previous one. Great to use for your back and under the knees as well as under-desk.
You can easily move and flip this cushion footrest by your feet without the need to bend down and pick it up with your hand.
If you have allergies, the removable cover is made with hypoallergenic and antimicrobial material.
Eureka Ergonomics tilt-adjustable footrest — for restless feet
Eureka Ergonomics tilt-adjustable footrest
Category winner:
For restless feet
| Material: | metal |
| Dimensions: | 15.35 x 11.81 x 3.35 inches |
| Weight: | 5.16 lbs |
| Color: | gray |
| Positions: | adjustable angle, rocking motion |
| Benefits: | Most durable metal frame Easiest floating adjustments between -20° to 20° angle Textured pad for good grip and foot massage |
Pros
- Good ergonomic design
- Allows feet to move back and forth easily
- Made of high-quality metal
- No assembly or adjustments required
Cons
- Doesn’t have a lock mechanism
- Has one height only
While cushion footrests are great for our bare feet, you might not want to put shoes on them. With Eureka Ergonomics, you do not have that problem, made of very durable materials this footrest is great for office use and all kind of shoe soles. This being said, the textured pad on the platform is soft enough on your soles, so you can wear socks, or even be barefoot, and enjoy moderate massage.
This footrest gives you 4 inches elevation height, which is sufficient for an average 5’4’’ – 5’9’’ person with regular desks with up to 30 inches height.
Well designed, the footrest stays stable with a tilt that is comfortable for your feet, but rocks easily when you want it to with ideal for your ankles swing from -20° to 20° angle.
VIVO Stand — best height
VIVO footstand FT01
Category winner:
Best height
| Material: | steel |
| Dimensions: | 16.9 x 14.5 x 5.2 inches |
| Weight: | 7.81 lbs |
| Color: | black |
| Positions: | 6-positions adjustable height |
| Benefits: | Most height options (6 adjustable positions between 6 and 11 inches of height) Tallest footrest Fits for tall or standing desks. Durable metal frame |
Pros
- Steel frame
- Easily adjusted height
- Very tall (maximum height is 11 inches)
- Easy to move around
Cons
- Doesn’t have motion features
VIVO Stand footrest does not have a rocking feature but offers 11 inches elevation, which is more than any other footrest. For those of us who struggle with tall desks, high-mounted monitors, or have to pull our chair as close as possible toward the desk, this is the best solution. This footrest is designed in a way, that your chair wheels will not collide with the stand even when the chair is pulled very close to the desk.
The height is easily adjusted and you have 6 options to choose from and the platform has a comfortable tilt for your ankles.
VIVO stand is a durable metal footrest, but you cannot stand fully on it, you can put both of your feet while sitting, or rest one foot at a time while standing. If you are looking for a footrest that is so sturdy, you can stand on it, check out our next model — StrongTek.
StrongTek wooden footstool — most aesthetic
StrongTek Professional Wooden Foot Rest
Category winner:
Most aesthetic footrest
| Material: | wood |
| Dimensions: | 17.7 x 10.5 x 4.4 inches |
| Weight: | 3.4 lbs |
| Color: | wood |
| Positions: | rocking motion |
| Benefits: | Most aesthetically pleasing Sturdiest (can withhold up to 350 lbs) Stand-on footrest with a rocking motion Eco-friendly (made of wood) |
Pros
- Eco-friendly materials
- Solid and well balanced
- Provides rocking motion for good circulation
- Can be stood on
Cons
- No height adjustments
- Because it rocks back and forth directly on the floor surface, rubber grip soles may not behave best on the carpet
This wood footrest is the sturdiest footrest on our list. It is sturdy enough for an adult to stand on it and can withhold up to 350 lbs.
Well designed, StrongTek stays still and stable, but rocks easily back and forth when you need to stretch your ankles.
With the biggest platform, the shape and the size of StrongTek allow you to put your feet further apart than other footrests and some users even use this footrest for their regular exercises like balancing or yoga.
The eco-friendly material of StrongTek is another reason we love this footrest so much.
Mind Reader ergonomic footrest — budget-friendly
Mind Reader 3 Position Adjustable Height Ergonomic Foot Rest
Category winner:
Budget-friendly
| Material: | plastic |
| Dimensions: | 18 x 13.4 x 4.3 inches |
| Weight: | 4.75 lbs |
| Color: | black |
| Positions: | 3 heights, rocking motion |
| Benefits: | Good platform size 3 adjustable heights between 1 and 6 inches |
Pros
- Easily adjusted height
- Allows feet to move back and forth for good blood circulation
- Easy to move around
Cons
- Doesn’t have a locking mechanism for a swivel
- Made of plastic
Mind Reader footrest does not require any assembling and can be adjusted for 3 elevation heights. The footrest has a rocking motion feature, however, it does not have a lock, so it stays mobile all the time.
While being compact overall, the foot platform is enough to put your feet fully and comfortably on it. And if you like some foot massage, just remove your shoes once in a while and enjoy the feel of the bubbles.
EconoHigh portable footstool — for travelers
Econo-High Portable Footrest
Category winner:
For travelers
| Material: | ABS plastic |
| Dimensions: | 5 x 4 x 1 inches when folded; 10 – 15 x 4 x 5 inches when assembled |
| Weight: | 1.05 lb |
| Color: | black |
| Positions: | 5-inch height, tilt |
| Benefits: | Portable Has several settings Can be used as a footstool or tilt |
Pros
- Easy to carry around
- Has several assembly variations
Cons
- Small platform size for the feet
- Requires assembly
This portable footrest is a great alternative to foot hammocks. It is foldable and comes with a pouch, so you can put it in your handbag, and carry it with you everywhere.
When assembled the EconoHigh portable footrest can give your feet 5 inches of elevation and has a maximum width of 15 inches. You can also separate two parts and use each 5 by 4 inches part to elevate your toes or heels.
Great for people who find it hard to sit comfortably in most chairs, like in a car, cinema, waiting rooms, conference rooms, etc. Designed for airplanes it can be carried and used virtually everywhere.
Summary
When it comes to choosing a footrest, you need to consider your personal needs, your footrest should accommodate your lifestyle and needs exactly.
Are you working from home on your computer and can move from room to room during the day? — cushion footrest (ErgoFoam Adjustable footrest or more compact Office Ottoman) is a perfect solution.
Do you have a stationary desk and sit in one place the whole day? — swivel footrest (metal Eureka Ergonomics or plastic Mind Reader) will give your feet much-needed relief.
Got unusually tall set-up or standing desk? — choose a tall footrest like a VIVO stand or the one you can stand on like StrongTek.
And if you need to carry a footrest with you everywhere, try a foldable portable footstool from EconoHigh
FAQ
🦶What is a footrest for?
Footrests are under-desk devices that help to elevate your feet when you are sitting at a desk. They help to make your workspace ergonomically correct and correct your posture.
🧐How to know if I need a footrest?
If you spend a lot of time at the desk or on your computer, a footrest is a great device to have. It will help you sit (or stand) more comfortably and can alleviate pain and stiffness in your body.
😎What is the best footrest?
The best footrest is the one that suits your personal needs best. Consider your height, your desk setup, or your workspace in general, what you need it to do (elevate, support, rotate, massage) and where are you going to use it.
Regardless of the type you choose, make sure it is made with high-quality materials.
😩Can foot rest help with back pain?
The main cause of back and lumbar pain people experience when sitting for long hours is posture. To help alleviate the pain you need to put your back flat against the back of your chair, have your thighs parallel to the ground, and plant your feet firmly on the floor. The footrest elevates and provides support to your feet, so you can push back more easily and relieve the tension that causes the pain.
