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Image: MomJunction Design Team
If you have a desk job, it is important to maintain proper posture for good health. So, we have compiled a list of the best under-desk footrests to help you out. When you tend to sit the whole day, your legs might get fatigued. They get swollen and painful and may lead to chronic foot and knee pains. A leg rest helps improve blood circulation, fights foot fatigue, and prevents foot sores.
Moreover, when paired with an ergonomic chair, these footrests can make your workspace healthier and more convenient. Sitting all day can adversely affect your health, so a footrest can help give your feet offers utmost comfort and relaxation. Footrests come in different sizes and styles to suit your requirements. So, take a look at the different options and their features to learn more and make an informed decision.
Top Picks
13 Best Under Desk Foot Rests
1. Best For Fatigue-Reducing:Everlasting Comfort Office Foot Rest For Under Desk
Everlasting Comfort presents this memory foam foot rest for a soft and supportive feel when working. Its ergonomic design helps reduce fatigue and promotes proper circulation, making it suitable for long periods of sitting. Moreover, it is tested by OEKO-TEX and has ventilation holes for optimal airflow and breathability. So, whether you are working at your desk, gaming, or lounging, this comfortable footrest can be a suitable addition.
Pros
- Multifunctional design
- Lightweight
- Safety-certified materials
- Easy to clean
- Portable
Cons
- Limited color options
- Some people may find the height lower than expected
"Since using this slanted footrest, I've experienced fewer pins and needles sensations in my feet. Some may find it too soft, but it works well for my needs, and its size is also perfect for my feet. Moreover, the washable cover is a big plus."
2. Best For Dual-Purpose:Everlasting Comfort Foot Rest Pillow
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 21,307 reviews on Amazon, it's clear that many people love this product.
The under desk foot pillow provides superior comfort due to its fantastic design. It is CertiPur-US-certified and safety-tested, filled with 100% memory foam, which helps reduce soreness in your feet and can be used for other purposes. You can flip it to use it as a rocker too! The compact size, velour cover, and advanced memory foam make it a soft and durable foot rest. This is a comfortable tear-drop-shaped foot rest with built-in heating-responsive technology that helps you work long hours with ease and promotes blood flow and circulation. Learn more about the foot rest in this video.
Specifications
Surface Dimensions : 17 x 9.5 x 4.75 inches
Weight : 10.2 ounces
Warranty: Lifetime
Pros
- Non-skid surface
- Machine-washable cover
- Flippable to use as a rocker
- Ergonomic teardrop design
Cons
- The cover may wear out after extended periods of use.
"In addition to being soft, it offers enhanced support to my feet, keeping them comfortable when working on my desk throughout the day. Despite its soft cover, my feet don’t slip off, even when I use it with my shoes on. However, I’d suggest placing a rug underneath it to boost its anti-slip capabilities."
Quick fact3. Best Durability:ErgoFoam Adjustable Foot Rest
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The whopping 7,015 positive reviews on Amazon reflect the superior quality of this product.
This foot rest is a comfortable and reliable one, known for its premium quality and plushness. The ErgoFoam Adjustable Footrest comes with high-density foam construction to ace the test of durability. It is height-adjustable and doubles up a feet rocker when flipped. Here is a brief review video showcasing a tester’s experience with the product.
Specifications
Surface Dimensions: 17.3 x 11.5 x 5.9 inches
Weight : 1.49 pounds
Warranty: Lifetime
Pros
- Available in breathable mesh and velvet
- Adjustable design
- Award-winning foot rest
- Machine-washable cover
- Non-slip bottom
Cons
- Some may find the material slightly slippery.
"Incorporating this footrest into my daily routine has been wise, as it has significantly reduced foot discomfort. It keeps my feet in the correct position, and the lightweight build allows me to easily carry it."
Everlasting Comfort Office Foot Rest For Under Desk | Everlasting Comfort Foot Rest Pillow | ErgoFoam Adjustable Foot Rest | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Color | Black (Gel-infused) | Black | Black-tall |
| Material | Memory Foam | Memory Foam | Velvet |
| Dimensions | - | 17 x 9.5 x 4.75 inches | 17.3 x 11.5 x 5.9 inches |
| Weight | - | 1.1 Pounds | 1.3 Pounds |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 3,055 | 21,307 | 7,015 |
| Price | $43.99 | $36.99 | $44.67 |
4.Best Stress-Reliever: DUVEIN Under Desk Foot Rest
Image: Huanuo Foot rests are stress-relievers for your feet. They increase blood circulation and aid in better movement much like what stretching can do for the body after a workout. The DUVEIN foot rest is made with 100% pure high-density foam and an upgraded sponge construction, making it a comfortable resting spot for your feet. The foot rest is recommended by orthopedic surgeons to reduce stress, back pain, and relieve pain in the legs and hips.
Specifications
Surface Dimensions: 17.72 x 11.5 x 4.09 inches
Weight : 13.4 ounces
Warranty : NA
Pros
- Non-slip bottom
- Machine-washable over
- Wear-resistant zipper
- Lightweight
Cons
- It may feel very warm after extended hours of use.
5.Best Eco-Friendly Foot Rest: Eureka Ergonomic Foot Rest
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
Over 3,472 customers on Amazon have opined that this is one of the best products in its category.
The Eureka Ergonomic Foot Rest is made of environmentally friendly scratch-free rubber and features a massaging surface, which keeps your feet healthy and prevents damage to your floors. It has a 3-way tilt option, so you can select the height as per your requirement. The non-slip footrest with an ergonomic design, sturdy frame, and scratch-proof surface can be a great addition to any home office. Watch this product review cum testing video to learn more about this product.
Specifications
Surface Dimensions: 15.35 x 11.81 x 3.35 inches
Weight : 4.7 pounds
Warranty: 3 years
Pros
- Floating adjustment
- 0-20° stretch
- Adjustable tilt angles
- Extra-wide platform
Cons
- Some may find it too low.
"Long gaming sessions have ceased causing leg pain since I started using this footrest. The pressure points on its surface also offer me a soothing experience. Since its frame is made of metal, it bears my weight like a champ and hasn't shown any signs of warping."
Did you know?6. Best For Height-Adjustable:Huanuo Adjustable Foot Rest
Image: Huanuo This comfortable footrest comes with magic tape and massaging micro beads for additional height and reach. The massaging beads prevent slipping and improve circulation. The foot rest can be elevated to 4.15 inches with an additional 1.75 inches with the help of the extension piece. Its high-performance memory foam offers adequate elasticity to keep your feet all comfy and cozy at office, and it also doesn’t require any special instructions to clean.
Specifications
Surface Dimensions: 17 x 11.3 x 6 inches
Weight : 1.8 pounds
Warranty: 1 year
Pros
- 2 reusable covers with zippers
- Machine-washable cover
- Additional pillow
- High-rebound foot stool
Cons
- Some may find the foam too soft.
7.Best For Long-Lasting: StrongTek Under Desk Foot Rest
Designed by a former NASA scientist, the StrongTek foot rest is made with heavy-duty Lauan hardwood plywood, making it durable and long-lasting. It has a textured surface, and keeps your feet elevated to improve circulation. It is a tilting wooden footrest with curved feet design and non-slip grips, so you can roll and tilt it to suit your requirements.
Specifications
Surface Dimensions: 17.7 x 10.5 x 4.4 inches
Weight : 3.4 pounds
Warranty: NA
Pros
- Large foot area
- Supports up to 350 pounds
- Anti-slip surface
- Premium-quality wood
Cons
- It is not height-adjustable.
"With this option, my search for a slip-free rocking footrest has ended. It also doubles as a balance board, and the rocking motion is soothing. Besides, the pre-assembled design made it very convenient to use."
8. Best Premium-Quality:Ameriergo Adjustable Foot Rest
This foot rest is made of premium-quality dual foam, which supports your legs and conforms to the shape of your feet. The foot rest has a soft and breathable cover, which keeps the foot rest cool. The tried-and-tested footrest is equipped with an additional pillow, which helps extend the elevation to match your comfort levels.
Specifications
Surface Dimensions: 14.44 x 7.2 x 6.57 inches
Weight : 1.56 pounds
Warranty: NA
Pros
- 2 selectable heights
- Machine-washable cover
- Breathable fabric
- Soft material
- Doesn’t overheat
Cons
- Some may find it too soft.
"Thanks to this footrest, I can maintain a good posture when working at my desk. I found its cushiony build odd at the get-go, but it has quickly grown on me. Overall, it has proven to be a functional choice for keeping my legs from tiring during long hours of sitting."
9. Best Heavy-Duty:Leermart Adjustable Footrest
Durable and premium is the best way to describe this foot rest. The Leermart Adjustable Foot rest is a heavy-duty foot rest, which can be used in cars, buses, and more. It is equipped with a soft footrest pad with massage beads, four levels of height adjustability, and a non-slip design. The construction uses a mix of metal and high-quality ABS plastic for maximum strength and durability. The multipurpose footrest is flexible and foldable and features a 4-gear adjustment.
Specifications
Surface Dimensions: 12.6 x 12.6 x 2.36 inches
Weight : 5.84 pounds
Warranty: NA
Pros
- No assembly required
- Thick cushion
- Adjustable design
- Can be used as pedicure stool
- Massaging qualities
Cons
- Some may find it slightly heavy.
"After trying multiple options, I have finally settled on this footstool due to its adjustability. The best part is that it also allows me to recline my calves, offering me wholesome comfort. It is slightly noisy, but its functionality and durability are commendable."
10.Best For Posture-Improving:BasicConcepts Foot Rest For Under Desk
The BasicConcepts under-desk footrest helps ease the discomfort associated with sitting for long hours. It relieves the pressure off your feet and lower back, improves your posture, and reduces the risk of prolonged sitting-associated body pains. Its ergonomic design provides soft but firm support under your work desk, and it is made with high-performance foam that comforts your tired feet and eases out tension. In addition, the compact foot rest is easy to carry and store.
Specifications
Surface Dimensions: 17.5 x 11.5 x 3.8 inches
Weight: 1.1 pounds
Warranty: NA
Pros
- Machine-washable cover
- Non-slip base
- Doubles up as a massager
- Dual-sided design
- Takes minimal space
Cons
- Height may be lower than expected
- Foam may not be depression-resistant
"Supple yet supportive, this footrest has made working from home less of a chore. Neither too soft nor too hard, it offers just the right amount of support. And thanks to the removable cover, I can use it when wearing and not wearing shoes."
11. Best Stylish:HawBeg Adjustable Under Desk Footrest
The HawBeg Adjustable Under Desk Footrest is a stylish and ergonomic footrest that can provide much-needed support to your legs. It is made of premium, high-density memory foam that gives your legs good elevation. The 17-inch-wide supportive footrest provides ample space to rest your feet and has an anti-slip bottom. You can also turn the arched footrest upside down to use it as a relaxing rocker.
Specifications
Surface Dimensions: 11.5 x 17 x 6 inches
Weight: 24.32 ounces
Warranty: Lifetime
Pros
- Removable and washable soft felt cover
- Can be used as a plush laptop stand
- Contoured surface
- Easy to maintain
- Available in two colors
- Available in two heights
Cons
- May shed after frequent use
- May be a bit firm for some
"Even after regular use for months, it has maintained its shape and firmness. Its cover does attract my cat’s fur, but thankfully, it is washable. I also use it as a laptop stand when in a hurry. All in all, it's been a durable and versatile find."
12. Best For Asymmetric:CozyDoc Ergonomic Foot Rest
The CozyDoc Ergonomic Foot Rest is a doctor-designed foot rest that considers the needs and expectations that one can have from a foot rest. The asymmetric design ensures that your feet rest in the perfect position, and the therapy-grade footrest cushion is firm without feeling hard. Moreover, it is a unique foot rest with massage function–it features spiky massage balls for deep-tissue massage. It also comes with a carry handle for portability and removable covers for ease of cleaning.
Specifications
Surface Dimensions: 17.3 x 10.2 x 5 inches
Weight : 14.4 ounces
Warranty: Lifetime
Pros
- Velvet cover
- Anti-slip base
- Smart zipper
- Variable heights
- Soft material
- Comes with a spiky massage ball for deep tissue massage
Cons
- Some may find the foot too soft for their liking.
"The highlight of this foot cushion is that it feels very soft and allows me to place my feet comfortably. Its removable and washable cover also makes maintenance a breeze. Plus, the spikey massage ball was a pleasant surprise."
13.Best For Machine-Washable: ComfiLife Under Desk Foot Rest
The under-desk foot support from ComfiLife Foot Rest can help reduce back, knee, hip, and leg pain by reducing the amount of pressure put on the spine. It has a high-quality memory foam body and adjustable height, making it a suitable option for people of all sizes. Moreover, the supportive footrest’s machine-washable cover makes it easy to keep odors at bay.
Specifications
Surface Dimensions: 17.5 x 12 x 6 inches
Weight: 1.7 pounds
Warranty: NA
Pros
- Lightweight
- Can be used as knee support
- Has a detachable base
- Available in multiple colors
Cons
- Might be slippery on certain flooring
- Some may find it a tad too soft
"I found this to be a comfortable alternative to my traditional footrest. Its soft texture is gentle on my foot callus. Plus, its adjustable height amplifies its utility. However, its anti-slip grip works better on a carpeted floor than a tiled one. On the whole, it's a decent product."
Now that we have seen the 13 best foot rests, let’s move on to finding out the numerous benefits it offers.
Benefits Of Using A Foot Rest
- Improves circulation: Foot rests are highly recommended by doctors and orthopedics alike as they improve blood circulation to the feet. By reducing the pressure in the feet, one can fight fatigue. Increased circulation also aids in relieving pain and pressure associated with conditions such as thrombosis and varicose veins.
- Improves posture: If you work all day by sitting on your chair and do not take several breaks to exercise, it will quickly result in your lower back acting up and aching. Much of the pain also sprouts from incorrect sitting postures. A foot rest encourages good posture, which helps the back, hips ,and the spine by reducing pressure on them.
- Reduces tension on the feet: Providing good support and comfort to your feet while sitting on a chair makes a mountain of difference. Reduced tension to your feet helps fight fatigue, and helps improve productivity.
How To Choose The Right Under Desk Foot Rest?
Here are some points you may consider to choose a quality under-desk foot rest.
1. Design and construction: Footrests come in various designs and are made from different materials. A textured, ribbed surface and an ergonomic design ensures proper comfort and massaging properties. The ability to rock back and forth is a great design addition that provides added benefits such as increased blood circulation and reduced fatigue. If you are shorter than average, look for height-adjustable foot rests.
2. Durability: The most common foot rests are made of durable materials such as wood, steel, or rubber, which last a lifetime. If you are looking for something slightly softer, opt for foot rests made from 100% memory foam. Ensure that your foot rest features a non-slip and non-scratch base.
3. Budget: Foot rests come in a range of prices depending on the quality and the materials used. Foot rests made with high-quality materials and ones that are often feature-laden, are generally quite steep. However, one can find plenty of sturdy yet affordable foot rests if one knows where to look for them. Online reviews are quite helpful in making an informed decision
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is a footrest?
A footrest is a comfort-providing and posture-regulating support—sometimes padded and angled—for the feet. It’s placed under the desk or in front of your chair. As soon as you place your feet on it, it elevates the height and reduces the strain on your legs while sitting for long hours.
2. Can a footrest be used like a stool?
The terms—footrests and footstools—are used synonymously, but they shouldn’t be mistaken for stools meant for stepping on and standing to reach out to high-raised places.
3. How high should a footrest be?
In general, footrests offer four to six inches of elevation to promote a good posture while working for long periods at the computer. Most footrests have adjustable heights to correspond to your height needs.
4. What kind of design should a footrest have?
A footrest is considered ideal when it features certain design elements, such as ergonomic design, adjustable height, provision to use it at the perfect angle to reduce the strain on knees, and having a removable cover—in case of foam-based one—for easy cleaning.
5. Should I have a footrest under my desk?
Yes, if your feet don’t reach the ground while sitting at the desk, you should have a footrest under the desk to promote a good posture, reduce leg and back pain, and improve blood circulation in the legs
6. Are footrests healthy?
Yes, ergonomically designed footrests are healthy. They prevent the legs from dangling while sitting—a posture that could restrict the blood flow in your legs and cause health issues in the long run.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Sakshi John is a product writer interested in the furniture and kitchen needs of a household. Hence, while preparing this post on the best ergonomic under desk footrests, she has considered all the requirements for a good posture. All the footrests in this post have geometric bumps that gently massage the feet. Sakshi has also selected products made of memory foam and with adjustable height ranges. Overall, she has ensured that these footrests aid in relieving any discomfort. She has also included a buyer’s guide.
The Bottom Line
Working in a desk job for hours every day can be highly demanding and tiring. However, maintaining the right posture can save you much discomfort and improve your efficiency at work. Thus, get your hands on a well-designed under-desk footrest, which can help you maintain good posture, improve blood circulation, and alleviate the tension on your feet. Our top recommendations include the multifunctional Everlasting Comfort Office Footrest For Under Desk and the height-adjustable ErgoFoam Adjustable Footrest. When choosing one, ensure it has a textured surface, is easily adjustable, and is made of quality material. You may also choose models like the Everlasting Comfort Footrest Pillow, which has an anti-slip and anti-scratch surface.
Infographic: What Are The Various Kinds Of Under-desk Footrests?
Under-desk footrests are essential accessories designed to enhance comfort and promote better posture while sitting for extended periods. They provide a supportive and elevated platform for the feet. Check out the following infographic to discover the various categories of under-desk footrests, helping you choose the one that best suits your needs.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
References
- Foot massage: The pause that refreshes and is good for you!
https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/foot-massage-the-pause-that-refreshes-and-it-good-for-you#:~:text=Foot%20massage%20improves%20circulation%2C%20stimulatestension%2C%20and%20often%20eases%20pain. - Andrew C Cregg et al.; (2020); A biomechanical evaluation of different footrest heights during standing computer work. A biomechanical evaluation of different footrest heights during standing computer work – PubMed (nih.gov)
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33021134/
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