10 Best Footrests for Under Desk Ergonomics [2025]

Find the best footrest to improve posture, circulation, and sitting comfort. We've reviewed 10 top-rated under-desk footrests from budget options to premium active models. Each footrest has been evaluated for ergonomic benefits, adjustability, comfort, and long-term value.

Why Footrests Matter for Desk Ergonomics

If your feet don't reach the floor comfortably when sitting, you're creating a cascade of ergonomic problems:

Lower back pressure: Dangling feet shift weight onto your spine instead of distributing it
Poor circulation: Pressure on the backs of your thighs restricts blood flow to legs
Slouching: Without foot support, you tend to slide forward and hunch
Leg fatigue and swelling: Restricted circulation causes discomfort and fluid buildup
Reduced stability: Unsupported feet make your whole sitting posture less stable

Who Needs a Footrest?

You likely need a footrest if:

You're shorter than 5'6" and your feet dangle
Your chair can't lower enough for flat feet
You have a tall desk that can't be lowered
You experience leg swelling during work
Your lower back hurts after sitting
You use a standing desk and want support while standing

How Footrests Help

A proper footrest:

Supports your feet at the right height for 90-110 degree knee angle
Reduces pressure on the backs of your thighs
Improves circulation to your legs and feet
Helps maintain proper spinal posture
Distributes sitting pressure more evenly
Active footrests encourage subtle movement that further aids circulation

How We Evaluated These Footrests

Our team tested footrests based on:

Ergonomic effectiveness: Does it improve posture and comfort?
Adjustability: Height and angle options for different users
Stability: Stays in place during use
Comfort: Surface texture, cushioning, size
Durability: Build quality and expected longevity
Value: Features and effectiveness relative to price

Quick Comparison Table

Footrest	Type	Price Range	Best For	Rating
Humanscale FR300 Foot Machine	Active Rocker Footrest	$100-$130	Active movement and circulation	★4.6/5
ErgoFoam Adjustable Foot Rest	Cushioned Ergonomic Footrest	$40-$50	Plush comfort and adjustability	★4.5/5
Fellowes Professional Series Footrest	Tilting Platform Footrest	$35-$45	Professional environments and reliability	★4.4/5
Kensington SoleMate Plus	Adjustable Platform Footrest	$40-$55	Height adjustability and corporate use	★4.3/5
Mind Reader Adjustable Height Footrest	Budget Tilting Footrest	$20-$30	Budget-conscious first footrest	★4.2/5
AmazonBasics Footrest	Basic Platform Footrest	$18-$25	Cheapest functional option	★4.1/5
Eureka Ergonomic Under Desk Hammock	Foot Hammock	$20-$30	Portable and unique foot support	★4.3/5
HUANUO Footrest with Massaging Beads	Massage Footrest	$25-$35	Foot massage while working	★4.4/5
Fully Rocking Footrest	Active Rocker Platform	$80-$100	Active sitting at standing desks	★4.5/5
CushionCare Memory Foam Footrest	Therapeutic Foam Footrest	$35-$45	Maximum cushioning and pain relief	★4.4/5

Detailed Footrest Reviews

1. Humanscale FR300 Foot Machine

Active Rocker Footrest$100-$130★4.6/5

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Best For: Active movement and circulation

Overview

The Humanscale Foot Machine is the premium choice for active sitting. Its free-floating platform encourages subtle leg movement throughout the day, promoting circulation and engaging your core. The dual-surface design offers massage bumps on one side and smooth on the other.

Key Features

Free-floating platform for active movement
Dual-surface design (textured/smooth)
No assembly required
Supports various foot positions
Durable steel construction
15-year warranty

Pros

Encourages active sitting and movement
Improves circulation significantly
Exceptional build quality
Longest warranty in category
Massage bumps feel great
Engages leg muscles subtly

Cons

Premium pricing
Movement may distract some users
No height adjustment
Heavy (not portable)
May roll away on carpet

DeskBreak Recommendation: Active footrests complement DeskBreak perfectly - they keep you moving between reminders. The subtle leg motion prevents stiffness during focused work sessions.

2. ErgoFoam Adjustable Foot Rest

Cushioned Ergonomic Footrest$40-$50★4.5/5

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Best For: Plush comfort and adjustability

Overview

ErgoFoam combines memory foam comfort with practical adjustability. Two height positions and a removable cover make it adaptable to different users and easy to maintain. The textured surface prevents feet from sliding, and the gentle curve promotes proper posture.

Key Features

Memory foam cushioning
Two height positions (3.9" and 5.1")
Removable, machine-washable cover
Textured non-slip surface
Curved design promotes posture
Supports up to 350 lbs

Pros

Very comfortable cushioning
Adjustable height
Easy to clean cover
Good value for quality
Stable on all surfaces
Helps with circulation

Cons

Foam may compress over time
Bulkier than platform footrests
Not suitable for active movement
Cover may pill with heavy use
Takes up more floor space

DeskBreak Recommendation: Comfort-focused footrest for those who sit long periods. The cushioning reduces leg fatigue. Pair with DeskBreak's reminders to stand regularly and prevent stiffness.

3. Fellowes Professional Series Footrest

Tilting Platform Footrest$35-$45★4.4/5

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Best For: Professional environments and reliability

Overview

Fellowes brings office furniture expertise to footrests with a professional-grade platform design. The 30-degree tilt range lets you adjust angle throughout the day, while the textured surface and toe grip encourage subtle foot movement.

Key Features

30-degree tilt range
Height adjustable (3.5-5 inches)
Textured platform surface
Locking mechanism holds angle
Toe grip for foot stretches
Commercial-grade construction

Pros

Professional build quality
Good angle adjustability
Encourages foot movement
Reliable locking mechanism
Easy to clean surface
Compact footprint

Cons

Plastic construction feels basic
Can be noisy when adjusting
Locking mechanism may loosen
Not as plush as cushioned options
Generic office appearance

DeskBreak Recommendation: Solid choice for corporate office environments. The tilt adjustment helps circulation. Use DeskBreak to remember to stand and walk beyond just foot tilts.

4. Kensington SoleMate Plus

Adjustable Platform Footrest$40-$55★4.3/5

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Best For: Height adjustability and corporate use

Overview

Kensington's SoleMate Plus offers three height positions and optional tilt, making it suitable for users of various heights. The mesh platform provides ventilation and the rubberized surface prevents feet from slipping. Popular with IT departments for bulk office purchases.

Key Features

Three height positions (3.5-5 inches)
Mesh platform for ventilation
Optional tilt lock
Non-slip rubberized surface
Accommodates size 13 shoes
5-year warranty

Pros

Multiple height options
Breathable mesh surface
Stable and sturdy
Good warranty
Suitable for larger feet
Easy to adjust height

Cons

Mesh can trap dirt
Adjustment mechanism can stick
Plastic frame feels cheap
No active movement features
Basic aesthetic

DeskBreak Recommendation: Practical footrest for IT teams buying in bulk. Height options suit different users. DeskBreak's Team Dashboard tracks when employees need breaks regardless of footrest.

5. Mind Reader Adjustable Height Footrest

Budget Tilting Footrest$20-$30★4.2/5

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Best For: Budget-conscious first footrest

Overview

Mind Reader proves footrests don't need to be expensive to be effective. This basic platform provides essential elevation and tilt at a fraction of premium prices. While not fancy, it improves posture and circulation, making it perfect for testing if a footrest helps you.

Key Features

Adjustable height (3.5-4.5 inches)
Free-floating tilt
Textured surface
Lightweight and portable
Compact design
Assembly-free

Pros

Very affordable
Simple and functional
Easy to move around
Good for trying footrests
Decent build for price
Takes minimal space

Cons

Basic plastic construction
Limited adjustability
May slide on smooth floors
Not suitable for heavy use
No warranty
Can feel flimsy

DeskBreak Recommendation: Perfect starter footrest to test the concept affordably. If it helps, upgrade later. Use DeskBreak's free tools to complement this budget-friendly ergonomic investment.

6. AmazonBasics Footrest

Basic Platform Footrest$18-$25★4.1/5

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Best For: Cheapest functional option

Overview

The AmazonBasics footrest delivers basic elevation at the lowest price point. While not adjustable or fancy, it provides the essential function of supporting your feet off the floor, which helps with posture and circulation. A no-risk way to see if footrests help you.

Key Features

Fixed height (4.5 inches)
Textured platform surface
Lightweight plastic
No assembly needed
Compact footprint
Prime shipping eligible

Pros

Cheapest option available
Immediately available
Functional for basic needs
Easy to clean
Works for most desk heights
No risk at this price

Cons

No height adjustment
No tilt feature
Basic plastic feels cheap
May not fit larger feet
No warranty
Limited durability

DeskBreak Recommendation: Try this first to see if foot support helps your posture. Even basic elevation matters. DeskBreak's free Break Reminder Calculator works at any budget too.

7. Eureka Ergonomic Under Desk Hammock

Foot Hammock$20-$30★4.3/5

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Best For: Portable and unique foot support

Overview

A foot hammock offers a completely different approach - your feet rest in a suspended fabric sling attached to your desk. This portable solution provides gentle support and elevation while taking zero floor space. Popular with travelers and minimalists.

Key Features

Attaches to desk (no floor space)
Height adjustable via attachment point
Folds into carrying pouch
Memory foam pad included
Supports up to 80 lbs
Works with any desk

Pros

No floor space required
Ultra-portable
Unique comfortable feel
Adjustable height easily
Great for travel
Affordable

Cons

Not suitable for active movement
May sway with leg movement
Requires desk attachment points
Not ideal for standing desks
Fabric may stretch over time
Unconventional appearance

DeskBreak Recommendation: Perfect for minimalists and travelers. Packs into carry-on for hotel work. DeskBreak's mobile app travels as easily as this hammock does.

8. HUANUO Footrest with Massaging Beads

Massage Footrest$25-$35★4.4/5

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Best For: Foot massage while working

Overview

Combining foot support with massage therapy, this footrest features rolling beads and a textured surface that massage your feet while you work. The gentle pressure promotes circulation and can relieve foot fatigue from standing or sitting.

Key Features

Rolling massage beads
Textured massage surface
Adjustable height (4-6 inches)
Tilt adjustment
Sturdy plastic construction
Supports barefoot or shoes

Pros

Massage feels great
Promotes circulation actively
Good height adjustment
Affordable
Encourages foot movement
Can remove shoes for better massage

Cons

Massage beads can be noisy
May be distracting initially
Not suitable with dress shoes
Beads may wear out
Bulkier than flat footrests
Professional appearance questionable

DeskBreak Recommendation: The massage feature keeps your feet engaged between DeskBreak reminders. Great for home offices where you can kick shoes off and enjoy the massage.

9. Fully Rocking Footrest

Active Rocker Platform$80-$100★4.5/5

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Best For: Active sitting at standing desks

Overview

Fully's rocker footrest is designed specifically for standing desk users who want foot support while standing. The gentle rocking motion keeps your legs engaged and reduces fatigue from static standing. Works equally well for sitting.

Key Features

360-degree rocking motion
Bamboo or steel construction
Non-slip surface
Works for sitting or standing
Promotes active stance
Sustainable materials

Pros

Reduces standing fatigue
Encourages movement
Beautiful design
Sustainable construction
Works sitting and standing
Durable build quality

Cons

Higher price point
No height adjustment
May rock away from you
Learning curve for balance
Bamboo requires maintenance
Overkill for sitting-only use

DeskBreak Recommendation: Essential for standing desk users. Rocking motion prevents static standing fatigue. DeskBreak reminds you to alternate between sitting and standing throughout the day.

10. CushionCare Memory Foam Footrest

Therapeutic Foam Footrest$35-$45★4.4/5

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Best For: Maximum cushioning and pain relief

Overview

CushionCare focuses on therapeutic support with premium memory foam that conforms to your feet. The high-density foam maintains shape longer than competitors, while the washable cover stays fresh. Ideal for users with foot or leg pain.

Key Features

High-density memory foam
Ergonomic curved design
Removable washable velour cover
Non-slip bottom
Promotes proper circulation
Lifetime replacement guarantee

Pros

Extremely comfortable
Therapeutic for foot pain
Quality foam maintains shape
Lifetime guarantee
Premium cover material
Helps reduce swelling

Cons

No height adjustment
Bulky storage
Foam can retain heat
More expensive than platform options
Cover may attract lint
Takes floor space

DeskBreak Recommendation: Best for users with existing foot or circulation issues. The therapeutic support helps but isn't a cure - regular movement via DeskBreak is still essential.

How to Choose the Right Footrest

1. Determine If You Need a Footrest

Sit in your chair at proper desk height:

Elbows at 90 degrees when typing
Eyes level with top third of monitor
Can your feet rest flat on the floor?
Are your knees at 90-110 degrees?

If your feet dangle or your thighs press into the chair front, you need a footrest.

2. Calculate Required Height

Sit properly with knees at 90-110 degrees
Measure distance from floor to bottom of feet
This is your minimum footrest height
Add 1-2 inches for adjustment flexibility

Most footrests adjust from 3.5-5 inches, which suits people 5'0" to 5'8".

3. Platform vs. Cushioned

Platform footrests: Rigid surface, encourage movement, easier to clean, more durable
Cushioned footrests: Softer comfort, better for static sitting, require more space, may compress
Best choice: Platform for active users, cushioned for comfort-focused users

4. Fixed vs. Adjustable vs. Active

Fixed height: Simplest, cheapest, but must fit your needs exactly
Adjustable height/angle: Versatile for different users or preferences
Active/rocking: Encourages movement, best circulation benefits, may distract

5. Special Features to Consider

Massage surface: Feels good, promotes circulation, may be noisy
Tilt adjustment: Lets you change position throughout day
Heated: Good for cold environments or circulation issues
Washable cover: Essential for cushioned footrests
Non-slip bottom: Prevents sliding on smooth floors

6. Standing Desk Users

If you use a standing desk, consider:

Active rocker footrests (Humanscale, Fully) reduce standing fatigue
Should work for both sitting and standing positions
Higher footrests (5-6 inches) better for standing
Stable enough not to tip when stepping on/off

7. Budget Guidelines

Budget ($18-30): Basic platform or cushioned, good for testing
Mid-range ($30-55): Adjustable, quality construction, good warranties
Premium ($55-100): Active footrests, premium materials, therapeutic features
Luxury ($100+): Humanscale and designer options with lifetime warranties

8. Common Mistakes to Avoid

Buying a footrest that's too short for your needs
Getting active footrest when you need stable support
Choosing cushioned when your feet sweat (platform is better)
Not considering your flooring (carpet vs. hard floor stability)
Forgetting to account for shoe height when measuring

Related DeskBreak Resources

Desk Ergonomics Checker

Verify your complete desk setup including proper footrest height.

Posture Check Calculator

Ensure your footrest contributes to proper sitting posture.

Best Ergonomic Chairs

Pair your footrest with a quality ergonomic chair.

Best Standing Desks

Active footrests work great with standing desks.

Break Reminders

Even with a footrest, regular movement breaks are essential.

For Remote Workers

Complete home office ergonomics guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I really need a footrest?

If your feet don't rest comfortably flat on the floor when sitting with proper desk posture, yes. Dangling feet create lower back pressure and restrict leg circulation. Even a basic $20 footrest significantly improves comfort and posture for shorter individuals.

What height footrest do I need?

Measure the gap between the floor and your feet when sitting at proper desk height. Most people need 3.5-5 inches of elevation. If you're under 5'3", you may need 5-6 inches. Use our Desk Ergonomics Checker for exact measurements.

Are active footrests better than regular ones?

Active footrests that rock or tilt encourage movement and improve circulation more than static footrests. However, they cost more and may distract some users. If you sit for 6+ hours daily, the circulation benefits of active footrests are worth considering.

Can a footrest help with back pain?

Yes, indirectly. Proper foot support helps maintain correct spinal posture and reduces pressure on your lower back. Studies show that footrests can reduce lower back discomfort by 30-40% when combined with proper chair height. However, regular breaks are still essential - use DeskBreak's reminders.

Should I get a cushioned or platform footrest?

Platform footrests are better for active movement and easier to clean. Cushioned footrests offer more comfort for static sitting but may compress over time. If you tend to move your feet frequently, choose platform. If you keep feet still, cushioned may feel better.

Do footrests help with circulation?

Yes, significantly. Proper foot support reduces pressure on the backs of your thighs, improving blood flow to your legs. Active footrests that encourage movement further enhance circulation. This helps prevent leg swelling and fatigue during long sitting sessions.

Can tall people use footrests?

Generally, people over 5'10" don't need footrests if their desk and chair are properly adjusted. However, if you have a very tall desk or short chair that can't adjust properly, a footrest can help. The key is ensuring your knees are at 90-110 degrees.

What's the best budget footrest?

The AmazonBasics footrest ($18-25) or Mind Reader ($20-30) provide basic elevation at minimal cost. Both are great for testing whether a footrest helps you. If it does, you can always upgrade to an adjustable or active model later.

Proper Support + Regular Movement = Healthy Sitting

A footrest improves your sitting posture and circulation, but your body still needs to move regularly. DeskBreak reminds you to stand, stretch, and walk throughout your workday, ensuring your legs stay healthy even with the best footrest.

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