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Do you spend hours at your desk and find that your back hurts before your working day is over? It's important that your desk is ergonomic, and an under desk footrest is part of this. They can relieve strain on your body, help with your posture, and keep you more alert.
Choosing the best under desk footrest can be difficult as they are so many options available. That's why we’ve done the research for you and picked the Comfort Memory Foam Footrest by Kensington as our favorite. It's adjustable and is soft but supportive. We’ve also put together a top 10 list for you to consider and created a handy buying guide to help you make your choice!
mybest US' editing team consists of experienced members who have backgrounds in writing, editing, translation, and more. We are dedicated to researching what makes a product or service the best to users in the US in order to create top-quality articles. From skincare, to kitchen appliances, and to DIY supplies, our mission is to find the best ones for you.
Footrests are usually not the first thing we think of when we consider how our desks should be set up, but they are just as important as a supportive chair or wrist rest. The main benefit of a correctly set up footrest is that it can help you improve your posture while you sit.
You may need to set your chair to a height that means your feet are dangling and don’t touch the ground, but this isn’t good for your back. Even if your feet are on the ground, your knees shouldn’t be much lower than your hips, they should be roughly level.
A footrest can ensure that your knees are in the right position, taking pressure off your back, hips, and the back of your legs. Having your feet and legs in the right position can improve your blood circulation. Keeping your feet elevated a little encourages blood flow. This also reduces the chances of varicose veins and nerve damage.
Before buying an under desk footrest, there are a few points you should take into consideration such as adjustability and material. To help you with this, we’ve put together this handy buying guide!
Different footrests have different features and focuses. Some footrests may even have multiple features, so let’s look at the most common.
Footrests that can rock are great for long periods of sitting. By rocking the footrest, the muscles of your ankles, calves, and hips move and stretch instead of being stuck in one position.
These are good for active sitting, which not only promotes movement and circulation but can also help with energy and attentiveness while at work.
Padded footrests have a thick layer of padding, instead of being solid plastic or metal. The padding gives extra support to your feet and ankles and is softer on them than non-padded footrests. Padding is a good choice for anyone that has foot or ankle trouble.
If you’re in an office that operates a hot-desking policy or you find yourself traveling between offices, then you may need to take your footrest with you. Some footrests can be bulky and heavy, so if you need to travel with yours, look for lightweight ones that are easier to move and take with you.
At the higher end of the market, some footrests will have a massaging feature. The vibration of the footrest encourages circulation and blood flow and can ease any muscle or tendon pain you have. They may also come with a heat option for extra relaxation!
A non-skid footrest will stay in place, no matter how heavily and carelessly you put your feet onto it. If your footrest is being placed on a carpet then it’s less likely to move around than on wood or other hard surfaces, but even footrests on carpet can move. Non-skid footrests are also less likely to scratch your floor than ones that don’t have this.
One feature that you should consider is a footrest that is adjustable. You need your feet to be at the right height so that your posture is correct, and this height will be different depending on your leg length and body height. An adjustable footrest can be placed at the exact height you need.
However, as well as adjusting the height, it’s also important that you can adjust the angle and position. If the angle of the footrest is not correct, it can put additional strain on your ankles or hips. With an adjustable angle, you can make sure there is no strain and you can even adjust it throughout the day if needed.
Footrests can be broadly divided into four categories. All have their advantages and disadvantages, and some have more features than others.
Hammocks are literally hammocks for your feet! They attach to your desk with some clamps and give you free movement to swing your feet whenever you like. They also encourage active sitting, by encouraging your body to move.
They’re made from soft, light material, can give good support to your ankles and feet, and are easy to travel with. However, they can’t be attached to every desk so you should check this before you buy.
Usually made from, or at least covered in, foam, these footrests are gentle on your feet. They’re also lightweight and easy to move, but are not as adjustable as other types of footrests. However, some can also double as back or neck rests, too.
These offer firmer support than either hammocks or cushion footrests. There are a wide variety of designs when it comes to plastic footrests, but generally, they are easier to adjust than other types. They also often have a massage or rocking feature, but they are not the easiest footrest to transport.
If you’re looking for a footrest that can deal with some heavy use, then a metal footrest might be ideal. They’re a good choice for people who split their time between the office and manual work, and can withstand heavy or dirty shoes.
Metal footrests are often larger than the other types, however, so make sure you have enough room under your desk before you buy.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Price | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Kensington Comfort Memory Foam Footrest|K56144USF | $51.45 High | Footrest That Can be Adjusted With Your Feet | ||
2 | CozyDoc Ergonomic Foot Rest Cushion | $19.97 Low Mid | Comes With a Massage Ball and eBook | ||
3 | HoMedics Shiatsu Foot Massager | $35.49 High Mid | A Footrest With Massage and Heat Options | ||
4 | StrongTek Rocking Footrest | $38.95 High Mid | Suitable for Seated or Standing Desks | ||
5 | Eureka Ergonomic Tilt Adjustable Footrest | $29.99 Mid | Flex Your Ankles With This Adjustable Tilt | ||
6 | Everlasting Comfort Foot Rest Pillow | $32.95 Mid | Soft Footrest Made of Memory Foam and Covered in Velvet | ||
7 | Mind Reader Comfy Rest | $22.79 Low Mid | Varied Adjustment and Massage Bumps | ||
8 | Office Ottoman Foot Rest for Under Desk | $20.95 Low Mid | Doubles as a Stationary and Rocking Footrest | ||
9 | Deskool Foot Hammock | $23.99 Low Mid | Support Your Feet and Hang Small Items | ||
10 | Huano Adjustable Foot Rest With Roller | $33.35 Mid | Highly Adjustable Footrest With Massage Rollers |
Covered with a layer of memory foam, this footrest can easily be adjusted for height and angle. This can be controlled by a foot pedal or by hand, depending on which is more convenient. It can be used by different people, as the different heights are color-coded, making it easy to change it to your preference or someone else's.
Some reviewers report that the foam came loose from the footrest, or parts of it shed and rubbed off. The ability to change and lock the height and tilt of the footrest was praised by many reviewers, however. The softness of the memory foam is also complimented, and some reviewers say it relieved discomfort when seated.
The machine washable cover for this footrest has a carry handle, making it easy to transport. The zipper is on the side so it won't scratch your floor, and the non-slip base ensures it won't move around. With this footrest, you also get a spiky massage ball and an eBook with tips on how to use it.
There are a couple of reports that the footrest was softer than expected and the sizing not correct, but the majority of reviews are positive. Reviewers like the angle of the footrest and say it doesn't slip. Many reviewers have also used it as a back or leg rest, and the included massage ball also gets compliments.
If you're looking for ultimate comfort and benefits for your circulation, then this footrest may be a good choice for you. It doesn't vibrate, but has four rotating massage heads, and these are placed to target the acupuncture points on your feet. There is also a heat option, and you can easily control the settings with a touch of your toe.
Some reviewers expected a deeper massage. There are also reports that it is a little loud. However, many reviewers like the level of massage it offers and also the heat option. Some reviewers with foot pain found this footrest helped.
Made from cherry-colored wood, this footrest will look stylish underneath any desk. The sides of the footrest are rounded and covered in anti-slip grips to give it a smooth rocking motion without sliding around. The top of the footrest is covered with an anti-slip surface, and the footrest can also be used with a standing desk.
There are a few complaints about the anti-slip grips on the sides. Some reviewers report that they slipped out of place, and others say they left black marks on their carpet. However, reviewers say the wood is very sturdy and looks good in their office. They praise the rocking motion and say it is easy to balance on when standing.
The surface of this footrest is covered in a textured rubber that will give bare feet a massage. Although not height adjustable, it has three levels of tilt so you can exercise your ankles as you remain seated. The base of the footrest has non-slip rubber feet to protect your flooring.
The angle of the tilt can't be locked, and some reviewers did not like this. But many say it is comfortable with or without shoes, and that it is durable and well-made. Many reviewers report it has helped with their back problems.
With its teardrop shape, this is designed so you can place your feet at several different angles. It is made from memory foam, so it will become softer and adjust to your shape with extended use. The soft cover is made from velvet and is machine washable, and the footrest can be flipped over to use as a rocker.
The footrest is soft, and some reviewers say that it will flatten if weight is applied to it. The softness is a plus for other reviewers and they say it is very comfortable to rest their feet on. They like that it is lightweight and praise the arch of the teardrop design.
The tilt of this footrest is highly adjustable and can extend from one inch to six inches high. The surface of the footrest is covered in raised bumps that can be used to massage the soles of your feet. If you use the footrest in this manner, it's recommended that you remove your shoes but leave your socks on.
There are reports that this footrest will slide around on hardwood floors. There are also comments that it didn't last very long before breaking. However, reviewers say it is easy to adjust and comfortable to use. It feels firm underneath their feet and helps with their posture, they say.
The bottom of this footrest has an anti-slip rubber surface. The cover is removable and washable and the foam is hypoallergenic. You can use the footrest flat or turn it upside down so you can flex and move your ankles.
The footrest can move around, according to reviewers. Some also report that it stained their floor. However, many say that it is comfortable to use and they like the option to use the footrest as a rocker. It's also praised for being the perfect balance of soft and firm.
This hammock-style footrest has adjustable ropes so you can change the height to your taste. It attaches to the desk using two clamps, and these are compatible with tables that are under two and a half inches thick. One of the clamps has an additional hook that can be used for items such as headphones, umbrellas, or bags.
Securing the hammock to their desk was difficult for some reviewers, as they say the clamps couldn't tighten enough to support the weight of their feet. The extra hook for additional items is praised by reviewers, and many say this hammock is very comfortable and easy to adjust.
The center of this footrest has five massage rollers that can fully rotate to promote better circulation in your feet. Around the rollers are massage bumps, so you can choose where to put your feet. The footrest has three adjustable heights from nearly four inches to six and a half inches, as well as several different angles of tilt.
For some reviewers, this footrest didn't have a very long lifespan. They say that parts broke quickly and it wasn't the quality they expected. Other reviewers praise the footrest for its adjustability and found the massage options to be invaluable during long periods at their desks.
As well as an under desk footrest, there are several other ways you can make your office setup ergonomic and reduce stresses and strains on your body. We have recommended some more products that will help you work without the strain!
No. 1: Kensington|Comfort Memory Foam Footrest|K56144USF
No. 2: CozyDoc|Ergonomic Foot Rest Cushion
No. 3: HoMedics|Shiatsu Foot Massager
No. 4: StrongTek|Rocking Footrest
No. 5: Eureka Ergonomic|Tilt Adjustable Footrest
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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