You’ve created an ergonomic and modern work environment, with a kneeling chair, proper lighting, and a great screen protector, but what about your feet?
Footrests are often overlooked, but they’re not just for putting up your tired feet after a long day (although your feet definitely deserve a break); footrests also offer health and ergonomic benefits, helping to keep you and your feet productive and happy.
We’ve put together a top list of the best office footrests that provide great benefits for your back and legs. Simply place one under your desk and put your feet up!
BEST OFFICE FOOTREST: OUR TOP 4 PICKS
To assist you in your pursuit of a healthy office and happy feet, we’ve rounded up the best office footrests for this year, suitable for a variety of needs and budgets.
BEST OVERALL: KENSINGTON SOLEMATE ADJUSTABLE FOOTREST
The multi-function design and broad range of features allow for optimal back, leg, and foot comfort. Plus, it adjust in every way imaginable so you can perfectly adapt it for your needs.
RUNNER UP: ECONO HIGH PORTABLE FOOTREST
Maintain good posture and proper body circulation with this portable footrest. It’s functional and simple design features sliding panels, allowing for a broader surface area.
BEST FOR YOUR BUDGET: SAFCO REMEDEASE FOOT CUSHION
Affordable, simple design, using long-lasting foam that molds to the shape of your feet, allowing for maximum comfort.
BEST CLIMATE CONTROL: FELLOWES CLIMATE CONTROL FOOTREST
Keeps feet toasty warm in the winter and nice and cool in the summer, while helping you maintain perfect posture.
1. KENSINGTON SOLEMATE ADJUSTABLE FOOTREST
Our rating:
Details
- Size: 4.5 x 6.4 x 14.2 inches
- Weight: 6.4 pounds
- Adjustable: YES
The Kensington Solemate is the kind of product you didn’t know you needed until you get your hands (or feet) on it. With a simple click of the button, this footrest will allow you to adjust your feet to various positions without needing to bend over, as you can change the settings with your feet.
The design promotes a seated position that reduces the stress on your body, supporting your feet as well as your lower back. It offers some of the best adjustability options we could find, adjusting between 3.5 and 5 inches, with an angle up to 30 degrees. The non-skid surface area gives you stability and control, and the size means it will comfortably fit under your desk.
PROS
- Luxurious memory foam, soothing tired muscles with or without shoes
- Convenient and easy to use foot pedal
- Adjustable height
CONS
- Doesn’t go higher than 5 inches
- Audible creaking noise when rocked or moved
VERDICT
The Kensington SoleMate helps you relax, and its foam surface means you to use it with or without shoes. Its practical foot pedal allows you to change its angle and height without needing to bend over, making it a fantastic purchase for anyone with mobility issues.
RUNNER UP
2. ECONO HIGH PORTABLE FOOTREST
Our rating:
Details
- Size: 12 x 6 x 1 inches
- Weight: 1.3 pounds
- Adjustable: YES
The Econo High Portable footrest is compact and portable. The material is ABS plastic, meaning its lightweight, and its foldability means you can take it with you pretty much anywhere. It’s a great product to use in the office, on airplanes, or at home, elevating your legs and feet to reduce swelling and improve circulation.
There’s no need to worry about the weight this footrest can support, as it supports up to 100 lbs. You can spread out the wings, giving your legs more room to move and get in a comfortable position. The only downside is the lack of cushioning, so it can be uncomfortable with bare feet.
PROS
- Made from high-quality ABS plastic
- Lightweight, compact, and portable
- Self-locking features stay locked while in use, while also being retractable
CONS
- Designed with portability in mind means it's small compared to others on the list
- While it folds nicely, it's a little on the heavy side for carry-on when traveling
VERDICT
A sturdy footrest constructed of durable plastic, meaning it can withstand a lot of weight. Additional resting space from the slide out nested panels gives you extra room for when you need to stretch your legs.
BEST FOR YOUR BUDGET
3. SAFCO REMEDEASE FOOT CUSHION
Our rating:
Details
- Size: 11.5 x 17.5 x 6.2 inches
- Weight: 12.8 ounces
- Adjustable: NO
While this footrest isn’t adjustable, its size will fit most body heights. The cover is made of nylon and can removed for easy washing, while the padding is medical-grade hypoallergenic foam.
The non-slip tread at the bottom means the cushion will stay put and not move around, supporting your posture and relieving tension in your feet, legs, and knees while sitting or laying down. We also love the fact that it can be flipped over so you can rest your feet on the flat side, allowing you to rock it back and forth, which can help to keep legs from cramping.
The material also means that your feet will not be hot whether you’re barefoot, or wearing feet or socks. It is lightweight, but a bit too bulky to take traveling, so its best for use at your office or at home.
PROS
- Hypoallergenic medical-grade foam cushion
- Removable and machine-washable surface cover
- Non-slip tread at the bottom means it will stay in place no matter what
CONS
- Can seem a bit bulky for smaller workstations
- Sharp edges of the zipper can scratch wooden floors
- Not adjustable, meaning that you need to adjust the height level of your chair
VERDICT
The Safco footrest is made out of specially manufactured foam, meaning its a fantastic and cozy cushion for your legs and feet. The high-density foam holds its shape well, and the size makes it an excellent option for almost anyone, as long as you adjust your seat height.
BEST CLIMATE CONTROL
4. FELLOWES CLIMATE CONTROL FOOTREST
Our rating:
Details
- Size: 10 x 16.5 x 5.5 inches
- Weight: 3 pounds
- Adjustable: YES
This footrest will help you reduce strain as well as improve your posture while you work. Featuring a customizable tilt and head, as well as a textured surface, alleviating stress from your tired legs and feet. For ultimate comfort and climate control, it has a built-in fan and heater, allowing you to adjust the airflow and temperature of your workstation safely.
Your feet and legs will be elevated, relieving lower back pressure as your feet are raised anywhere from 5 to 6 inches off the ground, and tilted 5, 15, or 20 degrees, providing you with a posture-friendly and comfortable position.
PROS
- Three-temperature setting, including adjustable cooling fan, low heat, and high heat
- Multifunctional design gives you absolute comfort
- Auto-off timer eliminates overheating, as it shuts after eight hours
CONS
- Airflow is limited to half of the surface area
- Adjusting height and tilt can be complicated, you may need to bend down to adjust it fully
- Hard plastic bumps on the surface platform can be somewhat uncomfortable for bare feet
VERDICT
Crafted as both a temperature regulator and a footrest, the Fellowes Climate Control is a practical solution for weary feet. The built-in fan will keep the air flowing on hot summer days, and the two heat options will keep your feet toasty and warm during the winter.
5. HUMANSCALE FOOTREST WITH MASSAGE BALLS
Our rating:
Details
- Size: 8.8 x 16 x 6 inches
- Weight: 6 pounds
- Adjustable: YES
The Humanscale footrest comes incorporated with massage balls for increased comfort. The soles of your feet will be pampered, so it’s perfect for relieving pressure after a long day of work. If you don’t want the feeling of the roller balls all day long, you can just flip it over and use the plain side of the footrest.
It has a 3-inch lift, and due to its rubber feet, it won’t skid on your carpet, wood floor, or under-desk mat. Since it pivots on an axis, you can also rotate your ankles, and exercise your feet by rocking it back and forth.
PROS
- Gentle rocking motion from its ball-bearing rollers
- Inset non-stick pads maintain stability and keep your feet in place
- Rubber bottom protects your floor
CONS
- Tends to move from its position, and needs to be repositioned relatively often
- To maximize its benefits, it needs to be adjusted to its highest position, so not useful for smaller desks
- Wear and tear from rollers screwed to the wood
VERDICT
The massage balls will rejuvenate and relax the muscles on your feet while you work, while the rocking movement increases blood circulation. The tilt positioning will alleviate lower back pressure while giving you a personalized massage.
6. SAFCO PRODUCTS TASK MASTER
Our rating:
Details
- Size: 14 x 14 x 5 inches
- Weight: 12.5 pounds
- Adjustable: YES
This footrest by Safco will alleviate muscle fatigue and relieve your pressure points, and it’s especially useful if you work while on a standing desk. Made of high-quality steel this compact footrest provides maximum strength, durability, and stability.
The black powder coating that covers the platform will prevent any scratching, and the adjustable foot platform will prevent your feet from always dangling down, promoting good circulation and proper body posture.
PROS
- Multiple height positions, ranging from 5.5 to 15 inches
- Textured and anti-slip platform can be adjusted up to an 8-degree angle
- High-quality materials, made out of heavy-gauge steel
CONS
- Despite its sturdiness, it cannot be used as a footstool
- Does not fold, making it difficult to transport
- To keep feet from slipping, it has a sandpaper surface, which can be rough and you may need to cover it with fabric or carpet
VERDICT
With its unique construction materials and distinctive shape, this footrest is sturdy enough to support a lot of weight. Your feet will be kept firmly in place, meaning you can focus on work instead of any aches and pains.
Benefits of Using a Footrest
A proper footrest is a good idea for anyone, but especially for those of us that have to sit down for most of the day to do our jobs.
Decreased Leg Swelling
Footrests decrease leg swelling, and promote blood circulation, as your blood flow slows down when you sit for long periods of time. Equipment with ergonomic design in mind supports good posture and limb movement, which is the best way to promote proper circulation throughout your body, known to decrease your risk of developing varicose veins or blood clots.
Promote Circulation
When we sit down for too long without moving, or barely moving at all, our blood circulation decreases, and without a proper footrest, this can lead to varicose veins, blood clots, or deep vein thrombosis, where blood clots occur in the thigh and calf muscles, leading to swelling and leg pain. Ergonomic footrests keep feet elevated, significantly reducing the risk of developing a circulatory condition.
Improved Posture
Sitting for long periods of time leads to poor posture and other health issues. While kneeling, ergonomic office chairs or a reclining office chair can be a great help, a footrest is a fantastic choice to have a better body position as your body doesn’t go out of alignment. Just make sure to keep your legs horizontal to the floor while you prop your feet up.
Reduce Back Problems
Sitting on an office desk chair for extended periods of time will put some strain on your spine. Using a footrest, however, will mean you can sit properly on your ergonomic chair without being slouched and placing pressure on your lower back and spine, leading to increased productivity and comfort, and reducing the risk of a back injury.
How to Choose a Foot rest
Modern workspace equipment is being designed with ergonomics in mind. From chairs to monitors and keyboards, workers are now being introduced to new and improved products to help them stay more comfortable during the workday.
As previously mentioned, footrests can eliminate fatigue on your back and legs, and help you feel better the whole day long. However, there are a lot of footrests on the market, and it can be difficult to know which style or brand works best for you.
Basically, the idea behind a footrest is to rest the feet at a particular angle under your desk, with the height based on your overall posture, chair position, and leg length. Therefore, one of the most important things to look for is a height adjustable footrest so that you can adjust it to your needs.
The good thing is, most footrests offer this feature, along with a slip-resistant platform. Unfortunately, there may be a slight problem if you’re taller or shorter than average, as you may also need to have to get a custom desk, so your feet reach the footrest in a comfortable position, and you feel that your body is lifted. With the added lumbar support, your body will be better positioned, and you will sit up straighter.
Useful tips when choosing a footrest
- Surface area: You must be able to fit both of your feet on the surface area, and the suggested area is a 12 by 16-inch surface.
- Adjustable angle and height: As we previously mentioned, most footrests come with height adjustment, and some also allow adjustable angles for you to place your feet.
- Massaging platform: A few footrests come with a textured surface which massage your feet while at work.
- Weight allowance: Bear in mind that some footrests can withstand more weight than others. For example, some plastic models can support up to 100 lbs in weight, but don’t have any cushioning.
- Cooling and heating: Some footrests include heat control and even a fan so that you can cool or warm your feet depending on the environment.
- Rocking motion: A few footrests have a rocking motion, reducing fatigue and improving circulation.
- Portable: In this case, portable means more than just being able to move it around your office, or take it from your office to your home. Some models are lightweight and fold up, so you can put them in your suitcase or carry-on bag if you’re a frequent traveler, and rest your feet while flying.
The type of footrest you need will depend on a variety of factors, so consider the above points carefully to find the ideal one for you.