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Your Ultimate Guide to the Best Ergonomic Footrests
Sitting on a chair for extended periods can cause discomfort, and soreness, and can even be the beginning of a host of health issues that can impact your well-being. As humans, we can’t avoid not sitting as our legs and feet will become sore if we stand for too long. What we can avoid, however, is the lower body pain that comes with sitting for hours and we can do so by using ergonomic products.
Ergonomic chairs have become highly popular as they can provide support and comfort to any person who has to sit for hours. For some people, the support that an ergonomic office chair offers is enough, but others may need additional accessories to optimize it. This is where ergonomic footrests come in.
An ergonomic under-desk footrest is a practical solution to reduce the consequences of prolonged sitting as they are designed to align with your neutral posture, providing stability, reducing pressure, and encouraging micromovements throughout the day.
If you need a foot rest for your workstation, you’ve stumbled upon the right article! We rounded up the best under-desk footrests you can add to your workspace. Have a look!
Which are the Best Footrests?
Editor's Choice  Best Overall |  Best Memory Foam Footrest |  Most Relaxing Footrest |
Humanscale FM 300 Foot Machine Foot RockerThe FM 300 is a unique foot rocker with its use of wood and metal. It’s highly durable, able to withstand constant use. It also rocks smoothly and the height can be adjusted according to the user’s preference. | ComfiLife Under Desk Foot RestQuite possibly the comfiest foot rest around, this under-desk cushion from ComfiLife can reduce the soreness and stiffness your muscles acquire from sitting. Its material offers a firm yet cushy bolster for the soles. | Snailax Heated Ergonomic Foot StoolThe Snailax Foot Stool brings a new level of relaxation to the workplace with its massage feature. Moreover, it comes with two heating levels that can keep your feet warm and toasty while working. |
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Let’s Go Over Each Ergonomic Foot Rest
#1. Humanscale FM 300 Foot Machine Foot Rocker
Functionality: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Quality: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Price: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Save your legs and feet from pain and aches with the best foot rest around, the Humanscale FM 300 Foot Machine Foot Rocker.
A rocking chair for your feet, the Humanscale FM 300 is unique from other footrests as it’s constructed with a wooden platform that sits atop a metal frame and glides smoothly back and forth. You won’t have to worry about your feet slipping and sliding off the FM 300 while rocking and resting your feet on it as the surface has non-skid strips to keep your feet in place.
Additionally, its rubber feet at the bottom secure it in place, ensuring that it won’t slide around. The rubber bottom can also protect any type of floor, especially hardwood ones.
The Humanscale FM 300 is height adjustable, meaning it works with a wide range of body types and all kinds of desks. There are knobs situated on the sides that you can turn to raise the height anywhere from 3.75 to 6.75 inches. This versatility puts the Humanscale FM 300 ahead of its peers, especially ones that don’t have height adjustment options.
Despite its high price tag, many users have caved in to purchase this unique foot rest, with an overwhelming number of them saying that it’s absolutely worth it. If you want knee pain and leg strain to be a thing of the past, the Humanscale FM 300 is a must-have in your workstation.
Pros and Cons of the Humanscale FM 300
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Reduces leg aches ✔️ Sturdy rocking foot rest ✔️ Wood and metal construction ✔️ Non-skid strips on the surface ✔️ Non-slip bottom to protect the ground ✔️ Height adjustable ✔️ Works with any type of desk ✔️ Can hold any weight | ✖️ Not for bare feet ✖️ No angle lock or tilt settings |
#2. ComfiLife Under Desk Foot Rest
Functionality: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Quality: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Price: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
If you want to stay comfortable while you sit and work at your desk and a wood-metal footrest isn’t something you’re keen on using, here’s an item for you. The ComfiLife Foot Rest is the most comfortable foot rest around thanks to its premium quality foam construction. Its soft and plushy surface will make you want to stretch out your stiff legs.
It works well as a static rest but if you want more movement, you can turn the ComfiLife Foot Cushion over to rock your feet back and forth. Compared to other footrests, the rocking is less noisy with this one but it does require a bit more force due to the friction from the fabric.
The ComfiLife Under Desk Foot Cushion has two height adjustments, allowing you to adjust it anywhere from 3.9 inches to 5.9 inches. The base is detachable, and it’s also where you can switch up its height.
The bottom of this ComfiLife cushion has a grippy rubber texture to keep it in place even as you rock around on it. This textured bottom can also protect your floor from damage while you move on it.
Despite being made with foam, the ComfiLife Footrest is incredibly sturdy and won’t sag in the middle even after hours or years of use. You can use it with shoes or slippers, you can keep your socks on too, or just your bare soles while resting on it.
Best of all, the ComfiLife Foot Cushion comes in three colors, allowing you to choose the one that best fits with your office interiors.
Pros and Cons of the ComfiLife Under Desk Foot Rest
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ High-density foam ✔️ Height adjustable ✔️ Can be used with or without shoes ✔️ Has a detachable base ✔️ Comes in three color options ✔️ Washable cover ✔️ Non-skid textured bottom to protect floors | ✖️ Fabric outer surface collects a lot of dust and debris especially when used with shoes ✖️ Does not rock smoothly compared to other footrests |
#3. Snailax Heated Ergonomic Foot Stool
Functionality: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Quality: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Price: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
When our muscles are sore, the first thing that comes to our minds is to get a massage. Getting your tired and achy feet massaged while you’re working in front of your computer is highly possible now thanks to the Snailax Heated Ergonomic Foot Stool.
This under-desk footrest takes relaxation to the next level with its built-in vibration motors that feature three vibration modes. You can indulge yourself with a foot massage while you sit through your tasks, combating fatigue effectively.
Additionally, this product from Snailax can warm your feet up as it offers two levels of heating that you can customize according to your preference.
You can also adjust the height of the Snailax Foot Stool as it has a dual design that can adapt effortlessly to your desired height. The non-slip bottom can also protect your floor from marks and other damage.
Furthermore, Snailax constructed this footrest with premium foam that molds to the contours of your feet. Combining all the features together means that you’ll be at your most comfortable state while using it.
This footrest complements an array of seating options, meaning not only does it blend seamlessly with office furniture, but it’s also great to have at home and works well with most chairs.
Pros and Cons of the Snailax Heated Foot Stool
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Improves circulation ✔️ Made with premium foam ✔️ Comes with three vibration modes to massage feet ✔️ Height adjustable ✔️ Two heating levels ✔️ Works well with any desk ✔️ Non-slip bottom to protect flooring | ✖️ Vibration noise may distract people while working ✖️ Heating function can only be used with socks or bare soles |
#4. Econo High Portable Footrest
Functionality: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Quality: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Price: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Elevating your feet can greatly help in reducing pain, allowing you to stay comfortable whether you’re at your desk working or watching TV at home, or even when you’re on board a plane.
Most footstools are designed for office use and while they’re compact enough to fit under a desk or be paired with an office chair, you really can’t take them elsewhere with you.
Enter the Econo High Portable Footrest that you can pack up and use anytime, anywhere. This footstool can be folded up in 3 steps and unfolded in the same 3 steps.
Its compact size allows you to easily slip it inside a bag and use it wherever you wish: at home, in the office, on a plane, at the park, and more.
While it has a very compact design, this footstool is also highly durable as it’s made with premium high-gloss ABS plastic, making it sturdy. You can also adjust its surface area thanks to the sliding feature.
Pros and Cons of the Econo High Portable Footrest
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ High-gloss ABS plastic material ✔️ Compact ✔️ Foldable mechanism ✔️ Sliding extension to widen surface area | ✖️ Slides easily under pressure due to lack of non-slip backing ✖️ Plastic feet may damage floors |
#5. AMERIERGO Under Desk Foot Rest
Functionality: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Quality: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Price: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Cushioning your feet on a soft yet firm footrest like the AMERIERGO Ergonomic Footstool can help you sit in a way that gives your body the least amount of stress. Made with premium foam, this footstool provides enough cushion to allow your feet in various positions, supporting your arches.
The curved-shape design on the AMERIERGO Footstool fits most feet perfectly. It can effectively correct your seated stance, as well as improve blood flow and alleviate fatigue.
It also has a breathable cover that uses soft short pile fabric that’s non-irritating, perfect for those who have sensitive skin. This breathable cover also keeps the cushion from overheating. The non-slip bottom keeps it in place no matter how much you press down on it.
It’s also a versatile foot cushion. While many use this with an office chair, there are also those who use this while relaxing on the sofa and can even be placed under the legs and the back, providing relief from pain.
Pros and Cons of the AMERIERGO Under Desk Footrest
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Made with high-quality foam ✔️ Breathable fabric cover ✔️ Can be used with shoes, socks, and bare soles ✔️ Non-slip bottom to protect floors ✔️ Versatile use | ✖️ Not height adjustable ✖️ Material may be too soft ✖️ May cave in the middle after weeks of continuous use |
Are Foot Rests Good for Ergonomics?
Standing for extended periods can lead to tired and achy feet. However, sitting for long hours without changing positions can also be detrimental to one’s health. The best way to work is to find a balance between being seated and standing, and this can be done by using various ergonomic furniture and accessories.
Most people prioritize getting an ergonomic desk or an ergonomic chair to make their workspace more comfortable. While that isn’t wrong at all, adding supportive accessories can increase the ergonomics of the workstation, and one valuable item that more individuals should consider is a foot rest.
Footrests allow a person to engage in active sitting, encouraging more movement throughout the workday. These micromovements allow the blood to circulate around the lower body better, as well as relieve muscle stiffness, keeping you healthy. Footrests also elevate the feet, allowing you to sit more comfortably and refrain from slouching against your desk.
Are Footrests Good for Knees?
Sitting for too long can lead to increased pressure on the knees. A footrest allows you to place your feet at an angle, providing support and reducing the load on your lower limbs. This relieves you of knee pain and other aches. It also promotes better joint health and reduces the potential for any circulatory issues.
What Is the Best Position for a Footrest?
It depends on the person using the footrest. The ideal way to use one is to place it under your feet but out in front of you. Your knee should be at a 90-degree inclination when you place your foot on the footrest.
Should a Footrest Be Flat or Angled?
This depends on the user. If you’re comfortable with using it flat, that is more than fine. If the footrest you have can be angled or has a rocking feature, it’s ideal that you take advantage of those features to facilitate more movement while using the footrest.
Final Note
Ergonomic footrests are a great addition to any workstation, be it at home or in the office. They can help alleviate tension in the legs and the rest of the lower body while also straightening the spine and encouraging the user to sit in a more natural manner. Furthermore, footrests can take your workflow to the next level in terms of ease, relief, productivity, and energy levels.
Finding the most ideal footrest for you can be great work with many products available for you to choose from, but we hope that this guide was able to help you narrow down your picks. Go on then and add the right ergonomic under-desk footrest for your workstation today!
Editor’s Choice
Humanscale FM 300 Foot Machine Foot Rocker
The Humanscale FM 300 is a game changer for any person who works long hours at a desk. Different from other footstools made of foam or plastic, the FM 300 uses metal and wood, making it incredibly robust.
This durable foot rest prevents your legs and feet from being stuck in one pose all day with its ability to glide smoothly back and forth.
The platform of this rocker has non-skid strips, keeping your feet in line while you rock on it. The bottom has textured grips as well, allowing the footrest to stay in place even as you move around.
It may have a high price tag but it’s a fantastic investment for anyone who wants to improve their health and move throughout the day.
