Sitting for hours on end can leave you with back, hip, and leg pains, poor posture, and swollen feet.

Your body weight produces pressure on the back of your thighs, restricting the blood flow to your lower extremities.

While you can stand up and take several breaks every few hours, it simply doesn’t work for a hectic workday.

That’s why we suggest getting the best under desk footrest for your workstation. Fortunately for you, we have compiled five exceptional office footrest options.

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Best Under Desk Footrest Reviews

1. Kensington SoleMate Comfort Footrest with SmartFit System

For many years, Kensington has been a household name when it comes to physical security, data protection, and technology and office solutions.

It has even expanded into the ergonomics and wellness industry, believing that fitness should never stop at the gym.

The company designs and manufactures wrist rests, mousepads, seat cushions, backrests, standing desks, and footrests.

Today, we’d like to feature the Kensington SoleMate Comfort Footrest with SmartFit System. It is an adjustable footrest with a plush surface and a durable plastic base.

Product Highlights

The Kensington has a platform that measures 21.5 inches wide, 14 inches deep, and 4.6 inches tall.

While the memory foam is black, the adjustable plastic frame and base are available in two colors: black and gray.

• Premium Comfort for Your Feet

The SoleMate Comfort Footrest is a luxurious memory foam pad that cradles your feet and relieves pressure points to provide maximum comfort.

• Customize for the Perfect Fit

This footrest has an adjustable height range between 3.5 and five inches and zero to 30 degrees of tilt angle variation.

From zero to 15 degrees, you can tilt the platform in one-degree increments.

• Easy Adjustments

The Kensington has a foot pedal that works as a locking control mechanism.

It allows you to adjust the footrest platform inclination without getting out of your chair, standing, or kneeling down.

What We Like

We like Kensington’s innovation in the SmartFit System, which helps users optimize a workspace simply by measuring and adjusting to fit.

All Kensington ergonomic products come with a color-coded measuring template called the SmartFit personal comfort color.

You can print it to check the color that corresponds to your hand size.

After sizing yourself correctly, all you have to do is check the numbers and adjust accordingly to get an approximate perfect fit.

What We Don’t Like

While the built-in memory foam is a comfortable platform, it is not for everyone.

Especially for those who prefer a firm surface, this footrest would sell better if it had a rubber pad.

2. ErgoFoam Adjustable Foot Rest

Unlike Kensington, ErgoFoam only focuses on making ergonomic footrests.

Its three types of ErgoFoam footrests include Regular, Tall, and Adjustable, all with a semicylindrical shape.

As the names suggest, the ErgoFoam Regular fits most people, while the ErgoFoam Tall is best for shorter people.

On the other hand, the ErgoFoam Adjustable is like the ErgoFoam Tall. The only difference is that you can split it into two sections.

The top portion of the ErgoFoam Adjustable is the Regular, and its bottom is a thick rectangular pad.

A fourth type, the ErgoFoam Adjustable Orthopedic, is our focus for this section.

Product Highlights

The Adjustable Orthopedic is essentially the same as the Adjustable but has a teardrop-shaped cross-section.

It is available in two fabric options: breathable mesh fabric and velvet.

While the mesh fabric variant is only available in black, the velvet variant offers black, navy blue, and gray options.

Whichever materials you choose, the bottom of the detachable rectangular pads has anti-slip rubber grip bottoms.

This footrest has overall dimensions of 17.3 by 11.5 by 5.9 inches.

• Most Comfortable Footrest in the World

The ErgoFoam Adjustable Orthopedic boasts superior engineering, containing only ErgoFoam’s high-density foam.

Compared to pure memory foam, this high-density foam does not flatten during use and offers optimal support.

• Orthopedic Design

The Adjustable Orthopedic takes on a more ergonomically correct form than the basic Adjustable.

Its teardrop cross-section ensures a wider surface area and improved tilt angle to rest your feet on.

What We Like

This footrest can switch between a tall footrest, a shorter one, and a rocker.

Just detach the bottom pad to use the shorter profile and flip the curved side down to use it as a rocker.

What We Don’t Like

The problem with the ErgoFoam Adjustable Orthopedic is its fixed tilt angle.

Unless you use it as a rocker, there is practically no other way to alter the resting angle for your feet.

3. ComfiLife Foot Rest for Under Desk

While ErgoFoam only focuses on footrests, ComfiLife makes back and seat cushions, knee pillows, anti-fatigue comfort mats, and footrests.

The ComfiLife Footrest is like the ErgoFoam Adjustable; it has a detachable base and a semicylindrical shape.

Product Highlights

This footrest measures 17.5 by 12 by 6 inches. It has a washable velvet cover in three color options: black, gray, and navy blue.

With the bottom pad detached, the half-moon top footrest measures four inches thick.

This footrest relieves pressure points on your back, hips, legs, knees, and feet.

It encourages blood flow to your lower limbs by ensuring the proper placement of feet while sitting.

• Premium High-Density Memory Foam

ComfiLife footrests only use high-quality memory foam.

It easily conforms to all foot sizes and shapes and provides plush comfort even with or without your shoes.

The entire footrest provides better comfort and support than conventional and cheaper plastic footrests.

• Multiple Applications

You can use the ComfiLife footrest primarily to elevate your feet, but it also works on a bed or sofa to raise your knees.

If you want to use it as a rocker, all you have to do is flip it over to its side, just like the ErgoFoam.

What We Like

We like that the washable velvet cover on either of the foam components is easy to remove.

While these covers require frequent cleaning, quickly taking them off makes the process less tedious.

What We Don’t Like

The ComfiLife Footrest is an identical footrest to the ErgoFoam Adjustable Orthopedic, except it doesn’t have the more ergonomic teardrop cross-section.

4. Mount-It! Ergonomic Under Desk Footrest

Mount-It! has a wide range of ergonomic products for home and office use.

It designs and manufactures various types of mounts, desk converters and risers, sit-stand desks, sit-stand stools, keyboard trays, and networking racks.

In addition, this manufacturer makes anti-fatigue floor mats and footrests.

If you want a hard-platform footrest, the Mount-It! Ergonomic Under Desk Footrest is an excellent option.

Product Highlights

For many office workers with tired feet, a rigid platform with massage bumps is the perfect footrest for relieving pressure points.

This footrest’s platform measures 17 by 13 inches, and you can raise it to a maximum height of 6.75 inches.

Nevertheless, it offers three footrest height options: 4.25, 5.5, and 6.75 inches.

• Versatile Tilting

Unlike the Kensington SoleMate Footrest, the Mount-It! Footrest tilts on two sides, up to 30 degrees to the front and 30 degrees to the back.

You can share it with a colleague sitting across from you on a back-to-back workstation.

• Durable Non-Skid Surface

This footrest has non-skid points on the bottom of the base.

These points are high-impact-resistant anti-slip plastics, making the footrest suitable even for tiles surfaces.

What We Like

We like the massage bumps on the footrest platform’s surface. It adds an extra layer of relaxation for instant relief of pressure points.

However, if you want something even better, you might consider upgrading to the Mount-It! model with built-in moving massage rollers.

What We Don’t Like

A drawback of this footrest is that it is not for everyone.

If you are someone who prefers a padded surface on a footrest, the Mount-It! may not be the excellent choice for you.

5. Everlasting Comfort Office Foot Rest Pillow

Another company that designs and manufactures ergonomic products is Everlasting Comfort.

Its line of products includes seat and back cushions, pillows, mattress and pillow protectors, blankets, keyboard and mouse accessories, and footrests.

One of its footrests is the Everlasting Comfort Office Foot Rest for under-desk installation.

Product Highlights

The Everlasting Comfort Office Foot Rest is like the ErgoFoam Adjustable Orthopedic but without the detachable base.

It measures 17 by 10 by five inches and has a removable, washable velvet cover.

• Orthopedic Teardrop Design

We say this item is like the ErgoFoam Adjustable Orthopedic because it has the same teardrop-shaped cross-section.

This shape enables optimum foot arch support, conforming to the contour of your soles.

• Heat-Responsive Technology

This footrest is made of 100% pure breathable memory foam, which means it allows exceptional air circulation and prevents trapping heat.

What We Like

We like that this footrest has a firmness that provides enough support to lessen pressure on your knees and legs while sitting.

It promotes optimal blood circulation and prevents pain in the back, hips, legs, and feet.

What We Don’t Like

We don’t like that this footrest does not offer much in the adjustability department.

It is a one-size-fits-all footrest, but it may not have the extra elevation required by shorter people.

Pros:

• Certified safe and harmless to human health
• Ergonomic teardrop design
• Provides sciatica relief
• Functions as an under-knee pillow or floor rocker
• Cheapest among the options

Cons:

• Smallest footrest surface area
• No adjustment options

Buying Guide

We’ve narrowed down the top under-desk footrest picks to these five exceptional models.

If you need more pointers for choosing the right one, you might want to know some factors and considerations contributing to the right choice.

Comfort and Ergonomics

Getting an under-desk footrest means relying on ergonomics to ensure enhanced comfort.

An ergonomic footrest helps remove foot pressure and reduce the risks of foot pain after sitting through extended periods of time.

It allows you to sit in a comfortable position so that your body stays in a healthy posture to prevent blood pooling and blood clogs.

Blood pooling often leads to swelling, varicose veins, muscle atrophy, and deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

With a comfortable and ergonomically designed footrest, you can effectively eliminate the chances of blood clots.

Versatility

A versatile footrest allows you to move your legs and feet from time to time. It enables you to shift your body weight to increase comfort levels in your workstation.

Here are some factors to look for when gunning for maximum versatility:

Mechanisms

Built-in mechanisms refer to moving parts, such as an adjustable platform, tilt angle contraptions, panel sliders, and massage rollers.

These mechanisms have a lot to do with ergonomics, as they allow you to change the following conditions for active sitting and extra comfort.

Height

Especially for shorter people, height adjustability means you can use the footrest almost anywhere.

With extra elevation or height settings, you can shift between sitting on desk chairs and working at standing desks.

Inclination

Sometimes, a flat surface can be problematic for resting your feet.

If you can set the tilt angle for feet placement, you open up a wide range of comfort levels for your entire body.

While some footrests change the tilt angle using stationary locking pegs or knobs, some use tracks and wheels for real-time active sitting adjustments.

Depth and Width

Picking the right footrest for your body size is good practice, but you can easily find a foot rest that allows size adjustments.

Some footrests come with lateral and medial sliders to allow variations in width and depth, respectively.

Stability

When using a foot rest, you won’t benefit much from one that keeps moving out of place. Sometimes, an unstable foot rest can cause workplace accidents.

Choose a foot rest with a non-slip bottom for secure positioning on hardwood floors or carpeted floors.

Also, look for a sturdy metal frame rather than a creaky plastic base.

Construction and Material Quality

You’ve chosen a brand-new comfortable footrest. Is it sturdy enough to last a lifetime? Does it have the features to support the weight of your legs over hours of active sitting?

With the products mentioned above, you can maintain a healthy posture without worrying when your footrest breaks.

Unlike any cheap footrest, these products can give you the best bang for your buck by providing a reliable service life with solid construction.

Material Types

Your choice of materials has something to do with the extra comfort you need.

Depending on your personal preference, you may have to choose among these three footrest surface options:

• A plushy surface such as memory foam footrests or a foot stool pillow
• A firm surface such as a black rubber surface or a foot stool
• A solid surface such as a wooden footrest with a hardwood platform

A padded footrest can have a soft or firm surface, while a hard footrest uses plastics or wood. Also, a padded footrest is more insulating than a solid footrest.

You can use a plush footrest if you want to save body heat while working in cold offices through the winter.

For better traction, choose a footrest with a textured surface.

Whichever materials and finishes you choose, low-quality material can drastically reduce comfort levels.

Portability

If a foot rest is compact and lightweight, it can be an accessory piece you carry around wherever you work.

Some foot rests tend to be heavy to improve the stability factor.

Nevertheless, you don’t have to sacrifice a heavy base attachment if portability is unnecessary.

Ease of Cleaning

Since a foot rest stays under your desk and on the floor, it can catch dirt and dust after some time. Therefore, it’s important to get a foot rest easy enough to clean and maintain.

Under Desk Footrest FAQs

1. Do I need a footrest under my desk?

If you’ve been having intermittent back pains and discomfort in your feet, ankles, knees, and thighs, it may be time to get a footrest.

Notice the primary reasons for fatigue in the workplace and determine whether a footrest is a suitable solution.

2. When would you use a footrest at work?

You should use a footrest in any of the following conditions:

• When you have a fixed-height desk, and you need to raise your chair
• When your office chair seat is too high, and you can’t put your feet flat on the floor
• When you experience intermittent leg and foot swelling
• When your desk does not incorporate a footrail
• When you need to rest one of your legs and feet from standing too long
• When you sorely need a change of position while sitting for extended periods

3. Do footrests help with circulation?

The best under-desk footrest can improve ergonomics in your workplace and help you maintain proper posture.

However, proper posture doesn’t just equate to comfort and productivity but also to correct body alignment for optimum overall functionality.

Of all the optimal human body functions that result from proper posture, blood circulation is the most important.

A study involving office workers proves that using footrests allows a better flow of oxygenated blood to the legs, ankles, and toes.

4. Should a footrest be flat?

It depends on the footrest and where you position it. Suppose you had a footrest directly below your chair or feet.

A flat footrest allows you to set your knees at 90-degree angles and put your feet flat as you would normally do on the floor.

However, changing leg positions with a flat footrest can be difficult.

An inclined under-desk footrest is much better if you want to shift weight from your thighs or legs to your feet regularly.

5. What angle should a footrest be?

The ideal footrest inclination angle varies from person to person.

Another study shows that participants have experienced better circulation with footrests having an inclination angle range of 15 to 30 degrees.

The best way to get a comfortable angle of inclination is to pick an adjustable footrest.

Which Is the Best Footrest For Your Office Desk?

If you had to ask, our top choice is the Kensington SoleMate Comfort Footrest with SmartFit System.

It has all the ergonomic features for extra comfort and carries the versatility that some alternatives don’t.

If, for some reason, you prefer a hard textured surface for a footrest, go for the Mount-It! Ergonomic Under Desk Footrest.