The 5 Best Ergonomic Foot Rests for Under the Desk in 2021

Last Updated: March 2nd, 2021

Dangling feet, poor feet posture, or feet that stay still for hours on end as you work can all cause undue blood to pool in your lower limbs. The result is increased stress and strain on local muscles, ligaments, and tendons, all of which can result in pain as nearby nerves are compressed. Unnecessary pressure will even eventually migrate to the back that can cause debilitating back pain.

This is where an ergonomic footrest can really save the day.

Ergonomic footrests, which are usually placed under the desk, allow shorter people to plant their feet on a firm surface as they sit. The design of the footrest also promotes active sitting in all users using a rocking motion, which is highly beneficial for blood circulation and muscle tone, and prevents foot pain caused by a sustained and static position.

With that said, here are my picks for the 5 best footrests for under the desk you should consider in 2021 for your health. Each of them offer unique qualities that will cater to people with different needs, so be sure to read each review before making a decision. Happy Feet!

ErgoFoam Premium Foot Rest– Best Adjustable Footrest Cushion

Bottom Line: The best footrest cushion that is height adjustable using a secondary piece.

Surface Dimensions	17.3″ L x 11.5″ W
Height	Adjustable. 3.9″ or 5.9″
Weight	1.95 pounds
Warranty	Lifetime warranty

Most foam based foot rests are fixed in height- too tall or short, and the support you’ll get won’t be perfect. Ergofoam fixes this problem with an innovative footrest that is height adjustable, creating the most versatile foam footrest we’ve seen this year.

The Ergofoam can be adjusted between 3.9″ and 5.9″ in height. A second piece that attaches to the foam footrest using velcro securely raises it to the later setting, which is great not only for shorter people, but when you wish to turn the footrest into a more pronounced rocker to bring movements to your legs.

The inside of the Ergofoam comprise of high density memory foam, which unlike cheaper products feels quite firm. This helps the foot rest hold its shape better when weight is applied.

In general if you don’t mind paying a little extra, the Ergofoam footrest is the most versatile foam based footrest you can get. The two height settings ensure it will cater to your body size much better, especially if you deviate from the standard male height (5’9″).

Fellowes Footrest– Best Rocking Footrest

Bottom Line: Best ergonomic footrest that introduces constant movements to your feet and legs as you sit.

Surface Dimensions	16.5″ L x 9.5″ W
Height	2 Height settings- 2.75″ and 4″
Weight	2.4 pounds
Warranty	1 year warranty

In terms of ergonomics, the best footrest shouldn’t just prop up your feet so they’re not dangling, but also encourage constant movements to prevent blood clogs and swelling. The Fellowes accomplishes both to top our list for the best ergonomic footrest.

Let’s start with the two legs that support the footrest. They are flat near the center but curved on the ends. This lets you either lay your feet flat on the footrest, or with a little effort, rock it back and forth. The rocking motion isn’t just great for restless people, but also encourages much needed blood circulation in your lower extremities as you sit.

Worried if you’re too short or tall for the Huanuo footrest? The default height of the footrest at 4″ should accommodate most people. If you’re over 6″2′, just turn the footrest over to lower the height to 2.75″. No complicated knobs to adjust.

Made from plastic and rubber, this is a lightweight product that can be used on hardwood floor without scratching or sliding. While sturdy, you cannot stand on it however to use with a standing desk, for example. For one that supports standing, look for a footrest made of metal or wood, such as the StrongTek rocking footrest further down our list.

Fellowes covers this product with a 1 year manufacturer’s guarantee. Combined with a near perfect 4.5/5 stars on Amazon, and it’s the first footrest we’d recommend you try if you’re in the market for one that rocks. Many owners have lauded how beneficial the footrest has been in terms of encouraging movement, reducing swelling, and even making sitting that much more enjoyable as a result.

Eureka Ergonomic Adjustable Footrest– Large Footrest with Perfect 20 Degree Tilt

Bottom Line: A large massaging surface and perfect 20 degree tilt to put your feet in a comfortable position out of the box.

Surface Dimensions	15.3″ L x 11.8″ W
Height	Non-adjustable. 3.4″
Weight	4.7 pounds
Warranty	n/a

The Eureka Adjustable Footrest is a great alternative to the Huanuo  Footrest above for those looking for a more contemporary foot rest that looks great even in a corner office. This is quality metal footrest that is not only sturdy, but looks and feels great to the touch.

Like the Huanuo  footrest, Eureka’s product boasts some textured grooves to help massage the feet. The usable surface is a lot larger however, with a stable platform that doesn’t rock easily. The advantage of this is that you can really run your feet across the textured surface from time to time to get a soothing foot massage.

Instead of being lockable, the tilt angle of the Eureka is free floating between 20 degrees and -20 degrees. There is just enough resistance to prevent unwanted movement once dialed into a particular angle. Many users love this set up, as it means the tilt angle can be adjusted just by using your feet, by applying enough force.

Overall, the footrest is superbly built – a black rubber surface supported by a bronze metal frame for them professional vibes. The rubber-lined feet should prevent the footrest from moving on any surface. For eco-friendly buyers, Eureka notes that this product is made using environmentally friendly TPR rubber.

The main shortcoming of the Eureka Adjustable Footrest is the lack of any height changes. When flat, it raises just below 3.4” off the ground, which for most people, including me (at 5’8”) works perfectly. If you are much shorter, however, you will need to either lower your chair or use some magazines underneath the foot rest to make contact with it. Not a big deal, but note mentioning.

EverLasting Comfort Footrest– Great Low Clearance Footrest Cushion

Bottom Line: One of the most affordable, hypoallergenic foam footrest that supports your feet wherever you are.

Surface Dimensions	17″ L x 10″ W
Height	Non-adjustable. 5″
Weight	1.1 pounds
Warranty	Lifetime

Looking like a portable black JBL speaker that was cut in half, this footrest cushion really shouts comfort to your feet. Though non-adjustable like the Eureka footrest, the tear drop shaped design makes it more comfortable for shorter people that can push up against the footrest instead of simply resting on top of it. The footrest can also be turned over to act as a rocker.

Covering this foam footrest is a velour cover that is machine washable. This lets you use any footwear on the cushion without fear of permanently staining it. I also love the treaded surface that is non slip, even on wooden floors, unlike many similar foam footrests.

The EverLasting Footrest is both antimicrobial and hypoallergenic, something you definitely want in a footrest made of foam. This means the foam is resistant to bacterial growth, and also unlikely to cause an allergic reaction.

Being around 1 pounds, this is a great footrest for not just the house or office, but in other unexpected places like in the car or even on the plane.

With a lifetime warranty, this is a footrest you know will probably last a long time.

VIVO Ergonomic Standing Foot Rest– Best Footrest for Standing Desks

Bottom Line: The best footrest for standing desks and short people, with a maximum height of 10.25” and ultra stable base.

Surface Dimensions	15.7″ L x 9.8″ W
Height	Adjustable. 5″ – 10.25″
Weight	8.05 pounds
Warranty	3 Years

Ok, the Vivo standing foot rest won’t win any awards for beauty, though none of that really matters when it comes to ergonomics. And in that arena, this is one of the most stable, versatile foot rest I’ve reviewed. This is widely due to the unparalleled level of height adjustments of the platform, from 5” to a close 11”. Throw in an all metal frame that is as secure as any foot rest I’ve tested, and you are in good hands.

There are several holes spaced along the handle that lets you adjust and lock in the desired height of the footrest. Kinda like how you lock in weights in exercise machines. At the lowest height setting of 5”, you can use this foot rest under the desk, though the lack of angle adjustment is a let down. Raise the platform up to its maximum setting though, and this becomes the ideal foot rest for standing desks. Take turns resting your feet on the large platform as you work, and notice just how much more mileage  that gives you in terms of better blood circulation and being able to stand longer.

The surface of the Vivo Standing Desk Foot Rest is textured to prevent your feet from sliding off easily. The width (depth) at 9.8” is large enough to comfortably accommodate most feet sizes, though I wish it was even deeper.

As alluded to already, this is a hefty puppy, weighing close to 10 pounds. This is a consideration if you intend to use the footrest in different areas of your house or office. Assembly is super easy however, and requires no tools or manuals. Just fit the 3 pieces into place, and you’re ready to go.

StrongTek Foot Rest Rocker– Best Wooden Balance Footrest

Bottom Line: Ergonomic, all natural pinewood footrest that should last a lifetime if well cared for.

Surface Dimensions	17.7″ L x 10.8″ W
Height	Non-adjustable. 4.5″
Weight	3.6 pounds
Warranty	n/a

Moving on from designs made of metal and plastic, we present a heavy duty plywood foot rest from Strongtek that in many ways is just as versatile, if not more so, than the more modern designs that proceed it.

Made from natural Lauan hardwood plywood, this foot rest is really wide, measuring close to 18 inches in width to support a variety of sitting – and standing positions – as you rest your feet on the textured non slip surface.

And that’s what makes the Strongtek foot rest so special. Not only can you use it as a traditional foot rest under your desk, you can also stand on it and rock gently as you’re standing, such as with a standing desk. The curved bottom lets you to constantly back and forth as you rest your feet, bringing much needed micro movements to your body. With a maximum weight limit of 350 pounds, the Strongtek footrest can go head to head with any aluminum or metal counterpart.

Sleepy Ride Airplane Footrest– Most Comfortable Airplane Footrest

Bottom Line: A highly portable and comfortable footrest for use on most planes.

Surface Dimensions	21″ L x 7″ W
Height	N/A
Weight	6.4 ounces
Warranty	n/a

The Sleepy Ride Footrest may just be the perfect companion for your legs and feet on long hauled flights. Even before you arrive in Hawaii or Thailand, you can start enjoying a hammock-like experience with this footrest.

Designed to work with most plane seats, the product works by using straps that you hang over the arms of the tray table in front of you. Whether the tray is upright or down doesn’t matter. The straps are adjustable, letting you shorten or lengthen it depending on whether you wish to dangle your lower leg or feet on the supporting pouch.

Sleepy Ride claims that this item has been tested to prevent soreness and swelling caused by a sustained static position and blood pooling in the legs. Indeed many owners of this foot rest praise how much of a difference it has made on flights for their lower extremities.

While this is a great foot rest on planes or even buses with trays behind the seats, how much benefit you will get from this product however is largely dependent on the amount of leg room available in front of you. In tight spaces, there just isn’t enough space for this footrest to work properly. Something to bear in mind.

Benefits of a Footrest for your Health

To maintain a natural posture, your feet should be positioned flat on the ground when sitting or standing. While good ergonomic chairs can accommodate different body shapes and sizes, most of them neglect your feet’s comfort and proper posture, to great detriment.

Having an under desk ergonomic footrest complements your ergonomic chair by enabling proper foot posture and healthy blood circulation.

Shorter people who are unable to touch their feet to the ground and instead let them dangle off their seats is just asking for problems down the road. The pooling of the blood in the lower limbs often lead to varicose veins and swelling, deep vein thrombosis, and muscle atrophy over the long term.

Conversely, people who have to stretch to touch their feet to the floor can experience stress and strain on muscles, ligaments, and tendons in their legs, which can cause nerve pain. Even taller people who can touch their feet to the ground can experience varicose veins and muscle atrophy if their feet remain in the same flat position for a long time.

Ergonomic footrests encourage healthier feet in both tall and short people, thanks to a combination of better support, massaging, and active sitting where your feet rock back and forth as you sit on the footrest. Changing the position of the feet using a footrest can maintain muscle tone – as you move your feet, the muscles in your legs contract and extend. This contraction and extension allows the skeletal-muscle pump to circulate blood from the lower limbs back to the heart.

Moving your feet around can also prevent abnormal postures that can cause foot pain the same way maintaining a poor sitting posture can hurt your back. Footrests improve posture by raising the user’s knees above the hips, which help avoid stretching of ligaments and tendons that can lead to long-term problems. By raising the knees above the hips, the force of gravity that draws blood towards the feet is reduced. A proper posture also reduces the chance of injuries to ligaments, tendons, and muscles that can result in nerve damage.

In addition to the above health advantages, footrests are especially beneficial for those who have had medical procedures done on their lower limbs. For example, people who have had hip replacements and knee or ankle surgeries will appreciate the extra support provided by a footrest because they don’t need to stretch their legs so out far to reach a solid surface. Moreover, ergonomic footrests can help these people maintain a normal position for their feet, which assists in the recovery process.

What to look for in a Footrest

Having established the importance of a good footrest, what exactl makes a good footrest? Many features in fact, which we’ll describe below.

1. Ergonomic Design

Ergonomically designed footrests incorporate features that help the feet conform to the footrest without making them uncomfortable. Textured surfaces (dotted or ribbed) that massage the feet can keep you comfortable and induce blood circulation in your lower limbs. Generally a footrest with a positive tilt is prefered over a flat surface. Being able to rock the footrest surface back and forth is also important, as it facilitates active sitting that keeps your legs moving and blood moving.

2. Height Adjustability

If you are on the short side, make sure the footrest is actually tall enough to meet your feet. Many times you can prop it up with some magazines if necessary, though it’s better just to find one that works out of the box. Ideally a footrest that is height adjustable is best if you intend to use it with multiple chairs of varying heights.

3. Robustness

Since the footrest functions to elevate the ground to the user, the footrest should be sturdy. Robustness depends on the material (e.g steel, wood, plastic) or design (e.g. triangular or large bases or thick frames that increase the contact area with the ground). Regardless of the material, it should be able to endure sustained use without breaking. Being able to maintain its position on any floor surface is also crucial for a footrest – you can’t have it work on carpet and then move like a bowling ball on wood. Silicone or rubber surfaces on the bottom of the footrest can help anchor it in place even when you are putting your weight on it.

4. Quality Material

Whether it is steel, wood, or plastic, low-quality material can make your foot resting experience a short-lived one, even if the design is top-notch. It seems that design and material quality are intertwined, so having the best of both worlds is preferable – if it works for Hannah Montana, it will work for your footrest.

5. Portability and Versatility

You may have seen with the chairs we reviewed that footrests can have different functions outside of ergonomically supporting the feet. Case in point – the travel footrest. Portability can be a make-or-break feature for people on the go, so they will value product aspects like lightweightedness and small size and design, which allow them to take their footrests onto the plane or into the car. Versatility is an equally necessary feature – for example, being able to switch between rocking and non-rocking modes or having a clip-on sling that works for different plane seats are great aspects of a good footrest.