The right office chair foot rest can make your workstation more comfortable when your feet do not rest securely on the floor. Whether you need extra height, a soft place to rest your feet, or a stable platform under your desk, the best choice depends on your chair height, leg length, desk clearance, and preferred sitting position.
Use this guide to explore foot rests for office chairs, compare adjustable and rocking designs, find options for shorter users, and learn how to set up your footrest. We also cover common questions about footrest height, comfort, and the difference between a footrest and a foot hammock.
Find the Right Footrest for Your Needs
Best Overall Options
Compare different footrest designs, materials, and adjustment features.
For Shorter Users
Find a suitable platform when your feet do not comfortably reach the floor.
Choose the Right Height
Learn how to measure the gap beneath your feet and select a suitable height.
Footrest or Foot Hammock?
Compare stable floor support with a suspended under-desk alternative.
What Does an Office Chair Footrest Do?
An office chair footrest provides a surface for your feet when the floor is too far away or uncomfortable to reach from your normal working position. It is especially useful when lowering your chair enough to support your feet would put your arms too low relative to a fixed-height desk.
A well-fitted footrest can help you maintain stable foot support and reduce the need to perch on the front edge of your chair. It can also make it easier to adjust your seated position without constantly searching for a comfortable place to put your feet.
A footrest may be useful if:
- Your feet dangle when your chair is adjusted for desk work.
- Your fixed-height desk requires a chair position that leaves your feet unsupported.
- You want a stable platform for your feet during seated work.
- You want to compare a fixed platform with a rocking or cushioned design.
A footrest is not a treatment for back pain or circulation problems, and it cannot compensate for every workstation issue. If your feet already rest comfortably on the floor and your seated position feels appropriate, you may not need one.
For a more detailed explanation, read Office Chair Footrest Benefits: 7 Reasons to Add One to Your Workspace.
Types of Foot Rests for Office Chairs
Footrests differ in height, firmness, movement, and the amount of space they occupy. Start with the type of support you need, then compare dimensions and adjustment options.
Adjustable Platform
Offers multiple height or tilt settings to help match different chairs and desks.
Consider it for: workstations where the required footrest height is difficult to estimate.
Rocking Footrest
Uses a curved or tilting base that lets you move your ankles and feet while seated.
Consider it for: users who prefer gentle movement instead of a fixed surface.
Memory Foam Footrest
Provides a soft, cushioned surface, often in a wedge or rounded shape.
Consider it for: users who prefer soft support and do not need precise height adjustment.
Fixed Wedge
Offers a set height and incline without a complex adjustment mechanism.
Consider it for: users who have measured their setup and know the height they need.
Under-Desk Foot Hammock
Suspends your feet from the desk using straps rather than a platform on the floor.
Consider it for: users who want to save floor space and prefer a softer, swinging support.
How High Should a Footrest Be?
There is no single footrest height that suits everyone. The right height depends on your leg length, chair seat height, desk arrangement, and the position in which you work.
Start by adjusting your chair to a comfortable working height. If your feet cannot rest securely on the floor, measure the vertical gap beneath them while sitting normally. Use that measurement as a starting point when comparing footrests.
Quick fitting checklist
- Both feet have stable support.
- Your knees remain in a comfortable position rather than being forced sharply upward.
- The front edge of the seat does not press excessively behind your knees.
- The footrest sits close enough that your legs can rest naturally.
- The platform fits beneath your desk without interfering with chair movement.
For step-by-step measurement instructions and more detailed height considerations, see How High Should a Footrest Be?
Choosing a Footrest for Short People
Shorter users may find that their office chair needs to remain relatively high to work comfortably at a fixed-height desk. If that leaves the feet unsupported, a footrest can bridge the gap without forcing the chair too low for keyboard and mouse use.
Do not choose a footrest based on body height alone. Two people of the same height can have different leg lengths and use different chairs. Measure the actual gap under your feet and compare the product’s height range, platform size, and stability.
What to prioritize
- A height range that matches your measured needs.
- A platform large enough for both feet.
- A non-slip base that stays in position.
- Enough clearance beneath the desk.
Footrests, Back Comfort, and Circulation
A stable footrest may make sitting more comfortable if your feet cannot reach the floor or if you struggle to find a relaxed lower-body position. However, comfort varies, and a footrest is only one part of a workstation setup.
A footrest should not be promoted as a cure for lower-back pain, a treatment for circulation problems, or a way to prevent blood clots. Avoid choosing an excessively high platform in an attempt to force a particular posture. The goal is comfortable support, not a rigid angle that everyone must follow.
Back Comfort
Understand how foot support fits into a complete sitting setup.
Circulation Questions
Explore what a footrest can and cannot do for circulation.
What to Check Before Buying a Footrest
- Height and tilt: Check the minimum and maximum settings, not just the product name.
- Platform dimensions: Make sure there is enough room for your feet and natural repositioning.
- Stability: Look for a base that does not slide easily on your floor.
- Desk clearance: Measure the available depth and height beneath your desk.
- Material: Choose foam for cushioning or a firm platform if you prefer stable support and easy cleaning.
- Movement: Decide whether you prefer a fixed platform or a controlled rocking motion.
- Cleaning and maintenance: Check whether covers are removable and which cleaning methods the manufacturer permits.
- Return policy: Confirm the return window and any shipping costs in case the height or feel is unsuitable.
For a direct comparison of common product styles and buying considerations, continue to our Best Foot Rest for Office Chairs guide.
Office Chair Footrest FAQ
Do I need a footrest for my office chair?
You may benefit from one if your feet cannot rest comfortably on the floor after adjusting your chair for desk work. If your feet are already supported and your working position feels comfortable, a separate footrest may not be necessary.
What is the best height for an office chair footrest?
The correct height depends on your chair, leg length, and desk setup. Measure the gap beneath your feet while seated in your normal working position, then choose a footrest that can provide appropriate support without forcing your knees too high.
Are adjustable footrests better than fixed footrests?
Adjustable models provide more flexibility if you need to fine-tune the height or use different workstations. Fixed models can be simpler and may work well when you already know the height and angle that fit your setup.
Is a footrest or foot hammock better?
A floor-based footrest provides a stable platform, while a foot hammock suspends your feet from the desk and allows more swinging movement. Choose based on your need for stability, available floor space, desk compatibility, and personal preference. Compare both in our footrest vs foot hammock guide.
Can a footrest help with back pain?
Supporting your feet may make a poorly fitted seated position more comfortable, but results vary. A footrest is not a treatment for back pain. Persistent or worsening symptoms should be assessed by an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.
Should I use a footrest all day?
You can use a properly fitted footrest whenever it helps you sit comfortably, but you should still change position and move regularly. Do not force your feet to remain on a platform if the height or angle feels uncomfortable.
Find the Right Foot Rest for Your Workspace
The best office chair foot rest is the one that fits your actual chair and desk setup. Start by checking whether your feet need extra support, measure the height gap, and compare adjustable platforms, rocking footrests, and cushioned designs.
If you are unsure where to start, read our footrest buying guide. If your feet do not reach the floor comfortably, begin with the guide for shorter users. Choose based on fit, stability, and comfort rather than promises of medical benefits.
Disclaimer: This guide provides general ergonomic and product-selection information, not medical advice. Footrests cannot be assumed to prevent or treat a medical condition. Seek appropriate professional guidance for persistent pain, swelling, numbness, weakness, or other concerning symptoms.