An office footrest may not be the first fix that comes to mind when you want to ease the musculoskeletal pains you get when you must sit to work for long periods of time. But that doesn’t mean you should ignore the importance of having an under-desk footrest.
Sitting at a desktop or laptop computer for hours on end puts a lot of stress on your body. The right chair and, when needed, the right office chair cushions, can alleviate some of those stresses. Adding an inexpensive footrest can make a big difference in your office ergonomics, improving your comfort, health and productivity.
Ergonomic Benefits of Using a Footrest Under Your Desk
Using a footrest under your desk helps you maintain proper posture and take some of the pressure off your lower back and legs. Here are some important benefits.
A Footrest Improves Posture
Using a footrest improves your posture by letting your feet rest flat and aligning your knees and hips correctly to support your lower back. The correct footrest helps you keep your knees at the approximately 90 degree angle that is recommended for sitting. That helps keep your back in contact with the seat back and helps prevent slouching.
Foot Supports Reduce Pressure and Pain
When you sit, if your chair is too high, or you’re short, your body weight is supported mostly by your lower spine, buttocks and thighs. That pressure can restrict blood flow and cause pain and musculoskeletal issues. A footrest lets your feet support some of that body weight, which in turn reduces the pressure on your legs, rear and spine. If you’ve been in the habit of bending your knees so your feet are under your chair, the footrest will help take pressure and pain away from your knees, too.
Footrests Enhance Circulation
A footrest enhances circulation in a couple of ways. First, elevating your feet even slightly boosts blood flow and circulation in the legs, which can reduce the risk of swelling, and other leg problems associated with prolonged sitting.
Additionally, a footrest can encourage you to or lead you to move your feet more often, which promotes healthy blood flow in your feet and legs.
Under Desk Footrest Can Enhance Productivity
When you’re constantly wiggling around to get comfortable in your chair, it’s easy to lose focus on your work. Using a footrest to help you sit correctly and relieve strain can help you improve your concentration and productivity.
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Under Desk Footrests Styles
Under desk footrests come in a variety of styles, materials, and prices. Here are some common types:
- Foam or memory-foam footrests – A foam footrest is my personal favorite. It’s angled, soft and supportive. The soft surface makes it easy to wiggle your feet up and down or from side to side. So, it may also aid in circulation. It’s also comfortable underfoot – even if you kick off your shoes while you work. The one I use is just the right height to raise my feet without making the tops of my legs hit the desk’s pullout keyboard tray. Some foam footrests come with add-ons that let you adjust the height somewhat.
- Basic or static footrest – A simple slanted platform that keeps your feet elevated.
- Adjustable footrest (with a hard surface) – As the name implies, this type lets you adjust the height for your body and workspace.
- Rocking or dynamic footrests– These have a hard surface and are designed to move with your feet, encouraging you to move your feet back and forth. The movement can improve circulation.
Related: Best Wrist Rests for Computer Work
How to Choose the Right Footrest
Your workspace, office chair and personal preference are factors to consider to choose the best under-deck footrest for you needs.
Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Workspace size: What you rest your feet on should let you elevate your legs and sit properly without jamming the tops of your thighs against the bottom of your desk or pull-out keyboard tray. To get an approximation of the correct height for the footrest, pile up some books under your desk, sit in your chair, and put your feet on top of the books. . Adjust the stack so your feet are raised without making your knees or thighs hit the desk or keyboard tray. Then measure the height of the stack of books. Look for a footrest you can adjust to that height or slightly lower.
- Adjustability. If you like changing positions or share your workspace, consider features such as adjustable height and tilt settings, or the ability to easily wiggle your feet.
- Surface texture. Consider whether you want a hard, flat surface, a surface with knobs or rollers to relieve foot tension, or something soft under your feet. Hard plastic lasts longer, but memory foam is softer. Choose what feels best to you.
- Non-slip features: One of the annoyances of using a footrest under your desk, is that it can slip forward away from you when you’re using it. A footrest with non-skid bottom may (but doesn’t always) prevent that from happening. One solution: if your desk is against a wall, but something heavy between the footrest and the wall to keep the footrest from sliding away.
- Cleanability: A footrest gets dirty. Dirt from your shoes, dust from the room, or that cup of coffee you spill all will wind up on your footrest. Hard surfaces can be usually be wiped clean with a rag and soap and water. But if you’re buying memory foam or other soft footrest, look for one that has a removable, washable covering.
- Price: Here’s the good news. Unlike ergonomic office chairs, a footrest won’t cost you a fortune. They range in price from about $20 to $50.
Where to Buy Footrests
You can find a wide range of ergonomic footrests online and in stores.
Here are some reliable sources:
- Amazon – Amazon has a big selection of footrests. Each product’s user reviews let you know if other buyers found them comfortable and durable. Plus, any product sold through the Amazon Prime program comes with free shipping. Returns are often free, too, if you take an item to an Amazon drop-off location.
- Staples or other office supply stores – Try models in person if you prefer testing before buying.
- Walmart or Target – You can order footrests online at Walmart or Target
A Small Change That Pays Off Big
If you spend most of your day sitting, a footrest is one of the easiest upgrades you can make to your workspace. It keeps you comfortable, supports good posture, and helps you stay focused longer—without spending a fortune.
Think of it as a small investment in your business and your body. After all, when you feel better, you work better.