To help you find the right footrest for your own office, we evaluated the top-rated options on the market for quality, comfort, durability, and overall value. Our favorite footrest, the ErgoFoam Adjustable Footrest, is adjustable, manufactured with high-quality foam, and has a convenient machine-washable cover. Thanks to a second cushion that raises the contoured footrest, this footstool is adjustable (especially useful for shorter folks). We also love that this footrest comes in your choice of two different covers—a very soft velvety option or a highly-breathable mesh option that’s resistant to pet hair. Either way, the covers are machine-washable for convenience. Price at time of publish: $55 It’s also a highly-adjustable option: you can tweak the base to sit at just the right height and angle for you, or you can have it sit flat, should you want to tuck it away for any period of time. The massage balls on the surface are a nice touch, too, and can help further ease any tension as you work. Simply roll your feet over the pebbled surface of the footrest. Price at time of publish: $30 Overall, the footrest not only looks great under your desk, but the solid wood makes it exceptionally sturdy. Because of this weight, you won’t want to move it from place to place. But the cost is justified, as you’ll undoubtedly have this one in your office for years to come. Price at time of publish: $125 The footrest is also exceptionally lightweight, so you can move it from room to room. Use it while you work, or bring it into the living room with you for added support while you watch TV at night. The base is detachable for varying heights, but note that there are only two distinct height options, which can be a bit limiting for some. For convenience, this fabric footrest is nice and easy to clean. It’s all thanks to a removable, machine-washable cover. Price at time of publish: $38 The footrest itself is also more plush than other options, which is nice if you want to be able to move your feet around and stretch them into the fabric. The material is a breathable mesh, so your feet won’t sweat, either. And even if they do, simply zip off the cover and toss it in the washing machine for a refresh. Price at time of publish: $35 If there’s any downside, it’s that the footrest is entirely flat. But if you just need a platform to give yourself a little lift or a spot to rest your foot while you stand, this steel footrest is more than sufficient and highly versatile.It’s easy to wipe clean, too. Just note that the steel makes it a bit cold to the touch, especially in the winter—but that’s nothing a pair of socks or shoes can’t fix. Price at time of publish: $50 The under-desk footrest also comes with a heated mat to help soothe sore feet while you work—another common complaint during pregnancy. The temperature is adjustable from 80 to 150 degrees Fahrenheit and is displayed on a digital control, so you know exactly how much warmth is being delivered. Alternatively, you can use the footrest without the heating pad. It’s textured with little plastic pebbles, so you can massage your feet while you sit. Price at time of publish: $56 Unfortunately, it’s not adjustable and doesn’t roll in the same way the more expensive one does. But it’s still relatively versatile. You can use this footrest to get yourself in an ergonomic position while you work sitting or standing. Or, you can use it as a support while you exercise—it’s great for activities like stretching or yoga. The anti-slip base ensures it won’t slide out from under you, even during more rigorous use. Price at time of publish: $40 The foot rest may not be adjustable, but the unique teardrop shape offers a nice balance between flat and fully-angled, too. And if you prefer some movement, you can flip the whole thing over and use it as a rocker for your feet—great for relieving restless legs. The velvety soft cover is comfortable enough to use without socks or shoes. And you don’t have to worry about the material getting dirty. The cover slips right off, so you can toss it in the washing machine when you need to. Price at time of publish: $38
Adjustability
When selecting an under-desk footrest, adjustability is an important factor. That’s because you need the right height in order to position yourself ergonomically. Footrests should be high enough to keep your body in a neutral position in which the hips, knees, and ankles are all at 90 degree angles.
Shape and Size
Some footrests are rectangular, while others are more of a semicircle. Neither is blanketly better than the other. The best under-desk footrest is the one that’s most comfortable for you. You may have to experiment with a few, but ultimately you’re looking for a footrest that keeps your body in a neutral, ergonomic position.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This roundup was written by Brigitt Earley, who has written and edited hundreds of buying guides for various publications for nearly 15 years. She has extensive experience testing, reporting on, and writing about consumer products, including items like under-desk footrests. To curate this list, she scoured dozens of retailers to find the most popular and highly-rated options on the market. When assessing each product, she looked for attributes like quality of material, adjustability, durability, and overall value. Brigitt also interviewed experts like Dr. Matt Tanneberg, a chiropractor in Scottsdale, Arizona, and Lalitha McSorley, a physical therapist in Calgary.
