Which Footrest Actually Fixes Your Under Desk Slouch?
Our top pick is the ErgoFoam Adjustable Foot Rest for its dense foam and two height settings. The HUANUO Adjustable Under Desk Footrest offers the best value thanks to its rocking tilt, and the Everlasting Comfort Memory Foam Foot Rest suits anyone who wants softer all day cushioning.
The ErgoFoam Adjustable Foot Rest is the footrest we would recommend to most desk workers, with the HUANUO Adjustable Under Desk Footrest close behind for anyone who wants a firmer plastic platform. If you sit for long stretches and want cushioning rather than structure, the Everlasting Comfort Memory Foam Foot Rest is the softer option.
Footrests look interchangeable in listings, but the details that matter are height, tilt and how the surface behaves in socks. A rest that is too tall pushes your thighs off the seat, and one that is too slippery becomes a daily annoyance. We compared published dimensions, adjustment ranges, materials and what owners report about sagging and sliding over months of use.
What we recommend
ErgoFoam Adjustable Foot Rest
The ErgoFoam uses a firm high density foam core that holds its shape far better than the soft pillows sold at similar sizes. Two height positions cover most desk and chair combinations, and the velvet cover unzips for washing. Owners report it stays supportive after long periods of daily use rather than flattening out.
Pros
- Firm foam resists flattening
- Two usable height positions
- Washable zip off cover
Cons
- Bulky to store away
- Fixed wedge angle
HUANUO Adjustable Under Desk Footrest
This plastic platform rocks freely and locks at several heights, which makes it flexible across sitting positions. The textured surface includes massage bumps that some owners like and others simply ignore. It is the option we would pick if you want an active foot position rather than a soft cushion.
Pros
- Wide height adjustment range
- Encourages small foot movement
- Wipes clean easily
Cons
- Hard surface in bare feet
- Rocking can feel noisy on hard floors
Everlasting Comfort Memory Foam Foot Rest
Memory foam moulds around the arch, which is why this one is popular with people who work barefoot or in thin socks. The teardrop shape supports the heel and ball of the foot at once. It is softer than the ErgoFoam, so it suits comfort seekers more than anyone chasing a firm platform.
Pros
- Contours to the foot
- Quiet on any floor
- Light enough to move between rooms
Cons
- Softens under heavy pressure
- Single fixed height
Kensington SoleMate Comfort Footrest
A long running office staple with a foot controlled tilt mechanism and a wide platform that fits both feet comfortably. The angle changes with a nudge of the toe, so you can shift position without bending down. Build quality is the main reason it stays on corporate purchasing lists.
Pros
- Tilt adjusts without hands
- Sturdy commercial grade build
- Large surface for both feet
Cons
- Limited height adjustment
- Plain office styling
Fellowes Professional Series Ultimate Foot Support
The Fellowes rises higher than most rivals, which matters if you use a fixed height desk that leaves your feet dangling. Height and angle adjust independently, and a soft top layer takes the edge off the platform. It is the pick for anyone who has found other footrests too low.
Pros
- Reaches higher than typical rests
- Height and angle set separately
- Comfortable padded surface
Cons
- Heavier than foam options
- Takes up noticeable floor space
StrongTek Wooden Rocking Foot Rest
A simple curved plywood rocker with a non slip strip along the top. There is nothing to adjust, which is exactly why it appeals to people tired of plastic mechanisms that loosen. Owners report it doubles as a step stool and a balance board, and it wipes clean in seconds.
Pros
- Very durable construction
- No mechanism to fail
- Doubles as a small step
Cons
- No height adjustment
- Hard surface without socks
Mind Reader Adjustable Height Foot Rest
The Mind Reader keeps things basic with a light plastic platform and simple height pegs, so it resets quickly when two people share a workstation. It is not the most refined option here, but it is easy to move and inexpensive to replace. A reasonable choice for a hot desk or a spare room setup.
Pros
- Very easy to reposition
- Simple height changes
- Light enough to carry
Cons
- Feels less solid than rivals
- Ridged surface is firm
What matters most
Get the height right before anything else The single biggest factor is whether the footrest lifts your feet to the point where your thighs sit level and your knees land near a right angle. Measure the gap between the floor and your feet when you sit properly, then match that to the rest’s stated height range. A rest that is too tall is worse than none at all, because it pushes pressure into the back of your thighs.
Foam, plastic or wood changes how it feels Foam wedges are quiet and forgiving but compress over time, and cheaper foam flattens within months. Plastic platforms hold their shape indefinitely and usually offer real adjustment, though they feel hard in bare feet. Wood sits in between, with no adjustment but almost nothing to break. Think about whether you work in shoes or socks, because that decides which surface you will tolerate.
Tilt and rocking are not gimmicks A fixed flat surface locks your ankles in one position for hours. Models that rock or tilt let you shift between positions without leaving your chair, which is why occupational guidance often favours them. If you already fidget while working, a rocking platform will suit you. If you want a stable place to plant your feet, choose a locked or foam design.
Check the base and the cover Two small details cause most complaints. A base without rubber feet slides across hard flooring every time you push against it, and a cover that cannot be removed becomes grubby fast. Look for grip dots or a rubber strip on the underside, and prefer a zip off washable cover on any fabric model.
How they stack up
| # | Model | Type | Best for | Score | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ErgoFoam Adjustable Foot Rest | Foam wedge | Best overall | 9.4 | Check price |
| 2 | HUANUO Adjustable Under Desk Footrest | Rocking platform | Best value | 9.2 | Check price |
| 3 | Everlasting Comfort Memory Foam Foot Rest | Memory foam wedge | Best for all day comfort | 9.0 | Check price |
| 4 | Kensington SoleMate Comfort Footrest | Tilting platform | Best for tilt control | 8.7 | Check price |
| 5 | Fellowes Professional Series Ultimate Foot Support | Adjustable platform | Best for tall desks | 8.5 | Check price |
| 6 | StrongTek Wooden Rocking Foot Rest | Wooden rocker | Best budget | 8.2 | Check price |
| 7 | Mind Reader Adjustable Height Foot Rest | Height adjustable platform | Best for shared desks | 8.0 | Check price |
Frequently asked questions
Does a footrest actually help posture?
It helps when your chair is set for your desk rather than your height, which leaves your feet unsupported. Restoring contact under the feet takes pressure off the back of the thighs and lets you sit further back in the seat. It is a fix for a specific problem, not a cure for a poorly set up workstation.
What height should a footrest be?
It should raise your feet enough that your thighs sit roughly parallel to the floor and your knees are near a right angle. For most desk setups that means somewhere between four and seven inches, which is why adjustable models are safer buys than fixed ones.
Are foam or plastic footrests better?
Foam is quieter and more comfortable in socks, while plastic lasts longer and usually adjusts. If you sit in shoes and want a firm platform, choose plastic. If you kick your shoes off at the desk, foam will feel far better.
Will a footrest work with a standing desk?
Only partly. When the desk is raised you want an anti fatigue mat or a bar to rest one foot on rather than a seated footrest. Some rocking platforms work in both roles, but a foam wedge is only useful in the seated position.
Do rocking footrests make noise?
They can on hard floors, especially plastic models with a curved base. Placing the rest on a mat or a rug solves it. Foam and wooden designs are quieter by nature.
How do I stop a footrest sliding away?
Choose a model with rubber feet or a grip strip on the underside, and check that your flooring is not the problem. On smooth laminate, a thin chair mat under the rest removes almost all movement.
Can I use a footrest in a gaming chair?
Yes, and it is often more useful there because gaming chairs sit high. Just measure the gap under your feet first, since the taller seat may need a rest at the upper end of the height range.
How long do foam footrests last?
That depends on foam density. High density cores hold their shape for years of daily use, while soft budget foam can compress noticeably within a year. Owners report that removable covers help, because the foam stays cleaner and drier.
Our pick
The ErgoFoam Adjustable Foot Rest is the safest recommendation for most desks, combining firm foam with enough height adjustment to suit a range of chairs. Choose the HUANUO Adjustable Under Desk Footrest if you prefer an active rocking platform, or the Fellowes Professional Series Ultimate Foot Support if your feet sit well clear of the floor. The StrongTek Wooden Rocking Foot Rest remains the sensible low cost pick.
