Footrest for Under a Desk: Comfort Picks by Leg Length

By Digital Desk Solutions Editorial Team · Updated October 17, 2026

Last Updated: October 17, 2026

The best ergonomic footrest for a home office is the Wikabex Step-to-Adjust if you want effortless, stepless height, and the CasaZenith six-height footrest if you want a low-cost platform that still adapts to your chair. The Wikabex lists a 2.7 to 13.1 inch stepless range that you change with your foot, while the CasaZenith offers six fixed heights and a massage roller for a fraction of the cost.

A footrest solves a specific problem: your chair is at the right height for your keyboard, but your feet dangle or your thighs press into the seat edge. That is common for shorter people, for anyone with a fixed-height desk, and for anyone who raised a chair to clear a standing desk frame. This guide compares seven under-desk footrests, shows a quick way to work out the height you need, and spells out what each product’s listing does and does not tell you.

CasaZenith Foot Rest, Six Heights Adjustable Foot Rest Under Desk at Work | Ergonomic Foot Stool for Under Office Desk, Under Desk Footrest with Foot Massage Roller, Chair Footrest for Leg Rest - Black

Included for 'Footrest for Under a Desk: Comfort Picks by Leg Length' because the listing specifies Six Heights Adjustable Foot Rest Under Desk at Work and Ergonomic Foot Stool for Under Office Desk, details this guide uses to compare options.

View on Amazon →

ErGear Adjustable Footrest Under Desk with 3 Height Settings | Massage texture, 17.13×13.19 inch platform, ±30° rocking tilt adjustment, preassembled design, washable, home and office use

Included for 'Footrest for Under a Desk: Comfort Picks by Leg Length' because the listing specifies Massage texture and 17.13×13.19 inch platform, details this guide uses to compare options.

View on Amazon →

ComfiLife Foot Rest for Under Desk at Work – Adjustable Height Memory Foam Foot Stool for Under Desk, Office Chair & Gaming Chair – Ergonomic Footrest for Back & Hip Pain Relief (Black)

Included for 'Footrest for Under a Desk: Comfort Picks by Leg Length' because the listing specifies Adjustable Height Memory Foam Foot Stool for Under Desk and Office Chair & Gaming Chair, details this guide uses to compare options.

View on Amazon →

BlissTrends Foot Rest Under Desk, Foot Stool with 2 Adjustable Heights

Included for 'Footrest for Under a Desk: Comfort Picks by Leg Length' because the listing specifies Foot Stool with 2 Adjustable Heights, details this guide uses to compare options.

View on Amazon →

Nothing here is medical advice. A footrest is a posture accessory, not a treatment; if you have persistent discomfort when sitting, speak to a clinician or an ergonomics professional.

Top Picks at a Glance

• Best Overall: Wikabex Step-to-Adjust, stepless 2.7 to 13.1 inch height changed with your foot
• Best Value: CasaZenith six-height footrest with a massage roller
• Best Budget Basic: Mind Reader 17 x 13 inch plastic platform, height adjustable
• Best for Tilt and Rocking: ErGear, three heights with a plus or minus 30 degree rocking tilt
• Best Cushioned: ComfiLife memory foam footrest with adjustable height
• Best for Sit-Stand Setups: VIVO STAND-FT01 platform, made for sit to stand workstations
• Best Large Platform: HUANUO 17.1 inch footrest with three heights and tilt

Quick Comparison Table

See also: Best Resteck Neck and Back Massager and Rivals: 6 Desk Picks • Standing Desk 50 Inch Height: Who Needs It and Why

Dimensions and settings come from each product listing. Where a figure is missing, the table says so. Price tiers are relative to this category: Budget is the low end, Premium the top. The two things that differ most between footrests are how they adjust (fixed steps, stepless, or tilt) and how much clearance they need under the desk, so read the table with your own desk in mind.

1. Wikabex Step-to-Adjust Foot Rest: Best for Stepless Height Control

• Height range: 2.7 to 13.1 inches, stepless
• Adjusts by stepping on it, no bending down
• Washable cover, according to the listing
• Made for work, office, home, gaming and study use

Best for: people who change shoes, chairs or sit-stand positions during the day and want to fine-tune without bending down.

Skip if: you want the lowest possible cost, or your desk leaves less than a few inches of clearance.

The defining feature is that there are no fixed steps. Most footrests offer two to six preset heights, which means you often land half an inch too high or too low. A stepless design lets you tune to the exact position, and the 13.1 inch top height is generous for tall chairs and short people.

The step-to-adjust mechanism matters in a home office because you are not under a manager’s eye and will change your posture all day. Not having to bend down to a lever means you are more likely to actually adjust it. The listing does not state weight capacity or platform dimensions in the title, so check the full page if you are a heavier user or have a narrow footwell.

It is the most expensive of the seven, and we think it is worth paying for if you are shorter or spend most of the day seated. For a spare room desk used a few hours a week, a cheaper preset model does the same job.

Pros

• Stepless height range of 2.7 to 13.1 inches
• Adjust with your foot, no bending
• Washable, per the listing
• Tall maximum height suits short users

Cons

• Highest cost of the group
• Weight capacity and platform size not in the title

2. CasaZenith Six-Height Foot Rest: Best Value for Many Preset Heights

• Six adjustable heights
• Foot massage roller included
• Ergonomic foot stool for use under an office desk
• Black finish

Best for: anyone who wants a wide choice of preset heights for a small spend.

Skip if: you dislike textured surfaces or want the platform to feel soft.

Six heights is a lot of choice for a budget footrest. If you share a desk with another person, or switch between a high stool and a standard chair, you can reset it in seconds. The massage roller is a bonus for people who like to move their feet; it is also removable in spirit, because you can simply leave your feet off it.

The listing does not provide the platform dimensions in the title, so measure your footwell before ordering. We also could not verify the weight capacity from a maker page, which we mark as not listed.

At this price it is the obvious first buy for someone trying a footrest for the first time. If you find you love the concept, you can step up to a stepless or cushioned model later.

Pros

• Six heights
• Includes a foot massage roller
• Budget-tier price

Cons

• Platform size and capacity not in the title
• Textured surface is a matter of taste

3. Mind Reader Foot Rest: Best Plain Budget Platform

• Size: 17 inches long, 13 inches wide, 6.25 inches high
• Plastic construction
• Height adjustable
• Black finish

Best for: people who want a stable, basic platform with printed dimensions.

Skip if: you want cushioning, tilt or rocking.

The Mind Reader listing is refreshingly specific: 17 x 13 x 6.25 inches. That makes it easy to check against a desk, and a 17 inch width gives both feet room to sit side by side. Plastic is easy to wipe clean and does not absorb dust the way fabric can.

The lack of a cushion is the main trade-off. If you work barefoot or in thin socks, a hard surface can feel cold or unforgiving. Many people put a folded towel on top, which is fine, but it does change the height.

Choose this if you want a simple, no-nonsense tool that does one job.

Pros

• Dimensions stated in the title
• Easy to clean
• Budget-tier price

Cons

• No cushion
• Height steps not listed

4. ErGear Adjustable Footrest: Best for Tilt and Rocking

• Three height settings
• Platform: 17.13 x 13.19 inches
• Rocking tilt of plus or minus 30 degrees
• Massage texture
• Preassembled and washable

Best for: people who like to move their ankles while they sit.

Skip if: you want a perfectly stable platform for all-day use, or you have limited ankle mobility.

The ErGear adds motion. The plus or minus 30 degree rocking lets your ankles move, which some people prefer to a fixed platform. The listing also states a washable cover and preassembled design, which means no tools and no fiddly assembly.

Three height settings is fewer than the CasaZenith, but the larger platform and the rocking make this a different kind of product. If you tap your feet or like to shift, a rocking surface gives you somewhere to do it.

If you want a stable footing for typing or gaming, lock the rocking or choose a fixed model. The listing does not state a weight capacity in the title.

Pros

• Rocking tilt of plus or minus 30 degrees
• Platform size stated
• Preassembled and washable

Cons

• Only three heights
• Capacity not in the title

5. ComfiLife Memory Foam Foot Rest: Best Soft and Cushioned

• Memory foam top
• Adjustable height
• Fits office and gaming chairs
• Black finish

Best for: people who work in socks or bare feet and want a soft surface.

Skip if: you need dimensions and height steps stated before you buy.

Memory foam is the selling point. It gives under the foot, and many people find it more comfortable than hard plastic for long sessions. The listing says the height is adjustable but does not provide the numbers in the title.

One note about foam: it compresses over time, which lowers the effective height a little. If you pick a foam footrest, set it a touch higher than you need and re-check after a few weeks.

It is a sensible pick for the comfort-first buyer, but check the platform size and height range on the full listing.

Pros

• Soft memory foam top
• Adjustable height
• Works with office and gaming chairs

Cons

• Height steps and size not in the title
• Foam compresses over time

6. VIVO STAND-FT01 Foot Rest Platform: Best for Sit-Stand Workstations

• Height-adjustable platform
• Non-slip surface
• Portable
• Marketed for sit to stand workstations, home office and classrooms

Best for: people with a sit-stand desk who want a platform that suits both positions.

Skip if: you need exact height numbers in the title.

VIVO designs this footrest for sit-stand setups, which means it can serve as a leg shift platform when you stand. The non-slip surface helps in both modes.

The title gives no height range or platform size, so use the full product page to check clearance. The portable design makes it easy to move between a home desk and a classroom or shared room.

If you have a standing desk, this is worth a look. If you use a fixed desk, a stepless or six-height model offers more precision.

Pros

• Designed for sit-stand setups
• Non-slip surface
• Portable

Cons

• Height range not in the title
• Less adjustment precision than stepless

7. HUANUO Under Desk Foot Rest: Best Large Platform With Tilt

• Width: 17.1 inches
• Three height positions
• Adjustable tilt
• Massage texture
• Preassembled

Best for: people with wide footwells who want both height positions and tilt.

Skip if: your desk has a shallow footwell or a modesty panel.

A 17.1 inch platform gives you space to shift your feet side to side. The three height positions and tilt make it flexible, and the listing says it ships preassembled, which is a relief.

The large non-skid platform also keeps the footrest from sliding on hard floors. Check your desk’s clearance: a large footrest needs space, and some desks have crossbars or drawers that get in the way.

It is an easy pick if you want a broad surface and a bit of tilt without going to the stepless premium.

Pros

• Wide 17.1 inch platform
• Height and tilt options
• Preassembled

Cons

• Needs desk clearance
• Height numbers not in the title

Also Consider

StrongTek Wooden Rocking Footrest

A wooden rocking footrest with a 350 pound rating in the title. A good option if you prefer a firm, natural rocking motion.

Bulado Wooden Foot Rest

Four height settings with a removable memory foam cushion and non-slip base.

Staples Ergonomic Tilt Footrest

A tilt-adjustable footrest from an office supplies brand. The title does not list heights, so read the full page.

Everlasting Comfort Memory Foam Foot Rest

A memory foam footrest for under desk use; the listing is light on dimensions, so check them before ordering.

How We Chose

We built this list from the product details in store listings, manufacturer pages, and published ergonomics guidance from workplace safety bodies and ergonomics publications. Every dimension and setting in this article comes from those sources.

To be clear about method: we have not used these footrests ourselves, and we do not claim lab figures. Where a listing does not give a figure, we write “not listed” instead of guessing. Price is shown as a tier because prices move around.

We covered three adjustment styles (preset steps, stepless, and tilt or rocking), three surface types (plastic, foam, wood) and a spread of price tiers, with no more than two products per brand.

Buying Guide

Work out the height you need

The simple rule is that your thighs should be roughly level and your feet fully supported. Sit with your back against the chair, set the chair so your forearms are level with the keyboard, and see whether your feet reach the floor. If they do not, or if the seat edge presses into the back of your thighs, a footrest closes the gap.

Measure from the floor to the underside of your thigh at the knee, then compare with the seat height. The difference is the footrest height you need. A short user raising a chair by three inches to reach a fixed desk needs at least a three-inch footrest, and more if the chair cushion is thick.

Pick the adjustment style

Preset steps are fine if you only sit in one chair. Stepless adjustment, like the Wikabex, suits people who share a desk or change shoes. Tilt and rocking models suit people who like to move their ankles. If you are unsure, buy a preset model first and see which setting you end up using.

A good rule is to look at the lowest and highest heights. A footrest that starts at 4 inches is useless if you need 2, and one that tops out at 6 may be too low for a tall office chair.

Check platform size against your desk

Footwells vary. Measure the depth and width under your desk, including any drawers or crossbars. A 17 inch wide platform is comfortable for two feet side by side, but it needs clearance.

Watch for modesty panels and cable trays, which can reduce usable space.

Choose a surface you will actually use

Plastic is easy to clean, foam is soft, wood is firm and sturdy. A massage roller is a bonus for some people and an annoyance for others. If you work barefoot, consider foam or a smooth surface.

Non-slip bases matter on hard floors. Without one, a footrest creeps forward as you push on it.

Think about use beyond sitting

If you have a sit-stand desk, a platform that doubles as a standing shift surface adds value. If you game, a larger platform helps with pedals or foot movements. Keep stability in mind for rocking models.

Footrest Mistakes to Avoid

Most footrest disappointments come from fit, not product quality. These are the mistakes we see most often in buying guidance for office ergonomics.

• Buying before measuring seat height and thigh clearance
• Setting the footrest so high that your knees rise above your hips
• Choosing a large platform for a shallow footwell
• Using a footrest instead of fixing a chair that is too high
• Sitting in one position all day even with a footrest
• Ignoring the non-slip base on hard floors

A Worked Example: Setting the Height Step by Step

Take a user who is 5 feet 2 inches tall at a fixed 29 inch desk. To reach the keyboard with relaxed shoulders, she raises her chair until the seat is 19 inches from the floor. Her lower leg, from the floor to the back of the knee, measures about 16 inches while wearing her usual shoes. The gap is three inches. A footrest set to three inches closes it, and a footrest set to four inches lets her knees sit very slightly lower than her hips, which many people find comfortable.

Now add a thick seat cushion that compresses to an extra inch of height. The gap grows to four inches, so the footrest should go up by the same amount. This is why stepless and many-height models are useful: the right number moves when your chair, shoes or cushion change. If the footrest on your shortlist only offers two heights, check that one of them lands near your calculated gap.

Finally, test the setup the way you actually work. Sit for ten minutes typing and notice whether your thighs press into the seat edge, whether your knees feel pushed up, and whether your feet slide. Adjust by one step at a time. If you cannot find a comfortable setting, the chair is probably the wrong size, and a footrest will not solve that on its own.

Cleaning, Durability and Ownership Realities

Plastic platforms such as the Mind Reader wipe clean and rarely wear out, but the adjustment mechanism can loosen after months of pushing. Foam tops such as the ComfiLife compress and collect dust, so plan on vacuuming them and replacing the footrest when it loses shape. Wooden models are heavy and stable but can mark floors without pads.

Washable covers, mentioned in the Wikabex and ErGear listings, are worth having if you work barefoot. Read the care label before washing, since heat can shrink foam. Massage textures can trap lint, so a quick brush is enough to keep them tidy.

Finally, remember that a footrest is a piece of furniture you will kick, drag and step on. A heavier base and a non-slip underside will serve better in the long run than a light model that slides around.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a footrest at my home office desk?

You do if your feet do not rest flat on the floor with your thighs roughly level. That is common for shorter people and for anyone using a fixed-height desk. If your feet are already supported, a footrest is optional.

How high should an ergonomic footrest be?

Set it so your feet rest flat and your knees sit at about the same height as your hips or slightly lower. Use the floor-to-thigh measurement described in the guide to estimate the height, then fine-tune.

Are footrests good for short people?

They are often a good fit, because a chair set high enough to reach the keyboard can leave the feet hanging. A footrest with a tall maximum height, like the Wikabex at 13.1 inches, covers more cases.

Is a rocking footrest better than a fixed one?

It depends on your preference. Rocking lets the ankles move, which some people like, while a fixed platform is more stable. The ErGear lets you choose by locking or using the tilt.

Can a footrest replace a chair adjustment?

Not fully. If your chair is the wrong size, a footrest helps but does not fix other fit issues. Adjust the chair first, then add a footrest to close any remaining gap.

Memory foam or plastic?

Foam is softer, plastic is easier to clean and holds its height. If you work in socks or barefoot, foam may feel better. Foam can compress over time.

Do footrests slide on hard floors?

Some do. Look for non-slip pads or a non-skid base, which the HUANUO and VIVO listings mention.

Which One Should You Buy?

If you want the best control and you are willing to pay for it, choose the Wikabex Step-to-Adjust. If you want an inexpensive way to find out whether a footrest suits you, the CasaZenith six-height model is a sound starting point, and the Mind Reader is the simplest dependable platform.

For motion, the ErGear is the pick. For softness, the ComfiLife. For a sit-stand desk, the VIVO STAND-FT01. For a big surface, the HUANUO.

Whatever you choose, set the height before you commit: your thighs roughly level, your feet flat, and no pressure behind your knees.

Sources

• Store listing details for the Wikabex, CasaZenith, Mind Reader, ErGear, ComfiLife, VIVO and HUANUO footrests
• Workplace ergonomics guidance from occupational safety agencies
• Office ergonomics publications on seat height and footrest use
• Manufacturer product pages where available

Last updated: October 2026

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