Do You Need a Footrest at Your Desk? When It Helps and How to Choose One

What a footrest does

A footrest gives your feet a place to rest when the floor is too far away. This matters because your legs support the base of your posture. If your feet dangle, your thighs press into the seat edge, and your lower back works harder to hold you up.

It is a small accessory, but for the right person it solves a surprisingly common problem: a desk that is high enough for your arms but a chair that leaves your feet in the air.

How to tell if you need one

Sit at your desk with your keyboard at elbow height. If your feet rest flat on the floor and your thighs are roughly level, you are fine. If your feet are off the floor, or you have to perch on the front of the seat, a footrest is a good solution.

Other signs include pressure behind your knees, tingling legs, or a tendency to sit on one foot or cross your legs for support.

It is also worth checking your chair first. Sometimes lowering the seat or changing the chair solves the problem without needing an accessory.

• ✓Feet dangle above the floor
• ✓Pressure behind the knees
• ✓Sitting on the edge of the seat
• ✓Desk is too high to lower

Setting height and angle

Adjust the footrest so your thighs are roughly parallel to the floor and your knees are about level with your hips. The footrest should be close enough that your legs are not stretched out.

A slight tilt can be comfortable, but avoid steep angles that strain your ankles. If the footrest is adjustable, change the angle during the day to vary the position of your feet.

Choosing a footrest

Look for a stable base, a non-slip surface, and enough area for both feet. Adjustable height is useful if more than one person uses it. Textured tops can feel good, but make sure they are comfortable in socks or shoes.

Some models rock or roll, which allows gentle movement. This can reduce stiffness, though some people prefer a fixed surface.

• ✓Non-slip base and top
• ✓Wide enough for both feet
• ✓Adjustable height or angle
• ✓Easy to clean

Alternatives

If a footrest is not an option, you can lower your chair if the desk allows, or raise your feet with a sturdy box or a stack of books. For a long-term fix, consider a desk with adjustable height, so you can match it to your seat.

You might also try an adjustable chair with a lower minimum seat height, which avoids the need for an accessory.

For taller people, a footrest is less common, but a lower chair or a higher desk may help. A footrest can still be useful if you want to change foot position.

Combine with good habits

A footrest is helpful, but it should not trap your legs in one position. Move your feet regularly, stand up often, and avoid crossing your legs for long periods.

If you use a standing desk, you will not need the footrest when standing, but it is useful for the sitting part of the day.

Getting the most from a footrest

Once you have a footrest, take a moment to set up the rest of your workstation again. With your feet supported, you may be able to raise the chair slightly, which changes the keyboard and monitor heights.

Check the new height by sitting back, relaxing your shoulders, and noting where your elbows fall. Adjust the desk or keyboard tray as needed.

Footrests are also handy if you have a desk that cannot be lowered. They solve the geometry problem without forcing you to compromise your arm position.

Compare the footprint of the footrest with the space under your desk, since some models are bulky and may collide with desk legs or cables.

• ✓Re-check chair height after adding the footrest
• ✓Make sure the footrest does not slide
• ✓Keep your feet flat and relaxed
• ✓Change position now and then