Best Footrest for a Desk: A Small Fix for Dangling Feet
A desk footrest is a simple way to support your feet when the chair height that fits the desk leaves a small gap to the floor.
By Harper Lin
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The short answer: (paid link) Use a footrest for a desk when your chair is at the right height for typing but your feet hang slightly above the floor. The Everlasting Comfort Foot Rest (paid link) is the straightforward foam option with a washable cover and a large review base.
Our picks
A footrest is a small purchase that can make a chair feel more settled. When your feet have support, you are less tempted to perch on the front edge of the seat. That helps you use the chair's backrest and lumbar support the way they were intended.
It is not a cure for an oversized chair. If the seat is too deep or the armrests do not meet the desk, start with a better office chair for a short person. A footrest is for a modest gap, not a complete fit problem.
If your feet dangle after the chair is as low as it goes, a footrest gives them a platform. It will not fix a desk that is still too high.
First set the chair correctly
Set your chair so your elbows are close to desk height and your shoulders stay relaxed. If your feet are then slightly unsupported, place a footrest under them. Do not lower the chair until your feet touch if that makes you reach up to type.
The rest should be wide enough for both feet and low enough that it does not force your knees high into the desktop. Try it for a week, not five minutes. A small angle or soft surface can feel different during a full workday.
Everlasting Comfort Foot Rest
The Everlasting Comfort Foot Rest for Under Desk at Work (paid link) is a dependable foam option. It has a washable cover, non-slip base, and a shape that can be flipped for a gentle rocking position.
Foam is comfortable but not infinitely firm. If you want a precise height adjustment or a hard platform, look for an adjustable plastic or metal model instead. For a chair-height gap of a few inches, the foam design is usually simpler.
Premium ComfortFoam alternative
The Everlasting Comfort Premium ComfortFoam Foot Rest (paid link) is a shaped alternative with a current 4.6-star rating from more than 24,000 reviews. Its teardrop shape supports the arches and the cover is removable for cleaning.
Pick based on the shape you expect to prefer, not health claims. No footrest replaces breaks, a usable chair, or a desk at the right height.
Make the whole desk fit
Once your feet and chair are sorted, set the display. A monitor riser or best monitor arm can bring the screen up without making you sit taller. For a complete setup check, use standing desk height.
Bottom line
The Everlasting Comfort Foot Rest is a sensible first footrest for a desk because it is washable, stable, and well reviewed. Use it to close a small height gap after setting the chair for the desk. If the chair still feels wrong, solve the chair fit instead of stacking more accessories underneath it.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do I need a desk footrest?
Use one when your chair is correctly set for the desk but your feet do not sit comfortably on the floor.
Can a footrest fix a chair that is too large?
No. It can support your feet but cannot make a deep seat or badly placed lumbar support fit.
Should a footrest rock?
Some people like a gentle rocking option. Others prefer a stable platform. Both are reasonable.