Under Desk Foot Hammock: What It Is and Who It Is For
Office chairs
An under desk foot hammock is a small canvas sling that hangs from beneath your desk so you can rest your feet during long sits. The UPLIFT Desk Foot Hammock is the most stable pick. Cheaper clamp-on versions work on any desk but move more when you push off them.
Our picks
A foam footrest fixes a chair that is too high. An under desk foot hammock is something different: a small sling that takes the load off your lower legs during long calls, reading blocks, or recovery breaks. It does not replace a footrest if your chair is the wrong height, and it is not the same as a chair-mounted retractable footrest.
For foam footrests, see the footrest for desk guide. For office chairs with built-in footrests, see the best office chair with footrest guide. For matching the whole chair to your body, start with the best office chair pillar. Browse more office chairs guides once the hammock is in and the rest of the chair setup still feels off.
Who actually needs a foot hammock
You sit at a desk for six or more hours a day. You take breaks, but your feet need somewhere to rest between breaks that is softer than the hard floor. You want your chair reclined a few degrees during calls or reading. You own a standing desk and want a rest position that is not the chair.
You do not need a foot hammock if your feet already rest flat on the floor when your chair is set correctly, or if the only problem is a small gap between your soles and the floor. A foam footrest solves that for less money.
You also do not need a foot hammock if you want active ankle movement while you type. A hammock is for resting, not for micro-movements. If you keep your feet on a foam footrest for circulation, see the footrest for desk lane instead.
How to mount a foot hammock
There are three common mounting styles, and they are not interchangeable.
Eye plates on the desktop. The UPLIFT Desk Foot Hammock ships with two stainless steel eye plates and four wood screws. You drill four small pilot holes into the underside of the desktop, screw the eye plates in, and clip the carabiners through the eyes. The hammock then hangs from the eye plates and moves up and down with a sit-stand desk. This is the most stable option because the eye plates are anchored into solid wood, not resting on the desktop edge.
Anchor plates on the desk frame. The UPLIFT Under Desk Hammock clips to anchor plates that bolt to a UPLIFT V2 or V3 standing desk frame's patented accessory mounting points. No drilling into the desktop. This is the right choice if you already own a UPLIFT V2 or V3 frame and want a longer 6 ft hammock that lets you recline more. It does not work on non-UPLIFT frames or on UPLIFT V2 Commercial or 4-leg frames.
Clamp mounts on the desktop edge. The iMissiu Foot Hammock uses rubber clamp mounts that hook over the edge of the desktop and tighten with bolts. No drilling. The downside is that the clamp grips the desktop edge, so the hammock can drift sideways if you push off hard with one foot, and the clamps can leave marks on soft desktops over time.
Match the mounting style to your desk before you buy. Eye plates need a solid wood desktop at least 0.75 in thick. Anchor plates need a UPLIFT V2 or V3 frame. Clamp mounts work on any solid desk up to about 2.4 in thick.
What to look for in an under desk foot hammock
Check the stability of the sling. A flat piece of canvas swings when you push off with one foot. A hammock with two wood bars, like the UPLIFT Desk Foot Hammock, keeps the canvas flat and lets you push off without the whole sling rotating. If you plan to actually use your feet to shift position, wood bars are worth the small premium.
Check the rope adjustability. The rope should adjust from a low position (a few inches below the desk) to a higher position where the sling is parallel to your thighs. The UPLIFT version adjusts with a simple stopper. The iMissiu version adjusts with a rope clamp. Both work. Look for at least 12 in of adjustment range so you can switch between work and rest positions.
Check the weight capacity. The UPLIFT Desk Foot Hammock holds 100 lb frame mounted and 50 lb desk mounted. The Under Desk Hammock holds 200 lb under a desk. The iMissiu is rated around 175 lb. Match the rating to how you actually use it. If you are 200 lb and plan to mount with eye plates, the UPLIFT Desk Foot Hammock is not the right pick. Use the frame-mounted version instead.
Check the desktop clearance. A hammock hanging 6 in below a 30 in desk sits at 24 in off the floor, which clears most office chair seats. If you have a low desk or a high chair, measure first.
Quick comparison
UPLIFT Desk Foot Hammock: best overall
The UPLIFT Desk Foot Hammock is the most stable under-desk sling in this stack. The two wood bars hold the canvas flat, so when you push off with one foot the whole sling does not rotate. The eye plates mount to the underside of any solid wood desktop with four small pilot holes and four screws, so the hammock works on non-UPLIFT desks too. The 15-year warranty is a sign of how UPLIFT expects this part to last.
Setup is a small project. You need a drill, a 1/8 in bit, and a few minutes to drill the pilot holes and screw in the eye plates. The kit includes the hardware. The carabiners clip to the eye plates, and the rope length adjusts with a simple plastic stopper that slides up or down to raise or lower the canvas.
Most owners leave the hammock installed for years. Common complaints mention the drilling step and the fact that the 50 lb desk-mounted capacity is lower than the 100 lb frame-mounted rating. If you need more capacity, the Under Desk Hammock on a UPLIFT frame is the step up.
Who it is for: Buyers who want the most stable sling, do not mind four pilot holes in the underside of their desktop, and want a 15-year warranty.
Skip if: You do not want to drill, or you already own a UPLIFT V2 or V3 frame and want a longer 6 ft hammock.
Shop: UPLIFT Desk Foot Hammock on Amazon
UPLIFT Under Desk Hammock: best for UPLIFT frames
The UPLIFT Desk Under Desk Hammock is the right step up if you already own a UPLIFT V2 or V3 standing desk frame that is 72 in or wider. The anchor plates bolt to the frame's patented accessory mounting points, no drilling into the desktop required. The 6 ft parachute nylon length lets you recline further than the smaller foot sling, which makes it better for power naps or longer break positions.
The 200 lb under-desk capacity is the highest in this stack. The hammock rolls into its attached storage bag when you do not need it, which keeps it out from under your knees during focused typing. It is not the right pick if you do not own a UPLIFT V2 or V3 frame, because the anchor plates are specific to that frame's mounting points.
Common complaints mention the V2/V3-only fit and the fact that the 6 ft length is overkill if you just want to rest your feet during calls.
Who it is for: Owners of a 72 in or wider UPLIFT V2 or V3 standing desk who want a recline-friendly hammock and the highest under-desk weight capacity.
Skip if: You do not own a UPLIFT V2 or V3 frame, or you want a smaller sling for foot rest only.
Shop: UPLIFT Desk Under Desk Hammock on Amazon
iMissiu Foot Hammock: best no-drill option
The iMissiu Foot Hammock is the right pick when you do not want to drill pilot holes and your desk is not a UPLIFT frame. The rubber clamp mounts hook over the desktop edge and tighten with bolts. The canvas sling and rope adjust from 12 to 23 in. The headphone holder on the clamp is a small bonus for keeping headphones off the desk.
The main tradeoff is stability. Clamp mounts grip the desktop edge with friction, not screws. If you push off hard with one foot, the whole clamp can drift sideways over time. You can fix this with a small piece of double-sided tape on the underside of the clamp, or by re-tightening the bolts every few weeks.
Common complaints mention the drift issue and the plastic feel compared to the UPLIFT versions. The price is the lowest in this stack, which is the main reason to pick it.
Who it is for: Renters, glass desk owners (note: skip if your desk is glass, the clamp-on version will not work on glass either), and anyone who does not want to drill four pilot holes in their desk.
Skip if: You have a glass desk, you push off hard with one foot, or you want the long warranty of the UPLIFT versions.
Shop: iMissiu Foot Hammock on Amazon
How to install a foot hammock without mistakes
For eye plates (UPLIFT Desk Foot Hammock): drill four pilot holes no deeper than 0.5 in. Wrap a piece of tape around the drill bit 0.5 in from the tip to mark the safe depth. Screw the eye plates in until the heads sit flush against the underside of the desktop. Clip the carabiners into the eye plates. Adjust the rope so the canvas sits a few inches above the floor when you are sitting.
For anchor plates (UPLIFT Under Desk Hammock): the frame's anchor points are pre-drilled on UPLIFT V2 and V3 frames. Bolt the anchor plates to the frame with the included hardware. Clip the carabiners into the anchor plates. Adjust the rope so the hammock sits at the height you want for breaks.
For clamp mounts (iMissiu): slide the clamp mounts over the desktop edge from below. Tighten the bolts until the rubber grips the desktop. Test the grip by pulling down on the rope. If the clamp slips, tighten further or add a small piece of double-sided tape under the clamp.
Test the stability before you trust your full weight. Push off with one foot a few times. A hammock that drifts sideways is more annoying than no hammock at all.
Common mistakes with under desk foot hammocks
Drilling into a desk you do not own. Renters should use the clamp-on version or skip the hammock. The eye plates leave four small holes in the desktop underside that are hard to fill.
Buying a UPLIFT Under Desk Hammock for a non-UPLIFT frame. The anchor plates are specific to UPLIFT V2 and V3 mounting points. On any other desk, you need the Desk Foot Hammock with eye plates or the clamp-on iMissiu.
Mounting on a glass desk. Glass cannot hold screws, and clamp mounts slip on smooth glass. Skip the foot hammock and use a foam footrest if your chair sits high.
Expecting the hammock to fix a chair that is too tall. A hammock holds your feet but does not fix a chair where your thighs press into the seat edge. If that is the real problem, lower the chair or raise the desk first. The standing desk height guide covers the desk-side fix.
Leaving the hammock on a standing desk at standing height. Tuck the hammock aside or roll it into its storage bag when you stand. A hanging sling at standing height is a knee hazard.
Overestimating the desk-mounted weight capacity. The UPLIFT Desk Foot Hammock holds 50 lb when desk mounted and 100 lb when frame mounted. If you are over 50 lb heavier than the forces you apply, switch to the frame-mounted version or the Under Desk Hammock.
Pair the hammock with the rest of the setup
A foot hammock works best when the rest of the chair setup is correct. The best office chair guide covers the fit basics. The best ergonomic office chair guide covers adjustability. The office chair for short person guide helps if your feet have been dangling all along and a foot hammock is actually the wrong fix.
For a chair with a built-in footrest, see the best office chair with footrest guide. For long-sit comfort beyond the chair, see the best office chair for long hours guide. For lower-back pairing with the hammock, the office chair for back pain guide covers the chair side.
Bottom line
An under desk foot hammock is a small sling that takes weight off your lower legs during long sits. The UPLIFT Desk Foot Hammock is the most stable pick on any solid wood desk and works without a UPLIFT frame.
The UPLIFT Under Desk Hammock is the longer 6 ft step up for owners of UPLIFT V2 or V3 standing desk frames. The iMissiu Foot Hammock is the no-drill budget pick when you do not want to touch your desktop. Match the mounting style to your desk before you buy, and test stability before you trust your full weight. Browse more setup guides on the blog or start from the homepage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an under desk foot hammock?
A small canvas sling that hangs from the underside of your desk on ropes or wood bars. You rest your feet on it during long sits so your legs are not pressing straight down into the floor. The UPLIFT Desk Foot Hammock uses wood bars to keep the canvas flat. Cheaper versions use a single piece of fabric that swings when you push off.
Do foot hammocks actually work?
Yes for the use case they are built for: resting your feet during calls, reading, or breaks. They take weight off your thighs and let your lower legs settle. They do not replace a foam footrest if your chair is too high and your feet dangle. See the footrest for desk guide for the foam-rests lane.
Are foot hammocks worth it?
Worth it if you take breaks during long sits and want a softer place to rest your feet than the floor. Not worth it if you want active ankle movement or you sit at a fixed height where a foam footrest solves the same problem cheaper.
Do foot hammocks work with standing desks?
The clamp-on versions, like the iMissiu, do not work well because they sit on the desktop edge and interfere with the up-and-down travel of a sit-stand. The UPLIFT Desk Foot Hammock uses eye plates on the underside, which move with the desk, and the frame-mounted Under Desk Hammock clips directly to the UPLIFT V2 or V3 frame. Both work at sitting and standing heights.
Do foot hammocks help with back pain?
They can reduce the urge to perch on the front edge of the seat, which helps you use the chair back. They are not a substitute for a chair that fits. Sharp or lasting pain needs a clinician, not only a foot hammock. Pair the hammock with a best office chair that fits your body, not against the one you already have.
How much weight can an under desk foot hammock hold?
The UPLIFT Desk Foot Hammock holds 100 lb when frame mounted and 50 lb when desk mounted with eye plates. The frame-mounted UPLIFT Under Desk Hammock holds 200 lb under a desk. The iMissiu clamp-on version is rated around 175 lb. Match the rating to how you actually use it.
Will a foot hammock damage my desk?
Eye plates require four small pilot holes drilled into the underside of the desktop. If you do not want to drill, the clamp-on iMissiu or the frame-mounted UPLIFT version avoid the desktop entirely. Check the underside of your desk for material before drilling. Thin hollow-core tops do not take screws well.
Can I use a foot hammock on a glass or thick wood desk?
Eye plates work on solid wood desks 0.75 in thick or more. Glass desks are not a candidate because the glass cannot hold screws. Clamp-on versions like the iMissiu work on most solid desks up to 2.4 in thick. For glass, skip the foot hammock and use a foam footrest instead.
Which airlines ban foot hammocks?
Foot hammocks designed for airplane tray tables are a different product from under-desk hammocks and are not the focus of this guide. Some airlines restrict anything that hangs from the seat or tray. Check your airline before you fly with one.