If your feet don’t comfortably reach the floor at your desk, you’re putting unnecessary strain on your lower back, hips, and legs — often without realizing it. An under-desk footrest is one of the simplest, most affordable ergonomic fixes you can make, and it genuinely works.
We researched and compared the most popular options on the market to find the best under-desk footrest for different needs, budgets, and desk setups. Here’s what we found.
- Who Actually Needs an Under-Desk Footrest?
- What to Look For
- Top 6 Under-Desk Footrests in 2026
- BlissTrends — Best Overall
- ComfiLife — Best for Tall Users
- Kensington SmartFit — Best Adjustable
- Mind Reader — Best Hard Platform
- Everlasting Comfort — Best for Back Pain
- Fellowes Professional — Best Heavy-Duty
- Quick Comparison Table
- FAQs
Who Actually Needs an Under-Desk Footrest?
You need a footrest if any of the following describe your situation:
- Your feet dangle or barely touch the floor when sitting at your desk
- You experience lower back pain, hip tightness, or leg fatigue after long work sessions
- Your chair is adjusted for armrest or monitor height rather than foot height
- You’re under 5’6″ and use a standard-height desk (most desks are 29–30 inches)
- You work long hours and want to reduce fatigue and pressure buildup
According to ergonomic guidelines, your feet should rest flat on a stable surface with your knees at approximately a 90-degree angle. For many people — especially shorter individuals — a footrest is the only way to achieve this at a fixed-height desk.
What to Look For in an Under-Desk Footrest
Before buying, consider these key factors:
Height range: Measure the gap between your floor and where your feet naturally hang when seated. Most footrests offer 3–6 inches of lift. If you need more than 6 inches, look for a platform-style or stackable option.
Surface material: Foam footrests are comfortable barefoot or in socks. Hard plastic or rubberized platforms are better for users who wear shoes at their desk. Some models offer both options.
Stability: Non-skid bottoms are essential on hard floors. Rocking or tilting bases are great for circulation but need a wider non-slip surface to stay in place.
Footprint: Standard under-desk footrests are about 17″ x 13″. Measure your under-desk clearance to make sure there’s no conflict with chair casters or cables.
Budget: Good footrests start around $25. Spending over $60 gets you better adjustability and durability, but the mid-range options perform well for most users.
Top 6 Under-Desk Footrests in 2026
BlissTrends Memory Foam Footrest
~$25–30 | Best Overall
The BlissTrends is the most widely used under-desk footrest in home offices — and for good reason. It hits the sweet spot of comfort, stability, and price. The memory foam surface conforms to your feet without bottoming out, and the two height settings (3–4″ and 4–5″) cover the majority of users.
The rocking base encourages subtle movement throughout the day, which helps with circulation during long seated sessions. The non-skid bottom holds reliably on both hardwood and carpet. It’s compact enough (about 17″ x 13″) to fit under almost any desk without interfering with chair casters.
Who it’s for: Most home office users, barefoot or sock wearers, anyone wanting a simple and comfortable upgrade
Pros: Affordable, memory foam comfort, two heights, rocking base, compact
Cons: Not ideal for shoe wearers (foam compresses under full shoe weight), limited to 5″ max height
Best for: General home office use — the default recommendation for most people
ComfiLife Memory Foam Footrest
~$35–40 | Best for Taller Users / Higher Lift
If you need more than 5 inches of lift, the ComfiLife is one of the few quality options in this price range that delivers up to 6 inches of elevation. It has a larger footprint than the BlissTrends, which is better for users with bigger feet or those who like to reposition frequently during long sessions.
The memory foam is high-density and holds its shape well over time. It’s a bit heavier and bulkier than the BlissTrends, so it works best as a permanent desk fixture rather than something you move around.
Who it’s for: Users who need 5–6 inches of lift, taller individuals, those with larger feet
Pros: Up to 6″ lift, large surface area, high-density foam, durable
Cons: Bulkier and heavier, pricier than BlissTrends, less portable
Best for: Users whose foot-floor gap exceeds 5 inches at their working chair height
Kensington SmartFit Memory Foam Footrest
~$45–55 | Best Adjustable Option
The Kensington SmartFit stands out because it offers both height adjustment (3.5–5″) and angle adjustment (up to 30 degrees) — a combination you don’t often find in this price range. The foot-pedal height adjustment is intuitive and lets you fine-tune positioning without bending down.
Memory foam surface with a non-skid base. Slightly larger footprint than the BlissTrends, but very stable. Ideal for users who are still dialing in their ergonomic setup or who share a desk with someone else at a different height.
Who it’s for: Users who want precise angle and height control, shared desks, ergonomic-focused setups
Pros: Height + angle adjustable, foot-pedal adjustment, memory foam, stable
Cons: More expensive, slightly bulkier, adjustment mechanism adds complexity
Best for: Users who want full ergonomic control without committing to a fixed position
Mind Reader Adjustable Hard Platform Footrest
~$25–30 | Best for Shoe Wearers
If you wear shoes at your desk — common in office environments or for those who move between home and office setups — the Mind Reader’s hard platform is a better choice than foam. Foam compresses under shoe weight and loses its feel; a firm platform stays consistent all day.
Two height settings, non-skid base, compact footprint similar to the BlissTrends. Not as comfortable barefoot, but that’s not what it’s designed for. Very stable under full shoe weight, and the hard surface is easy to clean.
Who it’s for: Office workers, shoe wearers, those who prefer firm support
Pros: Stable under shoes, easy to clean, affordable, compact
Cons: Uncomfortable barefoot, less cushioning, basic adjustability
Best for: Under-desk use with shoes — firm, stable, no compression
Everlasting Comfort Foot Rest Cushion
~$30–40 | Best for Back Pain Relief
The Everlasting Comfort is designed specifically with pain relief in mind. The pure memory foam construction distributes pressure evenly across the foot surface, which helps users who experience plantar fasciitis, heel pain, or lower back strain from prolonged sitting.
It has a removable, washable cover — a practical touch that most footrests don’t offer. The high-density foam is durable and doesn’t flatten with extended use. Slightly softer feel than the BlissTrends, which some users prefer for all-day comfort.
Who it’s for: Users with foot pain, plantar fasciitis, or lower back issues
Pros: Pain-relief focused, washable cover, high-density foam, durable
Cons: Softer feel may not suit everyone, limited height options
Best for: Anyone with foot pain, plantar fasciitis, or lower back fatigue from sitting
Fellowes Professional Series Footrest
~$50–65 | Best Heavy-Duty Option
The Fellowes Professional is for users who want a rigid, durable, long-lasting footrest and don’t mind spending more to get it. The steel-reinforced structure supports heavier users without flex or wobble, and the multiple height settings with tilt adjustment give it more versatility than most hard-platform options.
Larger footprint than most, so it’s best suited for wider desks with plenty of under-desk clearance. Built to last for years of daily use in demanding environments.
Who it’s for: Heavier users, office environments, those wanting maximum durability
Pros: Steel-reinforced, multiple height + tilt settings, very durable, professional build
Cons: Most expensive on this list, larger footprint, overkill for casual home office use
Best for: Heavy daily use, office environments, users wanting a permanent ergonomic fixture
Quick Comparison Table
| Model | Price | Material | Max Height | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BlissTrends | $25–30 | Memory Foam | 5″ | Most users |
| ComfiLife | $35–40 | Memory Foam | 6″ | Taller users / more lift |
| Kensington SmartFit | $45–55 | Memory Foam | 5″ + 30° tilt | Adjustability |
| Mind Reader | $25–30 | Hard Platform | 5″ | Shoe wearers |
| Everlasting Comfort | $30–40 | Memory Foam | 4.5″ | Back / foot pain |
| Fellowes Professional | $50–65 | Hard Platform | 4″ + tilt | Heavy-duty use |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I really need a footrest if I have an adjustable chair?
Possibly not — but it depends on your desk height. If you can lower your chair so your feet rest flat on the floor while your arms remain at the correct height for typing, you may not need one. But most fixed-height desks make this difficult, and a footrest is often the simpler and cheaper solution compared to a height-adjustable desk.
What height footrest do I need?
Sit in your chair at your normal working position and measure the gap from the floor to where your feet naturally hang. That measurement is the minimum height your footrest should provide. Most models offer 3–6 inches of lift, which covers the majority of users.
Is a rocking footrest better than a fixed one?
For most people, a rocking base is a plus — subtle movement encourages circulation and reduces stiffness during long sessions. If you find movement distracting or prefer consistent pressure, a fixed platform works just as well.
Can I use a footrest at a standing desk?
Yes, but you’d want a different product — an anti-fatigue mat for standing, not a seated footrest. Some standing desks also offer foot rail attachments designed for standing posture.
How do I stop my footrest from sliding?
Look for models with rubberized non-slip pads on the bottom. If your current footrest slides, adding a non-slip mat underneath (the kind used under rugs) usually solves the problem permanently.
→ Related: Best Footrests Under $30 | Best Ergonomic Chairs for Home Office | Complete Home Office Setup Guide