Best overall: ComfiLife Foot Rest for Under DeskBest for pregnancy: Everlasting Comfort Office Foot Rest for Under DeskBest wooden: Humanscale FM 300 Foot Machine FootrestBest ergonomic: Cushion Lab Ergonomic Foot RestBest budget: Basic Concepts Under Desk Foot Rest
How we chose the best under-desk foot rests
Combining peer recommendations, personal experiences, user impressions, and critical reviews, we chose the best under-desk foot rests for you based on a few key factors. We researched options that were machine-washable to prevent stinky foot odors from ruining your new favorite office gadget. We looked at different materials, like wooden or memory foam, as well as footrests that come in several color selections to give you multiple aesthetic options. We also looked at adjustable foot rest for under desks that might be higher up or to account for different body heights.
The benefits we look for in under-desk foot rests
The benefits of foot rests vary depending on the person using them, but they certainly have some universal advantages that we kept in mind while selecting our best under-desk foot rests:
They provide comfort. Foot rests are soft, comfortable, and cloud-like thrones for your feet. They can definitely provide comfort and relaxation in place of hardwood floors. They can improve posture. Studies show that proper posture and alignment are important for overall body health and that sitting with your legs crossed can have negative effects on the body. Using under-desk foot rests can help maintain proper posture and alignment while sitting.They may help with circulation. Because under-desk foot rests encourage foot movement, you won’t be sitting in a static position for as long. This encourages blood flow and better circulation.
The best under-desk foot rests of 2023: Reviews & Recommendations
Our picks ensure a range of costs to suit your budget, keeping in mind you can absolutely get high-quality, durable under-desk foot rests that won’t break the bank.
Best overall: ComfiLife Foot Rest for Under Desk
Why it made the cut: This under-desk foot rest is a little bit of everything, all rolled into one seriously comfortable experience! It’s machine-washable, lightweight, made of quality memory foam, and works well for tall and heavy customers! Specs
Weight: 1.6 poundsProduct Dimensions: 17.5 x 12 x 6 inchesMaterial: Memory foam
Pros
Great for tall/heavy peopleSuper comfortableMade from high-quality memory foamWashable, removable cover
Cons
Not ideal for super short peoplePricier option
Best for pregnancy: Everlasting Comfort Office Foot Rest for Under Desk
Why it made the cut: Swollen, achy pregnant feet will love this memory-foam under-desk foot rest that provides soft and squishy comfort. It’s also machine-washable so, when the baby comes, spills and spit-up won’t be a problem! Specs
Weight: 1.1 lbsProduct Dimensions: 17 x 9.5 x 4.75 inchesMaterial: Memory Foam
Pros
Super-soft memory foamMachine washableBudget-friendlyCertified non-toxic and safe materials2-in-1 stationary foot rest and rocking foot rest
Cons
Metal zipper can scratch hardwood floorsVery very soft; some people prefer more firm support
This non-slip, 100% memory foam under-desk foot rest for swollen feet is perfect for achy joints and pregnant mothers who need a little TLC. Memory foam is also great because it utilizes your own body heat to soften and conform to your unique foot shape, bouncing back after each use. Tested by OEKO-TEX to earn their coveted Standard 100 label, this footrest is also safe for you and your baby! It’s machine-washable—just unzip and toss it in the washing machine in case of any spills or stains (which is a huge plus when the baby comes). You can also flip it over for a rocking foot rest to get that circulation flowing.
Best wooden: Humanscale FM 300 Foot Machine Footrest
Why it made the cut: This wooden under-desk foot rest features a chic slab of wood connected to a steel frame—it’s lightweight, durable, and great for short people with several height adjustments for a customizable feel. Specs
Weight: 10.63 poundsProduct Dimensions: 8.75 x 16 x 6 inchesMaterial: Wood
Pros
Lots of positive reviewsCustomizable; three-inch height adjustments Great for short peopleHigh qualityEasy to vacuum compared to foam
Cons
Anti-slip texture on foot rest is scratchyRolling could be smootherPricey
The FR300 Foot Rocker features ball bearing rollers allowing users to rock their feet as they type away at their desk. This encourages healthy circulation while also acting as a more ergonomic option compared to placing feet on the floor. It offers a 3-inch height adjustment for custom positioning, which can help relieve lower back pain depending on where you position it. Reviewers rave about how durable and lightweight the design is, and how much chicer it looks than a foam pad. Do note that the anti-slip texture on the footrest can feel a bit scratchy on bare feet, and it’s a bit on the pricier side since it’s made from natural wood.
Best ergonomic: Cushion Lab Ergonomic Foot Rest
Why it made the cut: With a patented WaveMassage design that feels like literal waves of massage down your feet, this ergonomic memory-foam foot rest is soft, luxurious, and stimulates blood flow and circulation for optimal support. Specs
Machine Washable: Yes (removable cover)Product Dimensions: 17 W x 10.5 L x 5 H inchesMaterial: Memory foam
Pros
Machine washable removable coverErgonomic, patented design Charcoal-infused core prevents odorGood resistance while staying softComes in lots of colors
Cons
Pricier than other models
This under-desk foot rest massager features memory foam with a wavy twist! With a patented WaveMassage design that feels like waves against your feet, this under-desk foot rest is super soft while providing resistance. The “wavy” design is also pleasant to rub against your feet to stimulate circulation, many reviewers note. It has a removable, washable slipcover as well as a charcoal-infused core to prevent odor from accumulating. We love that it comes in lots of colors to choose from to suit your style, and is much more attractive than other models that can feel a bit cold or boring. Reviewers love how it feels like clouds on your feet, but note that it’s on the pricier side.
Best budget: Basic Concepts Under Desk Foot Rest
Why it made the cut: For just about $25, you can get a high-quality under-desk foot rest that is soft yet firm with a non-slip, machine-washable cover! Specs
Weight: 1.19 lbsProduct Dimensions: 17.5 x 11.5 x 3.8 inchesMaterial: Foam
Pros
InexpensiveMade from premium foamMachine washableBreathable Most reviewers love the firmness-to-softness ratio
Cons
Slides a bit on hardwood floorsDoesn’t hold shape as well as more premium models
Made from high-quality foam, this machine washable, non-slip under-desk foot rest is breathable and ultra-comfy! Reviewers rave that they’ve really nailed the art of firmness to softness ratio. It’s not so soft that it’s basically melting into the floor, defeating the purpose. But it’s also not so firm it feels like an under-desk brick! Note that some reviewers had an issue with it sinking in after a while of use and that it generally doesn’t hold its shape as well as some more expensive models. But, not everyone had that experience. It can also tend to slide a bit on hardwood floors, so it might be good to get a little pad for the bottom! But for about $25, this product is a total steal.
Final thoughts on the best under-desk foot rests
Stop dealing with back and joint pain while sitting at your desk all day. With your feet on the cold hardwood floor and at a weird angle, you’re bound to feel the long-term effects! By opting for one of these luxurious and ergonomic under-desk foot rests (or rather, foot thrones), you’ll not only get relief from aches and pains, but you’ll also feel like a king or queen!
