5 Best Under-Desk Footrests for Comfortable Legs (2026)

Updated October 2026

If your feet do not rest flat on the floor when your chair is set to the right height for your desk, an under-desk footrest is the simplest fix. It brings the floor up to you, keeps your thighs level and gives your legs a place to shift and move. These are the under-desk footrests we would choose, from a premium rocking platform to soft foam rests that cost very little.

The Best Under-Desk Footrests at a Glance

Who Needs an Under-Desk Footrest?

• Shorter people whose feet do not reach the floor when the chair is set to desk height.
• Anyone with a fixed-height desk that is too high for them.
• People who like to move their feet while they work.
• Anyone whose chair seat height cannot go low enough.

If your feet already rest flat with your thighs level, you may not need one. Check your setup with our office chair height chart.

1. Humanscale FM 300 Foot Machine: Best Overall

The FM 300 is a premium wooden footrest that glides and rocks on rollers, letting your feet move naturally while you work. Its height adjusts with knobs at each end, and its large platform suits shoes. It is expensive and heavier than foam footrests, but it is built to last, from the same company that makes the Humanscale Freedom.

• Choose it if: you want a durable, active footrest for all-day use.
• Skip it if: you work barefoot or want something soft.

2. Kensington SoleMate Pro Elite: Most Adjustable

Kensington's SoleMate Pro Elite adjusts in both height and tilt, so you can set it to the exact position your legs need. That makes it especially useful for shorter people and anyone who wants to fine-tune their setup. Its platform design works well with shoes.

• Choose it if: you need precise height and angle adjustment.
• Skip it if: you prefer a soft, cushioned footrest.

3. ErgoFoam Adjustable Foot Rest: Best Foam Footrest

ErgoFoam's popular 2-in-1 footrest uses dense foam in a teardrop shape, with a removable base that lets you choose between two heights. Without the base, it can rock. It is soft enough for socks or bare feet and comes with a removable cover.

• Choose it if: you want a soft footrest with some height adjustment.
• Skip it if: you always wear shoes at your desk.

4. Cushion Lab Ergonomic Foot Rest: Best Massage Ridge Design

Cushion Lab's memory foam footrest has ridges across its surface designed to give your soles gentle stimulation, and a contoured shape for comfortable support. It is a good pick if you work in socks.

• Choose it if: you want a premium-feeling foam footrest.
• Skip it if: you need adjustable height.

5. Everlasting Comfort Foot Rest: Best Budget Pick

The widely reviewed Everlasting Comfort footrest is a memory foam teardrop that can be flipped to rock, with a washable cover, at a low price. It is a simple, comfortable choice for most home offices.

• Choose it if: you want an affordable, comfortable footrest.
• Skip it if: you need precise height.

How to Choose an Under-Desk Footrest

Height and Adjustability

Your footrest should let your thighs sit level or slope slightly down with your feet fully supported. If your gap varies, choose an adjustable model like the Kensington or Humanscale.

Hard Platform or Soft Foam

Hard platforms suit shoes and hold their shape; soft foam suits socks and bare feet but can compress over time.

Movement

Rocking or gliding footrests encourage small movements, which many people find more comfortable than keeping their legs still.

Size

Make sure it fits under your desk and gives enough room to shift your feet.

How to Set Up a Footrest

1. Set your chair height so your elbows are level with your desk.
2. Place the footrest under your feet and adjust it until your thighs are about level.
3. Check that there is no pressure behind your knees.
4. Move your feet occasionally and stand up regularly.

Read our full office chair setup guide.

Under-Desk Footrest vs. Chair With a Built-In Footrest

An under-desk footrest supports your feet while you work. A chair with a built-in leg rest supports your legs while you recline. They solve different problems. If you want to put your feet up on breaks, see our best office chairs with a footrest.

Better Still: A Chair That Fits

A footrest is a great fix, but if your chair cannot go low enough, a chair designed for your height may be the better long-term solution. See our best office chairs for short people, led by the Herman Miller Aeron Size A.

Which Footrest Fits You?

How We Chose

We compared manufacturer specifications, Amazon listings, independent reviews and owner feedback, and focused on the features that matter most for this accessory: fit, materials, durability and value. We favored well-established products with clear specifications, and where a detail is not published, we say so rather than guess.

Under-Desk Footrest FAQs