9 Best Footrests to Improve Your Seated Posture (2023)

Poor posture is a killer whether at the office, your kitchen table, or anywhere else you may find yourself sitting. If your desk chair doesn’t support your posture and body type, it’s time to make some modifications.

Like lumbar supports, the best footrests will ensure that your lower back and hips have support and prevent you from slouching. Level up your posture game with our list of best footrests and stop feeling like your body is betraying you. Let’s take a look.

Before we launch into the list, keep a few things in mind as you choose your footrest style.

Keeping your feet aligned helps prevent posture-related pain and injury as you work, sit, or relax. Get a footrest to help:

• elevate your knees slightly above your hips for blood flow.
• reduce your chances of nerve damage.
• maintain active sitting.
• reduce varicose veins

There are a few different options here. Depending on your unique situation, you may need a specific type of footrest for the best results.

• Rocking footrest – Rocking helps you maintain active sitting and stretch your ankles, calves, and hips. These are great for extended periods at your desk.

• Padded footrest – When you’re relaxing, or if you have foot trouble, padded footrests help gently support your feet and ankles.

• Portable footrests – These are easily movable and allow you to maintain posture support throughout your home or office.

• Massaging footrest – These luxury items are the best footrests to help you maintain focus, ease any foot or tendon pain, and encourage circulation.

You don’t have to invest in a height-adjustable option, but it makes your life a lot easier. You can adjust the footrest to accommodate your unique body and adjust it again if your seating situation changes. If at all possible, this is a great feature to have.

Here are our picks for best footrests for a variety of purposes.

Humanscale’s footrest is not only a great design, but it uses luxury materials – real wood and steel – to create a pleasing footrest that works. It features a three-inch height adjustment and a non-skid surface with protective feet.

You adjust the tilt easily with just a simple roller, making it simple to readjust as you need to throughout the day. It moves smoothly and stays out of your way.

This foot hammock features a universal latching system designed to mount onto any desk quickly and easily. It stays off the floor and is perfect for those of you who prefer a soft footrest.

It also works as a focus tool, allowing you to swing the fabric back and forth. It’s adjustable for the right fit and works with nearly any desk.

Eureka’s footrest is an adjustable, tilting option with small massage nodes and a classic design. It’s simple to put together and helps you get just the right angle. Scratch-resistant rubber feet protect your floor.

You can get the angle of the tilt just right for your comfort and where you happen to be sitting. It’s durable and tested for low emissions during manufacturing.

The Royal Art Store footrest office ottoman is a low profile footrest with a cushion design.

There’s nothing to adjust, and it sits on the floor underneath your feet for a little boost. It features a handle and removable cover so you can throw it in the washing machine and keep it clean it with ease.

It also has a non-slip bottom and is sits under your desk discreetly. Be aware however – some buyers have found it to be on the small side.

Hercules Portable Foot Rest is a good option for relief. It features folding legs which makes it portable and compact. 

It fits in many places, even in a purse, and is an effective way to improve your posture. The surface is a little hard, but with good shoes, this shouldn’t be an issue.

You can’t bring your standard footrest on the plane, but this simple sling version does the trick. It’s easy to install and folds up neatly for storage in your carry-on bag. Padding helps keep your legs and feet comfortable, and it works with the tray table up or down. 

These are some of the best footrests for people less than five feet eight inches tall to help adjust spine position, and the freely hanging design allows you to move your legs during your flight. There’s nothing to move out of the floor if someone wants to get by.

ErgoFoam is a memory foam-style footrest with a high pile and non-skid bottom. The exterior is a durable material, but it works best with bare or sock feet.

It’s designed to resist flattening but your feet do sink into it so it’s best for someone looking for a soft rather than firm footrest. Since it’s foam, it has a number of other advantages.

It won’t scratch delicate hardwood floors and you can take it on a long-haul flight to help sit more comfortably. The fabric does tend to attract dust bunnies, hair, and anything else lurking on your floor but fortunately, the cover is machine washable.

If you want a footrest with multiple options, this is the way to go. It features a tilting footrest along with a top bar for stretching or resting. It’s adjustable for both a sitting desk and a standing desk.

Activate the footplate by pressing, allowing you to stretch your feet and ankles. It’s also height-adjustable and uses a leatherette material for durability with or without shoes.

The ergonomic design with a light swivel and pebble-style massagers help stimulate your feet while you protect your back. It’s best for the work from home crowd or casual workplaces where you can slip off your shoes discretely.

While you can use it with shoes, the highlight of using it is running your socked feet over the surface for a light foot massage. The top of this footrest tilts or moves a bit with you which comes with both pros and cons.

If you’re the restless sort that wants to have some flexibility and movement, it can be great and help you wiggle even as you sit. If you’re more the type that likes stability and immobility under your feet, it can be a distraction.

The best footrests are ergonomic and essential to keep your body posture in alignment. You can help relieve pressure on your spine and stretch your ankles and hips from time to time. If you spend any time sitting at all, do yourself a favor and get a footrest. Your body will thank you.