If you spend long hours sitting at your desk, a footrest can be a game-changer in terms of comfort and ergonomics. I have personally tested 10 different footrest models over the past 6 months, and in this article, I will share my findings for each one.
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Top Ergonomic Footrests Links
- aSparkLiving
- ScaleBeard
- Leemart
- Mind Reader
- Everlasting Comfort
- ErgoFoam
- Cushion Lab
- Pogo
- Humanscale FM 300
- 3M Adjustable Footrest
1. aSparkLiving
The aSparkLiving footrest is priced at around $65 on Amazon. What sets this footrest apart is its unique upper bar, which provides added support in different seated and standing positions. It is particularly suitable for use with a standing desk. The footrest features anti-slip feet that keep it securely in place on the floor.
It also offers three different height settings for the larger platform used in seated positions. Adjusting the height is as simple as lifting the platform and repositioning it in the base. The footrest also features a pivoting feature, allowing you to move around a bit more while seated.
If you don’t prefer the movement, small metal brackets are provided to reduce it, although they’re not particularly effective. It’s worth noting that if you decide to use this footrest with a standing desk, it is recommended to turn the footrest backward to prevent tipping.
2. ScaleBeard
Next would be the ScaleBeard footrest that is priced at around $73 on Amazon. It offers three different footrest modes, but I found that only mode 1 was suitable for office work.
Mode 2 reverses the orientation of the footrest and provides some leg support, but the space to rest your feet in this mode may be too small for larger feet or when wearing shoes. Mode 3 turns the footrest into a small ottoman for kicking your feet up and relaxing.
In terms of quality, the ScaleBeard footrest doesn’t feel as great as its price suggests. It tends to slide around on both hard surfaces and carpeted floors, so you may need to add sticky foot pads to improve its stability. The actual pad on the top of the ottoman is removable. The foam inside the leatherette covering is of average quality.
3. Leemart
Now, the Leemart footrest retails for $66 on Amazon. This product was a bit confusing for me, as the listing calls it Leemart, but it’s actually labeled as ScaleBeard on the footrest and in the lower description on the page.
The Leemart comes with two different modes: Pedal Mode and Footrest Mode. Each mode offers four different height options to choose from. I found that the pedal mode is actually my preferred way of using this footrest.
Unlike the previous ScaleBeard model, this footrest includes rubber feet to help it stay in place on the floor. The foam padding on the Leemart is removable, which is a nice option if you want to use the footrest with your shoes on.
4. Mind Reader
The Mind Reader footrest is currently priced at $27 on Amazon. This footrest is essentially identical to the Huano brand but costs about $10 less. I know this because I actually purchased both to verify.
The Mind Reader footrest offers three different height options to choose from and up to 30 degrees of negative or positive tilt, depending on how you pivot the foot platform. Unfortunately, this pivot function doesn’t lock in place, but for most people, this shouldn’t be an issue.
The large platform itself includes significant bumps for added massage. While this can feel good for your feet, I personally found it somewhat gimmicky. I appreciate that the platform is made of hard plastic for use with shoes, but it’s not as comfortable when used barefoot compared to the other padded alternatives on the list.
5. Everlasting Comfort
Another option is the Everlasting Comfort footrest, which is priced just under $40 on Amazon, making it one of the most affordable options I’ve tested. If this tells you anything, it’s become my go-to choice for my home office setup.
This footrest is best used with bare feet or socks. The cover is removable for washing, but using street shoes on the soft cover may wear it out faster than if you only wear socks.
I love the softness of the cover and the molded foam pad inside. While neither are of top-tier quality, they are adequate for the price. This footrest does a good job of keeping my feet warmer in my cold basement compared to my previous metal footrest.
One additional way I like to use the Everlasting Comfort is by flipping it upside down. Its teardrop shape allows me to rock it back and forth or keep it locked in place, focusing my need to move around on the footrest only.
6. ErgoFoam
The ErgoFoam footrest is currently priced at $39 on Amazon. Its design is slightly different from the Everlasting Comfort, with a more symmetrical shape for the top pad and an additional removable pad on the bottom.
With the base attached to the ErgoFoam footrest, it reaches a maximum height of 6 inches at the peak. When the base is removed, the maximum height drops to 4 inches. The shape of the pad is perfect for rocking back and forth when flipped upside down. You can use it with the base attached if you want a slightly taller rocker.
ErgoFoam comes with a removable cover that is similar to the Everlasting Comfort’s. The foam pad used feels like a similar quality to that of the Everlasting Comfort.
7. Cushion Lab
The Cushion Lab footrest is currently priced at $54 on Amazon. It is notably more expensive than the ErgoFoam and Everlasting Comfort options, but it offers some unique features. The most noticeable difference is in the shape of the footrest itself.
Instead of opting for the standard teardrop or half-cylinder shape, Cushion Lab has added more contour and what they call WaveMassage ribbing for enhanced comfort. Personally, the WaveMassage feature didn’t add much for me, but it might be appreciated by some users.
The quality of the foam used in the Cushion Lab is much superior to the cheaper alternatives. They have also incorporated charcoal foam, which does a better job of repelling odors that tend to develop over time with footrests. The fabric cover also feels of higher quality compared to the less expensive options.
8. Pogo
The Pogo Footrest is currently priced at $145 on BTOD.com, making it the second most expensive footrest on the list. However, it feels substantially more substantial than the less expensive options. The Pogo uses extruded aluminum for the construction of the footrest.
Designed to work with the Pogo active chair, it’s overbuilt and engineered to remain in place on the floor even when subjected to significant pressure. Due to its teardrop design, you can flip the footrest over and use it with a rocking motion. While this motion is pleasant, the ridges in the aluminum prevent it from offering a completely smooth rocking experience.
Despite being the most expensive on the list, the Pogo footrest is built to last, and you likely won’t need to purchase another footrest in your lifetime. Unfortunately, for me, it isn’t as comfortable to use at home without my shoes on.
9. Humanscale FM 300
The Humanscale FM 300 footrest is priced at $125. It offers 3 inches of height adjustment, which can be achieved by turning the knobs on either end of the footrest to expand or contract it to the desired height.
The FM 300 footrest provides a smooth gliding motion, making it a fantastic option if you enjoy moving your feet around frequently. The non-slip pads on the bottom of the footrest frame effectively prevent it from sliding around as you move throughout the day.
10. 3M Adjustable Footrest
The 3M Adjustable Footrest is the final footrest on the list, priced at $61 on Amazon. It is wide and accommodating, making it suitable for use with shoes or for individuals with larger feet.
The non-skid pad on the top surface features raised bumps for massage, but they don’t interfere like those on some other footrests. However, the 3M footrest feels somewhat hard and cold without shoes, so it is designed to be used with footwear.
While 3M promotes 1 inch of height adjustment, making the adjustment is more cumbersome than it’s worth. Most users will likely set it to their preferred height and leave it there.
Bottom Line
Ultimately, there are many footrest options available on the market. Consider factors such as price, comfort, materials, and functionality when selecting the right footrest for your workspace.
