The most underestimated helper in the office
Do you want to avoid tension and pain at the workplace? Then we recommend our practical footrests. Because with a perfectly adjusted sitting position, discomfort at the desk can be avoided quite easily. Especially for people who sit at their desks for long periods of time, a footrest is incredibly useful for relieving strain.
In our guide, we answer all your questions about footrests.
We show you what types are available and advise you on what to look out for when buying. We also give you tips on the correct adjustment and fitting so that you can find the best footrest for you.
When do you need a footrest?
A footrest is particularly useful if the desk at your workplace is not height-adjustable. Especially for shorter people. Because even if the distance between the desk chair and the desk height fits, your feet may not quite touch the floor. For a healthy posture, however, it is important that you can place your feet completely on the floor. This is the only way to get the necessary support from below.
A solid footrest ensures that the missing height difference to the floor is compensated. Legs, back and neck are thus automatically relieved and you can go to work relaxed and with a lot of energy.
If you are over 175 cm tall, you probably do not need a footrest at your desk - at least when sitting. However, if you like to work standing up, a practical foot support for standing desks might be the right thing for you.
What to look for when buying a footrest
Before you decide on a footrest, we would like to inform you about what you should take to heart when making your choice...:
- Height and inclination
The most important requirement for a footrest: it should definitely be height-adjustable and tiltable. Ideally, you should be able to adjust the height and inclination independently of each other. This allows you to achieve the best possible ergonomic adjustment to your body.
The adjustment is either stepless or with the help of a grid. Footrests with a grid are often a little more stable, while you can adjust stepless supports more individually. If you choose a variant with a grid, make sure that there are as many grid steps as possible. This way you can optimally adjust your footrest. Regardless of which support you choose, it is important that the footrest is easy and safe to adjust. You should also make sure that your footrest is of good quality and does not adjust itself during use. - Stability of the footrest
A footrest should always be robust and stable. It must stand securely on the floor and be made in such a way that it also provides optimal support for heavier people.No matter what surface - the footrest must not slip away. Therefore, it should be just as stable on hard floors such as vinyl, parquet or laminate as it is on soft surfaces such as carpet. Make sure that the feet are equipped with a non-slip surface. - Footrest tread
Not only should the feet be non-slip, but the tread surface of the footrest must also provide firm support and safety. So that your feet are stable and secure. Roughened surfaces are ideal for this, as they ensure a good grip. - The right size of footrest surface
The size of the footrest also plays an important role: you should be able to place your feet on the whole surface and move them properly. The footrest must be at least 45 x 35 cm (width x depth). Also make sure that the footrest does not have a raised frame at the side so that there is even more space available. - Recess for foot switch on a footrest
Some footrests also have a recess for a foot switch. For example, if you are working with a playback device, or for a workstation with a sewing machine. It is also helpful for people with physical limitations. Because this way you can easily reach any switches despite foot support. For footrests with recesses for foot switches, simply make sure that the recess is in the centre. This way you can easily reach the switch with both feet.
What are the different types of footrests?
1. Adjustable footrests - for optimal ergonomic adjustment
Practical adjustment options - usually the height and the inclination - allow you to ergonomically adjust most footrests to your individual seat height and position. Depending on the model, the footrests can be adjusted via a grid or continuously. Variants with a grid are even more stable and hold the adjusted position very securely. With the stepless adjustment, on the other hand, you can adjust the support more precisely to your foot posture. In addition, the position can be changed more quickly.
2. Footrests with rocker function - for dynamic sitting
Footrests with a rocker function have two advantages: On the one hand, they serve as a usual footrest with a firm stand. On the other hand, they are equipped with a rocking function and promote dynamic sitting by rocking the legs. This activates your muscles, joints and tendons. At the same time, you support the blood circulation and your legs stay fit longer.
PODI - Footrest with rocker function
Our tip:
Before buying a footrest with rocker function, please measure whether the height fits your body size. This is how you find out:
First and foremost, it is important to know how high your desk is. You can orientate yourself on these specifications:
| Body height in cm | Desk in cm |
| 150 | 62 |
| 155 | 64 |
| 160 | 66 |
| 165 | 68 |
| 170 | 70 |
| 175 | 72 |
| 180 | 74 |
If your desk is not height-adjustable, then you can compensate for precisely this missing distance with the footrest. Ideally, your legs should be at right angles to the floor. So measure how many centimetres there are between your feet and the floor - and you will know how high your footrest should be. However, please bear in mind that every body is individual and the values are only a rough guide.
3. Footrests with massage function - pamper your feet while you work
Unlike other footrests, these supports have many small nubs on the standing surface. These are shaped differently depending on the model: For example, they are elongated, round or oval and some of them are also movable. It is entirely up to you which shape you choose. Very important: The massage function only comes into its own when you step on the footrest with socks or bare feet.
Better blood circulation in the legs
But the footrest with the nubs is not only practical for massaging. The stimulation also encourages the feet to move. This automatically makes sitting more dynamic, which improves blood circulation in the legs. At the same time, the nubs have a relaxing effect on the body through the gentle massage.
PIEDINO DOT | Footrest -
Footrest with massage function
4. Footrests with heating for cold feet
A dream for cold feet: with heated footrests, you can bring your winter-cold feet up to temperature in no time at all.
With the heating function, the tread surface becomes pleasantly warm, which is very practical for the cold winter months. If it is rather cold in the office due to, for example, cool walls and floors, this practical foot support can also provide relief. You can adjust the height and inclination as usual.
Our tip:
The warming footrest should not be set too hot if possible. Too long use and too high temperatures are not good for your veins in the long run. The rule here is: heat in moderation - and otherwise simply put on a pair of thick socks.
5. Footrest with soft padding
Do you like it comfortable? Then a footrest with padding is just the thing for you. Especially if you like to sit at your desk with socks on or barefoot, you can make yourself really comfortable with a softly padded footrest.
There are even two variants:
- Footrests with a padded pad: the pad is usually attached by a Velcro fastener and can usually be removed and thus also cleaned quite easily.
- Padded footrests as cushions: These foot cushions are usually semi-circular and can be used both as foot support or the other way round as a rocker. When lying down, these soft helpers can even be used as a soothing leg rest. These foot cushions are usually padded with memory foam that adapts wonderfully to your feet. The covers can usually be removed and easily washed in the washing machine.
6. Footrest with leg rest - for better circulation!
This extended footrest has an additional bar on which you can comfortably rest your legs. The additional leg rest allows you to rest your feet in a relaxed position. Big advantage: your sitting position can be made even more variable. Of course, the footrest can also be used just to rest your feet. Two in one, so to speak
7. Office chairs with integrated footrests
Friends of cultivated video games like office chairs with integrated footrests. Since you usually sit comfortably and backwards in the chair when gaming, such a fixed, usually adjustable footrest provides additional comfort. The lower legs and feet can be rested and the legs are thus relieved of a great deal of strain.
GENIDIA ELITE PRO - Gaming chair with footrest
8. Mobile, inflatable footrest for on the go
If you are on the road a lot, then we advise you to use a mobile footrest. No matter whether you are travelling by train or plane or have to change your workplace every now and then. Take it out of your bag, inflate it and your fine footrest is ready. Just as quickly, you can let the air out again and stow the mobile support in a space-saving way.
Of course, an inflatable footrest does not have the same ergonomic properties as its stable sisters. Therefore, for fixed workplaces, we always advise a stable, adjustable footrest made of resilient material.
Foot support for high tables
9. Footrests for standing tables
There are two practical options for a good stand at a standing workstation:
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Standard footrest: with a standard footrest you can also optimise your standing workstation: Namely, by placing your legs alternately on the footrest. This loading and unloading of the legs ensures better blood circulation. This relieves muscle tension and actively prevents fatigue.
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Floor mat for working while standing: The second option is a so-called anti-fatigue floor mat. These floor mats are soft and padded. When you stand on this mat, the padding creates a minimal unevenness that your body compensates for with small but effective movements. This improves your posture and your back straightens automatically. At the same time, the movement on the mat promotes blood circulation in the legs and activates your muscles. This makes you even more relaxed and active when standing.
Which footrest is the best?
But which is the best footrest? You will find the best footrest if you consider your needs exactly. For sensitive feet we recommend padded footrests, for good circulation those with massage function and for cold feet there are our hot footrests with heating function. There are also some basic requirements that are regulated in "DIN 4556 "Office furniture - Footrests for office workplaces - Requirements and test methods".
Standards for footrests at seated workplaces:
- Easy operation of the footrest
- Footrest: at least 35 centimetres deep and 45 centimetres wide
- Height: adjustment range above the floor of at least 11 centimetres
- Height of front edge: maximum five centimetres
- Angle of inclination: adjustable between at least 5 and 15 degrees
- Adjustment steps: no more than 4 degrees
Adjusting the footrest correctly
Only when your footrest is correctly adjusted are your legs, back and neck sufficiently relieved. This is how you benefit optimally from your ergonomic foot support:
- Adjusting the office chair
Before you adjust the footrest, first consider the office chair. When adjusting the seat depth, make sure that there is enough room for two to three fingers between the back of the knee and the seat cushion. - Wear flat shoes
It is best to wear flat shoes. Bare feet are also an option, especially if the footrest is padded or has a massage function. - Adjust the height of the footrest
The angle between the upper and lower leg should be at least 90°. Then the height of the footrest is set correctly. - Adjusting the angle of inclination
Adjust the angle so that your calves are comfortably relieved. Many prefer the angle to be slightly backwards. - Make full use of the footrest
The entire surface of your feet should rest on the tread. Only then will your legs and back be properly relieved. However, you do not have to maintain this position all the time. Feel free to move your feet in different directions or lift them up. This is dynamic and ensures better blood circulation.
Ergonomic footrest for a healthy back
Incorrect sitting postures are often the cause of back problems or chronic headaches. The precise adjustment of our workplace is therefore essential for our health.
With ergonomically adapted foot support, you can help keep your body healthy. Especially if you cannot reach the floor with your legs. Especially if your desk is not height-adjustable, a well-fitted footrest makes perfect sense. This supports you from below. The posture of your body improves and reduces unpleasant tension.
You want to know more?
In our guidebook you will find further interesting content on the wide-ranging topic of the workplace. Of course, we are also happy to provide you with advice and support: by phone, by e-mail or even in our online chat. We are here for you and look forward to hearing from you!
