The most underestimated helper in the office
Want to avoid tension and pain at work? Then we highly recommend our practical footrests. A perfectly adjusted sitting position makes it easy to prevent discomfort at your desk. A footrest is incredibly useful, especially for people who spend long hours sitting at work.
In our guide, we answer all your questions about footrests.
We show you which types are available and advise you on what to look out for when buying. We also give you tips on the correct adjustment and setup, so 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. Even if the distance between your office chair and desk height is right, your feet may still not fully touch the floor. However, for a healthy posture, it is important that you can place your feet flat on the floor. Only then do you get the support you need from below.
A sturdy footrest ensures that the missing height difference to the floor is compensated for. This automatically relieves pressure on your legs, back and neck, allowing you to get on with your work feeling relaxed and full of energy.
If you are over 175 cm tall, you probably won’t need a footrest at your desk – at least when sitting. However, if you like working while standing, a practical foot support for standing desks may be just right for you.
What to look for when buying a footrest
Before you decide on a footrest, we would like to let you know what you should keep in mind when making your choice.:
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Height and tilt
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 tilt independently of each other. This allows you to achieve the best possible ergonomic adjustment to your body.
The adjustment works either continuously or with the help of a ratchet system. Footrests with a ratchet system are often a little more stable, while continuously adjustable supports can be tailored more individually. If you choose a ratchet version, make sure there are as many ratchet positions as possible. This allows you to set up your footrest optimally. Here you can find our height-adjustable footrests. No matter which support you choose – the important thing is that the footrest is easy and safe to adjust. You should also make sure that your footrest is of good quality and does not readjust itself during use. -
Stability of the footrest
A footrest should always be robust and stable. It must stand securely on the floor and be designed to provide optimum support even for heavier users. Whatever the surface, the footrest must not slip. It should therefore be just as stable on hard floors such as vinyl, parquet or laminate as it is on softer surfaces such as carpet. Make sure the base feet are fitted with a non-slip surface. -
Footplate of the footrest
Not only should the base feet be non-slip, the footplate of the footrest must also ensure a secure grip and safety. So that your feet remain stable and secure. Textured surfaces are ideal for this, as they provide good grip. -
The right size of a footrest platform
The size of the platform also plays an important role: you should be able to place your feet on it fully and move them properly. For this, the footplate must be at least 45 x 35 cm (width x depth). Also make sure that the footrest does not have a raised frame on the sides, so that even more space is available. -
Cut-out for a foot switch on a footrest
Some footrests also have a cut-out for a foot switch. For example, if you work with playback equipment, or for a workstation with a sewing machine. It is also helpful for people with physical limitations, because it allows you to reach any switches easily despite having foot support. With footrests that have cut-outs for foot switches, simply make sure that the cut-out is positioned centrally. This means you can easily reach the switch with both feet.
What types of footrests are there?
1. Adjustable footrests – for optimum ergonomic adjustment
Thanks to practical adjustment options – usually height and tilt – most footrests can be adjusted ergonomically to suit your individual sitting height and position. Depending on the model, the footrests can be adjusted using a ratchet system or continuously. Ratchet-adjustable versions are even more stable and hold the selected position very securely. Continuously adjustable models, on the other hand, can be adapted more precisely to your foot position. The position can also be changed more quickly here.
2. Footrests with rocking function – for dynamic sitting
Footrests with a rocking function offer two advantages: on the one hand, they serve as a standard footrest with a stable position. On the other hand, they are equipped with a rocking function and encourage dynamic sitting by rocking your legs. This activates your muscles, joints and tendons. At the same time, it supports blood circulation and helps keep your legs feeling fit for longer.
PODI - Footrest with rocking function
Our tip:
Before buying a footrest with a rocking function, please check whether the height is suitable for your body size. Here’s how to work it out:
The key factor is the height of your desk. You can use the following guidelines:
| 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, you can use a footrest to make up exactly this missing distance. Ideally, your legs should be at a right angle with your feet resting fully on the floor. So measure how many centimetres there are between your feet and the floor – and you’ll know how high your footrest should be. Please bear in mind, however, that every body is different and these figures are only a rough guide.
3. Footrests with massage function – pamper your feet while you work
Unlike other footrests, these supports have lots of small nodules on the standing surface. Depending on the model, they come in different shapes: for example elongated, round or oval, and some are also movable. Which shape you choose is entirely down to your personal preference. Very important: the massage function only works properly if you use the footrest wearing socks or barefoot.
Better blood circulation in the legs
But this footrest with nodules is not just practical for massage. The stimulation also encourages your feet to move. This automatically makes sitting more dynamic, which improves blood circulation in the legs. At the same time, the nodules have a relaxing effect on the body thanks to the gentle massage.
PIEDINO DOT | Footrest -
Footrest with massage function
4. Heated footrests for cold feet
A dream come true for cold feet: with heated footrests, you can warm up your icy winter feet in no time.
The heating function makes the tread surface pleasantly warm, which is especially practical during the cold winter months. If your office tends to be chilly due to cool walls and floors, for example, this practical foot support can help with that too. You can adjust the height and tilt as usual.
Our tip:
The warming footrest should ideally not be set too hot. Prolonged use and excessively high temperatures may not be good for your veins in the long run. The rule here is: use warmth in moderation – and otherwise just put on a pair of thick socks.
5. Footrest with soft padding
Do you like extra comfort? Then a padded footrest is just right for you. Especially if you like sitting at your desk in socks or barefoot, a softly padded footrest lets you get really cosy.
There are even two versions:
- Footrests with a padded top layer: The cushion is usually attached with a hook-and-loop fastener and can generally be removed, making it very easy to clean as well.
- Padded footrests as cushions: These foot cushions are usually semi-circular and can be used either as foot support or, turned 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, which adapts wonderfully to your feet. The covers can generally be removed and easily washed in the washing machine.
6. Footrest with leg support – for better circulation!
This extended footrest has an additional bar on which you can comfortably rest your legs. The extra leg support allows you to position your feet in a relaxed way. A major advantage: it gives you even more flexibility in your sitting position. Of course, the footrest can also simply be used to rest your feet on. Two in one, so to speak
7. Office chairs with integrated footrests
Fans of well-played video games love office chairs with integrated footrests. Since gaming usually involves sitting comfortably and leaning back in the chair, this type of fixed, usually adjustable footrest provides extra comfort. You can rest your lower legs and feet on it, taking excellent pressure off your legs.
8. Mobile, inflatable footrest for travelling
If you travel a lot, we recommend a mobile footrest. Whether you are travelling by train or plane or frequently need to change your workstation. Take it out of your bag, inflate it, and your handy footrest is ready. And just as quickly, you can let the air out again and store this mobile support away to save space.
Of course, an inflatable footrest does not offer the same ergonomic properties as its sturdy counterparts. That is why, for permanent workstations, we always recommend a stable, adjustable footrest made from durable material.
Foot support for standing desks
9. Footrests for standing desks
There are two practical options for better support at a standing workstation:
- Standard footrest: You can also optimise your standing workstation with a standard footrest by alternately placing your feet on the footrest. This alternating relief and loading of the legs promotes better blood circulation. It helps relieve muscle tension and actively prevents fatigue.
- Floor mat for standing work: The second option is a so-called anti-fatigue floor mat. These mats are soft and cushioned. When you stand on one, the padding creates slight unevenness that your body compensates for with small but effective movements. This improves your posture and naturally straightens your back. At the same time, movement on the mat promotes blood circulation in the legs and activates your muscles. This allows you to work standing up in an even more relaxed and active way.
Which footrest is the best?
So which is the best footrest? You will find the best footrest by focusing on your specific needs. For sensitive feet, we recommend cushioned footrests; for better circulation, models with a massage function; and for cold feet, we offer warm footrests with a heating function. There are also some basic requirements set out in “DIN 4556 “Office furniture – Footrests for office workstations – Requirements and test methods”.
Standards for footrests at seated workstations:
- Easy operation of the footrest
- Standing surface: at least 35 centimetres deep and 45 centimetres wide
- Height: adjustment range at least 11 centimetres above floor level
- Front edge height: maximum five centimetres
- Tilt angle: adjustable by at least between 5 and 15 degrees
- Adjustment increments: no more than 4 degrees
Adjusting your footrest correctly
Your footrest only relieves pressure on your legs, back and neck properly when it is adjusted correctly. Here's how to get the most out of your ergonomic foot support:
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Adjust your office chair
Before adjusting the footrest, start with your office chair. For the seat depth, make sure there is space for two to three fingers between the back of your knees and the seat cushion. -
Wear flat shoes
Flat shoes are best. Going barefoot is also an option, especially if the footrest is padded or has a massage function. -
Adjust the height of the footplate
The angle between your thighs and lower legs should be at least 90°. If it is, the height of the footrest is set correctly. -
Adjust the tilt angle
Set the angle so that your calves are comfortably supported. Many people prefer a slight backward tilt. -
Make full use of the footplate
The entire surface of your feet should rest on the footplate. Only then will your legs and back be properly relieved. However, you do not need to maintain this position constantly. Feel free to move your feet in different directions or lift them up. This keeps things dynamic and promotes better circulation.
Ergonomic footrests for a healthy back
Poor sitting posture is often the cause of troublesome back pain or chronic headaches. That's why setting up our workstation correctly is essential for our health.
With an ergonomically adjusted foot support, you can help keep your body healthy. This is especially true if your feet do not reach the floor. A well-adjusted footrest is particularly useful when your desk is not height-adjustable. It supports you from below, improves your posture and reduces uncomfortable tension.
Want to know more?
In our guide, you will find more interesting content on the broad topic of the workplace. Of course, we are also happy to help with advice and practical support by phone, email or online chat. We are here for you and look forward to hearing from you!