The most underestimated helper in the office
Do you want to avoid tension and pain at work? Then we recommend our practical footrests to you. Because with a perfectly adjusted sitting position, discomfort at the desk can be easily avoided. A footrest to provide relief is incredibly useful, especially for people who sit at work for long periods of time.
In our guide we answer all your questions about footrests.
We'll show you which species there are and advise you What you should pay attention to when purchasing. We also give you tips on correct setting and customization so that you can do it for yourself best footrest find.
When do you need a footrest?
A footrest is particularly useful if the height of the desk at work is not adjustable. Especially for smaller people. Even if the distance between the desk chair and the table height is correct, it may happen that your feet don't quite touch the floor. However, for a healthy posture, it is important that you can rest your feet completely on the floor. This is the only way you can get the support you need from below.
A solid footrest ensures that the missing height difference to the floor is compensated for. Legs, back and neck are automatically relieved and you can go to work relaxed and with lots of energy.
If you are over 175 cm tall, you probably don't need a footrest at your desk - at least when sitting. However, if you like to work standing up, this is a practical option Foot support for standing tables may be right 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 consider when making your selection:
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Height and inclination
The most important requirement for a footrest: It should definitely be height-adjustable and tiltable. In the best case scenario, you should be able to adjust the height and tilt independently. This allows you to achieve the best possible ergonomic adaptation to your body.
The setting works either continuously or using a grid. Footrests with grids 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 levels as possible. This way you can set up your footrest optimally. Click here for our height-adjustable footrests. No matter 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 move on its own during use. -
Footrest stability
A footrest should always be robust and stable. It must stand securely on the floor and be designed in such a way that it offers optimal support even to heavier people. No matter what surface – the footrest must not slip. Therefore, it should be just as stable on hard floors such as vinyl, parquet or laminate as well as on soft surfaces such as carpet. Make sure that the feet have a non-slip surface. -
Footrest tread surface
Not only should the feet be non-slip, the tread of the footrest must also ensure a firm hold and safety. So that your feet are stable and secure. Roughened surfaces are ideal for this as they ensure good grip. -
The correct size of the footprint of a footrest
The size of the standing area also plays an important role: you should be able to place your feet over the entire surface and move them properly. The tread surface 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 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 work with a playback device, or even for a workplace with a sewing machine. It is also helpful for people with physical limitations. Because you can easily reach any switches despite foot support. For footrests with recesses for foot switches, just make sure that the recess is in the middle. This means you can easily reach the switch with both feet.
What types of footrests are there?
1. Adjustable footrests - for optimal ergonomic adjustment
Practical adjustment options - usually the height and inclination - allow you to ergonomically adjust most footrests to your individual seat height and position. Depending on the model, the footrests can be adjusted using a grid or continuously. Variants with a grid are even more stable and hold the set position very securely. With the stepless adjustment, however, you can adjust the support more precisely to your foot position. In addition, the position can be changed more quickly here.
2. Footrests with rocker function – for dynamic sitting
Footrests with a rocking function have two advantages: On the one hand, they serve as a standard 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 blood circulation and your legs stay fit longer.
PODI - footrest with rocker function
Our tip:
Before purchasing a footrest with a rocker function, please measure whether the height suits your height. Here's how to find out:
The most important thing is how high your desk is. You can follow these 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 compensate for exactly this missing distance with the footrest. Ideally, your legs should be completely flat on the floor at a right angle. So measure how many centimeters there are between your feet and the floor - and you'll know how high your footrest should be. Please keep in mind that every body is individual and the values are only a rough guideline.
3. Footrests with massage function - pamper your feet while you work
In contrast to other footrests, these supports have many small nubs on the base. These are shaped differently depending on the model: for example, elongated, round or oval and some are also movable. Which form you choose is entirely up to your feelings. Very important: The massage function only comes into its own if you step on the footrest with socks or barefoot.
Better blood circulation in the legs
The footrest with the nubs is not only practical for massage. The stimulation also encourages the feet to move. This automatically makes sitting more dynamic, which ensures better blood circulation in the legs. At the same time, the nubs have a relaxing effect on the body thanks to 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 cold winter feet up to temperature in no time.
The heating function makes the tread surface pleasantly warm, which is very practical for the cold winter months. If it is rather cold in the office due to cool walls and floors, for example, this practical foot support can also help. You can adjust the height and inclination as usual.
Our tip:
If possible, the warming footrest should not be set too hot. Uses that are too long and temperatures that are too high cannot be good for your veins in the long run. The rule here is: warmth in moderation - and otherwise just throw on a few thick socks.
5. Footrest with soft padding
Do you like it comfortable? Then a footrest with padding is just right 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 padded support: The padding is usually attached with a Velcro fastener and can usually be removed and therefore easily cleaned.
- Padded footrests as cushions: These foot pads are usually semi-circular and can be used as a foot support or vice versa 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. You can usually remove the covers and easily wash them in the washing machine.
6. Footrest with leg rest – for better blood circulation!
This extended footrest has an additional bracket on which you can comfortably rest your legs. The additional leg rest allows you to position your feet in a relaxed manner. 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
Fans of sophisticated video games like office chairs with integrated footrests. Since you usually sit comfortably in the chair and tilt it backwards when gaming, such a fixed, usually adjustable footrest provides additional comfort. Lower legs and feet can be put down and the strain on the legs is relieved.
8. Mobile inflatable footrest for on the go
If you are on the go a lot, we recommend a mobile footrest. No matter whether you travel by train or plane or have to change your workplace every now and then. Take it out of the bag, inflate it, and your fine footrest is ready. You can let the air out again just as quickly and store the mobile support to save space.
Of course, an inflatable footrest does not have the same ergonomic properties as its stable sisters. We therefore always recommend a stable, adjustable footrest made of durable material for fixed workplaces.
Foot support for standing tables
9. Footrests for standing tables
There are two practical options for good standing at the standing workstation:
- Standard footrest: You can also optimize your standing workstation with a standard footrest: by alternating your legs on the footrest. This loading and unloading of the legs ensures better blood circulation. This relieves muscle tension and actively prevents symptoms of fatigue.
- Floor mat for working while standing: The second option is a so-called Anti-fatigue floor mat. These doormats are soft and padded. When you stand on this mat, the padding creates a minimal unevenness, which your body compensates for with small but effective movements. This improves your posture and straightens your back automatically. At the same time, movement on the mat promotes blood circulation in the legs and activates your muscles. This means you can work even more relaxed and actively while standing.
Which footrest is the best?
But which is the best footrest? You will find the best footrest by paying close attention to your needs. For sensitive feet we recommend padded foot pads, for good blood circulation those with a massage function and for cold feet there are our hot foot pads with a heating function. There are also some basic requirements that are in the “DIN 4556 “Office furniture – footrests for the office workplace – requirements and test methods“are regulated.
Standards for footrests at seated workstations:
- Easy to use footrest
- Stand space: at least 35 centimeters deep and 45 centimeters wide
- Height: Adjustment range above the floor of at least 11 centimeters
- Height of the front edge: maximum five centimeters
- Tilt angle: adjustable at least between 5 and 15 degrees
- Adjustment levels: no more than 4 degrees
Adjust the footrest correctly
Only when your footrest is correctly adjusted will your legs, back and neck be sufficiently relieved. This is how you get the most out of your ergonomic foot support:
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Adjust office chair
Before you adjust the footrest, first pay attention to the office chair. When it comes to seat depth, you should make sure that there is space 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. Barefoot is also an option, especially if the footrest is padded or has a massage function. -
Adjust the height of the tread surface
The angle between the upper and lower leg should be at least 90°. Then the height of the footrest is set correctly. -
Adjust the tilt angle
Adjust the angle so that your calves are comfortably relieved. Many people prefer the tilt to be slightly backwards. -
Make full use of the tread surface
The entire surface of your feet should rest on the tread surface. Only then will the legs and back be properly relieved. However, you don't have to hold this position continuously. 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 pain or chronic headaches. The precise setting of our workplace is therefore essential for our health.
With ergonomically tailored foot support, you can help keep your body healthy. This is especially true when your legs cannot reach the ground. Especially if the work table is not height-adjustable, a well-adjusted footrest makes perfect sense. This supports you from below. The body's posture improves and reduces unpleasant tension.
Do you want to know more?
In our guide you will find further interesting content on the broad topic of the workplace. Of course, we are also happy to provide you with advice and assistance: via telephone, email or online chat. We are here for you and look forward to hearing from you!