Every once in a while, we get to feel some discomfort after sitting in front of our computers for long periods of time. One of the possible causes for this could be the lack of workspace ergonomics. One cost-effective tool to improve ergonomics is the foot rest.
Foot rests are under desk elevations that optimize the position of our legs while we're sitting, thereby reducing discomfort. We've prepared this buying guide to let you know some of the considerations you have to make when choosing a foot rest. Also, don't forget to check out our top 10 list of foot rests to give you some choices for your purchase.
Quick List - Top Foot Rests
Can be Easily Adjusted Without You Leaving Your Chair
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
There is no doubt that we are now spending more time than ever sitting in front of our computers, might it be for our work-from-home jobs or online classes. Unfortunately, sitting for hours on end can reveal some ergonomic issues that may eventually lead to discomfort.
Sitting for long periods of time puts excessive pressure on the underside of our thighs, which could cause a variety of issues, such as leg numbness and fatigue. These issues become more severe if your feet can't reach the floor once you're in a seated position, as there is an uneven distribution of weight.
Foot rests relieve the excessive pressure on our legs by elevating them. While a foot rest is great for shorter people since it allows their feet to rest on a higher surface, it also gives any user the ability to position their legs to optimize blood circulation. All of these would then lead to fewer cases of discomfort.
When choosing a foot rest, you have to take different considerations into account. You will most likely be the sole user of the foot rest, and as such, you have to make sure that the foot rest is tailored to your specific preferences and needs. Here are some points to consider to help you in choosing the perfect foot rest.
Foot rests are designed to either be stationary or dynamic. To decide between the two, it is important to consider how you prefer to position your feet while working. You'll also want to consider whether you want to do active sitting or not, as we will be explaining below.
Most basic foot rests are stationary, in that they simply provide a fixed platform for your feet. They're great for people who are just after the basic purpose of elevating their feet.
They're also suitable for people who just want their feet to stay put and who might find moving their feet while working to be distracting. Stationary foot rests are usually more affordable as compared to dynamic ones.
On the other hand, some of the more advanced products facilitate the movement of your feet, usually termed dynamic foot rests. Some dynamic foot rests even take on a hammock-like design that you hang under your desk.
Dynamic foot rests encourage you to rock, swing, or sway your feet while you're seated, in an action known as active sitting. With active sitting, you can keep those leg muscles active while you're working. It helps in improving posture, too!
Depending on your preferences, you could go for a foot rest that either has a hard or soft surface. To help you in choosing, let's take a look at some of the differences between these two surfaces.
If you prefer to fix your feet on a soft surface, then this type of foot rest is for you. These are typically made of memory foam with a removable cloth cover that is usually washable. Some soft foot rests are also inflatable. To enjoy the softness of the foam, it's best to use these with either your bare feet or with socks.
For a more stable surface for your feet, go for hard foot rests. This type of foot rest often features a bumpy surface that prevents your feet from sliding off. Some even have bumps designed to massage your bare feet! Whether or not you prefer keeping your shoes on, foot rests with hard surfaces are definitely an option that you should consider.
When it comes to foot rests, it's important that you use the one that's wide enough to accommodate your feet at your natural sitting position. Make sure that the foot rest has the right height, as well. At the right height, your feet should be elevated such that your thighs are parallel to the floor.
The size also directly determines the portability of your foot rest. Smaller foot rests such as those typically made of foam are easier to carry around and may be more suitable if you plan to use the same foot rest at work and at home. If you don't plan to regularly transfer your foot rest, then a larger foot rest might not be an issue for you.
Different foot rests may be made from different materials. Regardless of the material, make sure that the foot rest is comfortable to use and is able to support the weight of your feet. Previous customers usually share their thoughts on the product's comfort and durability, so make sure to always check product reviews.
Most hard foot rests are made of a plastic material due to plastic's strength and light weight. To a lesser extent, metal is also used, which, while generally being heavier than plastic, gives off a more premium and high-quality look and feel.
As for wooden foot rests, their hardness and weight usually depend on the type of wood used. The main appeal for wooden foot rests, however, is their design and color, which allow them to be matched with wooden table tops and other wooden accents in the workspace.
Soft foot rests are typically made of memory foam. Memory foam conforms to the exact shape of your feet, allowing your feet to sink into the foam. This makes memory foam very soft. If you find the sinking feeling associated with memory foam uncomfortable, then you may consider non-memory foam alternatives.
Since foot rests are tools for improving ergonomics, it's important to check their adjustability. The most basic foot rests are non-adjustable. Some foot rests can be tilted back and forth, while others have variable heights.
Generally, the more adjustability options a foot has, the better. This makes them more usable for the long term. Even if you decide to change your chair or desk, you'll still be able to use the same foot rest if it's highly adjustable.
Make sure to take the foot rest's size into account and check if you have enough space for it under your desk. In the case of hammock-style foot rests, make sure that it is compatible and easy to install to your desk.
Keep in mind that while foot rests are usually placed under the desk of your main workspace, some foot rests may also be used in the car, in the living room, or in any other place where you feel that your feet need support.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Adjustable Non-Slip Foot Rest | ![]() | Lots of Adjustability Options to Suit Your Preference | |
2 | Ergonomic Foot Rest With Adjustable Height and Angle | ![]() | Can be Easily Adjusted Without You Leaving Your Chair | |
3 | UnderD esk Foot Hammock | ![]() | Perfect for Work and Relaxation | |
4 | Soft Under Desk Foot Rest | ![]() | Stationary and Swinging in One Foot Rest | |
5 | True Vision Ergonomic Tiltable Foot Rest|TVFR-09 | ![]() | Maintain Good Posture With an Ergonomic Foot Rest | |
6 | Adjustable Under-Desk Foot Rest | ![]() | Support and Massage Your Feet at the Same Time | |
7 | Soft Inflatable Foot Rest | ![]() | A Budget-Friendly Option That Doesn't Compromise on Comfort | |
8 | Korean-Style Foot Rest | ![]() | Complement Your Desk's Look | |
9 | Massage-Textured Under Desk Foot Rest | ![]() | 2 Covers for 2 Different Textures | |
10 | Portable Hammock-Style Foot Rest | ![]() | Designed for Maximum Portability |
For its price, this foot rest has a lot of features to show off. Adjustability-wise, it has 3 height options that make it suitable for everyone, regardless of how high your chair is. It has a large range for its tilting angle, too. It also encourages active sitting as you can rock your feet back and forth while you work.
It has surface bumps that serve 2 purposesーthey serve as a non-slip surface for your feet, and they also apply pressure to your feet, massaging them while you work. Aside from under the desk, you can also use it in the car to give shorter passengers a more comfortable seating height.
This foot rest has all the adjustment options that you would ever need. Its adjustable height and angle allow you to set it perfectly for maximum comfort. While other products require you to get off your chair to adjust the height and angle, this one doesn't, as you can simply use your foot to adjust it through its foot pedal at the side.
Its high-impact plastic build gives it a low-key design that'll make it suitable for use in the office. It also features a non-skid surface that'll help in keeping your feet in place. While you're going to have to assemble it out of the box, a previous buyer has commented that it's quite easy to assemble.
This hammock-style foot rest comes with 2 desk brackets that make it ready to install out of the package. You can then adjust its length depending on your preference. Set it lower to act as an under-desk foot rest when you work, or shorten it for an ottoman-like style for some relaxation during your break time.
Don't let this foot rest's canvas build fool you. It is lightweight and easy to carry yet very durable. One buyer even stated that it could carry up to 10 kg of load. While it can be used virtually anywhere, we don't recommend this for use in the office, as it isn't really a low-profile-looking foot rest.
Why get a stationary or dynamic foot rest if you can get both in one! This foam foot rest has both a curved and flat edge. Depending on which side you place against the floor, you get either a stationary or a swinging foot rest, perfect for those who want to change things up from time to time!
Since it's made of foam, you can also use it on the other parts of your body too, such as your back, waist, and neck. Luckily, its breathable mesh cover has a zipper and is easily removable, making it very easy to clean.
This ergonomic under-the-desk accessory helps you maintain a good posture while sitting. Aside from keeping your feet and legs elevated, it has a tiltable surface that lets you loosen up your muscles for proper blood circulation. For your safety, it has a non-skid surface and rubber pads at the bottom to prevent slips.
Even better, it can cater to most foot sizes since it has a large surface area. Customers are satisfied with this product, saying that it helped improve their posture and it made working from home more comfortable. They also mentioned that it's sturdy, easy to set up, and space-saving. To prevent ngalay after long hours of sitting, get this footrest!
Keep your feet comfortable while you work with this foot rest. Its surface is textured with bumps, and it even has rollers in the middle that not only massage your feet, but also encourage you to keep them moving while you work.
It has 6 levels of angle adjustment that'll suit most users. It's made of a plastic material that feels sturdy and lightweight, as were pointed out in the product ratings. It's also very easy to assemble and doesn't require any tools to do so. It has to be noted that you don't get any height adjustment with this one.
This foot rest is great for those looking for something very comfortable. Its impressive comfort is provided by its inflatable design that makes the foot rest very soft on your feet while supporting them. The fabric features tight-fitting air valves to prevent air from leaking out of the foot rest, so you can use it for longer periods of time without having to replenish it with air.
Since it's inflatable, this foot rest can be easily brought with you on your travels by simply deflating and folding it up. Just make sure you have an air pump with you. And the best part is, you get all of this for an affordable price!
If you have a wooden desk and other wooden accents in your workspace, consider pairing them up with this foot rest. It's made of particle board with a matte finish, and if you aren't a fan of this walnut color, you could get it in this lighter wash color instead!
It's slightly more compact compared to some of the other options on this list, making it great for small under-desk spaces. It's also fully stationary and non-adjustable. What you get in return is, according to previous buyers, a very sturdy foot rest that evokes a sense of high quality.
Foam foot rests usually come with a cloth cover to protect them. Well, this one comes with two covers! One cover is textured with beads that are great for massaging your feet. If massage beads aren't quite your thing, you could opt for the other cover instead, which features a smooth, breathable fabric.
Thankfully, changing covers is very easy, as they're zippered. They're also very easy to clean and are machine washable. While the foot rest itself is lightweight, both covers also feature non-slip bases to keep your foot rest from sliding along the floor.
This foot rest has a hammock-style design that makes it great to bring with you anywhere! It's made of lightweight nylon material that you can simply fold up and throw in your bag, making it perfect for those who constantly find themselves alternating between working in the office and at home. You can even use it on the plane, bus, and car for more relaxation during long travels!
Its memory foam ensures that your feet remain comfortable. Additionally, its hammock design allows for adjusting its angle based on how you position your legs. This is definitely a great option for those looking to try out active sitting!
Now that we're in the new normal, work-from-home and online schooling setups have become the norm in many households. Make sure to improve your home workspace by grabbing some of these products.
10 Best Computer Chairs in the Philippines 2022 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Interior Designer
10 Best Desk Pads in the Philippines 2022 | Xiaomi, VicTsing, and More
10 Best Phone Stands in the Philippines 2022 | Essager, Xiaomi, Aitu, and More
10 Monitor Stands in the Philippines 2022 | Loop Alloy, North Bayou, and More
Author: Adriel Coseip
No. 1: |Adjustable Non-Slip Foot Rest
No. 2: |Ergonomic Foot Rest With Adjustable Height and Angle
No. 3: |UnderD esk Foot Hammock
No. 4: |Soft Under Desk Foot Rest
No. 5: True Vision|Ergonomic Tiltable Foot Rest|TVFR-09
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
Beauty
Health
Household goods
PCs and laptops
Home appliances and electronics
Cameras
Food and drinks
Kitchen supplies
Clothing
Shoes
Accessories
Mom and baby
Interior and furniture
Hobbies
Outdoor
DIY and tools
Sports and fitness
Pets
Books, CDs, and DVDs
Games
Cars and motorcycles
Gifts
Home improvement and tools
Smartphones and tablets
Banking and finance
Insurance
Audio
Smartphone applications
Others