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If your feet dangle, your toes barely touch the floor, or you catch yourself hooking your heels on the chair base by mid-afternoon, your desk setup is quietly working against you. A foot rest is the cheapest ergonomic fix there is, and it’s usually the one people skip. We compared the best foot rest for under desk options on Amazon right now — memory foam cushions, hard-plastic adjustable platforms, a wooden rocker and a pedal-adjusted premium model — and narrowed them down to five that make sense for different bodies and different desks.
Our picks are based on manufacturer spec sheets, product dimensions, and the patterns that show up again and again in verified owner reviews (tens of thousands of them across these five). We don’t claim to have lived with every one of these for months. What we’ve done is the boring homework: matching height ranges to real chair-and-desk combinations, reading what owners complain about after the honeymoon period, and flagging the trade-offs that listings tend to bury.
My Top Pick — ComfiLife Memory Foam Foot Rest
The ComfiLife is the foot rest for under desk that suits the widest range of people. It’s a 17.5 x 12 x 6-inch block of high-density memory foam with a removable, machine-washable cover, and it works with shoes or in socks. You can flip it over and use the curved side as a gentle rocker. With 14,000+ ratings averaging 4.6 stars, it’s one of the most consistently liked footrests on Amazon, and it sits in the mid-range price tier.
- Pain Relief and Support for Back, Hip, Legs, Knees & Feet – If you are working or sitting at a desk most hours of the da…
- Ultimate Comfort at Your Desk – One size doesn’t fit all! With its larger size and adjustable height our plushy memory f…
- Premium High Density Memory Foam – ComfiLife footrests are made from the high-quality memory foam which will easily conf…
Best Foot Rest for Under Desk — Quick Comparison
| Product | Price Tier | Best For | Type | Height | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ComfiLife Memory Foam Foot Rest | Mid-range | Most people, all-day comfort | Memory foam + rocker side | 6 in | 4.6/5 |
| Everlasting Comfort Memory Foam Foot Rest | Budget | Best value, flexible height | Memory foam, 3 positions | Up to ~6 in | 4.6/5 |
| Mind Reader Adjustable Foot Rest | Budget | Exact height control on a budget | Hard plastic platform | 3.25–6.25 in | 4.2/5 |
| StrongTek Wooden Rocking Footrest | Mid-range | Fidgeters, circulation, standing breaks | Wooden rocker | 4.4 in | 4.7/5 |
| Kensington SoleMate Comfort (SmartFit) | Premium | Shared desks, tilt + height on the fly | Foam-topped, pedal-adjusted | 3.5–5 in, 0–30° tilt | 4.4/5 |
Live prices are shown in the product boxes throughout this guide.
Reviews — Detailed Breakdown
1. ComfiLife Memory Foam Foot Rest — Best Overall
- Pain Relief and Support for Back, Hip, Legs, Knees & Feet – If you are working or sitting at a desk most hours of the da…
- Ultimate Comfort at Your Desk – One size doesn’t fit all! With its larger size and adjustable height our plushy memory f…
- Premium High Density Memory Foam – ComfiLife footrests are made from the high-quality memory foam which will easily conf…
Key Specs
- Material: high-density memory foam
- Dimensions: 17.5″ L x 12″ W x 6″ H
- Cover: removable, machine washable
- Modes: flat side for resting, curved side for rocking
- Rating: 4.6/5 from 14,000+ owners
Who this is for: Anyone who sits six or more hours a day and wants something soft enough to rest on in socks but firm enough to actually hold their legs at the right height.
The ComfiLife looks unremarkable — a black foam wedge with a zippered cover — and that’s exactly the point. The high-density foam is what separates it from the cheap cushions in the same search results. Cheap foam bottoms out after a few weeks and you end up with two heel-shaped craters and your feet back where they started. Owners consistently report that the ComfiLife holds its shape over long stretches of daily use, and that’s the single most important trait in a foam footrest.
At 6 inches tall, it suits the most common problem: an average-height or shorter person sitting in a chair raised high enough to type comfortably at a standard 29-30-inch desk. If your thighs are pressing into the front edge of your seat or your feet only touch the floor with your toes, six inches of lift usually brings your knees level with or slightly above your hips. That takes pressure off the backs of your thighs, which is where a lot of the late-afternoon numbness and restless-leg feeling comes from.
The 17.5-inch length gives you room to move. You can rest your heels on it with legs stretched, plant your whole feet flat, or slide it closer and tuck your feet in. Flip it over and the curved underside turns it into a slow rocker — not as active as a true wooden rocker, but enough to pump your calves a little during a long call. The cover zips off for the washing machine, which matters more than you’d think if you work barefoot at home.
The trade-off is the classic memory foam one. The foam is slightly grippy and conforms to your feet, so it’s cosy rather than slick, but it can feel warm in summer if you rest your bare feet on it all day. And at 12 inches deep, it’s a touch narrower than some rivals — fine for most people, but if you have big feet and like them side by side with a gap, you may want the slightly deeper Everlasting Comfort.
What I liked:
- High-density foam that owners say keeps its shape instead of flattening into dents
- Washable cover — a genuine plus if you work in socks or barefoot
- Two uses in one: a stable flat rest and a gentle rocker
- Light enough to move between a home desk and the couch
What could be better:
- Fixed height for most people — there’s no dial or legs to fine-tune it
- Foam can feel warm under bare feet during long summer days
Bottom line: If you’re not sure which type you need, start here. It solves the most common desk-height problem, it’s comfortable from day one, and the foam is the part owners say lasts.
2. Everlasting Comfort Memory Foam Foot Rest — Best Value
- ERGONOMIC FOOT REST FOR OFFICE, DESK & GAMING: Designed as a must-have home and office accessory, this memory foam foot …
- PREMIUM MEMORY FOAM WITH BALANCED FIRMNESS: Built with high-density memory foam measuring 50 on the Shore 00 firmness sc…
- DUAL FUNCTIONALITY & ADJUSTABLE DESIGN: Enjoy two ways to rest your feet with this ergonomic footstool. Use flat for ste…
Key Specs
- Material: high-density memory foam, 50 on the Shore 00 firmness scale
- Dimensions: 17.5″ x 13″ x 6″; weight 2.06 lb
- Modes: flat, flat with base for extra lift, or flipped as a rocker
- Base: non-slip bottom for carpet, tile or hardwood
- Rating: 4.6/5 from 27,000+ owners
Who this is for: Budget-minded buyers who want memory foam comfort plus a little more control over height than a single fixed block offers.
Everlasting Comfort is the most-reviewed footrest in this guide by a wide margin — more than 27,000 ratings at 4.6 stars — and that volume tells you something. Products with that many reviews and a score that high rarely have a hidden deal-breaker, because thousands of people with different chairs, desks and leg lengths have already found it for you.
The headline feature is flexibility. The foam is listed at 50 on the Shore 00 scale, which in plain English means it’s on the firmer side of “soft”: your feet sink in a little, but your legs stay where you put them. You can use it flat, set it on its base for extra elevation, or flip it over to rock. That small range of positions is useful if you share a desk, if you switch between chairs, or if you simply don’t know yet what height feels right. Start with the lower position and add height if your knees still sit below your hips.
It’s an inch deeper than the ComfiLife (13 inches versus 12), which gives larger feet a bit more room side to side. The non-slip bottom is worth mentioning: a foam block that slides away every time you push back from the desk gets old fast, especially on hardwood. Owners mention it stays put on both carpet and hard floors. At just over 2 pounds, it’s also light enough to toss in a carry-on — the listing even suggests it as an airplane footrest, which is a fair use on long-haul flights where your feet don’t reach the floor.
Where does it lose to the ComfiLife? Mostly on fine detail. The two are close enough that most people would be happy with either, and the Everlasting Comfort is usually the cheaper of the two. A few owners note the foam has a mild smell for the first day or two out of the packaging, which is common with new memory foam and fades with air.
What I liked:
- Huge, consistent owner rating base — very low risk
- Multiple height positions instead of one fixed block
- Non-slip bottom that owners say stays put on hard floors
- Slightly deeper top than the ComfiLife for larger feet
What could be better:
- Height options are steps, not a smooth range
- New-foam smell for the first day or so, according to some owners
Bottom line: The best value pick. If you want memory foam without paying mid-range money, this is the one to get — and it’s flexible enough to grow with your setup.
3. Mind Reader Adjustable Foot Rest — Best Budget Adjustable
- Customizable Comfort – Adjusts from 3.25″ to 6.25″ in height to help you find the perfect ergonomic angle under your des…
- Massage-Textured Surface – Stimulates feet and prevents slipping for added comfort and stability while sitting
- Supports Healthy Posture – Promotes better spinal alignment, reduces swelling, and eases pressure on legs and lower back
Key Specs
- Material: hard plastic with massage-textured surface
- Height: adjusts from 3.25″ to 6.25″
- Platform: 17″ x 13″; weight 5.5 lb
- Sold and shipped by Amazon.com
- Rating: 4.2/5 from 18,000+ owners
Who this is for: People who know a soft cushion won’t cut it — taller sitters who need less lift, or anyone who wants a firm, precise platform at an exact height.
Foam is comfortable, but it has one weakness: it compresses. If you only need three or four inches of lift, a 6-inch foam block is simply too tall and you’ll end up with your knees higher than you want. The Mind Reader solves that with a hard plastic platform that adjusts from 3.25 to 6.25 inches. That three-inch window covers most real-world chair and desk combinations, from a small lift for taller users to a full boost for shorter ones.
The surface is covered in small massage nubs, which do two jobs. They give your feet something to roll against during long sessions, and — more practically — they stop shoes from sliding off the platform. Plastic platforms with a smooth top are surprisingly annoying in practice; your feet creep forward until you’re back to dangling. At 5.5 pounds, it’s heavier than the foam models, which helps it stay planted when you shift your weight.
There’s an honest trade-off here. Hard plastic isn’t something you’ll want to rest bare feet on for eight hours, and the nubs can feel too pronounced in thin socks. This is a footrest for people who keep their shoes on, or who care more about getting the angle exactly right than about plush comfort. Owners also note that you need to get down and adjust the height by hand, so this isn’t one you’ll tweak several times a day.
The other reason it earns its spot: it’s sold and shipped by Amazon.com itself, with an 18,000-plus rating history going back to 2016. It’s been a steady seller for nearly a decade for good reason.
What I liked:
- Precise height range (3.25–6.25 inches) that foam can’t match
- Textured top keeps shoes from sliding forward
- Heavier build that stays put under shifting feet
- Sold by Amazon.com, simple returns
What could be better:
- Hard surface isn’t comfortable for bare feet all day
- Height changes take a moment on your hands and knees
Bottom line: The best cheap foot rest if you need exact height rather than softness — especially for taller sitters who only need a few inches.
4. StrongTek Wooden Rocking Footrest — Best Rocking Foot Rest
- Durable Design: Our wooden rocking footrest, superior to plastic alternatives, can hold up to 350 lbs. This robust footr…
- Comfort and Adjustability: Experience unparalleled comfort with our footrest that allows adjustments at various angles, …
- Anti-slip and Secure: With a grippy surface, our footrest ensures secure footing and maintains stability on various surf…
Key Specs
- Material: wood with a grippy non-slip top
- Dimensions: 17.7″ x 10.5″ x 4.4″; weight 3.4 lb
- Load capacity: up to 350 lb
- Motion: free rocking, controlled by your calves
- Rating: 4.7/5 from 3,100+ owners (highest in this guide)
Who this is for: Fidgeters, people who get stiff calves or swollen ankles from sitting, and standing-desk users who want something to balance on during breaks.
A rocking footrest is a different idea from a cushion. Instead of propping your feet at a fixed angle, it lets them tip back and forth with small ankle movements. That sounds trivial, but it’s the same thing your body wants to do when you jiggle your leg under the desk. Each rock works your calf muscles a little, and owners of rocking footrests often say it’s the reason their legs feel less heavy by the end of the day. If you’re someone who can’t sit still, this gives that restless energy somewhere useful to go.
The StrongTek has the highest rating in this guide at 4.7 stars, and the wooden build is a big part of that. Plastic rockers can creak and flex; this one is rated to 350 pounds, which means you can stand on it during a break and use it as a balance board. That’s a genuinely useful second job if you have a standing desk — shifting your weight on an unstable surface for a few minutes beats standing locked in one position. If you already have an anti-fatigue standing mat, the two pair well.
At 4.4 inches high it’s lower than the foam blocks, and the rocking motion means your feet are never perfectly still. That’s the trade-off. If you need a big height boost because your feet are far from the floor, this isn’t the right tool; a 6-inch foam rest or the Mind Reader at full height will serve you better. And at 10.5 inches deep, it’s the narrowest platform here, so it works best with feet placed close together.
Owners also mention that the wood looks better than plastic under a home-office desk — it reads more like furniture than an office accessory. Small thing, but if your desk is in a living room, it counts.
What I liked:
- Highest owner rating in this roundup
- Rocking motion keeps calves moving during long sitting sessions
- 350 lb capacity doubles it as a standing balance board
- Wood finish blends in better in a home setting
What could be better:
- Lower 4.4-inch height won’t help if your feet are far from the floor
- Narrow platform; feet always in motion, which some people find distracting
Bottom line: The best pick for anyone whose problem is stiffness and restlessness rather than height. A great partner for a sit-stand desk.
5. Kensington SoleMate Comfort Footrest with SmartFit — Best Premium Adjustable
- Foot rest with luxurious memory foam soothes tired legs and feet
- Convenient foot pedal control lets you adjust the foot rest without leaving your chair
- Height adjusts from 3.5 to 5 Inches, angle adjusts up to 30 degrees for individual comfort
Key Specs
- Surface: memory foam top
- Height: 3.5″ to 5″; tilt: up to 30 degrees
- Adjustment: foot pedal — no need to leave your chair
- SmartFit System for matching settings to your body
- TAA-compliant (ready for U.S. federal government purchasing)
- Rating: 4.4/5 from 1,500+ owners
Who this is for: Shared desks, hot-desking offices, and anyone who likes to change position throughout the day without crawling under the desk.
Kensington has been making ergonomic desk accessories for decades, and the SoleMate Comfort is its answer to the biggest complaint about every other footrest here: changing the setting is a hassle. On this one, you press a foot pedal and adjust height (3.5 to 5 inches) and tilt (up to 30 degrees) from your chair. That matters more than it sounds. Most people’s ideal angle changes over the day — more tilt when you lean back on a call, flatter when you lean in to type — and on a fixed footrest you simply put up with the wrong angle.
The SmartFit System is Kensington’s colour-coded guide that helps you match settings to your body size, which is handy in an office where several people share a workstation. Each person can find their number and reset it in seconds. The memory foam top makes it more comfortable than a bare plastic platform, so you get adjustability and some softness in one product. It’s also TAA-compliant, which is why you’ll see this model in government and corporate offices.
The trade-offs are price and footprint. It’s the premium pick here, noticeably more expensive than the foam blocks, and at roughly 22 inches wide it takes more under-desk space than everything else in this guide. If you have a compact desk or a walking pad that slides underneath, measure first. The maximum height of 5 inches is also lower than the foam rests, so very short users in tall chairs may still want the 6-inch options.
What I liked:
- Pedal-controlled height and tilt — adjust without leaving your chair
- Up to 30 degrees of tilt, the most angle control in this guide
- Foam top adds comfort to an adjustable platform
- SmartFit guide makes it easy to share a desk
What could be better:
- Premium price tier
- Wide footprint; 5-inch max height is lower than the foam blocks
Bottom line: The best foot rest for under desk use when several people share the workstation, or when you want to change angles throughout the day without fuss.
How to Choose a Foot Rest for Under Desk: What Actually Matters
Height: measure before you buy
The right height isn’t a product feature, it’s a measurement. Sit in your chair with it set at the height where your elbows are level with your desk and your shoulders are relaxed. Now measure the gap between the floor and the soles of your feet when your thighs are roughly parallel to the floor. That gap is roughly the height you need. If it’s 2–4 inches, look at low or adjustable models like the Mind Reader on its lowest setting or the Kensington. If it’s 5–7 inches, a 6-inch foam block like the ComfiLife or Everlasting Comfort is the simple answer.
Most ergonomic guidance aims for knees at about hip height, or very slightly higher, with your feet fully supported. If your knees end up much higher than your hips, the footrest is too tall and you’ll feel it in your lower back. Don’t guess — a tape measure takes 30 seconds.
Foam vs. plastic vs. rocking
Memory foam is the comfort choice: soft under socks or bare feet, quiet, and light. Its downside is that height is mostly fixed and cheap foam flattens over time — which is why we’ve only picked high-density foam here. Hard plastic platforms offer precise height and tilt control and work best if you keep shoes on. Rocking footrests are about movement: they won’t give you much lift, but they keep your ankles and calves working, which is what you want if your main issue is stiffness or swelling.
Price tiers line up roughly like this. In the budget tier you get a good memory foam block or a basic adjustable plastic platform. Mid-range buys you better foam, nicer materials like wood, and dual-purpose designs. Premium buys convenience: adjusting height and tilt with your foot, sturdier mechanisms and office-grade compliance.
Desk space and what else lives under there
Under-desk space is usually more crowded than people remember. A PC tower, a power strip, cable trays, a keyboard tray mechanism, or a walking pad can all fight for the same spot. The StrongTek is the most compact at 17.7 x 10.5 inches; the Kensington is the widest at around 22 inches. If you use a standing desk converter, remember you’ll be standing for part of the day — a rocking board that doubles as a balance board earns its floor space better than a footrest you’ll kick out of the way.
Shoes on or shoes off?
It sounds trivial, but it changes the answer. If you work from home in socks or barefoot, memory foam with a washable cover is far more pleasant than textured plastic. If you’re in an office wearing shoes all day, the textured plastic top of the Mind Reader or the grippy surface of the StrongTek will hold your feet in place better than soft foam, which can feel slippery under smooth soles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should your feet be elevated when sitting at a desk?
Your feet should be fully supported, either flat on the floor or on a foot rest. If your chair is high enough for your arms to reach the desk comfortably and your feet don’t sit flat on the floor, a foot rest closes that gap. The goal is knees roughly at hip height with no pressure on the backs of your thighs.
How high should a foot rest be under a desk?
High enough that your thighs are roughly parallel to the floor and your knees are at or slightly above hip level. For most people that’s somewhere between 3 and 6 inches. Measure the gap between your soles and the floor while sitting at your normal chair height, then pick a footrest that matches or adjusts to that number.
Is a foam or plastic foot rest better?
Foam is better for comfort, especially in socks or bare feet. Plastic is better for precise height and tilt adjustment and for people who wear shoes all day. If you’re unsure, start with a high-density foam model like the ComfiLife; switch to an adjustable platform only if the fixed height doesn’t suit you.
Are rocking foot rests good for you?
For many people, yes. A rocking footrest encourages small ankle and calf movements while you sit, which can help with stiffness and the heavy-leg feeling after long sessions. It isn’t a medical treatment, and it won’t give much height boost, so it’s best for people whose feet already almost reach the floor.
Do foot rests help with back pain?
A foot rest can help with lower back discomfort caused by poor sitting posture — for example, sitting on the front edge of your chair because your feet don’t reach the floor. By supporting your feet, it makes it easier to sit back against your chair’s lumbar support. If you have ongoing back pain, see a doctor or physical therapist; a footrest is a setup fix, not a cure.
Who needs a foot rest under their desk?
Mostly people under about 5’6″ using standard-height desks, anyone whose chair is raised to match a tall desk, and people who sit for long hours and feel pressure behind their knees. Taller people usually don’t need one for height, but some still like a rocking footrest for movement.
Can you use a foot rest with a standing desk?
Yes. In sitting mode, it works the same as with any desk. In standing mode, a rocking footrest like the StrongTek can double as a balance board, and a foam block lets you prop one foot up to shift your weight — a common tip for reducing fatigue during long standing stretches.
How do you clean a memory foam foot rest?
Remove the cover and machine wash it according to the label — both the ComfiLife and Everlasting Comfort covers are removable and washable. Don’t put the foam itself in the washer; spot clean it with a damp cloth and let it air dry completely before putting the cover back on.
Is a foot rest for under desk worth it in 2026?
Yes if your feet don’t sit flat on the floor at your working chair height, if you feel pressure behind your knees, or if your legs feel stiff by the end of the day. It’s one of the cheapest ergonomic upgrades you can make. No if you’re tall enough that your feet already sit flat with your thighs level — in that case an ergonomic mouse or a better chair setup will help you more.
Final Verdict
For most people, the ComfiLife Memory Foam Foot Rest is the best foot rest for under desk use: comfortable from the first day, high-density foam that holds its shape, and a washable cover. The Everlasting Comfort is the best value and the most-reviewed footrest here, with a few height positions for flexibility. If you need precise height on a budget, the Mind Reader’s 3.25–6.25-inch range is hard to beat. Restless legs? The StrongTek wooden rocker keeps you moving and doubles as a balance board. And for shared desks or all-day angle changes, the Kensington SoleMate Comfort lets you adjust height and tilt with your foot.
- Foot rest with luxurious memory foam soothes tired legs and feet
- Convenient foot pedal control lets you adjust the foot rest without leaving your chair
- Height adjusts from 3.5 to 5 Inches, angle adjusts up to 30 degrees for individual comfort
- Customizable Comfort – Adjusts from 3.25″ to 6.25″ in height to help you find the perfect ergonomic angle under your des…
- Massage-Textured Surface – Stimulates feet and prevents slipping for added comfort and stability while sitting
- Supports Healthy Posture – Promotes better spinal alignment, reduces swelling, and eases pressure on legs and lower back
- Durable Design: Our wooden rocking footrest, superior to plastic alternatives, can hold up to 350 lbs. This robust footr…
- Comfort and Adjustability: Experience unparalleled comfort with our footrest that allows adjustments at various angles, …
- Anti-slip and Secure: With a grippy surface, our footrest ensures secure footing and maintains stability on various surf…
- Pain Relief and Support for Back, Hip, Legs, Knees & Feet – If you are working or sitting at a desk most hours of the da…
- Ultimate Comfort at Your Desk – One size doesn’t fit all! With its larger size and adjustable height our plushy memory f…
- Premium High Density Memory Foam – ComfiLife footrests are made from the high-quality memory foam which will easily conf…
- ERGONOMIC FOOT REST FOR OFFICE, DESK & GAMING: Designed as a must-have home and office accessory, this memory foam foot …
- PREMIUM MEMORY FOAM WITH BALANCED FIRMNESS: Built with high-density memory foam measuring 50 on the Shore 00 firmness sc…
- DUAL FUNCTIONALITY & ADJUSTABLE DESIGN: Enjoy two ways to rest your feet with this ergonomic footstool. Use flat for ste…
See full specs on Kensington’s official SoleMate Comfort Footrest page.
Last updated: October 2026 | Prices subject to change.
Questions about any of these picks? Get in touch via our contact page.