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If you sit behind a desk for most of the day, the way you position your feet can throw off your body’s alignment and cause aches and pains. Investing in an ergonomic footrest, though, helps encourage proper positioning for your body, so you stay comfortable no matter how long you have to work.
An ergonomic footrest is exactly what it sounds like — a platform or device that you rest your feet on when you’re sitting in a chair. It helps support your lower body when you’re sitting for extended periods, so you’re less likely to experience foot, ankle, and leg discomfort. A footrest can also improve the circulation in your legs and encourage proper posture by aligning your spine and keeping your hips above your knees, which can prevent back, neck, and shoulder pain. No wonder many users find that a footrest even boosts their productivity.
Adjustable-height footrests, which usually have an angled platform that you can move up or down, are the most common. If you’ve been unable to find a footrest that fits your body comfortably, an adjustable model is the best bet.
Cushion or pillow footrests are typically constructed with padded foam that helps cushion your feet while providing the necessary support and elevation. They’re often designed to be used without your shoes to increase your comfort.
Hammock-style footrests are essentially a fabric sling that you hang from your desk or the seat in front of you to rest your feet on. They often allow you to place your feet and legs so they’re almost level with your seat, which many users find more comfortable. A hammock-style footrest is one of the most portable options, so you can easily bring it with you on a plane or back and forth between your home and office.
It’s important to consider the surface area of an ergonomic footrest before you purchase a model. It should be large enough to fit both of your feet side by side. For most people, a surface area of approximately 15 inches by 11 inches is ideal. If your feet are particularly large, though, you may want a model that offers you more space.
Height: If you opt for an adjustable ergonomic footrest, it’s important to consider how many different height options it offers. Some models only have two height levels, while others offer as many as four. The more height options that a footrest offers, the greater the chance that there’s a comfortable level for you. Ideally, you should opt for an ergonomic footrest that offers at least 2 to 5 inches in height adjustment.
Angle: Pay attention to an ergonomic footrest’s angle options, too. Some models sit completely flat, while others allow you to adjust the angle that the footrest sits at for greater comfort. For the most customization, choose a model that allows at least 0º to 35º of inclination.
Your feet should sit comfortably on an ergonomic footrest, so if you opt for an adjustable model made of a hard material, such as plastic or wood, make sure it has a nonslip or nonskid surface. This will keep your feet stable, so they don’t slide off the footrest when you’re trying to get comfortable at your desk.
If you travel regularly or just need to move your ergonomic footrest between your home and office, portability is an important feature. Hammock-style footrests are typically the most portable option, because you can easily fold them up and stash them in a suitcase or bag. If you prefer a cushion or adjustable model, choose an option that’s as light as possible — avoid options that weigh more than 2 or 3 pounds.
The height levels for an adjustable ergonomic footrest must be adjusted manually. For the easiest operation, opt for a model with a foot lever or pedal that you simply tap with your foot to raise or lower the footrest. This will save you from having to bend down to adjust the height setting.
Some models have built-in massaging balls to help soothe tired feet, while others feature massaging rollers that you can run your feet over to help relieve any aches and pains you might be feeling.
Sitting down all day can often mean poor circulation in your legs and feet, so some ergonomic footrests are designed specifically to help improve blood flow in your lower body. Choose a model with a design that allows you to rock the platform back and forth to keep your legs and feet active and promote more effective circulation.
If your feet are really in need of some T.L.C., you may want an ergonomic footrest that has a heating feature to help soothe aches and pains in your feet. A cooling feature can also keep you more comfortable in warm weather when your feet may get hot and sweaty.
Hammock-style ergonomic footrests are usually the most affordable. They typically cost between $4 and $14 and are ideal for travel.
Cushion ergonomic footrests cost more because they offer better support. Most models range from $12 to $60 and are ideal if you like to take your shoes off when you’re sitting behind your desk.
Adjustable-height ergonomic footrests are the most expensive. They usually cost between $16 and $70 and allow for the most customization, because you can choose the best height setting for your height and body type.
A. The backsides of most footrests have a nonslip surface to prevent sliding on hard flooring, carpeting, and most other surfaces. This allows a footrest to grip the floor, so when you rest your feet on it, it stays in place.
A. Cushion-style and hammock-style footrests are usually a single piece, so they require no assembly. Many adjustable footrests also come fully assembled, though some models do require minimal assembly. In most cases, you can put a footrest together in less than 10 minutes.
A. If you want a footrest that’s easy to carry around, aim for a model that’s 2 pounds or less. Hammock-style footrests are the lightest models because of their simple fabric design, but cushion-style models can be an effective travel option, too, because they’re usually made of lightweight foam.
