Best Under-Desk Footrests: 3 Options Compared

6 sections 3 min read

1 Three footrests compared
2 How tall a footrest do you need?
2.1 Footrest height check
3 The three footrests
3.1 Wikabex Step-to-Adjust Foot Rest (2.7 to 13.1 Inches)
3.2 HUANUO Adjustable Foot Rest with Massage Surface and Tilt
3.3 Mind Reader Under-Desk Footrest, Height Adjustable
4 How to choose a footrest
5 Frequently asked questions
5.1 Do I need a footrest at my desk?
5.2 How tall should a footrest be?
5.3 Can a footrest be too high?
5.4 Are footrests good for small desks?
5.5 Can I use a box as a footrest?
6 Related guides

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A footrest solves a common small-space problem: a fixed-height desk that is too high for you. The right footrest is the one whose height range covers what you need, and that number is easy to work out. Of the three we compared, the Wikabex has by far the widest listed range (2.7 to 13.1 inches, stepless), the HUANUO offers three fixed heights up to 6.7 inches with a rocking platform, and the Mind Reader is the lowest and simplest (3.25 to 6.25 inches).

OSHA says feet should be fully supported by the floor, or by a footrest if the desk height is not adjustable (OSHA good working positions). We have not tested these footrests. Sizes and heights come from the Amazon listings, checked on September 29, 2026.

Three footrests compared

	Wikabex Step-to-Adjust	HUANUO Adjustable	Mind Reader
Height (as listed)	2.7″ to 13.1″, stepless	Three positions: 4.3″, 5.5″, 6.7″	3.25″ to 6.25″
Surface (as listed)	Contoured high-density foam cushion	17.13″ x 13.19″ non-skid massage-textured platform	17″ x 13″ massage-textured surface
Tilt	Not stated in the bullet points we read	Rocks -30 to +30 degrees, cannot be fixed	Not stated in the bullet points we read
Material and weight	Carbon steel frame, 9.5 lb	Not stated in the bullet points we read	Plastic, 5.5 lb
Adjusting	Step on it to adjust, no bending	Manual, three positions	Manual
Best for	A wide range of needs, or shared use	People who want to rock their feet	A low, compact, light footrest

How tall a footrest do you need?

If you cannot lower your chair, the footrest has to make up the difference between your desk and your body. Our planning estimate for the footrest height is your desk height minus about 39 percent of your height (see our desk height guide). Enter both numbers below to see which footrests cover it.

Footrest height check

Your height and your desk height (floor to the top of the desk), in inches.

Your height (in)Desk height (in)

Uses our planning estimate: footrest height is roughly desk height minus 39 percent of your height. It assumes you cannot lower the chair. It is an estimate, not a standard.

Worked example: a person 5 ft 0 in (60 in) with a 30-inch desk needs about 30 - 23.4 = 6.6 inches. The Mind Reader tops out at 6.25 inches, the HUANUO's tallest position is 6.7 inches, and the Wikabex covers it easily.

The three footrests

Wikabex Step-to-Adjust Foot Rest (2.7 to 13.1 Inches)

2.7"-13.1" stepless · carbon steel · 9.5 lb

The listing describes a footrest you adjust by stepping on it, with any height from 2.7 to 13.1 inches, a carbon-steel frame at 9.5 lb for stability, and a contoured high-density foam cushion. It says it is ready to use with no tools.

Good for: someone who needs a tall footrest or who shares a desk with people of different heights.
Keep in mind: at 9.5 lb it is heavier than the other two, and it is described as patent pending, so check the return terms and read recent buyer feedback on how it holds height.

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HUANUO Adjustable Foot Rest with Massage Surface and Tilt

4.3", 5.5", 6.7" · rocks -30 to +30 degrees

A 17.13 by 13.19 inch platform with a massage-textured, non-skid surface, three manual height positions and a tilt that rocks back and forth to encourage leg movement. The listing says it is pre-assembled with non-slip feet.

Good for: a moderate height need up to 6.7 inches and a footrest you can rock gently.
Keep in mind: the tilt cannot be locked, so it will not hold a fixed angle, and the maximum height is 6.7 inches.

See details on Amazon Affiliate link

Mind Reader Under-Desk Footrest, Height Adjustable

3.25"-6.25" · 17" x 13" · 5.5 lb

A lightweight plastic footrest with a massage-textured surface that adjusts from 3.25 to 6.25 inches. The listing gives its size as 17 by 13 inches and its weight as 5.5 lb.

Good for: a smaller height gap of up to about 6 inches and a light footrest that is easy to move.
Keep in mind: the tallest position is 6.25 inches, so it may not suit a large gap, and the bullet points we read do not state a weight capacity.

See details on Amazon Affiliate link

How to choose a footrest

Calculate the height first. A footrest that is too low leaves your feet hanging, and one that is too tall lifts your knees above your hips. OSHA says thighs should be supported and generally parallel to the floor.
Fix the chair first if you can. If the seat can go lower and your feet then reach the floor, you may not need a footrest.
Check the footprint. A 17 by 13 inch platform must fit in your leg room. OSHA suggests leg clearance of at least 20 inches wide and 17 inches deep at knee level (OSHA layout guidance).
Stability. A footrest that slides on a hard floor is a nuisance. Look for non-slip feet or a heavier base.
Rocking or fixed. A rocking footrest encourages movement. A fixed one gives steadier support.
If your feet still go numb, the problem may be the seat depth. See our guide to numb feet in an office chair.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a footrest at my desk?

You may if your desk cannot be lowered and your feet do not rest flat on the floor. OSHA says a footrest may be used when desk height is not adjustable.

How tall should a footrest be?

It should raise your feet so that your thighs are roughly parallel to the floor. Our planning estimate is your desk height minus about 39 percent of your height.

Can a footrest be too high?

Yes. If your knees rise above your hips, your legs are pushed against the seat edge. Choose a height that keeps your thighs about level.

Are footrests good for small desks?

They fix the height problem of a fixed desk without changing the desk. Make sure the footrest fits in your leg room.

Can I use a box as a footrest?

A sturdy box or a stack of books can work for a while if it does not slide, but an adjustable footrest is easier to set and keep stable.

Specifications checked on September 29, 2026. Product details and availability on Amazon can change, so confirm size and features on the product page before you buy.