If you’re around 157 cm, your office chair probably bottoms out about 4 cm too high for your legs. That leaves you perched on the front edge of the seat, thighs sloping downhill, calves cramping by mid-afternoon.
A footrest changes that almost immediately: feet flat, knees at 90 degrees, lower back actually supported. Same chair, same desk, completely different body.
A footrest for a short person isn’t a luxury. It’s the missing link between a chair that won’t go lower and a desk that won’t go higher — and it costs less than a nice dinner. Below are five footrests compared for this guide, plus what to check before you buy.
Quick Picks
- Best overall: Mind Reader Adjustable Footrest — roughly 10–30 cm of height range, adjustable with a lever while seated. Around $35.
- Best budget: HUANUO Adjustable Foot Rest — three height positions and a massage surface, around $28.
- Best for the office: Fellowes Adjustable FootRest — four click-in heights from 10 to 25 cm and a base that never slides. Around $45.
- Best angled: ErgoFoam Footrest — a firm foam wedge that tilts your feet toes-up to ease calf strain, around $50.
- Best alternative: iMissiu Foot Hammock — hangs under the desk and works at any height. Around $25.
How We Chose
The comparison focused on a 157 cm user with a 74 cm inseam, working at a 140 cm desk with a chair that only descends so far. Four rules guided the picks:
- The lowest setting had to be genuinely low. Most footrests bottom out at 15–20 cm, fine for average heights but useless when your chair is already at its minimum.
- It had to stay put — checked against owner reports of sliding, tipping, or flex.
- Tilt mattered. A surface angled about 15–20 degrees toes-up relieved calf pull far better than a flat one.
- Owner reviews consistently mention surviving months of daily use, not just feeling nice for an afternoon.
Long-term owner reviews from users between 152 and 160 cm were also factored in.
Comparison Table
| Product | Lowest height | Tilt | Material | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mind Reader Adjustable | ~10 cm | No | Plastic | $35 |
| HUANUO Adjustable | ~12 cm | No | Foam | $28 |
| Fellowes Adjustable | ~10 cm | No | Plastic | $45 |
| ErgoFoam | ~20 cm fixed | 20° fixed | Firm foam | $50 |
| iMissiu Foot Hammock | Strap-adjusted | Yes | Fabric | $25 |
Reviews
Mind Reader Adjustable Footrest — Best Overall
The side lever releases the height mechanism, so you adjust it while sitting — no getting up, no guessing. It spans roughly 10 to 30 cm, which covers nearly every short-person setup. The textured top grips socks without grabbing fabric. The most common complaint: a slight wobble at the highest setting. At about $35, it remains the most recommended pick.
HUANUO Adjustable Foot Rest — Best Budget
Three height positions (about 12, 15 and 18 cm) and a ribbed, massage-style surface. It’s the softest option here — a relief in winter, when plastic footrests feel like blocks of ice. Two caveats: the height is fixed, and the foam softens over a year of daily use. If you need adjustability, the Mind Reader costs only about $7 more.
Fellowes Adjustable FootRest — Best for the Office
Four click-in heights from about 10 to 25 cm, plus the widest base of the group. It didn’t move a millimeter on carpet or hardwood. The mechanism clicks loudly when you change height — annoying in a quiet room, but you only do it once a day.
ErgoFoam Footrest — Best Angled
A firm wedge that holds your feet toes-up at about 20 degrees. For users whose calves ache from hours of dangling, this is the most commonly recommended fix. The height is fixed at roughly 20 cm, so measure the gap under your desk first. If your chair sits high, this wedge shines; if it’s already at minimum, the fixed height may be too tall.
iMissiu Foot Hammock — Best Alternative
Not a footrest at all — a fabric sling that hangs under your desk. The straps adjust to any height, which makes it the only option when your chair is bottomed out and no floor footrest goes low enough. Most owners report a day or two to get used to the gentle rocking.
Buying Guide: What to Look For When You’re Short
- Height range comes first. Measure the gap between your heels and the floor, then pick a footrest whose lowest setting sits at or below that gap. If the gap is under 10 cm, skip floor footrests and go straight to a hammock.
- Tilt beats flat. A 15–20 degree toes-up angle reduces calf strain and helps blood move; flat surfaces are fine for short sessions.
- Stability is non-negotiable. The base should be wider than the top surface and padded underneath; test with both feet pressing hard.
- Size matters. A surface about 40–45 cm wide lets you shift your feet without knocking the base over.
- Material sets the mood. Foam is warm and soft but compresses; plastic is durable but cold; metal is stable but heavy.
- Budget for $25–60. That range covers everything worth buying; above it, you’re paying for branding.
FAQ
What height should a footrest be for a short person?
Aim for feet flat, knees at about 90 degrees, thighs parallel to the floor. For someone 150–160 cm, that usually means 10–15 cm — or a hammock if your chair sits lower.
Do short people really need a footrest?
If your feet don’t rest flat, yes. Dangling feet make you perch on the front of the seat, which opens your hip angle and rounds your lower back. That’s not medical advice, but the 90-degree rule has been standard advice for decades. A $28 footrest is a cheap experiment.
Are foot hammocks safe for desk work?
For most people, yes. They work at heights no floor footrest can reach, which makes them ideal for very short people. Give yourself a day to adjust, and check the desk edge above the hammock is smooth — a sharp edge digs into your calves.
Can I just use a box or a stack of books?
Temporarily, sure. A sturdy box around 15–20 cm high does the same job for a week. It won’t tilt, it can slide on hard floors, and it looks like… well, a box. If the setup works for you, the $28 HUANUO is basically the upgrade.
Shop These Picks on Amazon
Ready to compare prices? These links open Amazon listings for the specific products covered in this guide, so you can check current models and prices yourself. If you buy through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you — it helps keep RemoteErgoLab free.
- Mind Reader Adjustable Footrest
- HUANUO Adjustable Foot Rest
- Fellowes Adjustable FootRest
- ErgoFoam Footrest
- iMissiu Foot Hammock
Related Guides
- Desk Too High? Ergonomic Fixes for Remote Workers
- Monitor Too Low? Fixes for Neck Pain
- The Complete Ergonomic Home Office Setup Guide
Disclosure
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Shop These Picks on Amazon
Ready to upgrade your setup? The links below go to the specific products covered in this guide. If you buy through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you — it helps keep RemoteErgoLab free.