Office chairs

Do You Need a Built-In Footrest on an Office Chair?

Published · By Ergocrew · Specs and guidance as of that date, from the pages under Sources

Summary

For desk work, the footrest you may need is a separate one on the floor. It solves a specific problem: the chair has been raised to suit the desk and your feet no longer rest flat. A built-in footrest that slides out from under the seat is a leg rest for reclining, which is a different job from supporting your feet while you type.

When a floor footrest is needed

OSHA's evaluation checklist says a footrest should be provided "if the feet are not flat on the floor because the keyboard and monitor do not have sufficient adjustability," and that "If used the footrest should be angled and support both feet." A fixed-height desk that is too tall is the typical cause. OSHA's desk guidance puts the fix in two steps: "raise the chair to accommodate the user," then provide a footrest.

The chair guidance adds that a footrest "may elevate the knee slightly to relieve pressure on the back of the leg." A separate footrest also stays where you put it when you move the chair, and it can be adjusted or replaced without changing chairs.

What a built-in footrest is for

A retractable footrest extends from the front of the seat and holds your legs out in front of you. It is useful when you recline to read, take a call, or rest between tasks, a position close to OSHA's reclined sitting posture with the torso "between 105 and 120 degrees from the thighs."

It does not help while you are typing. With your legs up on it, your feet are far from the floor and the chair is too far back for the keyboard. Look at how far it extends, how much weight it takes, and whether the stored mechanism under the seat reduces the room for your legs when it is folded away.

Which one fits your day

If the only problem is feet that dangle at your working height, a separate footrest covers it. If you also want to put your feet up during breaks, a chair with a built-in leg rest adds that, and you may still need a floor footrest for working hours. Neither fixes a seat that is too deep or armrests that keep you away from the desk.

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Related guides

Sources

  1. OSHA Computer Workstations eTool, Evaluation Checklist
  2. OSHA Computer Workstations eTool, Desks
  3. OSHA Computer Workstations eTool, Chairs
  4. OSHA Computer Workstations eTool, Good Working Positions

We have not tested these products. Specs and guidance are as published on these pages on the date above and can change; the manufacturer's page for your model has the current details.

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