Key takeaways
- Lower the seat and raise nothing else: If your desk is adjustable, lowering the desk can bring your feet to the floor without an accessory.
- Use a gaming chair with a lower minimum seat height: Check the maker’s seat height range before buying; sizes such as the Secretlab Titan Evo Small are aimed at shorter users according to the maker.
- A stack of firm, stable books or a sturdy box: A temporary stand-in, though it lacks angle adjustment and grip.
- A height-adjustable desk: A longer-term fix that avoids the need for a footrest.
A footrest is worth buying for a gaming chair when your feet do not rest flat on the floor at the seat height that suits your desk, and the right one depends on how you sit: the Kensington SmartFit suits buyers who want an adjustable height and angle platform, the Fellowes Foot Rocker suits people who like to fidget, the Humanscale FM300 suits buyers who want a premium gliding footrest if it can be found, and foam models such as ComfiLife suit budget buyers who want a simple cushion.
Gaming chairs add a wrinkle that office chairs mostly avoid: the seat is often raised to reach a desk, which leaves shorter players with feet dangling or toes only. A footrest lets you set the chair where your arms are comfortable and still support your feet. This guide covers what to measure, how footrest types differ, which models reviewers name in 2026, and how to pick. Specs are from makers where they could be confirmed and attributed to reviewers otherwise. No prices are quoted. Where reviewers disagree on a number, the disagreement is noted.
Our top picks
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At a Glance: Footrests Compared
| Footrest | Type | Tier | Key stated specs | Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kensington SmartFit | Adjustable platform | Budget to mid-range | Reviewers list memory foam top, 3.5 to 5 inch height, up to a 30 degree angle, and a pedal for adjusting while seated | Fixed platform, not a rocker |
| Humanscale FM300 | Gliding rocker | Premium | Reviewers describe a metal frame and smooth back-and-forth motion; height adjustment reports differ (about 3 inches versus fixed 4.5 inches) | One reviewer says it is discontinued, unconfirmed elsewhere |
| Fellowes Foot Rocker | Rocker | Budget | Reviewers call it the largest, simplest rocker in the range | Little height adjustment |
| Fellowes Standard Foot Rest | Fixed platform | Budget | Reviewers describe dual-height positions | Basic, no angle adjustment |
| Fellowes Professional Series | Tilting platform | Budget to mid-range | Reviewers describe a tilting platform | Less cushioned |
| ComfiLife memory foam | Foam wedge | Budget | Reviewers describe a memory-foam cushion | Foam can compress over time; light sliding on slick floors |
Do You Need a Footrest?
A simple check: sit in your chair at the height where your forearms rest comfortably on the desk and your wrists are straight. If your feet reach the floor and your knees sit at about a right angle, you may not need one. If your feet dangle or your heels lift, the edge of the seat can press into the backs of your thighs. A footrest fills that gap.
It can also help taller users who like to stretch their legs or change position during a session. If you have ongoing leg pain, swelling or numbness while sitting, speak to a doctor. A footrest is a comfort accessory, not a treatment.
Footrest Types
Fixed platforms
A fixed platform is a flat or slightly angled surface. It is simple, stable and often low in cost. The Fellowes Standard Foot Rest is a typical example, with dual-height positions per reviewers. The limit is that it cannot move as you shift your posture.
Adjustable and tilting platforms
An adjustable platform lets you set both height and angle. The Kensington SmartFit is described by reviewers as the best adjustable platform in one roundup, with a pedal that lets you change height while seated. That detail matters in a gaming chair, where you may not want to lean forward and fiddle with knobs mid-session. Tilting models such as Fellowes’ Professional Series allow some ankle movement.
Rockers and gliders
A rocker pivots under your feet and encourages small movements. The Fellowes Foot Rocker is described as a simple and large rocker for people who fidget. The Humanscale FM300 is a glider, and reviewers praise its smooth motion and metal build. Rockers add movement but also add instability, and some players find them distracting while using pedals or a racing wheel.
Foam wedges and cushions
A foam footrest is the lowest-cost option and works well for light use. Memory foam softens pressure but can compress over time. On slick floors, check for a non-slip base.
Features to Check Before Buying
Height range
Match the footrest height range to the gap between your feet and the floor. The Kensington SmartFit is listed by reviewers at 3.5 to 5 inches. If the gap is larger, you may need to lower the chair and use a higher desk or a taller footrest. Some outlets disagree on the FM300’s adjustment, so confirm with the maker.
Surface size
A platform should be wide enough for both feet and deep enough for your whole foot or at least the ball of the foot. Gaming chairs with wide bases can push the footrest forward, so check that it fits where your feet naturally land.
Base grip and stability
Look for rubber feet or a textured base, especially on hardwood floors or when using a chair mat. A footrest that scoots away is more annoying than none.
Surface texture
Massage nodules and textured tops divide opinion. Some people like them; others find them uncomfortable through socks or shoes. A plain surface is the safer choice for a first purchase.
Under-desk clearance
Measure the space between the floor and the underside of the desk, especially if a drawer or keyboard tray sits low. The footrest and your legs must both fit.
Models Reviewers Name
Kensington SmartFit
Reviewers call it the best adjustable platform in a 2026 roundup, with a rigid platform that does not compress under hard soles and a pedal-style adjuster. For a gaming chair setup where seat height is already set and you only need to fine-tune foot position, this is a practical choice.
Humanscale FM300
Several roundups name it the best overall footrest, citing smooth motion and durable construction. Reports about price, height adjustment and availability differ among sources. One site says it is discontinued, and that was not confirmed elsewhere. Because the maker’s page did not provide details in this research, confirm current availability and specifications with Humanscale before relying on it.
Fellowes lineup
Fellowes covers the budget end: the Foot Rocker for movement, the Standard Foot Rest for simplicity and the Professional Series for tilt. Reviewers value them as proven, low-cost options.
ComfiLife and other foam rests
Foam rests such as ComfiLife are popular as an inexpensive first purchase. Other foam options named by reviewers include Cushion Lab, and Everlasting Comfort is named as a budget pick.
Pick X If: Decision Table
| If you… | Pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Want to change height and angle easily | Kensington SmartFit | Adjustable platform with pedal per reviewers |
| Like to move your feet during long sessions | Fellowes Foot Rocker | Large simple rocker |
| Want a premium gliding model | Humanscale FM300 | Metal build and smooth motion per reviewers; confirm availability |
| Want the simplest cheap option | Fellowes Standard Foot Rest | Fixed platform with two heights |
| Prefer a soft cushion | ComfiLife or other memory foam | Pressure relief for light use |
| Use pedals or a racing wheel | Fixed platform | Avoids a moving surface under your feet |
Alternatives to a Footrest
- Lower the seat and raise nothing else: If your desk is adjustable, lowering the desk can bring your feet to the floor without an accessory.
- Use a gaming chair with a lower minimum seat height: Check the maker’s seat height range before buying; sizes such as the Secretlab Titan Evo Small are aimed at shorter users according to the maker.
- A stack of firm, stable books or a sturdy box: A temporary stand-in, though it lacks angle adjustment and grip.
- A height-adjustable desk: A longer-term fix that avoids the need for a footrest.
Care and Fit Tips
- Place the footrest so your knees stay at roughly a right angle or slightly open.
- Avoid locking your ankles in one position for hours; shift your feet often.
- Wipe surfaces with a damp cloth and let foam dry fully.
- If you feel pins and needles, swelling or pain, stop and consult a doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do gaming chairs need a footrest?
Only if your feet do not rest flat when the seat is at the right height for your desk. Taller users often do not need one. Shorter users often benefit because the seat has to go up to reach the desk.
What height should a footrest be?
It should lift your feet to the point where your thighs are level or slightly sloped and your knees sit near a right angle. The Kensington SmartFit is listed by reviewers at 3.5 to 5 inches, which covers a typical gap.
Is a rocking footrest better than a fixed one?
It depends on habits. Rockers encourage small movements and suit fidgeters. Fixed platforms are more stable and suit players who use pedals or want a steady position.
Will a footrest slide on a hard floor?
It can if the base is smooth. Look for rubber feet and consider a non-slip pad underneath. If you also use a chair mat, test the footrest on it.
Is the Humanscale FM300 still sold?
One reviewer says it is discontinued, but other 2026 roundups still list it, and the maker’s page did not confirm either way. Check with Humanscale or a retailer before planning around it.
Can a footrest help with back or leg discomfort?
It may make sitting more comfortable by reducing pressure on the thighs, but it is not a treatment. If you have persistent pain, numbness or swelling, see a doctor.
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