The Best Under Desk Footrests in Australia for 2026

Which under desk footrest should most Australians buy in 2026?

For most people working from home, the StrongTek height-adjustable wooden footrest is the one to get. It sits at 4.7 stars on Amazon Australia, the highest rating of any footrest we studied for this guide, and the solid wood platform stays put under your feet instead of skating across the floor. If you want the safest crowd-pleaser, the Mind Reader footrest has been bought and rated by thousands of Australians and costs around $40. And if your budget is tight, the NOAEOU rocking footrest starts at $25, the cheapest of our three headline picks.

A footrest is one of those small purchases that quietly fixes a problem you did not know you had. If your chair is set high enough for your desk, your feet often dangle or your heels lift off the floor, which loads the backs of your thighs and your lower back. Raising your feet onto a supportive platform takes that pressure off, improves your sitting posture, and helps circulation through long days at the screen. For a first home office, it is one of the best value upgrades you can make, and you do not need to spend a fortune.

Below we walk through six footrests sold on Amazon Australia, what each one is genuinely good at, and where each one falls short. Every rating, price and spec in this guide comes straight from the live Australian listings, and we have been blunt about the flaws so you can buy with your eyes open.

How did we choose the best footrests for Australia?

We are a small Australian team that researches products for first home buyers and people setting up a home for the first time. We do not run a lab and we do not claim to have stress-tested every footrest ourselves. Instead, we study the listings, the verified buyer reviews, and the wider expert coverage, then we cross-check it all against what is actually in stock in Australia. Here is what shaped these picks:

• We only included footrests that were in stock on Amazon Australia with a real star rating and at least three customer reviews, so nothing here is a phantom listing.
• We weighted Australian verified-purchase reviews heavily, because floor type, climate and how people actually use a footrest at home matter more than a glossy product photo.
• We checked the published dimensions, weight capacity, height range and tilt range on each listing, and we flag where a listing is vague or where buyers say the real item differs from the photos.
• We balanced the picks across price points and styles, from a sub-$30 rocking stool to a memory-foam tower and a heavier steel-framed platform, so there is a sensible option for most setups.
• We read the one and two-star reviews as closely as the five-star ones, because the complaints tell you who should avoid a product more clearly than the praise tells you who should buy it.

Comparing the best under desk footrests at a glance

The quick version: the StrongTek wins on rating and build, the Mind Reader wins on track record and value, and the NOAEOU wins on price. From there it depends on whether you want a firm platform, a rocking stool or a soft memory-foam tower. The pricier Stansom and the foam Hoomegic exist for people with very specific needs, and the CZZXI is a popular budget rocker with hundreds of reviews. Use the cards under each pick to compare price, rating and the key numbers side by side, then read the use-case sections below to find your match.

What is the best overall under desk footrest in Australia?

The StrongTek height-adjustable wooden footrest is our top pick overall. At 4.7 stars it is the highest rated footrest in this guide, and the reason is simple: it is solid wood, it feels planted under your feet, and it adjusts for both height and tilt so you can dial in the angle that suits your chair and desk. Where the cheap plastic stools tend to skid or flex, a wood platform gives you something stable to push against, which is exactly what you want when you are trying to take load off your lower back.

The platform measures roughly 39cm by 26cm, which is generous enough for both feet side by side, and the textured wooden surface gives a light grip even in socks. StrongTek pitches it as a stepless height and tilt system, so rather than clicking between two or three fixed steps, you can fine-tune the lift. Buyers describe it as sturdy, attractive enough to leave on show, and comfortable across a full working day. It weighs about 2.7kg, heavy enough to stay where you put it but still easy to slide aside with a foot when you stand up.

It also doubles nicely as a footrest under the dining table or in front of an armchair for reading, so it is not locked to your desk. For a first home office where you want one quality piece that looks the part and lasts, this is the one we would buy first. It costs a little more than the plastic stools, but the jump in stability and finish is worth it.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

It is wood, so it is firmer underfoot than a cushioned or rocking footrest. If you specifically want a massaging or rocking sensation, this is not that. The height range, while adjustable, tops out lower than the tall steel-framed options, so very tall desks with a high chair may want one of the taller picks. And with 62 reviews it has a smaller track record than the Mind Reader, though the rating is excellent.

What is the best value footrest for working from home?

The Mind Reader adjustable footrest is the best value pick, and it is the safe default if you just want something proven. It has more reviews than any other footrest in this guide by a wide margin, sitting at 4.3 stars across thousands of ratings, and it usually lands around $40. That combination of a long track record and a fair price is hard to argue with when you are kitting out a home office on a budget.

It gives you three height positions and a tilting platform, so you can raise your feet and angle them to ease pressure on your legs and lower back. The top surface is textured to give your feet a gentle massage through the day, which buyers either love or find a bit firm depending on whether they sit in socks or shoes. The platform measures about 46cm by 34cm, which is one of the larger surfaces here, so there is plenty of room to shift your feet around rather than holding one fixed position.

Australian reviewers repeatedly call it comfortable, easy to set up out of the box with no assembly, and a genuine improvement to their working comfort, with several mentioning relief for sciatica and lower back strain. At this price, with this many happy buyers behind it, it is the footrest we would recommend to someone who does not want to overthink the decision.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

The most common complaint is that the tilting platform can feel a little unstable, rocking with foot movement rather than locking flat, and one Australian reviewer flagged exactly that. The height adjusts and stays locked, but the tilt is the part that moves. It is plastic, so it does not have the premium feel of the wooden StrongTek. If you want a rock-solid flat platform, look at the StrongTek instead; if a bit of give does not bother you, the value here is excellent.

What is the best budget under desk footrest?

The NOAEOU rocking footrest is our budget pick, starting at $25, the cheapest of our three headline picks. It is a tidy little rocking stool that does the core job of getting your feet off the floor at a price that makes it an easy yes. It carries an Amazon's Choice badge on the Australian listing and sits at 4.3 stars, which is a strong showing for something this affordable.

Instead of fixed height steps, it uses a curved rocker base that lets you swing your feet forward and back through a roughly 180-degree arc, which keeps your ankles moving rather than locked in one spot. The top surface has textured massage rollers to stimulate circulation, and the whole thing weighs well under a kilo, so it is light to nudge into place. It snaps together from two leg pieces with no tools, and the PP plastic frame is rated to hold up to around 54kg, plenty for resting feet.

Australian buyers use it daily and say it helps, with a few noting it is on the lighter, more basic side and works best on carpet or a rug where it grips. As a first footrest, or a second one for a spare desk, it is a lot of comfort for not much money.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

It is not height adjustable, so what you see is the height you get, and a couple of reviewers found it a touch flimsy or noted it can slide on hard floors like tiles or floorboards. The fix is a rug or mat underneath. If you need to dial in a precise height for a tall desk, choose an adjustable pick. For a low-cost feet-up upgrade, it punches above its price.

What is the best adjustable footrest for tall or fussy setups?

The Stansom large-panel footrest is the most premium option in this guide and the one to choose if you want maximum adjustability. It is the most expensive pick here at around $106, but you are paying for a carbon steel and HDPE frame, a stepless ratchet hinge that adjusts smoothly through many angles and heights, and a large memory foam cushion that pops off to reveal a built in foot roller.

The enlarged 40cm by 31cm platform gives your feet more room than most, and the triangular steel construction is built to resist the wobble that plagues cheaper plastic stools. It folds flat for storage or travel, and the cushion comes with a spare washable cover. The maximum load is rated up to 63kg. Australian reviewers describe it as well built, versatile and a clear step up from the plastic door-stop stools they used before, with one calling it something that blows the cheaper ones out of the water.

If you are tall, if your chair sits high, or if you simply want to fine-tune the exact angle and height rather than clicking between presets, this is the footrest that gives you the most control. It is an investment, but it is the kind of piece you buy once.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

The price is the obvious hurdle, and it is roughly four times the budget pick. A couple of reviewers found the first setup fiddly because the folding mechanism is not obvious, and one noted the base can rock until you orient it correctly to counter the cantilever. There was also a mention of loose plastic debris in the box on arrival. None of these are dealbreakers, but this is a footrest you commit to rather than grab on impulse.

What is the best soft footrest for comfort and circulation?

The Hoomegic memory-foam footrest is the pick if you want softness rather than a hard platform. Instead of plastic or wood, it is a set of three foam cushions wrapped in a breathable, machine-washable mesh cover, and they stack with velcro to give you three height options. At 4.4 stars it is well liked, and it comes with a carry handle so you can move it between your desk, the couch and even a plane.

The appeal is comfort and flexibility. You can use the full stack as a footrest, split the pieces to prop one cushion behind your knees, or use them separately as back or seat support. The curved top piece is shaped to elevate your feet and ease pressure on your legs and ankles, and the foam is firm enough to hold its shape under load while still feeling soft. The non-slip base grips well, including on floorboards, according to Australian reviewers, and the washable cover is a genuinely practical touch for a piece your feet live on.

For anyone who finds hard footrests uncomfortable, or who wants a multi-use cushion they can take to the lounge or while travelling, this is a clever, versatile choice that several Australian buyers rate as the best footrest they have owned.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

The honest catch, raised by more than one Australian reviewer, is that the real product is flatter and lower than some of the promotional photos suggest, so the stacked height may not be enough to act as a tall footstool for a high chair without something underneath. A few buyers felt it was a little soft for pure foot support and slightly over-priced for what it is. If you need firm, precise elevation, choose a platform; if you want plush comfort and versatility, it delivers.

What is the best cheap rocking footrest with lots of reviews?

The CZZXI rocking footrest is a popular, low-cost rocker backed by hundreds of reviews, sitting at 4.2 stars across more than 500 ratings. At around $24 it is one of the most affordable picks in this guide, and unlike some no-name budget stools it has a real track record behind it.

Like the NOAEOU, it uses a curved base so you can rock your feet back and forth through about 180 degrees, with a textured massage surface on top to keep circulation moving. The foot area measures roughly 34cm long, enough for both feet, and the thickened PP plastic frame is rated to hold up to about 54kg. It snaps together from two leg pieces with no tools and weighs well under a kilo, so it is easy to carry to a meeting or move between desks.

Reviewers who work from home say it gives a good stretch for the feet and calves and makes long sitting sessions more bearable, with several noting it eased their back discomfort at the desk. For a cheap, proven rocking footrest, it is a sensible alternative to the NOAEOU, and the larger review count gives extra reassurance that you know what you are getting.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

It is not height adjustable, and a few reviewers found the massage bumps a touch pointy and the plastic on the cheaper-feeling side. As with most light rocking stools, it can slide on slick floors, so a rug helps. And how comfortable the fixed height feels will depend on your chair and leg length. For the price, with this many reviews, the value is hard to fault.

How do you choose the right footrest for your desk?

The right footrest depends mostly on your chair height, your floor and whether you want movement or a firm platform. Start by checking whether your feet sit flat on the floor when your chair is set so your forearms are level with the desk. If your heels lift or your feet dangle, a footrest will help. From there, weigh up these factors:

• Height and tilt adjustment. Adjustable height lets you match the footrest to your exact chair and desk, which matters most if you are tall or share the desk. Tilt or angle adjustment lets you find a comfortable ankle position. Fixed-height rockers are cheaper but you cannot fine-tune them.
• Platform versus rocker versus cushion. A firm platform like the StrongTek gives you something stable to push against. A rocker like the NOAEOU or CZZXI keeps your ankles moving. A foam set like the Hoomegic prioritises plush comfort and multi-use flexibility.
• Floor type. Light plastic rockers can skid on tiles and floorboards. If you have hard floors, choose a heavier platform, look for a strong non-slip base, or simply put a rug or mat underneath.
• Size of the platform. A wider surface lets you reposition your feet through the day rather than holding one spot, which is more comfortable over long sessions. Check the listed dimensions against your shoe size and how you like to sit.
• Weight capacity. Most desk footrests are rated for resting feet, not standing on, often around 54 to 63kg. If you tend to put real weight through it, check the rating and lean toward a steel-framed model.

How do you look after a footrest so it lasts?

Footrests are low-maintenance, but a few habits keep them grippy, hygienic and stable for years. The main jobs are keeping the non-slip base clean and the surface wiped down.

• Keep the base clean. The non-slip pads or rubber feet lose grip when they collect dust and hair. Wipe them every few weeks, and if a rocker starts sliding on a hard floor, cleaning the base often restores the grip before you reach for a rug.
• Wipe the top surface. Plastic and wood platforms clean with a damp cloth and a little mild soap. Do not soak a wooden footrest like the StrongTek; wipe and dry it so the timber does not swell.
• Wash removable covers. Foam models like the Hoomegic have zip-off, machine-washable covers. Washing them every so often keeps a piece your bare feet live on fresh.
• Check the adjustment mechanism. On ratchet or stepless models, make sure the hinge clicks fully into a notch so it holds your chosen height. A platform that compresses under your feet usually just is not locked into position.
• Store flat if folding. Foldable models travel and store best laid flat. Avoid stacking heavy items on a foam footrest, which can compress the foam over time.

What else do you need for a comfortable home office?

A footrest is one piece of the ergonomic puzzle. To get the most out of it, pair it with the rest of your setup so your whole posture works together rather than fighting itself. These accessories are the ones we see make the biggest difference:

• A supportive chair. The footrest helps your legs, but a chair with proper lumbar support does the heavy lifting for your back. See our guide to the best ergonomic chairs in Australia.
• A desk at the right height. If your desk is too high or too low, no footrest fully fixes it. A height-adjustable desk lets you set the perfect level. Browse the best standing desks in Australia.
• A monitor at eye level. Raising your screen so the top is at eye height stops you craning your neck. A monitor arm frees up desk space and gets the height exactly right.
• A laptop stand. If you work on a laptop, lifting it to eye level with a laptop stand and adding a separate keyboard transforms your posture.
• A desk mat. A large desk mat protects the surface and gives your mouse and wrists a smoother, more comfortable base.
• A foot massager for after hours. If your feet are sore from long days, a dedicated foot massager is a nice evening complement to the gentle massage surface on a footrest.

How does the rest of the footrest market compare?

Beyond Amazon, Australian ergonomic specialists like Desky, Ergolink and Sit Back and Relax sell footrests from around $75 up to nearly $300, often Fellowes-branded models with deep tilt ranges. These are quality pieces, but for a first home office the value gap is real: our top pick delivers a stable, adjustable wooden platform for around $51, and our budget pick gets your feet up for $25. The international expert sites tend to crown heavier metal-and-wood models from brands like Humanscale, which are excellent but rarely stocked or fairly priced in Australia.

Within our own list, the trade-offs are clear. If you want the best blend of rating, build and price, the StrongTek is the pick. If you want a proven workhorse, the Mind Reader has the longest track record. If you are watching every dollar, the NOAEOU and CZZXI rockers do the job cheaply. The Stansom is for people who want premium adjustability and do not mind paying for steel, and the Hoomegic is for those who prefer soft foam and multi-use flexibility over a firm platform. There is no single right answer, only the right footrest for your chair, your floor and your budget.

Frequently asked questions about under desk footrests

Do under desk footrests actually work?

Yes, for the right person. If your chair is set high enough that your feet dangle or your heels lift off the floor, a footrest takes the pressure off the backs of your thighs and your lower back, supports better posture and helps circulation through long sitting sessions. If your feet already sit flat and comfortably on the floor, you may not need one at all.

Should a footrest be flat or angled?

A slight angle is generally more comfortable than flat, because it lets your ankles flex into a natural position rather than holding your feet level all day. That is why most quality footrests offer tilt adjustment or a rocking base. The best setup is one you can adjust, so you can change the angle through the day rather than being locked into one position.

What height should an under desk footrest be?

The right height is the one that lets your knees sit at roughly a 90-degree angle with your feet fully supported, once your chair is set so your forearms are level with the desk. Because that varies with your leg length and desk height, an adjustable footrest is the safest choice if you are tall, short, or sharing a desk. Fixed-height rockers suit average setups but cannot be fine-tuned.

Can a footrest help with leg swelling or circulation?

Elevating and gently moving your feet can help reduce the stiffness and swelling that come from sitting still for hours, which is why rocking and massage-surface footrests are popular. They are a comfort and posture aid, not a medical device, so if you have ongoing swelling, varicose veins or circulation concerns, it is worth speaking to a health professional rather than relying on a footrest alone.

Are plastic footrests sturdy enough?

For resting your feet, yes. Most plastic desk footrests use thickened PP frames rated to hold around 54kg or more, which is well beyond the load of feet at rest. The main limitation of cheaper plastic models is not strength but stability, since light rockers can slide on hard floors. A non-slip base, a rug, or stepping up to a steel-framed model solves that.

About the author

Anish Puri founded NestPath in 2026 after going through the Australian first-home-buyer process himself. NestPath focuses on Australian first-home buyers because the existing review sites are American, generic, or both. Anish handles editorial selection across the homeowner hub. Reach out: hello@nestpath.com.au