Published July 30, 2026 · Reviewed by the Unbiased Advice & Insights editorial team · How we research and score
The easiest fix is to place a non-slip pad (like a rubber shelf liner or a dedicated furniture pad) under your footrest. For a permanent solution, buy a footrest with a natural rubber base or a weighted design. Our top pick: the Mind Reader Footrest with a grippy rubber bottom.
Why footrests slide on hard floors
Most footrests are made with smooth plastic or metal bases that have little friction on hardwood, tile, laminate, or vinyl. When you push your feet against the footrest, the lateral force can cause it to scoot away. Lightweight models are especially prone to sliding. Even some footrests with small rubber feet may not provide enough grip if the feet are too small or the rubber is hard. The problem is common in office chairs where the footrest is used on smooth flooring without a rug. For example, a typical plastic footrest weighing under 2 pounds will slide with minimal pressure, while a heavier wooden footrest may still shift if its bottom is polished. The angle of the footrest also matters: models with a steep incline encourage more sliding because your feet push downward and outward. Additionally, dust and debris on the floor reduce friction, making sliding worse over time. Understanding these factors helps you choose the right fix.
How to fix a sliding footrest (DIY and product solutions)
- Add non-slip pads. Buy adhesive rubber pads or furniture grippers. Stick them to the bottom of your footrest. Look for pads made of natural rubber or silicone. Cut them to size if needed. This is the cheapest fix and works for most footrests. For instance, 3M rubber pads or Gorilla Grippers are popular choices that cost under $10. Apply them in a grid pattern for maximum grip.
- Use a rubber shelf liner. Place a piece of shelf liner under the footrest. The textured side grips the floor, the smooth side holds the footrest. No adhesive required, and it is easy to replace. Duck brand shelf liner is a common option. Cut it slightly larger than the footrest base to prevent it from slipping out.
- Apply double-sided carpet tape. For a semi-permanent solution, tape the footrest to the floor. This works well if you do not move the footrest often. Be careful with removal on delicate floors. Use tape rated for floors, such as XFasten double-sided tape, and test on an inconspicuous area first.
- Buy a footrest with a rubber base. Many newer footrests have a full rubber bottom that grips without scratching. The Mind Reader Footrest and the ErgoFoam Foot Rest both have excellent non-slip bases. The Mind Reader model uses a textured rubber pad that covers the entire underside, while the ErgoFoam has a ribbed rubber bottom. Both are available on Amazon and other retailers.
- Choose a weighted footrest. Heavier footrests resist sliding because of their mass. The Everlasting Comfort Foot Rest is filled with memory foam and has a non-skid bottom. Another option is the Halter Premium Footrest, which is weighted with sand and has a rubber base. Both stay put on hard floors. The Halter model weighs about 5 pounds, significantly more than typical plastic footrests.
- Place a rug under your desk. A small low-pile rug or a rubber-backed mat can provide a grippy surface for any footrest. This also protects your floor from scratches. Look for a rug with a natural rubber backing, as synthetic backings may slide themselves. A 2x3 foot rug is usually sufficient.
When to replace your footrest
If your current footrest slides despite adding pads or a liner, or if it is too lightweight to stay in place, it may be time for a new one. Look for a model that specifically mentions a non-slip base or anti-skid bottom. Avoid footrests with only four tiny rubber feet; they often fail on smooth floors. A full rubber or silicone base is best. Also consider the height and angle adjustability you need. The best non-slip footrests combine a grippy bottom with enough weight to stay planted. Our editorial team compared specifications, buyer feedback and key decision factors to recommend the options above. For example, the Mind Reader footrest has a 15x13 inch base with a full rubber pad, while the Everlasting Comfort model uses a combination of weight and a textured bottom. Both have received consistent positive reviews for staying in place on hardwood and tile.
Additional tips for preventing footrest movement
Beyond the solutions above, consider the following: Clean the floor under your footrest regularly to remove dust and oils that reduce friction. If you use a footrest on carpet, a hard plastic base may actually dig in and stay put, but on hard floors it slides. For carpet, a footrest with spikes or grippers can work, but avoid those on hard floors as they may scratch. If you have a footrest with adjustable height, set it to a lower angle to reduce the forward force. Some users also attach a bungee cord from the footrest to the desk leg to prevent movement, though this is a less common fix. Finally, if you are handy, you can glue a rubber mat to the bottom of your existing footrest using strong adhesive like E6000. This gives you a custom non-slip surface at low cost.
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See our full buying guides hub and our research and scoring methodology. We compared specifications and verified owner feedback; we did not physically test every product.