Published July 30, 2026 · Reviewed by the Unbiased Advice & Insights editorial team · How we research and score
If your footrest is too high, try lowering it if adjustable. If not, replace it with a lower model or raise your chair and desk to restore proper ergonomics. Your knees should be at 90 degrees with feet flat.
Why a Footrest That Is Too High Causes Discomfort
A footrest that is too high forces your knees to bend upward, raising your thighs above parallel to the floor. This compresses the back of your thighs, reducing blood flow and causing numbness or tingling. It also tilts your pelvis backward, straining your lower back. Many office workers buy a footrest thinking higher is better for leg support, but the opposite is true. The goal is to keep your hips, knees, and ankles at roughly 90-degree angles. When the footrest lifts your feet too much, your knees become the highest point, breaking that neutral alignment.
Our editorial team compared specifications, buyer feedback and key decision factors across dozens of footrest models. The most common complaint in negative reviews is that the footrest is too tall, especially for shorter users or those with low desks. Manufacturers often design for average heights, leaving many people with an awkward perch. If you feel pressure behind your knees or your lower back aches after sitting, check your footrest height first.
How to Fix a Footrest That Is Too High
Here are three practical solutions, from simplest to most involved. Try them in order.
- Adjust your current footrest. Many footrests have adjustable height settings, often via a twist knob or a series of notches. Lower it to the minimum setting and test. If that is still too high, look for removable height adapters or pads that can be taken off. Some models have a removable top cushion that reduces height by an inch or two. Check the product manual or manufacturer website for hidden adjustments.
- Raise your chair and desk together. If your footrest is at its lowest but still too high, your chair may be too low. Raise your chair so your feet reach the footrest comfortably. Then raise your desk (or monitor arms) to maintain proper arm and eye height. This keeps your body in alignment without needing a new footrest. For fixed-height desks, use desk risers or blocks under the legs.
- Replace with a lower footrest. If adjustment and chair raise don't work, buy a footrest that is inherently lower. Look for models with a height range starting at 2 inches or less. Some footrests are as low as 1.5 inches. Avoid models with thick padding that adds height. A flat, non-adjustable footrest may be the best choice for very low desks.
When to Replace Your Footrest
If your footrest cannot go low enough and your chair is already at a comfortable height (knees at 90 degrees with feet on the floor without a footrest), then the footrest is simply too tall for your setup. Replace it with a model that has a lower minimum height. For example, the ErgoFoam footrest is only 2 inches tall, while some wooden models are 4 inches. Check the product specifications before buying. Also consider a footrest with a negative tilt (angled away from you) to reduce pressure on the back of your legs, even if height is correct.
Another sign to replace: if the footrest wobbles or its height mechanism is broken. A wobbly footrest can cause ankle strain as you constantly adjust. Look for a sturdy base and non-slip bottom. Our editorial team recommends focusing on height range first, then material and stability. A good footrest should have a height range that includes the distance from your floor to your knee when seated.
Tips for Finding the Ideal Footrest Height
Start by sitting in your chair with feet flat on the floor. Measure the vertical distance from the floor to the top of your thigh just behind the knee. That is the maximum height your footrest should be. For most people, this is between 2 and 5 inches. If you are shorter than 5'4", aim for the lower end. If you are taller than 6', you may need the higher end. But remember: the footrest should not lift your feet so high that your knees are above your hips.
Test your setup by sitting for 15 minutes. If you feel any pressure behind your knees or your lower back starts to ache, lower the footrest or raise your chair. The ideal position allows your feet to rest flat with your ankles at a comfortable angle, not pointed downward or pulled upward. You should be able to slide your hand under your thigh easily without compression. If not, the footrest is too high.
Consider using a footrest with an adjustable angle. Some models let you tilt the platform, which can help find a neutral ankle position even if the height is slightly off. But height remains the primary factor. If you share a workstation, look for a footrest with quick height adjustment so each user can set their own level.
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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.