Footrest vs Adjusting The Chair (2026)

Verdict

If the desk is too high, raising the chair until your arms are right leaves your feet dangling, which cuts circulation and pulls you forward in the seat. A footrest supports them at the new height. Adjusting the chair alone only works if the desk height suits you, which for many people it does not. Get the arms right first, then support the feet.

Fixes dangling feet

Six Height Adjustable Foot Rest

~$35

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Fixes wrist angle

Memory Foam Keyboard Wrist Rest

~$15

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Footrest vs Adjusting The Chair: At a Glance

	Six Height Adjustable Foot Rest	Memory Foam Keyboard Wrist Rest
Supports feet	Yes	No
Improves circulation	Yes	No
Needed if desk is too high	Yes	No
Supports wrists	No	Yes
Adjustable	Yes	No
Cost	Low	Very low

Choose the Six Height Adjustable Foot Rest if…

Your feet do not sit flat with your elbows at the right height. Set the chair for your arms and the keyboard, then use a footrest to restore support underneath, which is the correct order.

Choose the Memory Foam Keyboard Wrist Rest if…

A wrist rest keeps the wrist neutral rather than bent back over the desk edge. It is a support to rest between typing rather than something to press into while typing, which is a common misunderstanding.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good desk setup?

Elbows roughly ninety degrees at the keyboard, feet flat and supported, top of the screen near eye level, and the screen about an arm's length away. Get the arms right first, since the keyboard determines chair height.

Are footrests only for short people?

Mostly, because standard desk heights suit taller users. Anyone whose feet dangle at the correct arm height needs one, regardless of why.

Does posture matter as much as movement?

Less than people think. The best posture is the next one; moving regularly matters more than holding any single position perfectly.

Comparison based on published manufacturer specifications and the general consensus of owner reports. We have not tested these units side by side. Confirm current prices and specifications before buying. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.

Footrest vs Adjusting The Chair