In many cases, the clear answer to the question of whether an ergonomic footrest is needed is: Yes, if your feet are not flat on the floor when your chair is correctly adjusted. Find out here whether this applies to you and why this simple adjustment is crucial for your health.
The 30-second test: Do you need a footrest?
Take the test now at your workplace to get immediate clarity:
- Adjust your chair to the correct height relative to the table: Sit upright with your shoulders relaxed. Your forearms should now form a 90-degree angle and be parallel to the tabletop.
- Check your feet: Look down. Are both feet now flat and fully on the ground, without you having to tense your legs or stand on your tiptoes?
If your feet are now dangling in the air, a footrest is an ergonomic necessity.
Why floating feet are a problem
If your feet don't have firm contact with the ground, your body lacks a foundation. This leads to two main problems:
- Poor posture and back pain: Without stable contact with the ground, your pelvis tilts backward. The natural S-shape of your spine becomes an unhealthy rounded back, which massively increases the pressure on your intervertebral discs.
- Restricted blood flow: The edge of your chair presses into the underside of your thighs. This constricts blood vessels and hinders the calf muscle pump (venous pump) , leading to heavy, tingling legs and swollen feet.
When your employer has to pay: The legal basis
Your right to a footrest is clearly regulated. The Workplace Ordinance (ArbStättV) stipulates in Annex 6.1, Section 7, that the employer must provide a footrest:
"when an ergonomically favorable working posture cannot be achieved in any other way."
This is exactly the case that the 30-second test reveals.
What you should pay attention to when buying: Binding standards and criteria
To make an informed decision, you should be familiar with the official standards that define an ergonomic footrest:
- Adjustability according to ASR A6: The workplace regulation ASR A6 explicitly requires: "Footrests must be adjustable in height and inclination. The inclination must be continuously adjustable between at least 5° and 15° or in at least 3 stages."
- Minimum dimensions according to DIN 4556: The industry standard DIN 4556 specifies that the tread surface must be at least 450 mm × 350 mm . Furthermore, the height and inclination must be independently adjustable.
- Slip resistance: All relevant regulations (DGUV/ASR) require that both the underside and the tread surface are designed to be "slip-resistant" in order to ensure stability and safety.
Other important purchasing criteria
In addition to standards, practical aspects are also crucial:
- Material: The choice between robust sheet steel and lightweight polystyrene plastic affects durability and weight. Covers made of felt or fabric increase comfort, while smooth surfaces are easier to clean.
- Stability: Pay attention to the maximum load capacity and the weight of the footrest itself. A higher weight often provides more stability on the floor.
Determine your needs: What height do I really need?
This simple table helps you estimate the height range your footrest should cover before you buy it. The "recommended foot clearance height" is the distance between the floor and your heel that the footrest must compensate for.
| Height (cm) | Standard table height (cm) | Recommended foot clearance height (mm) |
|---|---|---|
| 150 | approximately 72 | 100–120 |
| 160 | approximately 72 | 80–100 |
| 170 | approximately 72 | 60–80 |
Three top models in direct comparison
This overview helps with selection based on budget and individually important features.
| Model | Price (€) | Height range (mm) | Inclination (°) | material | Special feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WEDO Relax | 50–70 | 40–150 (front) | stepless | polystyrene | TÜV/GS certified according to DIN 4556, excellent adjustment range |
| Kensington SmartFit SoleMate Pro Elite | 120–140 | 90–120 | 0–18 | Plastic + Fabric | SmartFit system for easy adjustment, very flexible |
| MAULpro heated | 113–136 | 48–119 (front) | 30–45 | Plastic + Felt | Heated for high comfort, soft felt cover |
Note: Some premium models, such as the one from Kensington, offer a tilt angle of up to 18°. This exceeds the minimum requirement of ASR A6 and is ergonomically safe, provided the core range of 5–15° is also covered.
Active tips for use
A footrest is more than just a place to put your feet. Use it for small exercises:
- Foot rocking: Roll your feet alternately from heel to toe.
- Foot circles: Lift one foot slightly and let it circle.
And what about a good office chair?
An adjustable, ergonomic office chair is undoubtedly the centerpiece of a healthy workplace. However, it only solves the problem if your desk is also height-adjustable.
At a rigid, too-high standard desk, the correct arm position often forces you to adjust the chair so high that even on a top-of-the-line model your feet lose contact with the floor.
In this case, the footrest is the essential bridge that closes the gap between your optimally adjusted chair and the floor. Both – chair and footrest – therefore work together for your health.
Conclusion
With knowledge of your personal needs and the clear regulatory requirements, you can now make an informed and legally sound decision.
A standard-compliant footrest is not a luxury, but a crucial tool for the prevention of musculoskeletal disorders, which, according to AOK, account for almost 20% of all sick days in Germany.
A small investment that pays off for your health day after day.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Is my employer required to pay for a footrest?
Yes, according to workplace regulations you have a right to this if your feet do not reach the floor when your chair is correctly adjusted and the desk is not adjustable.
Would a footrest at my desk be useful for me?
Yes, whenever your feet are no longer flat and fully on the floor in the ergonomically correct sitting position (forearms parallel to the table).
Wouldn't a stack of books or a box suffice?
No. A makeshift solution lacks the necessary stability, slip resistance, and, above all, the important tilt adjustment that a real footrest for office purposes must offer.
Sources
- AOK Absenteeism Report 2024
- TK Health Report 2024 – Incapacity for Work
- BAuA Economic Costs Due to Incapacity for Work 2022
- Destatis body measurements of the population (Microcensus 2021)
- Ordinance on Workplaces (ArbStättV), Annex 6.1, Section 7
- Technical rule ASR A6 “Working with screen equipment” (July 2024)
- DIN 4556 “Footrests for the office workplace” (2017)
- DGUV Information 215-410 “Screen and office workstations”
