When we don’t have a good posture, it can lead to negative health effects, such as back pain and poor blood flow throughout the body. So, what can we use to improve our posture? Well, this article investigates the differences between foot hammock v footrest. These are two popular support aids that people use to relieve them for pain and discomfort. But, which of them suits you best? Let’s find out!
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Foot Hammock V Footrest
| Feature | Foot Hammock | Footrest |
| Purpose | Resting lower leg on while sitting | Support while sitting or leaning |
| Level of support | Low, better for short-term use | Medium, suited for long-term use |
| Cost | $13.99 – $29+ | $15.99 – $311 |
| Usability | Desk, travelling, airplane, gaming | Desk, couch, standing |
| Weight | 0.4 – 1.1 pounds | 1.6 – 7.05 pounds |
| Weight capacity | 100 pounds | None |
| Adjustability | Height | Height and tilt |
| Material | Fabric, rope, plastic, metal, wood | Foam, plastic, leather |
| Size | 16.9 – 27.5 | Small, medium, large |
| Installation | Minimal | None |
The International Labor Organization advises using footrests to reduce back strain. Source
Feeling more comfortable and sitting properly is something we can all struggle with. Staying in a static position for too long, be it sitting or standing, can cause negative health effects and discomfort. As you can see, footrests and foot hammocks have similar functions. But who are each of these best designed for? Let’s look at the other key factors to see!
Purpose
Whether you need support for standing or sitting will usually be the defining factor in whether you choose a foot hammock or a footrest.
Foot hammocks are designed to support your legs at a more comfortable height. Plus, they also encourage blood flow, improve posture and movement.
In contrast, a footrest has a primary function of providing a surface for your feet to rest on while seated. Particularly when your feet can’t reach the ground or while leaning against a stool.
It also aids in improving your posture while you sit.
Related: Under Desk V Travel Foot Hammock – 9 Important Differences!
Level of support
Foot hammocks elevate your feet to reduce fatigue and allow lower bodily movement. They provide a lower level of cushioning compared to a foam footrest.
Generally, foot hammocks offer less ergonomic support and should only be used in the short-term.
Footrests, on the other hand, require less cushioning and many of them have a hard plastic surface. They are suited for long-term use and are ideal for people who sit for hours every day.
What’s becoming more popular is footrests with anti-fatigue foam.
This provides a more comfortable experience, especially when you are using the footrest in your barefoot or in socks.
The level of cushioning will be more important on a footrest than a hammock.
Plus, you will need a sturdy surface to pivot the hammock off whereas a footrest merely requires a flat floor.
Cost
Foot hammocks have a price range between $13.99 – $29+. In comparison, a footrest can be priced anywhere from $15.99 to as high as $311+.
The majority of the time, it will be cheaper to opt for an under-desk foot hammock instead of a footrest.
However, instead of comparing them by cost, footrest swings and footrests should be purchased based on which of them is most suited to your requirements.
Related: Are Anti Fatigue Mats Worth It? 11 Unexpected Pros & Cons!
Usability
Many foot hammocks are designed for use under a desk. These are secured in place and not very portable. In contrast, some footrest swings are designed to be portable and can be used in multiple settings including on a:
- Desk
- Car
- Airplane
- Bus
- Train
- Gaming station
Such foot hammocks are usually smaller than an under-desk hammock. They merely require 2 hooks capable of supporting their weight while they hang from above with your feet on them.
This means that they could be used by frequent travelers or people who experience comfort while sitting in multiple locations.
Footrests can be used in multiple locations too including:
- Desks
- Couch
- Kitchen table
- Gaming station
- Lab
- Workshop
Weight
Foot hammocks have weights starting around 0.2 – 1.1 pounds.
Footrests have weights ranging between 1.6 – 7.05 pounds which makes them very lightweight and exceptionally portable.
Weight capacity
When purchasing a foot hammock, you’ll notice that there is a weight limit provided. This indicates how much pressure the foot hammock can withstand without becoming subject to sinking or damage.
Foot hammocks can hold weights as high as about 100 pounds.
In contrast, there are very few footrests that have a weight limit provided.
They don’t generally need one anyway, because you are only meant to be resting your feet on them, not the weight of your body.
Adjustability
Foot hammocks have straps which should have a decent range of adjustability. This will allow you to control what height they are positioned at. The greater the range of adjustability, the more choice you have in terms of the height you set them at.
One hammock I saw had a range of 17 – 32 inches of height adjustability.
With a footrest, there will be limited footrests which offer adjustable features. Height and tilt adjustability are 2 very useful features to have.
Foam footrests generally lack adjustability, so if you want a footrest that you can adjust to suit your height and tilt preferences, then you will probably need to opt for a plastic adjustable footrest.
Tip: A key component to look for in a footrest is a non-slip grip.
Material
Foot hammocks are generally made from fabric, such as cotton or linen, and plastics, metal or wood and rope which are used to hook and hold the hammock in place.
Opting for a thick, foamy material (1cm +) will make for a more comfortable experience while resting your legs.
Foot hammocks can be machine washed if they get stained or start to develop foot odors.
Footrests are made from a variety of materials including:
- Foam
- Plastic
- Leather
High density memory foam is a popular choice for footrests.
A key consideration is to decide if you intend to use the footrest in your socks or with shoes.
If you’re using shoes, the footrest foam could become dirtied easily. There is a removable footrest cover that you can machine wash.
Alternatively, plastic footrests may be more suitable as they are easier to clean.
The risk of dirtying a foam footrest could be minimized by having indoor shoes or even desk shoes which would have a clean sole.
Instead, you could just opt for not wearing shoes while using the footrest.
That is, if the smell of your feet is not going to knock half the office out…
You should expect footrests and foot hammocks to last for years, unless you misuse them.
Tip: Ergofoam even offers a lifetime warranty with their foam footrests!
Size
Foot hammocks are available in compact sizes suitable for rolling into your handbag. Small sizes start around 16.9 – 17.7 inches while larger foot hammocks measure around 22 – 27.55 inches.
Footrests come in small, medium and large sizes to accommodate different sized feet.
They also tend to come in an angled square adjustable platform or a dome, whereas foot hammocks tend to be square or rectangular.
Tip: Dome-shaped footrests can also be used under your knees on the couch or in bed.
Installation
Under-desk foot hammocks require a degree of installation to secure them in place. They come equipped with ropes that attach to a hook. This hook needs to be bolted or screwed onto both sides of your desk so that the hammock can attach to it.
Under desk footrests come ready to use out of the box which means that there’s no need for any assembly works to use it.
Conclusion
As you can see, the foot hammocks and footrests have two similar but slightly different purposes. Ultimately, whether you opt for a foot hammock or an under-desk footrest depends on where and when you need support.
If you need support while at a desk, then opt for a foot hammock or footrest. But if you need support while travelling or you need to elevate your legs, a foot hammock is the way to go!
If you’re still not sure or would like to further enhance your knowledge on other accessories which can elevate your to greater levels of comfort, I have written some articles worth a look.
Here are some other useful articles I wrote that you should go check out:
- How do anti-fatigue mats work? With FAQs & Helpful Tips!
- How to maintain anti-fatigue mats – 12 easy tips
- Are Anti Fatigue Mats Worth It? 11 Unexpected Pros & Cons!
- Anti-fatigue mat V Insole – 10 Factors Plus Quick Comparison
- Anti-fatigue mat V Carpet – A Quick & Simple Comparison!
Recommended Products:
- Andyer Portable Travel Foot Hammock (link on Amazon)
- 5Fold Under-desk Foot Hammock (link on Amazon)
- Leband Foot Hammock (link on Amazon)
- Task Master Adjustable Footrest + lifetime warranty (link on OfficeFurniture2Go)
- Platinum Indoor Floor Mat (lifetime warranty)
