Buying Guide
The Best Reclining Office Chairs With Footrests for Breaks at Your Desk
By Jamie Cole, Lead Product Researcher
10 min read8 products evaluated
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A reclining chair with a footrest lets you lean back and put your feet up between tasks without leaving the desk. The two features are marketed together loosely, though: some chairs recline but have no footrest, and footrest length and sturdiness vary more than listings suggest.
Five chairs here include a pull-out or supplied footrest. Three do not; they are included as lower-cost or executive-style alternatives for buyers who decide a footrest is not essential, and each is clearly marked. Among the footrest chairs, the differences are weight capacity, headrest adjustment, lumbar design and seat shape.
Our comparison is based on published specifications, weight ratings and price position, not hands-on testing. Prices range from about $39 to $210 at the time of writing.
Quick Picks
Our 8 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Best Big and Tall With Footrest
GTPLAYER Big and Tall Gaming Chair 400lbs Heavy Duty Office Chair with Foot Rest & Ergonomic Pocket Spring Lumbar Support
A 400 lb-rated high-back chair with a locking pull-out footrest and pocket-spring lumbar.
Best for: Larger users who want a sturdy, locking footrest.
Our take Check price for GTPLAYER Big and Tall Gaming Chair 400lbs Heavy Duty Office Chair with Foot Rest & Ergonomic Pocket Spring Lumbar Support (opens in a new tab)
Best Value With Footrest
N-GEN GAMING Video Gaming Chair with Footrest Lumbar Support for Home Office High Back Recliner
A high-back recliner with a pull-out footrest and height-adjustable lumbar for under $90.
Best for: Buyers who want a footrest and high back at a moderate price.
Our take Check price for N-GEN GAMING Video Gaming Chair with Footrest Lumbar Support for Home Office High Back Recliner (opens in a new tab)
Best With Adjustable Headrest
GTPLAYER Gaming Chair, Computer Chair with Footrest and Lumbar Support, Height Adjustable with 360-Swivel Seat and Headrest
A footrest chair with a separate adjustable headrest for support when reclined.
Best for: People who recline often and want the headrest at the right height.
Our take Check price for GTPLAYER Gaming Chair, Computer Chair with Footrest and Lumbar Support, Height Adjustable with 360-Swivel Seat and Headrest (opens in a new tab)
Best for Cross-Legged Sitting
Big and Tall Office Chair, Flip Armrests for Pets & Cross Legged Sitting, Executive Ergonomic Chair with Foot Rest, Teddy Fleece Wide Seat
A wide teddy-fleece seat, flip-up arms and a footrest for sitting cross-legged or reclining.
Best for: People who sit cross-legged and want a soft, wide seat with a footrest.
Our take Check price for Big and Tall Office Chair, Flip Armrests for Pets & Cross Legged Sitting, Executive Ergonomic Chair with Foot Rest, Teddy Fleece Wide Seat (opens in a new tab)
Best With Massage Lumbar
Homall Gaming Chair, Video Game Chair with Footrest and Massage Lumbar Support, Height Adjustable with Swivel Seat and Headrest
A footrest chair with a vibrating massage lumbar cushion and adjustable headrest.
Best for: Buyers who want a massage cushion along with recline and a footrest.
Our take Check price for Homall Gaming Chair, Video Game Chair with Footrest and Massage Lumbar Support, Height Adjustable with Swivel Seat and Headrest (opens in a new tab)
Budget Mesh Chair (No Footrest)
NEO CHAIR Office Computer Chair Mid Back Desk Ergonomic Mesh Gaming Seat, Rolling Wheels, Adjustable Height
A low-cost mesh task chair with no footrest or listed recline range.
Best for: Budget buyers who want a breathable task chair and do not need a footrest.
Our take Check price for NEO CHAIR Office Computer Chair Mid Back Desk Ergonomic Mesh Gaming Seat, Rolling Wheels, Adjustable Height (opens in a new tab)
Budget Task Chair (No Footrest)
BestOffice Ergonomic Office Chair, Mid-Back Swivel Desk Chair, Breathable Backrest & Lumbar Support
A widely reviewed budget mid-back chair with no footrest or listed recline range.
Best for: Budget buyers who want a basic task chair and do not need a footrest.
Our take Check price for BestOffice Ergonomic Office Chair, Mid-Back Swivel Desk Chair, Breathable Backrest & Lumbar Support (opens in a new tab)
Executive Style (No Footrest)
Furmax Office Executive Chair High Back Adjustable Managerial Home Desk Chair, Swivel PU Leather with Lumbar Support
A high-back PU leather executive chair with adjustable lumbar and recline, but no footrest.
Best for: Buyers who want an executive look and will add a standalone footrest.
Our take Check price for Furmax Office Executive Chair High Back Adjustable Managerial Home Desk Chair, Swivel PU Leather with Lumbar Support (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Best Big and Tall With Footrest1 of 8
GTPLAYER Big and Tall Gaming Chair 400lbs Heavy Duty Office Chair with Foot Rest & Ergonomic Pocket Spring Lumbar Support on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The GTPLAYER Big and Tall is the footrest chair for larger users: it lists a 400 lb capacity, the highest here, on a wide high-back frame.
Best for
- Larger users who want a sturdy, locking footrest.
Skip if
- You are of average build; the N-GEN or GTPLAYER swivel chair offers a footrest for less than half the price.
Why we like it
Its pull-out footrest locks when extended, and the lumbar cushion uses pocket springs rather than plain foam. GTPLAYER describes a 3D saddle-shaped seat and recline to a near-flat position.
It is bulky, so check the floor space behind and in front of the chair with the footrest out, and it costs about twice as much as the mid-priced footrest chairs.
Key dimensions & specs
- Weight capacity: 400 lb
- Footrest: pull-out, locks extended
- Lumbar: pocket-spring cushion
- High back, 3D saddle seat
- Recline: near-flat (per listing)
Pros
- Highest capacity here
- Locking footrest
- Wide frame
Cons
- Large footprint
- Costs about twice the mid-priced chairs
Best Value With Footrest2 of 8
N-GEN GAMING Video Gaming Chair with Footrest Lumbar Support for Home Office High Back Recliner on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The N-GEN is the value pick among the footrest chairs: a high-back recliner with a pull-out footrest and lumbar support that adjusts for height.
Best for
- Buyers who want a footrest and high back at a moderate price.
Skip if
- You want an adjustable headrest; the GTPLAYER swivel chair lists one.
Why we like it
The high back supports the shoulders and head when reclined, which matters more on a footrest chair than on an upright task chair.
The armrests are fixed, the recline uses a tension mechanism rather than listed lock positions, and the leather-look cover runs warmer than mesh.
Key dimensions & specs
- Footrest: pull-out
- Lumbar: height-adjustable
- High back
- 360° swivel
- Upholstery: leather-look
Pros
- Footrest under $90
- Height-adjustable lumbar
- High back
Cons
- Fixed armrests
- No listed recline lock positions
- Warmer than mesh
Best With Adjustable Headrest3 of 8
GTPLAYER Gaming Chair, Computer Chair with Footrest and Lumbar Support, Height Adjustable with 360-Swivel Seat and Headrest on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
This GTPLAYER model is the pick if head support while reclined matters: its headrest is a separate adjustable piece that can be raised to meet your head, rather than being molded into the backrest.
Best for
- People who recline often and want the headrest at the right height.
Skip if
- You want adjustable lumbar; the N-GEN lists it.
Why we like it
It keeps the pull-out footrest, 360-degree swivel and gas-lift height adjustment, at about half the price of the GTPLAYER Big and Tall.
The lumbar is a fixed cushion, the weight rating is lower than the Big and Tall's, and the recline uses a single tension setting.
Key dimensions & specs
- Footrest: pull-out
- Headrest: adjustable
- Lumbar: cushion
- 360° swivel, gas lift
Pros
- Adjustable headrest
- Footrest
- Moderate price
Cons
- Fixed lumbar cushion
- Lower capacity than the Big and Tall
- No listed recline lock positions
Best for Cross-Legged Sitting4 of 8
Big and Tall Office Chair, Flip Armrests for Pets & Cross Legged Sitting, Executive Ergonomic Chair with Foot Rest, Teddy Fleece Wide Seat on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
This big and tall chair is for people who sit cross-legged or tuck a leg under: it has a wide teddy-fleece seat and flip-up armrests that get out of the way, plus an included footrest.
Best for
- People who sit cross-legged and want a soft, wide seat with a footrest.
Skip if
- You run warm; a mesh chair will be cooler, though none of the mesh chairs here have footrests.
Why we like it
It has an executive-style high back and reclines. The fleece is softer than leatherette or mesh.
It is the most expensive chair here at the time of writing, fleece holds more heat, and the listing does not give a weight capacity despite the big and tall name. It has fewer buyer reviews than most chairs here.
Key dimensions & specs
- Seat: wide, teddy fleece
- Armrests: flip-up
- Footrest included
- High back, reclining
Pros
- Flip-up arms for cross-legged sitting
- Wide, soft seat
- Footrest
Cons
- Most expensive chair here
- Fleece is warm
- Weight capacity not listed
Best With Massage Lumbar5 of 8
Homall Gaming Chair, Video Game Chair with Footrest and Massage Lumbar Support, Height Adjustable with Swivel Seat and Headrest on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Homall adds a vibrating massage lumbar cushion to the usual footrest-and-headrest layout, which none of the other chairs here include.
Best for
- Buyers who want a massage cushion along with recline and a footrest.
Skip if
- You do not want the massage feature; the GTPLAYER swivel chair costs about the same.
Why we like it
Otherwise it matches the mid-priced chairs: a pull-out footrest, adjustable headrest, reclining back and gas-lift swivel base, for about $85 at the time of writing.
The massage unit needs its own power, adds a little noise and is one more part that can fail. The listing does not give a weight capacity.
Key dimensions & specs
- Footrest: pull-out
- Lumbar: vibrating massage cushion
- Headrest: adjustable
- Gas-lift swivel base
Pros
- Massage lumbar
- Footrest and headrest
- Moderate price
Cons
- Massage unit needs power
- Weight capacity not listed
Budget Mesh Chair (No Footrest)6 of 8
NEO CHAIR Office Computer Chair Mid Back Desk Ergonomic Mesh Gaming Seat, Rolling Wheels, Adjustable Height on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The NEO CHAIR does not include a footrest, and its listing gives no recline range, so it does not meet the main brief of this guide.
Best for
- Budget buyers who want a breathable task chair and do not need a footrest.
Skip if
- You want to recline with your feet up; this chair is not designed for that.
Why we like it
It is here as a budget alternative for buyers who decide a breathable task chair matters more.
It has a mid-back mesh seat and back, basic lumbar support and height adjustment, for under $40 at the time of writing.
If a footrest is the reason you are shopping, choose one of the chairs above.
Key dimensions & specs
- No footrest
- Mid-back mesh
- Basic lumbar support
- Height adjustment
Pros
- Lowest price here
- Breathable mesh
Cons
- No footrest
- No stated recline
- Fixed armrests
Budget Task Chair (No Footrest)7 of 8
BestOffice Ergonomic Office Chair, Mid-Back Swivel Desk Chair, Breathable Backrest & Lumbar Support on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The BestOffice does not include a footrest or list a recline range.
Best for
- Budget buyers who want a basic task chair and do not need a footrest.
Skip if
- A footrest is the reason you are shopping.
Why we like it
It is included as a widely reviewed budget alternative for buyers who decide a footrest is not essential.
It has a mid-back mesh backrest, basic lumbar support and height adjustment, for under $40 at the time of writing, and is the most widely reviewed chair here.
For reclining with your feet up, one of the footrest chairs above is the better fit.
Key dimensions & specs
- No footrest
- Mid-back mesh backrest
- Basic lumbar support
- Height adjustment
Pros
- Very low price
- Widely reviewed
- Breathable back
Cons
- No footrest
- No stated recline
- Fixed lumbar
Executive Style (No Footrest)8 of 8
Furmax Office Executive Chair High Back Adjustable Managerial Home Desk Chair, Swivel PU Leather with Lumbar Support on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Furmax executive chair reclines but does not include a footrest.
Best for
- Buyers who want an executive look and will add a standalone footrest.
Skip if
- You want an integrated footrest; the N-GEN costs about the same and includes one.
Why we like it
It is here for buyers who prefer a traditional office look and are willing to add a separate footrest.
It has a high back, PU leather upholstery that wipes clean, and adjustable lumbar support, for about $90 at the time of writing.
PU leather runs warmer than mesh, and the listing does not describe recline lock positions.
Key dimensions & specs
- No footrest
- High-back PU leather
- Lumbar: adjustable
- Reclining
- Gas-lift swivel
Pros
- Traditional executive look
- Adjustable lumbar
- Wipe-clean upholstery
Cons
- No footrest
- PU leather runs warm
- No listed recline lock positions
How We Chose These Reclining Chairs With Footrests
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- Footrest
- We checked each listing for an explicit footrest and flagged the three chairs without one.
- Recline and head support
- We compared recline descriptions, lock positions where listed, and headrest adjustment.
- Lumbar and seat
- We separated fixed cushions from adjustable, pocket-spring and massage lumbar, and noted seat width and material.
- Capacity and price
- We recorded weight ratings where listed and compared price position. Prices change often, so we treat them as relative position.
What to Look for in a Reclining Chair With Footrests
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Is there actually a footrest?
Recline does not imply a footrest. Five chairs here include one; the NEO CHAIR, BestOffice and Furmax do not.
Footrest sturdiness and length
A footrest that locks when extended, like the GTPLAYER Big and Tall's, should feel steadier. Listings rarely give footrest length, so check buyer feedback if you are tall.
Head support when reclined
A high back or adjustable headrest matters more on a reclining chair. The GTPLAYER swivel chair and Homall list adjustable headrests.
Lumbar through the recline
A fixed cushion set for upright sitting may sit in the wrong place when reclined. The N-GEN lists height-adjustable lumbar; the Homall a massage cushion.
Weight capacity and space
Only the GTPLAYER Big and Tall states a capacity (400 lb). A reclined chair with the footrest out needs much more floor space than an upright one.
How to Choose a Reclining Chair With Footrests
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Footrest on a budget | N-GEN | Height-adjustable lumbar, under $90 |
| Head support when reclined | GTPLAYER swivel | Adjustable headrest |
| Massage | Homall | Vibrating lumbar cushion |
| A larger build | GTPLAYER Big and Tall | 400 lb, locking footrest |
| Sitting cross-legged | Big and Tall flip-arm chair | Wide fleece seat, flip-up arms |
| No footrest needed | NEO CHAIR, BestOffice or Furmax | Budget mesh or executive style |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
Prices change frequently; these tiers reflect typical prices when this guide was updated.
| Price tier | Chairs |
|---|---|
| Under $40 (no footrest) | NEO CHAIR, BestOffice |
| About $85–$90 | Homall, GTPLAYER swivel, N-GEN, Furmax (no footrest) |
| About $180–$210 | GTPLAYER Big and Tall, Big and Tall flip-arm chair |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all reclining office chairs have a footrest?
No. Three chairs in this guide recline or sit upright without one. Check the listing for an explicit footrest rather than assuming.
Will the footrest be long enough if I'm tall?
Listings rarely give extension length. If you are tall, check buyer feedback for comments on calf support at full extension.
Is a chair's weight limit the same reclined and upright?
Not necessarily. If you are near a chair's limit, check whether the manufacturer gives a separate rating for reclined use.
Why does lumbar support feel wrong when I recline?
A fixed cushion is usually positioned for upright sitting and can end up in the wrong place as you lean back. Adjustable lumbar lets you reposition it.
Should I buy a chair without a footrest if I mainly sit upright?
That can be a sensible choice. The NEO CHAIR, BestOffice and Furmax cover upright work, and a standalone footrest can be added later.
How much space does a reclining chair need?
Considerably more than upright, once the backrest is reclined and the footrest extended. Measure the space behind and in front of the chair before buying one of the larger models.
Bottom Line
Among the footrest chairs, the N-GEN is the value choice with adjustable lumbar, the GTPLAYER swivel chair suits anyone who wants an adjustable headrest, and the Homall adds a massage cushion. The GTPLAYER Big and Tall is worth paying more for with a larger build, and the flip-arm chair suits people who sit cross-legged.
If you decide a footrest is not essential, the NEO CHAIR and BestOffice are inexpensive upright chairs and the Furmax offers an executive look, but none of the three is designed for reclining with your feet up.