What are the features that make gaming chairs with footrests ideal for gamers? One of the biggest aspects that set the best gaming chairs apart from regular chairs is the enhanced padding and deeper recline. Because gamers tend to spend extended periods seated, they need chairs that offer better lumbar support as well as better padding throughout the seat to minimize excessive pressure on the hips and buttocks.
But most importantly, being able to use a footrest — especially a retractable one — usually means that the chair offers a deeper recline. In some cases, this can be a true lay-flat design where the chair can convert to a 180-degree angle. Other nice features commonly seen with gaming chairs include massaging functionality and adjustable headrest and back pillows to provide additional comfort. Keep reading our gaming chairs with footrest buying guide to learn more.
Top Gaming Chairs With Footrest
#1 RESPAWN 110-BLK Gaming Chair
Award: TOP PICK
WHY WE LIKE IT: This chair accommodates gamers and office employees alike with a sleek design, extra soft padding, and proper back support. You can seamlessly change the seat height and match it to your desk height.
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- Extremely comfortable
- Lumbar support protects the back
- Height-adjustable
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- Customer support is not great
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The RESPAWN 110 gaming chair provides comfortable sitting during work or while gaming by combining bonded leather and super soft padding. Use the reclining control to tilt the chair between 90 and 155 degrees. The footrest is easy to extend, giving you an ideal resting spot, and the fixed armrests provide proper elbow support. This chair is also height-adjustable and features an adjustable lumbar and headrest pillow, delivering a custom-fit sitting session. However, users report some customer support issues regarding this product.
The black color and timeless design give this RESPAWN chair a universal appearance that easily blends with office equipment. Additionally, the five-star base with caster wheels provides mobility to allow movement without having to stand up, and you can swivel in all directions. Due to its 275-lb weight capacity, this wear-resistant chair is perfect for extended use, and it’s easy to assemble in a matter of minutes.
#2 BestOffice Gaming Chair
Award: HONORABLE MENTION
WHY WE LIKE IT: It has a maximum load capacity of 250 lbs and a resilient metal base, which makes it durable, and its design promotes a healthy sitting position. Included tools and the step-by-step manual ensure a quick assembly of the chair.
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- Tremendously simple to assemble
- Heavy-duty metal base
- Includes smooth-rolling casters
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- Lackluster customer support
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This BestOffice gaming chair offers an ergonomic experience because of its curved high back, headrest, and adjustable lumbar support. It’s practical for gaming or long workdays at the office, featuring a durable five-star base with smooth-rolling casters that provide mobility. Once sitting on this comfortable chair, you can swivel or recline the back at angles between 90 and 155 degrees, including four locked positions. Several user opinions indicate that the customer support for this product is sub-par, though.
The assembly shouldn’t take more than 10-15 minutes since you get instructions and tools. This chair is covered in PU leather, which adds a professional look and requires minimal maintenance. Since it has a maximum weight capacity of 250 lbs and a sturdy metal base, it won’t bend or break easily. The footrest on this chair is easy to adjust for extra comfort while gaming or working.
#3 GTRACING GT890MF-RED-VC Gaming Chair
Award: BEST CHAIR FOR AUDIO BUFFS
WHY WE LIKE IT: This chair offers excellence and comfort by incorporating a resilient frame with PU leather and high-density foam. Use the reclining feature to relax during a break, or adjust the chair height for a custom fit.
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- Remarkably versatile chair with an audio system
- It features smooth leather upholstery
- Removable headrest
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- Poor packaging in some cases
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One feature that sets this GTRACING chair apart from the competition is the 2-speaker surround-sound system, accessible via Bluetooth. All you need to do is connect to another Bluetooth-enabled device such as a smartphone or tablet to enjoy music in stereo. The metal frame improves the longevity of this chair through extended use, resisting impacts well. With a smooth leather cover, this chair is ideal for most work settings and gaming studios. Unfortunately, some users mention damaged parts upon delivery.
Find the ideal chair height by adjusting it using the practical lever, or easily recline it at a 90-170-degree angle. The high-density foam is breathable to help you get through sunny days in the office without breaking much of a sweat. It also offers extra comfort, which allows for extended sitting sessions, and you can use the retractable footrest to alleviate pressure on your legs. The 3D armrests are adjustable, and the headrest pillow is removable for optimal convenience.
#4 OHAHO Gaming Chair
Award: BEST FOR BACK SUPPORT
WHY WE LIKE IT: It’s a fantastic chair for various uses, featuring a modern design, a sturdy build for longevity, and soft padding for comfort. It includes a tilt lock function for seamless repositioning.
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- Incredibly comfortable
- Multi-purpose chair
- Stylish, modern design
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- Not sturdy enough
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This OHAHO gaming chair is equipped with an implant USB massage component to reduce fatigue on your body while sitting. Covered in skin-friendly PU leather, it’s a perfect chair for office work, gaming, or casual use. Five caster wheels on the bottom provide ease of movement, and they don’t leave any marks or scratches on wooden floors. This chair won’t buckle easily since it has a metal structure and a five-star base. However, some users report that the chair loses its sturdiness promptly.
Both the armrests and chair height are adjustable, and there’s the retractable footrest to give you a custom-fit sitting experience. The backrest is adjustable as well, offering a range between 90 and 180 degrees so that you can lean back. The explosion-proof gas spring makes this chair a safe choice for extended use. It has a weight capacity of 300 lbs to support you with no issues, and the swivel function adds flexibility.
#5 Dowinx Gaming Chair
Award: BEST DESIGN
WHY WE LIKE IT: Smooth-rolling caster wheels make this chair mobile when you need to move. It has a 350-lb weight capacity and a hard-wearing five-star base providing stability, and its design accommodates various body shapes.
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- Visually stunning
- It offers breathability
- Includes the reclining function
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- Footrest sliding complications
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The Dowinx gaming chair features a head pillow, lumbar pillow, and a winged back to minimize pressure on your spine as much as possible. These features make it an irreplaceable companion during office tasks or gaming. A USB cable power supply massager also alleviates pressure over a long sitting session in front of a computer. The footrest is a superb addition to this sleek gaming chair, but it does have some sliding issues.
An exquisite vintage faux leather cover makes this chair look timeless, allowing it to blend in with various decor types in offices and gaming rooms. Thanks to caster wheels, a five-star base, and a 360-degree swivel function, you can conveniently move without standing up from this chair. Reclining is optional at angles between 90 and 170 degrees, and the chair’s weight capacity is 350 lbs. An innovative chair shape lets air pass through to make long periods of sitting more enjoyable.
#6 GTPLAYER GT800A-Black Gaming Chair
Award: BEST FOR CASUAL GAMERS
WHY WE LIKE IT: Combining a metal frame, thick foam filling, and PU leather, this chair offers a sleek look and multi-purpose use. It has padded armrests and a rocking function to ensure a pleasant experience.
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- Amazingly simple to put together
- It offers padded armrests
- Supports up to 300 lbs
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- Not as comfortable as other models
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Consider the GTPLAYER gaming chair because of its ergonomic design, which includes a massage lumbar pillow and headrest, which keeps your body in a healthy position while sitting. The metal structure of this chair supports up to 300 lbs, as do the nylon wheels, and they also don’t leave any marks on the floor. Wheels provide mobility when you’d like to reach for something or move to another spot as you’re sitting. Comfort-wise, there are a few opposing opinions regarding this chair.
Take advantage of this chair’s height-adjustability and tailor it to your needs. Adjusting the back angle is possible between 90 and 135 degrees, giving you a comfortable range. With filling resilient cushions, this PU leather chair won’t collapse over an extended period. Armrests include padding to protect your arms during strenuous work in front of a monitor. And you can use the footrest, which is retractable to save you space when you don’t need it.
Beginner’s Guide to Gaming Chairs with Footrests
What is a Gaming Chair with a Footrest?
A gaming chair with a footrest is exactly as it sounds, along with a chair that features premium padding and an “overstuffed” look, you’ll also get a footrest. Sometimes the footrest is retractable, meaning that when not in use it sits under the seat for a more streamlined effect when the seatback is set to a 90-degree angle.
A footrest is essential if you’re looking for a chair with a deeper recline range. This is because as you recline back, you can unintentionally put more pressure on your lower legs. Over time, this could impede blood flow and cause circulation issues, and create discomfort on the backs of your legs. By having a footrest, your legs can lay straight, ensuring that blood flow isn’t impacted. Most experts agree that if you’re shopping for a gaming chair that reclines more than 130 degrees, it should have a footrest. If you love comfort try the best gaming chairs for PS4 that will make you enjoy gaming even more.
Gaming Chairs with Footrests vs Reclining Gaming Chairs
So what’s the biggest difference between a gaming chair with a footrest versus the average reclining gaming chair? While most gaming chairs offer recline functionality, not all are paired with a footrest. And if you’re a serious gamer who spends hours playing in a chair, this can be a problem.
Whether retractable or continuously visible even when not in use, we can’t stress enough that if a deeper incline range is a priority, make sure that it’s paired with a footrest. Especially for gamers, the last thing you want to do is create health issues — such as deep vein thrombosis, or simply experience muscle fatigue in your legs.
Sitting too long with your legs bent at a 90-degree angle with a seat edge digging into them is bad for you. A footrest can help to keep your legs stretched which helps ease pressure against the backs of your legs.
And if you have your heart set on a gaming chair that can offer a full lay-flat recline, you absolutely need a footrest. Leaving your feet flat on the floor when in a full recline can create back and leg problems, as well as feel uncomfortable.
How Gaming Chairs with Footrests Work
Gaming chairs with footrests aren’t new inventions, and they work similarly to standard office chairs or even home recliners depending on the design. Footrest gaming chairs come in a few configurations but the most popular are stationary versions and those set on wheels.
Most stationary gaming chairs with footrests will feature a handle of some type — or remote control — to operate the recline function. By lifting the handle or pressing a button, you can engage the recline function and set it to your desired level.
For gaming chairs with wheels, these models usually come with retractable footrests. To engage the footrest, you’ll need to use a handle somewhat similar to if you wanted to raise or lower the seat height. Unlike stationary gaming chairs, you might not be able to control the footrest angle as it can only be shifted forward to engage or back to retract it.
Why You Should Buy a Gaming Chairs with a Footrest
A quick search online will show that gaming chairs with footrests are incredibly popular, and for good reason. While they come in a variety of price points, most people agree that they’re a worthwhile investment.
Even if you’re not a gamer, they’re ideal in terms of comfort. The enhanced padding and footrest ensure that you’re getting proper lumbar support and that you’re reducing pressure on the backs of your legs.
Are Gaming Chairs with Footrests Worth Buying?
- You Game for Extended Periods: By far, the biggest benefit of a gaming chair with a footrest is that it allows you to sit more comfortably for extended periods. For gamers, this is crucial as spending long stretches sitting in an upright position can be incredibly uncomfortable.
- You Like the Idea of Gaming while Laying Down: Not every gaming chair with a footrest offers a true lay-flat 180-degree recline. But many of them do. And if you like the idea of being able to game while laying down — but with better support, a gaming chair with a footrest can be a good investment.
- You Work Long Hours: Not everyone who’s buying a gaming chair is out there playing Call of Duty for eight hours. A quick online search will show that many popular gaming chairs are often included in buying guides for comfortable or supportive office chairs. And there’s a good reason for that. The enhanced padding, lumbar support, and retractable footrests are all beneficial for people who spend all day working at an office desk.
- You Want a Chair with Features: Hands down, gaming chairs tend to offer more enhanced features than a basic office chair. Functions like built-in massagers, built-in Bluetooth speakers, cup holders, enhanced padding, and even adjustable pillows in the headrest and backrest all make gaming chairs an attractive option for people that prioritize comfort.
Why Gaming Chairs with Footrests May Not Be for You
- You’re on a Tight Budget: Not all gaming chairs are über expensive, but they’re not necessarily cheap. If your budget is less than $100, most gaming chairs — and especially those with footrests — will be beyond your means.
- You Don’t Like Recliners: If you don’t like to lean back in your chair, then the biggest benefit of a gaming chair with a footrest is lost on you. Especially for gaming with retractable footrests, this feature will be a waste if you don’t like to recline in chairs.
- You Don’t Sit for Extended Periods: The biggest benefit of a gaming chair is the enhanced lumbar and seat support. While anyone can benefit from this, if you don’t work or play video games for extended periods in a seated position, this product might be a premium upgrade that’s unnecessary for you.
- You Don’t Like Recliners: If you don’t like to lean back in your chair, then the biggest benefit of a gaming chair with a footrest is lost on you. Especially for gaming with retractable footrests, this feature will be a waste if you don’t like to recline in chairs.
How Long will Gaming Chairs with Footrests Last?
Your footrest gaming chair mileage is going to vary depending on your usage behaviors. Most gaming chair brands will promise a range from two to five years, with most promising a range of two to three years.
Of course, if you’re a casual gamer or user and you only sit in your chair for an hour or two per day, you may find that your gaming chair with a footrest lasts longer than five years. In contrast, hardcore gamers that sit upwards of five or more hours per day may find that depending on the quality of their chair, it lasts barely a year.
Also, keep in mind that the quality of the build materials will also impact longevity. Cheaper padding will break down faster, requiring that you replace your seat sooner. Additionally, factors like your weight versus the weight rating for the chair, the upholstery materials, and even how forcefully you recline or adjust the seat and arm height will all impact how frequently your gaming chair must be replaced. You may also consider the best rocker gaming chair which is a chair without legs but has an access to a reclining function thanks to the curved exterior on the seat and backrest.
How to Choose the Best Gaming Chairs with Footrests
Gaming chairs with footrests are an excellent choice whether you’re a gamer or someone who simply works for extended periods at a desk. They can make your gaming or work experience more comfortable and allow you to focus on the task at hand rather than whether or not your back and legs hurt. So, considering how important that is, keep the following key features in mind as you shop for a gaming chair with a footrest.
Gaming Chairs with Footrests Key Factors to Consider
1. Do you want a stationary or mobile chair?
Gaming chairs with footrests can be either stationary or mobile. Stationary chairs may be designed to look like traditional overstuffed recliners or stadium movie theatre chairs. In contrast, mobile chairs are usually set on a wheelbase with casters which makes moving the chair from one location to another easier. However, stationary gaming chairs tend to feature footrests with adjustable angles whereas wheeled gaming chairs simply have retractable footrests.
2. How much of an incline do you prefer?
Gaming chairs with footrests come with a variety of recline ranges. The deepest recline is 180 degrees which means you can achieve a full lay-flat retraction. Alternatively, you can find narrower ranges of just 130 degrees. The most common options tend to be 130, 150, and 170 degrees.
3. What other adjustments do you want?
Gaming chairs are known for being highly customizable with adjustments that aren’t usually standard with traditional office chairs. So, this can include armrests that not only can be raised or lowered but can be shifted in or out to give you more space within the seat. Additionally, you’ll usually get a larger seat height adjustment range.
4. How much lumbar support do you want?
Another hallmark feature of gaming chairs is the enhanced lumbar support. Along with enhanced cushioning that supports the natural curve of your spine, these chairs often come with an additional lumbar pillow that’s adjustable and removable.
This means if you don’t need the extra cushioning, you can simply remove it. Or if you find that the built-in lumbar support is lacking or too low or high, you can shift the pillow to place the support exactly where you need it.
5. How do you want your gaming chair to look?
Stereotypical gaming chairs are designed to look like racing chairs. While this might be fine if you like that look, they can look juvenile or out of place for anyone who wants a more upscale chair or is using a gaming chair in a professional environment.
Thankfully, manufacturers have caught on to the fact that not everyone wants the standard gaming chair look. So, you can find more understated gaming chairs that look less like you’re at a gaming tournament and like they belong in a business setting.
6. What upholstery material do you want?
The most common material you’ll find used with gaming chairs is PU leather. This faux leather makes gaming chairs more affordable. Additionally, PU or faux leather is easier to maintain and tends to be quite durable. Alternatively, you can find gaming chairs made from genuine leather although these are obviously more expensive. Likewise, you can find fabric gaming chairs, although cloth upholstery may not last as long as PU or genuine leather.
7. What is the weight capacity?
Just like with any other standard chair, gaming chairs have weight ratings. And considering that you’re shopping for a reclining gaming chair with a footrest, you need to pay attention to the rating. The average gaming chair will support up to 250 pounds. But you can find chairs that can support up to 400 pounds, making them ideal for people who fall into the “big and tall” category.
8. Do you want additional features?
If you like the idea of an enhanced gaming chair, there are a few popular add-on features that can elevate your experience. Built-in massagers are a popular option, are usually USB-powered, and integrated into the lumbar support pillow.
Additionally, built-in Bluetooth speakers are another nice function that can create an immersive experience since they’re usually located behind the headrest. Also, note that some gaming chairs can pair with gaming consoles so that the audio playback is routed through the chair’s speakers.
Likewise, stationary gaming chairs with footrests often feature cup holders and pockets to hold remotes, gaming controllers, or anything else you desire.
