6 Best Compact Footrests For Van Life Setups That Serve Multiple Needs
Explore 6 compact footrests that do more than offer comfort. These multi-use van life essentials double as storage, seating, and even small tables.
That moment at the end of a long day of driving or hiking, when you finally swivel the passenger seat around and want to kick your feet up—that’s when you realize a footrest isn’t a luxury in a van, it’s a necessity. But in a space where every square inch is prime real estate, a simple footrest that only does one thing is a waste. The best gear for van life solves multiple problems at once, and your footrest should be no exception.
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Choosing the Right Multi-Function Van Footrest
Everything you bring into your van needs to earn its keep. A dedicated, single-purpose footrest is often the first thing to get tossed out when you realize you need more room for, well, everything else. The goal is to find an item whose primary or secondary function is to support your tired feet, while its main job might be something else entirely.
Think of it as conducting a job interview for the gear in your van. What skills does this item bring? Can it serve as a storage box for your shoes by the sliding door? Can it become an extra seat when a friend stops by? Can it give you the boost you need to reach the high-up cabinets?
The right choice depends entirely on your setup and your needs. A footrest that doubles as a step stool is perfect for a high-roof van with overhead storage. If you’re constantly battling clutter, a storage ottoman is a game-changer. Don’t just buy a footrest; hire a multi-talented new crew member for your rig.
SONGMICS Ottoman: Top Pick for Hidden Storage
This SONGMICS storage ottoman bench provides stylish seating and ample storage. It supports up to 660 lbs and offers a 27-gallon interior for blankets, books, and more.
The classic folding storage ottoman is arguably the king of multi-functional van furniture. It’s a simple concept executed perfectly: a fabric-covered box with a padded lid. Its real value is turning empty air space into usable, hidden storage.
This is the perfect spot for things you need near the door but don’t want to look at. Think muddy hiking shoes, dog leashes, or extra blankets. The lid is sturdy enough to sit on, making it an instant guest seat, and its height is perfect for propping your feet up from a swivel seat or bench. It solves the "pile of stuff by the door" problem beautifully.
The main tradeoff is its construction. Most are made of MDF and fabric, so they aren’t meant to be dragged outside and left in the rain. They are strictly an "indoor" van tool. But for adding a touch of homey comfort and serious organization inside your rig, nothing beats its simplicity and value.
Helinox Footrest: The Ultimate Reclining Comfort
Sometimes, the second function of an item is its ability to disappear. The Helinox Footrest is the master of this. It doesn’t offer storage or seating, but what it does offer is unparalleled ergonomic comfort that packs down to the size of a water bottle.
This footrest is designed to integrate with Helinox’s line of ultralight camp chairs, turning your camp setup into a full-blown recliner. After a 10-mile hike, the ability to properly elevate your legs is a recovery tool, not just a luxury. It’s incredibly lightweight and sets up in seconds, using the same shock-corded pole technology as their chairs.
This is a specialist’s tool. If your van life revolves around outdoor lounging, long evenings by the fire, or you simply demand the most comfortable setup possible, the Helinox is worth the dedicated space it requires. For those who prioritize utility over pure comfort, however, its single-minded purpose might be a dealbreaker.
Acko Folding Step Stool: A Compact Dual-Use Tool
The humble folding step stool is one of the most underrated pieces of van life gear. Its primary job is to help you reach things—high cabinets, a pop-top roof latch, or the back of a deep storage garage. But when it’s not helping you reach, it’s the perfect height to serve as a simple, no-fuss footrest.
Its genius lies in its slim profile when folded. You can slide it into the tightest of gaps: between the fridge and a cabinet, next to the driver’s seat, or under the bed. It takes up virtually zero floor space when not in use. When you need it, it unfolds into a surprisingly sturdy platform that won’t buckle or wobble.
Of course, a hard plastic top isn’t going to win any awards for coziness. You can easily throw a small pillow or blanket on top, but that’s not the point. This is the choice for the pragmatist. You’re getting a crucial tool for your van that happens to work perfectly as a footrest, not the other way around.
EnerPlex Inflatable Ottoman: Packable Comfort
For the van dweller who measures their free space in single cubic inches, an inflatable ottoman is the ultimate solution. When you need it, it provides a comfortable, stable surface for your feet or for extra seating. When you don’t, it deflates and packs away into a space smaller than a shoebox.
The EnerPlex is built with a durable, puncture-resistant bottom, making it suitable for use both inside the van and outside on the ground. It inflates quickly with an included pump (or a few breaths, if you have the lungs for it) and provides a firm, supportive surface. It’s a fantastic way to add comfort to your setup without committing to a bulky, permanent piece of furniture.
The inherent downside to any inflatable is the potential for leaks and the setup/takedown time. It’s not as instantaneous as a solid stool. But if your van is already packed to the gills and you simply can’t fit another solid object, the space-saving advantage of an inflatable is impossible to ignore.
Dometic GO Camp Seat: The Rugged All-in-One
Dometic’s GO collection is a system of gear designed to work together, and the Camp Seat is a standout piece of that ecosystem. At its core, it’s a 10-liter soft-sided storage cube. But with its insulated interior, it can be a small cooler, a dry bag for electronics, or a carrier for pantry items.
Its transformation into a footrest or seat happens when you add the optional bamboo lid. This lid provides a flat, stable surface perfect for resting your feet, setting a drink, or using as a small stool. The entire unit is waterproof, rugged, and designed to be taken out of the van and used at the campsite. It bridges the gap between indoor storage and outdoor furniture.
This is a premium product with a price tag to match. It’s for the van lifer who values a cohesive, durable system and is willing to invest in gear that can withstand serious outdoor use. If you just need a simple box, it’s overkill. But if you need a cooler, a dry bag, a storage bin, a seat, and a footrest, it’s a brilliant, space-saving investment.
CleverMade Crate: A Versatile Storage Solution
Sometimes the simplest solution is the best. The CleverMade Crate is essentially a modernized, collapsible milk crate. It’s a workhorse designed for hauling groceries, organizing your van’s garage, or storing gear. And, when you flip it over, it becomes a perfectly functional footrest or low table.
The true magic of these crates is their collapsibility. When you’re not using them to haul gear, they fold down nearly flat, allowing you to store several of them in a very small space. You can keep one by the door to use as a footrest and a place to drop your bag, then collapse it and tuck it away when you need more floor space.
Like the step stool, this is not a plush, cozy option. It’s hard plastic. But its raw utility is off the charts. Throw a small cutting board on top and it’s an instant side table. Stand on it and it’s a step stool. For a budget-friendly, ultra-versatile tool that can handle almost any odd job you throw at it, the collapsible crate is a van life essential.
Key Factors for Your Van Life Footrest Choice
Choosing the right footrest isn’t about finding the "best" product, but the one that best fits the unique ecosystem of your van. The perfect choice for a sprawling Sprinter conversion will be totally wrong for a compact ProMaster City. The decision comes down to an honest assessment of your space and your habits.
Before you buy, ask yourself these critical questions:
- What is my primary need? Am I desperate for more storage, or do I just want pure reclining comfort? Is a step stool my top priority?
- What is its footprint? How much space can I dedicate to this item, both when it’s in use and when it’s stored away?
- Where will I use it? Does it need to be rugged and waterproof for outdoor use, or will it live exclusively inside the van?
- What is my budget? Am I looking for a cheap, simple solution or a premium piece of integrated gear?
Ultimately, the best van life gear feels less like an addition and more like a missing piece of the puzzle. The right multi-use footrest will solve a problem you already have. It will seamlessly integrate into your daily flow, making your small space feel more comfortable, organized, and efficient.
In a van, every decision is a lesson in efficiency. The humble footrest is a perfect example of this principle in action. By choosing a smart, multi-functional option, you’re not just adding comfort; you’re adding storage, seating, or utility, making your life on the road that much better.
