Best Ergonomic Office Chairs to Save Your Back

Investing in an ergonomic office chair can save your spine (and money) in the long run, even if you spend most of your time standing at your desk. We tested four, then had a chiropractor select the best. After several ‘Men’s Journal’ staffers sat in each chair over a period of two weeks, we called in Dr. Leon Aibinder, a New York City chiropractor and ergonomics expert who focuses on sports-related injuries, so he could take a seat. He evaluated each chair based on overall support, comfort, and ease of use.

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Herman Miller Mirra 2

The butterfly-backed, fabric-and-metal Mirra 2 has loads of support and responsiveness, plus a killer feature for those with back issues: a pair of knobs on its spine that let you dial in the lower-back support. The chair makes switching positions smooth. The seat isn’t as adjustable as others, however.

Dr. Aibinder says: “The wide, high back cradles the shoulders nicely – an important detail for overall support. And its structure is very supportive, without being too stiff. But the lumbar dials alone are worth the price of admission.” [From $649; hermanmiller.com]

Knoll ReGeneration

The ReGeneration was built with a minimalist’s touch and is basically the skeletal structure of a chair. But it’s built for a wide array of sitters, with a flexible open-backed plastic frame that cradles comfortably and a slightly padded seat that’s supportive without being overstuffed.

Dr. Aibinder says: “This chair has a great controlled recline that keeps your core active. It’s not as cradling as the Mirra 2, but it’s close.” [From $677; knoll.com]

Allsteel Acuity Work

Feel around the bottom of this aluminum-framed chair and you’ll find no levers. Instead, there are two smart side panels that allow you to make adjustments while you’re seated. The leather and mesh padding is meant to conform to workers’ shapes and seat them more comfortably.

Dr. Aibinder says: “If you like a plush seat you sink into slightly, this is a good option. While it supports the upper back well, it lacks any serious lumbar support.” [From $1,450; allsteeloffice.com]

Steelcase Gesture

Steelcase surveyed the habits of 2,000 people to create this chair. The result? An über-adjustable seat built to stay supportive during both standard postures (such as typing) and nine new ones based on our modern technological tendencies (such as leaning back with a tablet).

Dr. Aibinder says: “It’s very stiff, with excellent overall support. And its arms are very adjustable. The controls are a bit complicated though.” [From $979; steelcase.com]