The Steelcase Leap shines with all-around adjustability with configurable lumbar support, top-tier build quality, and excellent ergonomics, but it doesn’t ship with a headrest by default.
The Steelcase Leap is a high-end office chair first announced in 1999, and it is available in a wide range of color options. Weighing only 65 pounds, the Steelcase Leap is lighter than some of the best office chairs on the market, and its lumbar support mechanism allows for adjustment of both height and firmness to help maintain good posture.
The chair can be used by heavy-set individuals weighing up to 400 lbs, and in terms of adjustability, its armrests can be moved up, down, forward, back, or left and right for optimum comfort. Owners will also be able to configure the seat depth and back tension.
Best For
Scoliosis
Short People
Consensus
our Verdict
Despite its simple yet modern design, the Steelcase Leap office chair offers good comfort and adjustability. It doesn’t ship with a headrest by default, but it has 4-way adjustable armrests that can pivot 30 degrees in and out and are height adjustable by 4”. However, as a fully cushioned chair, it doesn’t offer the same breathability as mesh-backed chairs. Still, the Steelcase Leap arrives fully assembled (in some regions) for added convenience, and its height and depth adjustable lumbar support (which is height adjustable by 5”) makes it a good pick for users who have back problems.
The chair also has impressive build quality courtesy of the high-end materials used, and the thick cushioning isn’t too soft or too hard. It is also favorable for tall users thanks to its gliding seat, and the armrests also have a soft, plastic covering that feels good to rest your elbows on.
Reason to Buy
Exceptional adjustability and ergonomics
Almost every aspect of this office chair is adjustable so that owners can customize it to their specific requirements. The seat height, depth, recline, armrests, and back support are all adjustable.
The seat height is adjustable by 5”, the seat depth by 3”, the back support (lumbar height) by 5”, and the armrest height by 4”.
Adjustable lumbar support
The Steelcase Leap’s lumbar support is adjustable in both height and depth. Height is adjustable by 5”, and it also has a LiveBack that moves in accordance with the individual’s posture.
High-end materials
The Steelcase Leap feels premium courtesy of the high-end plastic materials and parts used. It is also a sturdy chair if its 400 lbs weight capacity is anything to go by.
Reason to Avoid
Does not ship with a headrest by default
Buyers will have to pay more to have the Steelcase Leap ship with a headrest.
Steelcase Leap Specs
Adjustable Armrests
4-Dimensional
Armrest Height Max
31"
Armrest Height Min
22"
Backrest Height
10.25"
Backrest Width
18"
Frame Construction
Metal and Plastic
Has Footrest
No
Head Pillow
No
Head Rest
Adjustable Head Support
Lumbar Support
Adjustable
Piston Type
Pneumatic Cylinder
Recline
Yes
Seat Depth
15 – 18"
Seat Height Adjustment
15.5 – 20.5"
Seat Padding Material
Foam
Seat Width
19.5"
Upholstery
3D Knit, Fabric, Leather, Vinyl
Weight Limit
400 lbs
Wheel Type
Casters
All Specs
Test Results
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The Steelcase Leap is a high-end office chair first announced in 1999, and it is available in a wide range of color options. Weighing only…
The Steelcase Leap is a high-end office chair first announced in 1999, and it is available in a wide range of color options. Weighing only 65 pounds, the Steelcase Leap is lighter than some of the best office chairs on the market, and its lumbar support mechanism allows for adjustment of both height and firmness to help maintain good posture.
The chair can be used by heavy-set individuals weighing up to 400 lbs, and in terms of adjustability, its armrests can be moved up, down, forward, back, or left and right for optimum comfort. Owners will also be able to configure the seat depth and back tension.
The Steelcase Leap offers dynamic lumbar support, while the Steelcase Amia has height-adjustable lumbar support. The two are also different in that the Leap has…
The Steelcase Leap offers dynamic lumbar support, while the Steelcase Amia has height-adjustable lumbar support. The two are also different in that the Leap has a “Natural Glide System” where the seat slides forward when leaning back, while on the other hand, the seat on the Amia does not. Feel free to check out what else the Steelcase Amia offers in our Steelcase Amia review.
The Steelcase Leap’s lumbar support system is more adjustable than the one on the Steelcase Gesture, but on the other hand, the armrests on the…
The Steelcase Leap’s lumbar support system is more adjustable than the one on the Steelcase Gesture, but on the other hand, the armrests on the Steelcase Gesturer are also more adjustable than those on the Steelcase Leap. Also, the Gesture’s 70-pound weight makes it heavier than the 65-pound Steelcase Leap.
The Steelcase Leap is quite different from the Hag Capisco in terms of design, as the former has a full-size backrest, while the one on…
The Steelcase Leap is quite different from the Hag Capisco in terms of design, as the former has a full-size backrest, while the one on the Capisco is relatively narrow. Also worth noting is that the Leap has armrests that the Capisco does not and that the Capisco has a saddle seat, which is different from the typical seat design on the Steelcase Leap. Finally, the Hag Capisco has a 300-pound limit, which is slightly lower than the 400-pound weight capacity of the Steelcase Leap. We’ve also covered the Hag Capisco in our Hag Capisco review if you’re interested. Still, if you’d want a more executive-styled, PU leather office chair, our AmazonBasics Big Tall Executive Chair review might be useful.
