Kneeling chairs are even nicer when they have a subtle rocking ability, rather than being planted flat

e.g. https://www.varierfurniture.com/en_gb/explore-our-chairs/kne...

That's the Balans [1] (the original model of which is now marketed as Variable Balans), by Norwegian designer Peter Opsvik.

Opsvik was partly responsible for the wave of interest in ergonomic seating in the 1980s. He eventually wrote a book, Rethinking Sitting [2], about the topic.

[1] https://varierchairs.com/product/variable-balans/

[2] https://www.amazon.com/Rethinking-Sitting-Peter-Opsvik/dp/03...

Cool - I love them and have several, but did not investigate much beyond hunting around to snag them for way less than retail. IIRC one was being advertised as Stokke.

Stokke used to make the Balans, and it was part of their "Movement by Stokke" range, but they spun it off into a new company in 2006.

Another product that was moved over to the Balans brand was the Move chair by Per Øie [1], which is an actual saddle chair.

[1] https://www.archiproducts.com/it/prodotti/varier-furniture/s...

What ever happened to those things? Seems like they were everywhere in the 80's and then they all disappeared.

There's a bunch at Staples.

I also just found some plans, might make one so it's adjustable my way: http://www.craftsmanspace.com/free-projects/kneeling-chair-p...

I still have (and use) mine.

They look awkward to sit on, you actually have to try them to realise you naturally adopt an upright (not slumped) sitting position.

There are a couple sitting about in my office. One guy broke his foot climbing recently and is using one as a footrest at present.

You can still get them. I'm sitting in one right now.

I'm impulsive, I blame you for the future amazon purchase. Used to visit my dad's office as a young child and always loved his kneeling chair. Nostalgia here I come!

I use one of these at work and it is wonderful. There are so many different sitting positions that it can support; kneeling, not kneeling, twist it around to get a slightly different spine alignment. It offers a lot of flexibility for someone who feels the need to adjust posture regularly to stay comfortable. It is also quite compact, which I also like.

Kneeling chairs can be quite bad for your knees. They place a lot of weight/force in uncommon places.

Do you have a citation for that?

From what I understand (and years of use) they merely place a small amount of weight on the front of your shins, which is at most merely uncomfortable for some people. (Most of your weight should be supported by your bottom.)

For an average human body, I have a hard time imagining what biomechanics could lead to a knee issue from it? A quick Google search didn't show anything.

Sadly, no. It's based on discussion with healthcare professionals (physiotherapists, orthopedic surgeons, ...)