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The Herman Miller Aeron has been the chair-of-record for working professionals since 1994, and the 2016 Remastered version is the best it’s ever been. It is genuinely worth the price — but only if you size it correctly and only if you sit in it for at least six hours a day. Below that threshold, you’re paying for engineering you’ll never use.
The size matters more than people realize
The Aeron comes in three sizes (A, B, C) and Herman Miller’s sizing guide is accurate. The A is for users under 5’5″, the B fits most adults 5’4–6’4″, and the C is for users 6’2″ and up. Buying the wrong size is the #1 reason people return the chair — the seat pan length and back curvature only work when matched to your body. Order from a dealer with a return policy and exchange if it doesn’t fit.
What you’re actually paying for
The 8Z Pellicle mesh distributes your weight across eight different tension zones, which is why the chair somehow feels firm on the lumbar and soft under the thighs at the same time. The PostureFit SL adjustable lumbar pad is the single best lumbar support we’ve tested in any chair at any price — it pushes against your sacrum, not your lower back, which keeps the natural curve of your spine without forcing your shoulders forward. The 12-year warranty covers everything including the casters.
Who should skip it
If you sit fewer than six hours a day, get a Steelcase Series 1 at half the price. If you want adjustable arms with elbow swing, the Steelcase Gesture is better. If you want the cheapest chair with real lumbar support, get the Branch Ergonomic Chair.
Bottom line: Still the best all-day chair money can buy — when sized correctly and used at least six hours a day.