I usually don't provide reviews, although I read them to make decisions on products to buy, but I decided to take a chance on a brand other than HM as the usual office standard chairs. I'm self-employed and work from home now, but my last company had HM Aeron's and a few Embody's. I'm a bit stocky, so having the size chair to fit was important as well as good lumbar due old back injury.
I initially bought an Embody for home, and after a year or so, sold it because the back didn't have the lumbar support I needed. I couldn't get comfortable. I shifted back to an Aeron and used it for a couple of years, but it basically became uncomfortable to sit in. The mesh bottom is great for in office seating but extended days at home, not so much.
After experiencing discomfort and inadequate support from the Herman Miller Aeron chair due to my body situation, I decided to take a chance on the Zody office chair. Unlike the Aeron, the Zody offers adjustable lumbar support and a pelvic tilt mechanism that caters specifically to my needs, ensuring proper posture and significantly reducing strain on my injured lower back. The Aeron is adjustable but it's basically a hard block that you can slide up and down. I liked the "punch" of it in my lower back, but the Zody's version is more subtle. At first I was dubious, but the more I use the chair, the more it's grown on me, and I like it. The only change I would make is to be able to push it more into the back at the tightest adjustment, but I like the variable tension on each side. Although minor, only other thing I'd like is the ability to lock the position of the arm rests. Lean on them a little bit and out they go.
While the Herman Miller Aeron is undeniably a popular choice among office chairs, its design doesn't accommodate all body types equally. The Haworth Zody, however, provides customizable options that adapt to various builds, making it an ideal choice for someone with my physical requirements. I would add that I prefer the ability to slide the seat bed back and forth for added seat bed length. The Aeron is what you see is what you get and the front lip dug into my legs after a while.
The Zody's design and high-quality materials not only add a touch of sophistication to my workspace but also ensure long-lasting durability. The Haworth Zody office chair has proven to be a superior seating solution for me, offering the essential support and comfort I need to maintain good posture and enhance productivity throughout the day. It also has a great price point compared to a brand new Aeron, and more adjustable
My Aeron is about 20 years old and original equipment and still going strong, so I'm hoping the Zody will do the same. Time will tell but all in all, I'm happy with my choice.