This is a great recliner.  You can sit in it with your feet up in any position from legs down to legs straight out.  The back operates separately from the foot so it can  be positioned as you wish from sitting straight up to reclined.  With the foot rest control, when it gets back to the legs down position, it goes into the lift mode and pushes the seat up so you are nearly in a standing position.  The only drawback I have found is that the seating is very firm with little cushioning and I have to use a small pillow at my lower back because my legs are a little short for the seat.  I am 5'3".  But I am certainly very happy with my purchase.