Can you use a drafting chair without the foot ring?

Technically yes, but it's not recommended for elevated seating positions. Without a foot ring, your feet will either dangle (causing circulation restriction) or you'll rest them on the chair base spokes, which is unstable and uncomfortable. At seat heights above 20", foot support becomes ergonomically important. Only remove the foot ring if the chair will be used at standard desk height where your feet can rest flat on the floor. OfficeFurniture2go.com recommends models with fixed or adjustable foot rings for elevated use — call 1-800-460-0858.