It is bordered by the Moravian-Silesian Beskids and Hostýn-Vsetín Mountains on the south and by the Moravian Gate on the north.

The landscape is characterized by a erosional-denudational relief based on a deeply denuded nappe structure with numerous nappe debris, remnants of leveled surfaces, breakthrough valleys and cryogenic forms resulting from continental glaciation.

The area of the foothills is 1,508 km2 (582 sq mi) and the average height is 353 metres (1,158 ft).

The most populated settlements which lie entirely in the territory are Třinec, Český Těšín, Nový Jičín and Kopřivnice.

The cities of Frýdek-Místek and Přerov and the town of Valašské Meziříčí are also partly located there.