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Cam Vigliotta Forbes Staff
Forbes Vetted
Leoni Jesner Contributor Content written by Forbes Vetted Contributors is assigned, reviewed and edited by Forbes Staff
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As bipedal creatures, our feet experience a lot of pressure, and a ton of wear and tear. That’s why there aren’t many things as satisfying as foot massage—especially from the comfort of your own home. When it comes to at-home foot massagers, there is a wide variety of styles to match every taste and budget. Plus, they come with all sorts of features designed to treat every ache and pain you can think of. We recommend the Best Choice Products Foot Massager as the best foot massager overall as it’s an ideal blend of performance and price. And the MIKO Foot Massager, our best shiatsu pick, really kneads all those sore spots.
If a foot massager is on your buying list, we’ve got some pointers for you. After conducting extensive research, poring over shopper reviews and examining the nitty-gritty details, we’ve compiled several noteworthy foot-massaging options. Below are eight of the best foot massagers that deliver unparalleled relief and support.
And if any other part of your body needs the knots unwound, consider checking out our picks for the best neck massagers, best back massagers and best massage guns that tackle different areas of tension and pain.
Best Foot Massager Overall: Best Choice Products Foot Massager
Best Budget Foot Massager: Tumaz Foot Roller
Best Shiatsu Foot Massager: MIKO Foot Massager
Best Manual Foot Massager: TheraFlow Dual Foot Massager
Best Foot Massager For Large Feet: Renpho Foot Massager
Best Heated Foot Massager: Nekteck Foot Massager
Best Foot Massager For Travel: Ryson Foot Roller and Massage Balls
Best Massager For Legs: Fit Leg Air Massager For Foot and Calf
Best Foot Massager Overall
Every Feature Your Feet Could Ever Dream Of
Best Choice Products Foot Massager
Dimensions: 22 x 10 x 12 inches | Weight: 13.5 Pounds | Heat: No
This remote-controlled foot massager is great for every part of your feet, including your ankles (the deep pockets cover the lower joints of the leg, so they receive some therapy, too). You can choose from an array of massaging actions, like pulsing, rotating, kneading and rolling, or select the amount of time you want the machine to run and dictate which parts of your feet you want it to cover. For a well-rounded massage without any thought, there’s also an “auto” button that gets the massager going on a pre-set series that covers all of its features before it automatically shuts off when finished. A handheld remote controls each function, but there’s also an easy-to-read LCD touch panel on the machine for convenient control.
Beyond massage-related features, the sleeves are removable and washable, so the massager remains a clean and enjoyable experience for your entire household, while a nonslip bottom prevents it from sliding or skidding across the floor as you try to relax.
What the reviews say: There isn’t a heat option, but shoppers say they don’t miss it thanks to litany of customizable options. One reviewer even said that their partner returned their heated massager in exchange for this one after testing it out.
Best Budget Foot Massager
A Manual Massager That Still Gets The Job Done
Tumaz Foot Roller
Dimensions: 3 x 3 x 6.3 inches | Weight: 8 ounces | Heat: No
The Tumaz Foot Roller is compact and lightweight fortoting on the go.This easy-to-use foot massager works on any flat surface. Plus, its ergonomic shapeis designed to cradlethe foot arch with comfort. Simply roll your foot back and forth on the massager and let the grooves relieve tension and pain.
It can also relieve pressure across the calves, thighs and glutes. The purchase includes a manual and e-book that share user tips and techniques. And even better,the rolleer ismade from high-density EVA foam and is latex-free.
What the reviews say: Several reviews note that it’s not heavy-duty enough to handle a lot of heavy pressure.
Best Shiatsu Foot Massager
The One With All The Power
MOST POPULAR
MIKO Foot Massager
Dimensions: 16 x 16 x 10 | Weight: 11 pounds | Heat: Yes
The MIKO Foot Massager boasts many features to treat your aching feet with ashiatsumassager. Simply pop your feet into the independent foot chambers (roomy for up to a men’s size 13) to experience the rolling and shiatsu function across the soles and sides of your feet. This may deliver relief to your plantar fasciitis, neuropathy, stubborn knots and more. At the same time, the heat provides further relieffortense spots—and is just cozy. Plus, internal air pressure delivers squeezing across your entire foot.
The machine has five pressure settings to program alongside deep-kneading action, compression, light vibration and a built-in timer. It also comes with two wireless remotes (it’s handy to have a backup). One thing to note is that the massager is not wireless so you’ll need a plug within easy reach.
Best Manual Foot Massager
Work Out Those Aches The Old Fashioned Way
TheraFlow Dual Foot Massager
Dimensions: 11.1 x 2.2 x 6.5 Inches | Weight: 1.8 pounds | Heat: No
In an automated world, sometimes it’s nice to step back into using a manual product. That’s why our editors love TheraFlow’s Dual Foot Massager: the simple design, which is easy to use at home or on the go, digs deep into hard to reach areas, without needing to be charged, plugged in or maintained at all.
The Dual Foot Massager is especially effective for those suffering from plantar fasciitis, a painful condition that causes inflammation of the thick band of tissue that connects the toes to the heel bone. Many massagers don’t target this area, but TheraFlow’s does, which gives it an added edge.
The manual rolling design features multiple types of nodes for a variated massage, which adds another layer of relief. And at less than 20 bucks, this is a steal compared to more tech-y foot massagers.
Best Foot Massager For Large Feet
Fits Up To A Men's 14
Renpho Foot Massager
Dimensions: 23 x 16 x 10 inches | Weight: 19.9 pounds | Heat: Yes
Foot massagers come in all shapes and sizes, as do the feet they massage—and if your feet are on the larger end of the spectrum, you need a massager to accommodate them. This foot massager from Renpho massages in 15-, 20- and 30-minute increments, heats up around the whole foot and fits feet up to size men’s 14.
This foot massager can also be used on your calves, forearms and hands, should you need some pain and ache relief on other areas of your body. The heat function of this shiatsu massager has three levels and can heat up to 122 Fahrenheit.
If your feet or calves are on the wider side, you’re in luck: The chamber on this Renpho foot massager is 7.7 inches wide, so it can accommodate a variety of body types. On the downside, this foot massager weighs close to 20 pounds, so it’s not particularly travel-friendly or easy to move around.
Best Heated Foot Massager
For A Warm And Cozy Experience
Nekteck Foot Massager
Dimensions: 19.9 x 13.4 x 5.3 inches | Weight: 6.9 pounds | Heat: Yes
Anyone who suffers from chronically achey feet knows the sweet relief that targeted heat can provide. With this massager, heat is combined with six massage heads that have 18 total massager nodes, each of which rotate, roll and pulsate pain away. It has an ergonomic shape that provides a comfortable surface to rest your feet on, but you can also choose to rest your calves or hamstrings on top, or even place it behind your back while sitting to massage other parts of your body.
What the reviews say: The massager has more than 16,000 5-star ratings. Shoppers say the heat “works great” and they appreciate that they can turn it on or off easily while using the massager.
Best Foot Massager For Travel
Perfect For Packing
Ryson Foot Roller and Massage Balls
Dimensions: 7 x 2.3 x 5.2 inches | Weight: 1.1 pounds | Heat: No
Traveling with creature comforts may sound like a lot of extra packing, but it’s possible to bring along your supplemental accessories if you buy the right tools. This small manual foot massager set is ideal for anyone on the go. The roller or the small balls can be used anywhere on the body, and are particularly effective at relieving pain from plantar fasciitis. The roller and balls increase circulation, relieve muscle soreness and can easily fit into any personal item or carry-on.
And good to know: They’re made with durable TPR and PVC material and are easily washable.
Best Massager For Legs
For More Than Just Your Feet
Fit Leg Air Massager For Foot and Calf
Dimensions: 10.5 x 16.8 inches, max calf width 28.5 inches | Weight: 3.5 pounds | Heat: No
A foot massager is nice, but sometimes you need relief that extends a little further up the leg. That’s precisely why we like Fit King’s Air Massager for the foot and calf—it delivers an intense but relieving massage to both the foot and the calf, and improves circulation in both areas of the body.
The Fit King uses air compression to alternate between squeezing and relaxing against the feet and calves, delivering a massage that can range from semi-relaxing (remember we said this massager is intense?) to almost painful. Choose between three pressure modes, and two massage modes to find the sensation that works for your body.
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- This story was cowritten by Forbes Vetted gear editor Cameron Vigliotta, contributing editor Leoni Jesner and contributing editor Hayley Helms. Among the three of them, they have a combined 30+ years in the outdoor industry, and have tested and reviewed hundreds of products.
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How We Chose The Best Foot Massagers
We cast a wide net looking for the best foot massagers and combed hundreds of reviews to understand the features and selling points of the best products.
- Functionality: Whether you’d like to be in control of your massage intensity, or want the massager to do the work for you, we made sure to include options that would appeal to either mindset. We also looked out for features like remote control, ease of operation and comfort while using.
- Heat: Although it’s not a requirement that a foot massager have a heating component to be worthy of choosing for this guide, we did consider it when picking the best foot massagers. We focused on massagers that had varying levels of heat intensity, and made sure each pick was backed by safety research.
- Reviews: Only foot massagers that rated an average of 4 stars and above made the cut.
- Budget: We aimed to hone in on a wide range of types for different lifestyles, budgets and needs.
What To Consider When Shopping For A Foot Massager
While you can’t go wrong with any of the options on our list, there are several things to consider about your habits, preferences and needs to help choose the best foot massager for you.
Needs
Many foot massagers can help if you suffer from other aches and pains about the ankles, calves, hamstrings or even major muscle groups of your back. If you need relief in areas other than just your feet, seek out a versatile massager.
Cost
With price always a consideration, our choices run the gamut from pricey to incredibly affordable. A more expensive model may be worth it to you if it works well and provides specialty features, but many people swear by the simplest and most affordable foot massagers.
Heat
You may or may not require heat with your foot massager. It’s an added option that can help loosen sore muscles, but it’s not a must-have for treating tension and pain. But it can help further improve circulation by relaxing your blood vessels.
Electric vs. Self-Applied
Electric foot massagers do the hard work for you, allowing you to sit back and relax as it gets to work on your behalf. On the other hand, a self-applied foot massage with a tool like a foot roller requires a little more elbow grease from you—but you may prefer this method of intensity control. While one is not better than the other, it comes down to personal preference.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Are The Benefits Of A Foot Massager?
Foot massagers offer a plethora of benefits to achy feet, extending to other body areas, too. Many studies have touted their beneficial properties, including the effects on ICU patients receiving a foot massage. These include a reduction in blood pressure and heart rate, promoting relaxation and releasing endorphins, which can improve sleep. Aside from this, pains from muscle cramps can also find relief.
How Expensive Are Foot Massagers?
As you can see from our curated list, the best foot massagers range in price from very affordable to expensive, and the value depends on what you’re looking for. A machine with multiple features (heat, speed and pressure options, multiple massage heads, automatic functions, etc.) is, of course, going to cost a bit more, and these models tend to have longer warranties and better reviews. There are more affordable options too, many of which are beloved by fellow buyers, but these designs are typically simpler—which might be just fine for you and your feet.
Can I Use A Foot Massager While Pregnant?
Before using anything that gives you pause while pregnant, we recommend talking to your doctor first. If your doc signs off on a foot massager, you’ll enjoy any number of benefits that include reduced swelling about the foot and ankle, pain relief and much-needed rest and relaxation.
Can You Use A Foot Massager Every Day?
A foot massager can be used every day, but it is also important to listen to your body and its unique needs. For maximum benefits, it’s recommended to use a foot massager three to four times a week for 30 minutes at a time. You can use a foot massager multiple times a day, but if you feel any pain or discomfort, stop using the foot massager immediately. If you’re concerned or have foot health issues, it’s always recommended to talk to your doctor before using a new device.
Cam Vigliotta
Leoni Jesner
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