Walking. Standing. Running. We’re on our feet a lot throughout the day, especially if we’re trying to get the recommended 10,000 steps. It stands to reason (yes, pun intended) that getting a foot massage at the end of said day feels pretty darn good. If you aren’t able to make it to the spa, though, never fear—at-home foot massagers and foot baths have got you covered.
“Foot massagers offer many benefits for at-home use,” says Carrie Riley, a lymphatic specialist and the founder of Cincinnati Massage for Mental Health. “They can help improve blood circulation in the feet and lower legs, and help pump lymphatic fluid up and out of the ankles and calves to reduce swelling and inflammation.”
Experts In This Article
- Carrie Riley, lymphatic specialist and founder of Cincinnati Massage for Mental Health
With that in mind, we sought out the best foot massagers to relieve your tired, achy feet. Consider it our sole purpose in life (okay, we’re finished with the puns, we swear).
What to look for in a foot massager
The best foot massagers will have a variety of features, like warming and different pressure modes. Here’s what Riley advises you should look for:
- Massage techniques: More is definitely more in this case. “Look for a massager that offers a variety of massage techniques, like kneading, rolling, vibration, and air compression,” she says. “This will allow you to customize your massage experience.
- Heat therapy: Some foot massagers also offer heat therapy, which is a decadent addition to your normal massage routine. While this is a personal preference, Riley says that it’s a good feature to look for. “It helps relax sore muscles and improve blood circulation,” she says.
- Ease of use: Forget big, clunky foot massagers (although we did actually include one oversized option on this list, you’ll see why!). Most versions should be portable and should have features that are clearly marked, so you know what modes you’re choosing. “It’s helpful if it doesn’t take up too much space, so you can easily store it under a chair or your bed,” Riley says.
Now that you’re armed (footed?) with info about what to look for, scroll to shop the nine best foot massagers to bring soothing relaxation to your tired, achy tootsies.
Shop 9 of the best foot massagers
Best for feet and calves: Human Touch Reflex SOL Foot & Calf Massager with Heat — $349.00
Now, I can’t lie—this foot massager’s large size is more cumbersome than its competitors. But if you want to massage your feet and your calves, it is *worth* it. For starters, it’s designed with the brand’s patented CirQulation Figure-Eight Technology, which offers kneading Shiatsu massage throughout the feet and lower legs. It also has heat and vibration, and the option to use manual mode or one of the massager’s three presets. All of them are fantastic, but I prefer the manual mode, which lets you really set the vibration, heat, and massage level to your specific preferences. It really feels like a person is massaging you, too! Every time I use it, I find myself sinking back in bliss for at least 45 minutes. Talk about a major ahhhh-ha moment.
- Massages both feet and legs
- Multiple massage and vibration modes
- Option to add heat
- Feels like Shiatsu massage from an actual person
- Bulkier than other options
- Expensive
Most versatile: Cloud Massage Shiatsu Foot & Calf Massager — $280.00
So you want a foot massager that also massages your calves, but you’re short on space. Good news—this one absolutely fits the bill, thanks to a rotating design that lets you choose where it massages. “It offers a comprehensive massage experience, combining compression, rolling, vibration, heat, and joint swaying,” Riley says. “Its adjustable settings and pre-set programs make it easy to customize your relaxation routine, helping to reduce pain and improve sleep.” It even has a quiet mode, so it’s softer than some of its competitors. As someone who wants to massage my feet and calves simultaneously, I’m definitely intrigued by the option to have it sway back and forth or just concentrate on one. The brand recommends it for everything from plantar fasciitis to exercise recovery, so it’s worth the splurge.
- Compact design that rotates to massage both feet and calves
- Five adjustable settings for a fully customized experience
- Comes with a remote
Best with heat: Mountrax Foot Massager with Heat — $110.00
This foot massager also comes highly recommended by Riley. “This is a fantastic choice for those seeking a luxurious foot massage experience,” she says. “It has adjustable heat settings, nine massage modes, a sleek design, and convenient features like a remote control and washable foot covers.” The aforementioned design is unique to others on the market, thanks to deep footbeds that let you really sink your feet in for a relaxing massage. I also like that it has a time function, which many others don’t, so you can program how long you want your massage to last. In two words? Yes, please.
- Deep-set footbeds
- Multiple adjustable settings and modes, including a time function
- Washable foot covers
- Ample massage modes + heat settings
- Comes with a remote control
- Some reviewers say it can take a while to warm up
Most cozy: Sharper Image Warming Foot Massager — $60.00
As someone who’s made a habit out of buying multiple pairs of cozy slippers, I immediately perked up when I saw this foot massager’s undeniably whimsical design. I mean, come on—a foot massager that actually looks like slippers?! It’s really just a bonus that it gets the job done. Once you slip your feet inside the plush, faux fur-lined foot pockets, the magic begins. It offers more vibration than massage (and I will say that the lower level is fairly nonexistent, so you’ll want to use level two)—so if you’re someone who prefers to be kneaded, you may not want to try this one. But if you like having your feet gently massaged, not to mention the option to add soothing warmth, this is definitely a great option for you.
- Adorable slipper-like design
- Plush foot pockets
- Affordable
- Has vibration and heat options
- No kneading massage option
- Lower vibration level is a bit weak
Best for Shiatsu: Homedics Shiatsu + Air 4.0 Foot Massager with Heat — $180.00
True story: As soon as I slipped my feet inside this foot massager’s satin-lined foot openings and turned it on, I actually said “WOW!” out loud to an empty apartment. It truly feels like you’re getting a shiatsu massage from an actual human. It also has customizable air compression, gentle heating, and adjustable intensity levels. I did find it interesting that there was no manual mode; instead, you select from three pre-programmed modes. That didn’t make this foot massager any less appealing, it was just different than some others I tried. The design is fairly small, too, so it’s easy to slide under a bed or in a closet when you’re not using it.
- Multiple intensity levels and massage modes with optional heat
- Removable and washable foot liners
- Easily stowable
- Feels like a real person kneading you
- No way to customize the different massage modes
- A bit noisy
Most massage modes: Miko Shiatsu Foot Massager — $190.00
Rolling. Vibrating. Compression. Shiatsu. This foot massager does all of the above and lets you fully customize what you’re after. There are also five adjustable air pressure settings, so you can decide how deep and intense you want your massage to be, and it has washable nylon footpads and a rotating support bar to target exactly where you want the pressure to go. Plus, it comes with a remote, which is a nice touch—many competitors don’t, and I have to say it’s difficult to keep bending down and adjusting your massage modes when you just want to sit back and relax.
- Multiple massage modes including rolling, compression, and Shiatsu
- Comes with a remote
- Washable footpads
- Five adjustable air pressure settings
- Some reviewers said the highest setting was too intense
Most compact: Best Choice Products Foot Massager Machine — $110.00
Let’s face it—some foot massagers are just way too large and cumbersome. Not so with this machine, which is small and extremely portable. It has a remote so you can control your massage, well, remotely. It also has multiple massage motions, including pulsing, kneading, and rolling, and the option for automatic or manual modes. It doesn’t have a heat function, so people who want a foot massager with that will want to look elsewhere. It comes in five colors, which is unique to other foot massagers out there. This is a great option for anyone who’s tough on their soles.
- Small and portable
- Comes in multiple colors
- Has multiple massage functions and modes for a customized experience
- Includes a remote control
- Doesn’t have a heat function
Best manual roller: GoFit Foot and Hand Massage Roller — $26.00
There are also foot massagers out there that don’t require any power—all it takes is a little extra legwork. Such is the case with this roller, which helps soothe pain and relieve tired feet. It has translucent urethane wheels and an egg crate-shaped massage bump pattern, and the ergonomic design helps contour to your feet as you roll. If you are more likely to use tennis balls for foot massage than a device with a lot of bells and whistles, this is a good in-between product to try.
- Affordable
- High-grip rubber stays in place while you roll
- Easy-to-use ergonomic design
Best with foot bath: SPT Foot Spa Bath Massager — $125.00
No time to make it to the spa for a pedicure? No problem. A therapeutic foot bath massager can absolutely do the trick—and this is one of the best ones out there, thanks to one of its six powerful massage rollers, bubbles, and red light. can control the temperature from 95 degrees Fahrenheit up to 118 degrees Fahrenheit. (As someone who loves a hot shower, bath, or hot tub, that 118 degrees sounds divine.) There’s even a shower bar, so if you prefer the sensation of running water over your tired muscles, it’s like having a spa in your home.
- Easily portable
- Multiple massage rollers and controllable heat
- Drain feature makes it easy to clean
- Shower bar and red light elevate the experience
- Temperature may fluctuate
FAQs
Why should someone use a foot massager at home?
Yes, a foot massage feels pretty darn good. But it’s actually doing good for you, too. “They can help relieve muscle tension and soreness, especially after exercise or a long day on your feet,” Riley says. She notes that using a foot massager regularly can also contribute to better sleep quality and overall relaxation.
Should anyone avoid using a foot massager?
Luckily, most people can use a foot massager without any complications or worries. However, Riley advises that there are some folks who shouldn’t use one:
- People with deep vein thrombosis or other blood clotting disorders
- Anyone with open wounds or skin infections on their feet
- People with diabetes or neuropathy. “They may have reduced sensation in their feet,” Riley says.
- People who are pregnant
If you experience any of the above, she recommends consulting with a healthcare professional before slipping your feet into an at-home massager.
Can you use a foot massager every day?
While you can use a foot massager every day, it’s not absolutely necessary. Riley recommends using one around 3-5 times per week. In addition to the more common types of foot massagers you may see on the market, you can also use a tennis ball once a week, recommends Nicole Mitchell, a licensed massage therapist at Larchmont Sanctuary Spa in Los Angeles. “Roll out the musculature and fascia on the bottom of your feet,” she says.
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