Menu
 

BestReviews is reader-supported and may earn an affiliate commission. Details

Best Foot Massagers

Updated November 2023
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
MIKO Shiatsu Foot Massager
MIKO
Shiatsu Foot Massager
Check Price
Powerful Option
Bottom Line

While it's a costly model, it's also an investment that will provide a customized massage thanks to the multiple settings and functions it offers.

Pros

Combines deep massage, air pressure, and heat for one of the most complete foot massages available. Has five strength levels. Targets pressure points and helps improve blood circulation.

Cons

It's expensive, and the unit is somewhat large and awkward to store. The kneading function can't be turned off.

Best Bang for the Buck
Nekteck Foot Massager with Heat
Nekteck
Foot Massager with Heat
Check Price
Simple Yet Solid
Bottom Line

This shiatsu heated foot massager is packed with features and comes at a great price.

Pros

Features six massage heads and 18 rotating nodes for a dynamic massage experience. Heating function helps relax muscles and improve circulation. Ergonomic and fits a wide variety of foot sizes and shapes. Equipped with a carrying handle for portability. Great for tackling foot pain.

Cons

May not be as effective for those with high arches.

TheraFlow Foot Massager
TheraFlow
Foot Massager
Check Price
Bargain Pick
Bottom Line

Choose this model if you want a foot massager that's highly effective yet inexpensive and doesn't require electricity to operate.

Pros

Features five rollers with nubs that produce an acupuncture effect that reduces stress and eases pain. Great for sufferers of plantar fasciitis. Made of solid wood that's built to last. Compact design can be used almost anywhere. Easy to operate and afford.

Cons

Didn't work for all users. A few massagers made squeaking noises during use.

Conair Waterfall with Lights, Bubbles, and Heat
Conair
Waterfall with Lights, Bubbles, and Heat
Check Price
Aqua Design
Bottom Line

This waterfall foot spa treats feet with several settings and provides elite performance and durability for the price.

Pros

A top choice for its multifunction toe-touch settings. Customize your experience just how you like it. Three massage attachments are included. Users say it's on par with salon-quality aqua massagers. Easy to keep clean between uses.

Cons

This foot spa doesn't actually heat up the water, forcing most users to pour in hot water before a session.

Sharper Image Acupressure Foot Massager
Sharper Image
Acupressure Foot Massager
Check Price
Acupressure & Reflexology
Bottom Line

A massager with unique acupressure and compression features for stellar foot relief.

Pros

Multi-point acupressure massage provides effective relief for tired and sore feet. Adjustable inflating air cuffs offer soothing compression. Includes shiatsu and reflexology options. Highly versatile with variable strength options, vibration, and heat.

Cons

Many of the features and settings feel more therapeutic and intense for some users rather than relaxing and shiatsu-like.

Why trust BestReviews?
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

32
Models
Considered
105
Consumers
Consulted
20
Hours
Researched
Category cover

Buying guide for Best foot massagers

For something to help you unwind after a long day on your feet, a foot massager can be a luxurious and relaxing gadget. There’s no one style of foot massager, and the wide range of massage techniques and features can make for a challenging decision.

You should consider what type of massage you will appreciate the most and whether you want a manual, water-based, or electric design — this is the largest determinant for price. The overall design and adjustability of a foot massager are other key factors in finding a model that suits your needs. Don’t forget to take the size and weight of a foot massager into account, as a massager that is difficult to take out or put away is likely to be neglected.

Content Image
Roughly 75% of Americans suffer from foot problems at least once in their life. A foot massager might help prevent issues – or at least relieve symptoms.

Benefits of a foot massager

If you're still on the fence about your potential purchase, let's examine some of the benefits of a foot massager:

Pain relief

Foot massagers can help relieve foot pain. They're ideal for people who work on their feet, athletes, or anyone who suffers from aches and pains in their feet. A foot massager can also help lessen the discomfort associated with a range of foot-specific conditions, such as bunions, plantar fasciitis, and heel spurs.

Blood flow

Massage promotes blood flow, so a foot massager can improve circulation in your lower extremities.

Relaxation

Many people find using a foot massager extremely relaxing.

Health

Having your feet massaged makes them generally healthier and can help prevent future issues. What’s more, foot massagers can beat fluid retention in the feet, ankles, and lower legs, which can be an issue if you sit or stand for the majority of the day.

Types of foot massagers

You can find three main types of foot massagers on the market: manual foot massagers, electric foot massagers, and foot spas. Below, we look at the pros and cons of each type.

Electric foot massagers

Electric foot massagers plug into a power outlet and have parts that knead, heat, compress, vibrate, or a combination of these things (plus further options) to give your feet a thorough massage.

  • Pros: High-quality and effective massage, relaxing, a good range of settings and massage types available.

  • Cons: Can be bulky, high-end models are expensive.

  • Price: Between $50 and $300, depending on the brand, quality, and range of features offered.

Manual foot massagers

Manual foot massagers are generally made from wood or plastic. They don't massage you on their own, but they do have moving parts you can rub your feet against to massage them.

  • Pros: Inexpensive, no electricity needed so can be used anywhere.

  • Cons: Not as effective or relaxing as other foot massager types.

  • Price: $5 to $25.

While manual foot massagers are an interesting budget choice, this review will mostly focus on electric foot massagers and foot spas, as they're much more common and have a wider range of features to consider.

Foot spas

Foot spas are water-based foot massagers, like little tubs for your feet. They massage your feet using water jets and bubbles.

  • Pros: Gentle and relaxing, reasonably priced, water good for muscle pain.

  • Cons: May not give as deep of a deep massage as dry-foot massagers, can be inconvenient/messy to fill with water every time.

  • Price: Roughly $30 to $100.

"If you prefer a gentle massage over a more intense one, we recommend a foot spa."
STAFF
BestReviews

Massaging methods

Foot massagers can utilize one or more different massaging methods. These are some of the most common:

Shiatsu

A traditional Japanese massaging method, shiatsu usually involves massaging pressure points with the fingers, but in a shiatsu foot massager, the technique is replicated using rotating heads or vibrators.

Heat

This shouldn't be the sole method of a foot massager, but heat can be used in addition to other techniques to help relax muscles and generally improve the experience.

Kneading

Foot massagers often have moving heads to help knead the feet.

Compression

Direct application of pressure helps relax and revitalize muscles and improve circulation, which is why some foot massagers have a compression setting.

Vibration

Like heat, this isn't usually the only method used by a foot massager. However, vibration can add an extra dimension to the experience.

Hydrotherapy

This is what's used in foot spas; it usually involves a combination of bubbles, water jets, vibrations, and heat to relax muscles, ease pain, and increase circulation.

Infrared

Some foot massagers use infrared lights on top of other methods. The infrared exposure is said to increase blood flow and relax muscles.

Did you know?
The best foot massagers tend to use a combination of massaging methods for a more well-rounded experience.
STAFF
BestReviews

Considerations for selecting a foot massager

Adjustability

If it’s important to you, look for a foot spa that easily allows you to adjust pressure, speed, and settings.

Some foot spas don't allow for these adjustments, and some people are fine with that – but others find it an annoyance.

As such, we recommend that you carefully consider this factor and choose accordingly.

Sole vs. 360-degree massage

Foot spas and some electric foot massagers offer 360-degree massage for your whole foot. But other electric foot massagers simply massage the soles of your feet. Think about where you have foot pain or other issues and whether or not you need a 360-degree foot massage.

Cushioned surface

Some electric foot massagers have a specially cushioned surface that contours to your feet, increases comfort, and improves the sensation of the massage. These cushioned surfaces are usually made from malleable plastic or gel-injected foam.

Size and weight

Consider the size and weight of your chosen foot massager. Some models can be fairly heavy and bulky.

Look at the product specifications to make sure the model you're considering is small enough to easily store and not so heavy that you'd have trouble dragging it out every time you wanted a foot massage.

Content Image
For your safety
If you suffer from any underlying health issue that you believe could potentially be negatively affected by a foot massager, always check with a healthcare professional before use.
STAFF
BestReviews

Tips

  • When you get your foot massager home, keep it out in the open, or store it somewhere easy to access. The visual cue will remind you to use it more often.

  • A daily foot massage can help reduce stress and anxiety levels. It’s not just about your feet!

  • Some foot massagers have an automatic shut-off feature. This is useful if you think you might get so relaxed during your massage that you fall asleep.

  • Finding a comfortable sitting spot and playing relaxing sounds or music can really help you unwind while using your foot massager.

Content Image
Many runners use foot massagers, reporting they can decrease pain after a run, loosen and relax tight muscles, and improve range of motion.

FAQ

Q. Is there anyone who shouldn't use a foot massager?

A. Foot massagers are generally very safe, but they may not be suitable for some people. A handful of experts believe that some types of foot massage can induce labor, so check with your doctor before using a foot massager if you're pregnant. Some diabetics should also avoid foot massagers, because people who suffer from neuropathy (a potential complication of diabetes) may not be able to feel if a massager is too hot or powerful. Check with your doctor before using a foot massager if you're diabetic.

Q. Are foot massagers easy to clean?

A. The majority of foot massagers are very easy to clean. Just give them a quick wipedown with a damp cloth or a mild cleaning solution. Importantly, you should always make sure your foot massager is not plugged into a power outlet during cleaning. Furthermore, you should avoid getting the foot massager more than slightly damp, as getting the device wet could damage the motor inside.

Some 360-degree foot massagers have removable covers that make them easier to clean, since they can be hard to see inside.

Q. Will a foot massager help with dry skin on my feet?

A. A foot spa is the best kind of foot massager if you're trying to remedy dry skin, since the water will hydrate your feet. However, we also recommend putting a regular moisturizing regimen in place.