Who doesn’t like a foot rub at the end of a long day? Not everyone has a personal masseuse or a willing loved one to provide that service regularly, but you can purchase massagers designed specifically for your tired feet.
These gadgets can involve water for a spa-like experience, heat and infrared lights to relax muscles or moving heads to knead feet. Manual foot massagers are also available and offer acupressure relief. Our top pick is the Miko Shiatsu Foot Massager.
Foot massagers offer a variety of methods to remove tension from your feet. Here’s a list of the common methods, which may be combined in higher-priced massagers.
Some foot massagers only target the sole of your foot, like manual and basic electric ones. Foot spas and more advanced electric massagers totally encompass the foot for a “360-degree” experience.
Some foot massagers can be rather heavy and bulky. Consider how much space you have for storage as well as arm strength for dragging it out to use. Manual foot massagers are the most lightweight and easiest to move.
Some feet are more sensitive than others and require more calibrated settings for heat, kneading and vibration. Carefully consider whether you want the option to control speed, pressure and other settings; not all foot massagers are adjustable.
A. Aside from general relaxation, foot massagers can offer pain relief for a wide range of concerns. Athletes, people who work all day on their feet, arthritis sufferers and people with plantar fasciitis and heel spurs can all experience pain relief from a good foot massager. Foot massagers can also increase blood flow to and reduce fluid retention in your lower extremities.
A. If you’re pregnant or diabetic, foot massagers can carry some risk. Check with your doctor first before use if this applies to you.
What you need to know: This high-end foot massager offers multiple settings and massage methods.
What you'll love: Shiatsu, heat and compression provide a total massage experience. It has five strength levels.
What you should consider: The kneading function can’t be shut off while in use.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Conair Active Life Waterfall Foot Spa
What you need to know: This is a foot spa with impressive durability and features for such a low price.
What you'll love: It stands apart for its lights and waterfall features. It comes with attachments, including pumice stone and manual foot roller. It bubbles and vibrates.
What you should consider: It doesn’t heat up water. Users must pour in already-heated water.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Homedics Deep Kneading Shiatsu
What you need to know: From a trusted home appliance brand, this kneading massager excels in quality.
What you'll love: Multiple rotating heads provide deep Shiatsu massage. It is quite effective for reducing foot soreness and a heat feature enhances the experience.
What you should consider: The angle of the unit isn’t adjustable.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
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Ana Sanchez writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers.