A Unique Design That Still Gets The Job Done
Amazon
Dimensions: 11.2 x 2.5 x 7.5 inches | Weight: 1.76 Pounds | Heat: No
It might not be an automatic machine with massage heads that rotate and pulsate at multiple speeds, but this massager is the lightest and easiest to use on our list. It lacks the bells and whistles, but it still gets the job done. The design allows you to use the weight of your body to press into the top of the massager and control the pressure, providing you with a strong or light massage for as long as you please. The wooden cylinders attached to the ergonomic platform feature small raised bumps that can help stimulate blood flow while working knots out of overused muscles, which provides pain relief. Plus, it comes with a detailed user guide to help you get the most out of the massager.
Rolling my aching feet on this foot massager is heaven, said one five-star reviewer. It took a bit of getting used to but now I wouldn’t be without it. May sound bizarre, but I keep it by the bed because all plantar fasciitis sufferers will testify to the fact that when you get out of bed and stand, it can be agony… about 90 seconds of rolling my feet on this and I’m good to go.
Best Rolling Option: Renpho Foot Massager Machine
This massager has a rotating ball, a rolling stick, and heating options â all of which you can control with a remote. It also features three kneading and three squeeze intensities that can be easily adjusted. And if you’re concerned that your feet might not fit inside, this device can accommodate up to a men’s size 12 shoe.
“I suffer from plantar fasciitis in my right foot and am 10 months out from a broken left foot that rolled and caused extensive soft tissue damage. My feet were hurting 24/7 and I could hardly walk on them,” wrote a shopper. “I ordered the foot massager and have used it for a total of three to four hours per day for the last five days and my feet are better than they have been since before I broke my left foot!”
Buy It:RENPHO Foot Massager Machine, $140, was $180,
Best Heated : Etekcity Foot Massager Machine
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Can fit up to a men’s size 12 foot
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Very easy to operate
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Can be controlled via app or remote
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Takes a while to heat up
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Foot opening is a bit small
The Etekcity Foot Massager Machine uses pressure and kneading to pamper your tired feet. It has two cozy pockets that fit up to a men’s size 12 shoe. When you turn the device on, rolling nodes begin to massage your soles and arches, while rhythmic air compression gently squeezes your feet for ultimate relaxation. Whats more, the foot massager uses gentle heat to warm up your muscles and help relieve tension. You can choose between three air intensity levels and three massage speeds, so you get just the right amount of pressure every time, but our testers did crave even more pressure.
That said, the machine scored nearly perfect marks in design, largely because of how lightweight it is compared to other similar foot massagers. Although this may seem like a small convenience factor, it makes it easy to store the machine, so you can keep it out of sight when youre not using it, then tote it to your favorite relaxing chair when you are.
Size: 18.4 x 15.4 x 10.7 inches | Weight: 11.73 pounds | Heated: Yes
It’s easy to use and gets better and better as the massage goes on. Intensity builds, foot squeezing lasts longer, and heat develops.Autumn Rauchwerk, Product Tester
The Spruce / Leticia Almeida
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Benefits Of Shiatsu Foot Massager With Heat
Electric foot massager machine with heat offer great convenience to people suffering from foot aches. The Shiatsu foot massager basically works on a Japanese Therapy. It applies pressure on the feet which ultimately lowers the pain. This foot massage can also be given by a therapist. If you don’t want to go to the therapist, you can buy an electric foot massager machine with heat and get a massage at home. This electric foot massager machine with heat rubs your feet which has a soothing effect on your mind and body. It not only provides physical benefits but also works to have a calming impact upon on your mental health.
Here are some of the benefits that you could take from the Shiatsu foot massager with heat.
Do Foot Massagers Work
Foot massagers are useful for relieving pain from a variety of causes by relaxing muscle and tendon tension and loosening the fascia and the plantar fascia , according to Dr. Lee.
They also help restore mobility lost thanks to walking on flat surfaces like pavement in cushioned shoes, says physical therapist Chad Walding, DPT. This everyday activity “ultimately puts our feet and ankles in a cast that further leads us to lose a range of motion, leaving us to get weak in certain areas.”
“When everything is nice and even, we lose that general functionality,” he explained, referring to the foot’s full range of motion. “Having a foot massager will help break up restrictions within the foot .”
For that reason, foot massagers can be particularly helpful to those with balance problems or frequent falls by improving the foot’s range of motion and general dexterity.
Even if you’re not experiencing specific foot problems, Dr. Walding says massage can be good for “general body hygiene” to counteract the effects of everyday walking.
Recommended Reading: Atlanta School Of Massage Therapy Clinic
How I Test Foot Massagers
I spoke with a physical therapist , podiatrist , and a licensed massage therapist about their general advice on buying foot massage devices, which types work best for various issues, and what customers should look for and avoid.
I also read through editorial reviews and customer reviews to compare similar products and determine which devices are most loved by users.
Each foot massager was evaluated based on:
- Ease and comfort of use
- Value for price
- Usefulness in treating specific symptoms
What You Should Know About Foot Massagers
Foot massages feel good for most people. But they dont just feel goodthey can also provide a number of health benefits by increasing circulation in the feet according to Dr. Miguel Cunha, a podiatrist and the founder of Gotham Footcare in New York City. An electric foot massage on a regular basis can help improve cardiovascular health by increasing blood circulation throughout the body and lessen the workload of circulation on the heart, keeping it strong and healthy, Cunha says. Massaging helps reduce stress, not only by increasing the release of feel good hormones , but also by decreasing the levels of cortisol, also known as the stress hormone, which can have detrimental effects in our health.
Almost everyone can benefit from foot massages, but Cunha says that people who have arthritis, bunions, shin splints, plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis, need athletic recovery, or are dealing with post-surgery recovery may find them most helpful for pain relief. On the flip side, anyone in the later stages of pregnancy may want to hold off on the massages, at least for nowaccording to Cunha, stimulating certain nerves in the foot can trigger uterine contractions and preterm labor. If youre not sure, talk to your doctor before buying a foot massager.
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Best Foot Bath: Misiki Foot Bath Massager With Heat Bubbles
If you’d like to give yourself an at-home pedicure, this is the massager for you. It has four removable massage rollers and it emits tiny oxygen bubbles that work to relax your soles and promote blood circulation. Plus, you can adjust the water temperature from 95 degrees to 118 degrees. Also nice: It automatically shuts off after 60 minutes, keeping safety top of mind!
One reviewer wrote: “This wonderful foot spa is such a relief for my poor feet! The gentle bubbling action is very soothing, the high frequency vibration from the pump is like a sonic relaxer. The built in massaging rollers feel great. The pumice stone is good for softening my heels. The built-in heater works very well, and heats the water to the desired temp pretty quickly and keeps it there… Five stars!”
Best Features: Snailax Shiatsu Foot Massager
This shiatsu foot massager from Snailax is a circular plate with integrated massage nodes for placing your feet. The nodes move between three modes and three different intensity levels, providing a shiatsu massage tailored to your preferences. The heat function is also adjustable on two levels. This option includes a heat feature that lets heat permeate deep into fatigued muscles, making the massaging experience more soothing and relaxing. The heat function is adjustable on two levels and an overheat-protection system helps prevent burns. This massager’s other features include a washable cover, simple toe-touch controls, and non-slip cushions for adjusting the height.
Key Features:
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Two-in-one foot and back massager
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Massage nodes for customized intensity
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What Were Looking For
Type of massager: Whileyou can use an object as simple as a tennis ball to work out muscle soreness in your feet, electric foot massagers are a bit more complicated. And almost all of the experts we spoke to separated them into two main categories: massagers for general foot tiredness and relaxation and more intense percussive massagers for deep muscle pain and achiness.
One benefit of the first category of massagers is that they are hands-free and therefore more like an in-person traditional foot massage. They also make a great gift for people who could use a little pampering. You simply stick your feet inside the machine or place them on top and let the rolling, vibrating, kneading, and pressing begin. Kevin Conlin, a physical therapist and the owner of ARC Physical Therapy, is a fan of this type of massager because they often use heat, which in combination with the kneading movement helps move lymph and blood throughout the body. Its going to help prevent a little bit of fluid stasis. Thats what happens when were inactive or we work too hard, fluid gets stagnant, he says.
On the other hand , spa-type foot massagers cant reach deeper muscle pain the way percussive massage guns can. So if youre looking for something more like deep tissue massage, a massage gun is what you should buy. McEneaney likes that massage guns are handheld so you can determine how much pressure you want, and they have a smaller surface area so you can isolate specific areas on the feet.
The Best Foot Massagers: Reviews & Recommendations
The Etekcity provides gradual heat that makes the feet melt into the massage. Speaking of the massage, this model also offers three massage speeds and three air pressure levels to fully customize each session. Theres a touch panel on the massage unit. However, this massager connects to an app for remote control using a smartphone or tablet. Last but not least, you can remove the foot sleeve for washing.
Best for feet and legs: Cloud Massage Shiatsu Foot Massager Machine
Cloud Massage
The Cloud Massage Shiatsu Foot Massager Machine features a platform with a tilt bar. The tilt bar adjusts the platforms height and angle to massage different parts of the body, including the feet, ankles, and calves. It includes five modesrolling massage, a sway function, compression therapy, heat therapy, and a quiet mode. The controls are built into the massage unit, so you have to bend down to use this model.
The TheraFlow Dual Foot Roller takes care of both feet at once, a rarity among manual foot massagers. Five bars covered in nodules roll with the motion of the foot. The two types of nodules simulate deep-tissue massage and are arranged in an arc that follows the natural curve of the feet. Made of sturdy oak, this model is durable and small enough to store under a bed or couch.
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Best Travel: Theraflow Large Dual Foot Massager Roller
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No additional features
The TheraFlow actually feels like a foot massage, using two different types of acupuncture nubs to release pressure from your feet and relieving conditions such as plantar fasciitis, aching heels, sore arches, or neuropathy. The massager is made of durable wood and is small enough to travel with. Plus, theres an anti-slip base.
I love how cheap this is, it’s a really effective and affordable model for anyone. It would also be convenient to pack and travel with, if necessary, says our tester. They add: It’s stocking-stuffer cheap, easy to store, and should work for anyone looking for a deep sole massage.
Added Features: None | Massage Method: Acupuncture nubs
Verywell Health / Leticia Almeida
Best Gentle : Sharper Image Warming Foot Massager
Sharper Image
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Doesn’t massage, just vibrates
Our testers loved the cozy pockets on this massagerthey said it felt really luxurious to slip your feet into at the end of a long daybut were quick to note that the machine doesnt deliver a full-on massage.
Rather than squeeze and knead the feet, this at-home foot massager gently vibrates at two different speeds while it heats up your feet. Our testers say its a great option for anyone who simply wants a small, relaxing treat while they watch TV or read. They also note that it could be a great option for elderly individuals or anyone with chronic pain who just wants a little bit of comfort.
The machine is nice and lightweight, so you can easily move it from place to place, which contributed to its high marks in design.
Size: 13 x 12 x 4 inches | Weight: 1.62 pounds | Heated: Yes
This massager is very warm and relaxing and feels great on the feet, but don’t expect it to dig into your arches or get out any knots., Product Tester
The Spruce / Leticia Almeida
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Every Feature Your Feet Can Dream Of
Amazon
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 . 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, theres 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 theres 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 non-slip bottom prevents it from sliding or skidding across the floor as you try to relax.
There isnt a heat option here, but shoppers say they dont 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.
Other Places On The Body To Massage
Many foot massagers go well beyond the feet. If youre looking for a model that can massage the ankles and even the calves, they are out there. However, the designs in this category vary. Some models encase the foot and ankles, offering pressure and massage motion options. Other models look like a wrap-around boot. These models typically use air pressure to massage.
Another popular design features a platform with two open-ended massage spaces. You can put your feet inside or tilt the platform and put the calves or forearms inside. Feet and leg massagers may also offer shiatsu massage, vibration, water jets, or other movement patterns.
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Renpho Shiatsu Deep Kneading
REASONS TO AVOID
The RENPHO Shiatsu Deep Kneading has three massage speeds and three air pressure settings allowing the user to dial in their preferred massage intensity. The user’s feet are pressed down and forward into the machine by two airbags, and the massage is delivered by rollers that work the soles of the feet. Further enhancing the experience, the unit offers heat to loosen the mussels as they are kneaded.
Unfortunately, we found the roller action to be pretty aggressive and, even on the lowest settings, a bit too much for our liking. Also, the unit’s design requires the user to remain in the seated position an issue that many other models have resolved. Finally, the control interface is slanted away from the user, and the indicator lights are a bit dim. This makes the interface hard to see, and thus the operating procedure is more difficult than it needs to be. That said, if you like a firm foot rub, this could be just the unit for you.
The Miko Shiatsu Deep-Kneading provides kneading Shiatsu action in combination with downward air pressure that pushes the user’s feet into the rollers. While many machines use this method, we found the Miko to be more comfortable and relaxing than the others. This is in part because the unit is open in the back, so you don’t feel like your feet are in a vice. The open back also has the added benefit of accommodating large feet.
Best Travel Foot Massager
Recoup Cryosphere is a manual roller that stays cold for up to six hours to help relieve pain.
Pros: Keeps cold, versatile, rolls smoothly, doesn’t require batteries or charging
Cons: Price, no spikes or nubs
Loncar suggests using a device that ices your muscles and massages them at the same time, and she, as well as thousands of positive reviews, stand behind the Recoup Cryosphere. Icing helps to increase blood flow and decrease inflammation, Kenneth Jung, MD, orthopedic foot and ankle surgeon at Cedars-Sinai Kerlan-Jobe Institute in Los Angeles pointed out during medical review.
You can detach the metal ball and throw it in the freezer for a couple of hours, then put it back into its plastic casing for a comfortable handhold. The ball will stay cold for up to six hours and how you use it is up to you you can sit in a chair while rolling it under your foot or hold it in your hand to really target tight spots.
Being manual, it obviously doesn’t require charging or battery changes. And because it stays cold for so long, it’ll still provide cool relief even after sitting in your gym bag for a while. At $50, it’s not cheap for a non-electronic device, but users swear that its large size, temperature retainment, and ease of use make it genuinely superior to knock-offs.
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