After a long day of going up and down the stairs, standing up, running to catch a bus or training for a CrossFit marathon, there is hardly anyone at home waiting to rub your feet.Except for a lucky few. Sadly, not everyone has that luxury and that's where a foot massager comes in.
The feet are the most overworked part of the body and understandably so, considering they are cramped into shoes the whole day carrying most of our weight.. Due to the pressure of the body weight on the nerve under the feet, poor circulation is bound to occur without proper care. A foot massage helps get rid of all that tension and improve blood circulation.
In this post, we review the best foot massagers on the market and tell you how to choose a model that suits your needs.
It does not end here have a look at our review of the Best Heated Foot Spas on the market currently.
Contents
- 1 MedMassager MMF06 11 Speed Foot Massager.
- 2 Belmint Shiatsu Foot Massager with Switchable Heat Function.
- 3 "Reflex-4" Foot & Calf Shiatsu Massager with Patented Figure-8 Technology.
- 4 Homedics FMS-270H Deep Kneading Shiatsu Foot Massager.
- 5 Best Choice Products Shiatsu Foot Massager Kneading and Rolling Leg Calf Ankle with Remote.
- 6 Gideon Shiatsu and Acupuncture Foot Massager with Infrared Heat– 8 Shiatsu Nodes + Heals & Toes Reflexology.
- 7 Mynt Shiatsu Foot Massager With Deep-Kneading, Built-In Heat Function, Customizable Air Pressure and Full Foot Coverage From Ankle to Toe.
- 8 NURSAL Foot Massager Kneading Shiatsu Therapy Massage with Switchable Heat Function.
- 9 Relaxzen Shiatsu Foot Massager with Heat.
- 10 Benefits of a Foot Massager
A List Of The Best Foot Massagers
| Image | Name | Feature | |
|---|---|---|---|
  rugged, reliable construction | MedMassager MMF06 11 Speed Foot Massager |
Special Features | |
  wELCOME RELIEF AFTER A LONG DAY OF WORK | Belmint Shiatsu Foot Massager with Switchable Heat Function |
Special Features | |
  our top choice | \"Reflex-4\" Foot & Calf Shiatsu Massager with Patented Figure-8 Technology |
Special Features | |
  | EMS Electric Foot Massager Machine Increase Blood Circulation |
Special Features | |
  | Homedics FMS-270H Deep Kneading Shiatsu Foot Massager |
Special Features | |
  | Best Choice Products Shiatsu Foot Massager |
Special Features | |
  | Gideon Shiatsu and Acupuncture Foot Massager with Infrared Heat |
Special Features | |
  | Mynt Shiatsu Foot Massager With Deep-Kneading, Built-In Heat Function |
Special Features | |
  | NURSAL Foot Massager Kneading Shiatsu Therapy Massage with Switchable Heat Function |
Special Features | |
  | Relaxzen Shiatsu Foot Massager with Heat |
Special Features |
Taking the crown for best foot massagers is the MedMassager MMF106, which comes with 11 speeds (1000rpm to 3700rpm). This makes it easy for users to choose a speed that suits their needs. The oscillating foot pad has a pressure point targeting surface and presses the whole foot to even out the calves.
The foot pad is designed with an angle that offers optimal comfort during a massage. It generates powerful oscillation with a nice ripple effect. As such, the vibrating pulse can extend from the feet all way up to the knees.
Another thing we love about this massager is that it has been certified by FDA for therapeutic use and CSA for durability.
Professional therapists from all over the world recommend it to patients to help them cope with cramps, foot pain, and general discomfort.
Pros:
- Backed by one year warranty and an optional unlimited lifetime replacement
- Strong oscillation has ripple effect and improves blood circulation
- Variable speed is beneficial for diabetic individuals who suffer from neuropathy
- Doesn’t have a 15-minute limit like other massagers
Cons:
- Doesn’t have a remote control or built-in handle
The greatest selling point of the Belmint Shiatsu Foot Massager is that it can be personalized easily. The control panel makes it easy to adjust the intensity, vibration, speed and kneading action to your liking. There is a wide pressure selection ranging from soothing to very intense for a customized experience.
You will fall in love with the Belmint Shiatsu Foot Massager if you have large feet. The unit can accommodate men's feet size 13 and anyone with smaller feet won't have a problem using this massager. There are two independent foot chambers that deliver a shiatsu massage to the bottom and sides of the feet.
Also included is an independently selectable heat function that provides maximum relaxation to tired muscles.
The center control panel has soft touch buttons and all you have to do is dial in personalized settings.
Pros:
- Accommodates different foot sizes
- Comes with 5 massage settings for varied experiences
- Easy to operate and very quiet
Cons:
- Doesn’t massage the top of the feet
The Human Touch Reflex-4” Foot & Calf Shiatsu Massager is an excellent choice if you are looking for an adjustable tilt base to rest your calves without the risk of bad posture. It is designed to accommodate long legs, sooth your aching muscles and provide a quick relief for sore feet or ankles.
Highlights include a patented figure-eight technology. This is an upward, rolling or wave-like motion that pushes the blood towards the heart rather than towards the feet. It helps boost the healing process by rejuvenating the feet and calves with fresh nutrients.
The CirQlation technology is another patented innovation that helps stimulates a real-life massage experience.
Also included are fabric liners known as Easy Sleeves that are removable and easy to clean.
Pros:
- Features a built-in handle and non-skid protectors
- Extended height to accommodate longer legs
- Offers reflexology-style foot massage
Cons:
- Adjustable tilt can cause bad posture for some users
The EMS Foot Massager is an FDA approved machine that relaxes stiff muscles, reduces swelling and improves blood circulation. It is not just any foot massager this device is a non-invasive, safety nerve stimulation intended to reduce pain. Various massage regions and treatment programmes can be selected. You can use it at your home in anytime anywhere comfortably. This unit comes with four electrode pads that can relax other parts of the body including neck, shoulders, waist, and legs.
It uses electrical muscle stimulation to deliver enhanced kneading and shiatsu massages. Another major selling point is that it Increase blood circulation, relax stiffness muscles, reduce swollen feet and fatigue, it can relax other parts of your body, such as the neck, arm, shoulder, waist, leg, etc. Once you power on the machine, you can choose your preferred mode.
The manufacturer warns that people with an implanted defibrillator, cardiac pacemaker or other electronic implants, deep vein thrombosis, or metal screws in the foot shouldn’t use this massager. The same is true for pregnant women.
Pros:
- Adopts electrical muscle stimulation to boost relaxation
- Easy to use foot massager
- Designed as a multi-function massager that can be used on other parts of the body
- Ability to choose different target regions and massage programs
Cons:
- Incapable of providing deep tissue massage
If you spend a lot of hours on your feet, the Homedics FMS-270H Deep Kneading Shiatsu Foot Massager will prove a worthy purchase. It comes with 18 massage nodes, which do a great job of relieving the tension and pain in your feet. There is an optional heat function that boosts blood circulation. It also complements the deep kneading.
The toe-touch control is quite convenient and allows you to operate the massager using your toes.
This is a huge selling point particularly since many low-budget foot massagers don’t have toe-touch control.
Pros:
- Has 6 rotating massage heads each with 3 nodes
- Optional heat function to boost your experience
- Low-budget foot massager with toe-touch control
Cons:
- Doesn’t offer variable speeds
If you want a relaxing shiatsu massage, the Best Choice products Shiatsu Foot Massager is worth considering. It targets key pressure points like the heel, arch, toes, and sides to provide ultimate relaxation with kneading, pulsing and rolling.
The unit allows you to switch to a personal mode for three customizable modes. You can alter the direction and speed to create the perfect massage experience.
There are four pre-programmed modes that target different foot areas and accommodate various health needs. This massager is lightweight and compact, so carrying it around and storage should be easy.
Given its price and feature combination, the Best Choice Products Shiatsu Foot Massager certainly offers plenty of value for your money.
Pros:
- Choose from four automatic modes
- Targets different areas of the foot to ensure maximum relaxation
- Lightweight and compact design
Cons:
- Has a tendency to break down after a few months
The Gideon Shiatsu and Acupuncture Foot Massager boasts eight innovative massaging rollers with 360-degree rotation.It is designed to provide deep penetration massages hence good for foot aches and pains. It has an assortment of acupuncture points at the toes and heels for soothing and energizing your tired feet.
This unit is designed with a two-button control for easy operation. You can control the heat therapy and massage speed settings using your feet.
There are three shiatsu speed settings to choose from and you can adjust the intensity for a customized experience.
Pros:
- Has eight massage rollers with 360-degree rotation
- Offers deep penetration massages
- Targets reflexology points
- Customizable experience with three-speed settings
Cons:
- Rolling balls break easily
Mynt Shiatsu Foot Massager With Deep-Kneading, Built-In Heat Function, Customizable Air Pressure and Full Foot Coverage From Ankle to Toe
This foot massager is engineered with premium technology and boasts a smart design. It massages from the toes all the way up to the heel and ankle, hence better coverage than most models in its price range. This is achieved with two rollers and two pads.
The color-coded LEDs and centered controls make it easy for you to personalize your massage. Whether you want to up the pressure or add heat, this device has got you covered.
There are two modes to choose from i.e. Air Pressure for more power and compression as well as Japanese-style Shiatsu to target pressure points and mimic hand movements.
Pros:
- Automatically shuts down after a 15-minute cycle
- Hi-tech pads and rollers deliver a relaxing experience
- Comes with built-in heat function
- Offers full foot coverage
Cons:
- Pricey
The NURSAL Foot Massager is a multi-function device that comes with five different function keys and allows for low, medium and high-intensity massages. It has three massage modes and three selectable time modes, allowing for a personalized experience. It offers a welcome relief to your legs after a long day.
The unit is covered with a removable and easy-to-clean cloth. It accommodates up to men's foot size 12.Also included is a USB charger, 60-day money back guarantee and a 12-month warranty.
Pros:
- Different air pressure and rolling massages to choose from
- Allows for three massage strengths
- Has a controllable heat function
Cons:
- Heat function is not always consistent
The Relaxzen Shiatsu Foot Massager has a great feature combination and offers relaxing heat therapy after a long day. Users can choose from two selective massage directions for a customized experience and regain optimum comfort. It is also equipped with an easy-to-use hand controller.
The foot massager is covered with a removable plush fabric for easy cleaning. In addition to functioning as a foot massager, this device can be used as a back massager if well positioned.
The massage and heat combo plays a crucial role in improving blood flow. At only 0.65 pounds, this foot massager is incredibly lightweight and easy to carry around.
Pros:
- Comes with a heat function
- Can also be used as a back massager
- The plush fabric covering is removable and easy to clean
- Portable and adjustable foot massager
Cons:
- Tight fit for some users
Benefits of a Foot Massager
Improved blood circulation
Standing for long periods of time puts a lot of pressure on your feet and if you wear tight shoes, circulation in your feet will be seriously hampered. Poor blood circulation can lead to pain and a whole lot of health issues. Improved blood circulation is good for overall health. A foot massager soothes your feet, thus ensuring better circulation of oxygen and nutrients.
Relieves pain and aches
Another benefit of investing in a foot massager is that it helps relieve pain. It can help you alleviate neck pain, headaches, and upper back pains, particularly if you target the right areas using reflexology techniques.
Some models come with a booklet outlining how to target such areas for maximum pain relief. Once the body is relieved of pain and tension, it releases endorphins to make you feel better.
Better sleep
A soothing massage just before going to bed goes a long way towards helping you sleep better. This is because it allows you to unwind, relax and improve your mood. It also improves blood circulation, hence a peaceful night's rest. Using a foot massager for 15-20 minutes prior to bed, particularly one with a heating feature will make plenty of difference to your sleeping pattern.
What is Reflexology and Why Should You Care?
Reflexology massage refers to applying pressure to points on ears, hands, and feet. It has been practiced for more than 4000 years. A foot massage targets the ankles, top of the feet and bottom of the feet. Reflexology is very similar to the shiatsu technique, which rotates and stretches the joints and limbs.
Reflexology is used alongside standard medical practice to relieve asthma, cardiovascular issues, anxiety, plantar fasciitis, kidney function menstrual pain, cancer treatment, sinusitis, PMS and other conditions. General benefits of reflexology include stress relief, reduced sick days and overall satisfaction.
How to Choose a Foot Massager
Identifying a foot massager that meets your needs can prove an overwhelming and daunting task. The market offers so many options and like purchasing any other product, there are a few things you have to tick to ensure you choose the right model for you.
Durability and Construction
Be careful not to buy a foot model that is designed beautifully but doesn't last long. Look at how the device is constructed, what materials are used, how it gets its power and the manufacturer's track record. The warranty coverage is always a good way to determine the durability of a foot massager. It serves as an indication of whether the company has confidence that their product will last long.
Size and Weight
An ideal foot massager should be able to fit your home, easy to store and move around. You can opt for a heavy massager if you only plan on using it in one part of the house. In addition, the foot massage should be able to accommodate the size of your feet. It should hit all the pressure points in the feet for maximum relaxation.
Customer Feedback and Reviews
It is very important to find out what other customers think about a certain product before buying it. You can check customer reviews on top retail sites like Amazon.
A simple Google search will also direct you to thousands of reviews as well. They will give you an idea of what people think, what to expect, what are the good points about the product and more.
Features and Ease of Use
Foot massagers come with varying features and as such, it is important to ensure that they are easy to use. The features should also allow for manipulation to suit your specific needs and wants.
Each feature has its own benefits and while they offer a relaxing feeling, not every feature will be good for you. Below are the most common foot massager features to choose from.
Speeds
Foot massagers usually offer two or three speeds. Some models have more speeds while most allow you to change speeds for a customized experience. You will want to test every speed setting to find what suits you best.
Otherwise, you may end up taking home a massager that’s either too strong or weak for you. It is important to ensure that a foot massager with different speeds comes with non-slip paddings.
Heat function
This feature goes a long way towards helping alleviate foot pain and boot therapeutic benefits. A lot of new foot massagers come with a heat function that hits specific areas of the foot. This may be the upper or bottom foot and the ankle. If you want this feature, be sure you opt for a massager that hits the parts you want.
Cushion surface
Most foot massagers have a cushioned surface, which is usually made of malleable plastic pads or soft foam injected with gel. It ensures comfort during a massage session, thus boosting your experience. Look for a cushioned surface that contours your feet for maximum benefit.
Control options
Controls are generally located on the body of the massager and you have to reach for it anytime you want to make adjustments. Some customers see this as an inconvenience and opt for models with remote controls or toe-touch controls. Models with toe-touch controls allow you to operate them by touching the buttons with your toe.
Foot massagers with remote controls are the best as they allow you to make adjustments without changing your position.