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The Spruce / Leticia Almeida
Sometimes a little kneading and massaging are what our feet need after a long day, and a good foot massager will be well-equipped to relax overworked feet.
We gathered our own team of testers and ordered more than a dozen top-performing foot massagers to review based on factors like effectiveness, design, and overall value to find the perfect pick for your feet.
Best Overall
Best Choice Products Reflexology Shiatsu Foot Massager
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Amazon
Easy to customize your massage
Washable sleeve
Non-slip bottom
Long cord
Expensive
Fairly large and heavy
While most foot massagers focus solely on your feet, the Best Choice Products Shiatsu Foot Massager can be used up to your ankles, too. We love the flexibility the long cord provides, plus the ability to customize your massage with pulsing, kneading, and rolling motions. The different massagers can target different reflex points on your feet, and the changing directions feel great against your skin.
You can adjust the settings via its remote control, which separates it from the rest. The device is designed to target key pressure points in the foot, and the open-ended foot spaces are high enough to massage tired ankles.
It’s worth noting how intense the pressure is: While we generally liked this level of intensity, it could be a drawback for some, especially anyone with chronic pain or sensitivities. It's also quite large, making it difficult to store (and lug from storage to room), costing some points in the design category.
Price at time of publish: $100
Size: 22 x 10 x 12 inches | Weight: 13.5 pounds | Heated: No
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The Spruce / Leticia Almeida
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Best Manual
TheraFlow Dual Foot Roller
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TheraFlow
Easy to store
Includes a reflexology chart
Only massages the bottom of the feet
The TheraFlow Dual Foot Massager Roller is not at all fancy, but it does a great job relieving foot pain and tension. In fact, it received perfect scores in both efficacy and overall value. We were surprised at the effectiveness even though it wasn't big or fancy and didn't heat up. But this little wooden device delivered a great targeted massage, nonetheless.
Because the massager is manual, it's easy to adjust the level of pressure and comfort depending on how firmly you place your feet down. That said, you can't sink back into the couch during use—you have to be actively working your feet to get results.
There are four rows of ridged rollers and one nubbed, all arranged in an arch that mimics your foot’s natural position. The ridges are optimally spaced to press into trigger points on your feet and hit all the right spots for pain relief. We also love the anti-slip strips on the bottom to keep the massager from moving.
Price at time of publish: $25
Size: 11.2 x 7.5 x 2.5 inches | Weight: 1.7 pounds | Heated: No
Best Splurge
Cloud Massage Shiatsu Foot Massager
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Amazon
Highly versatile
5 different modes
Heats as it massages
Takes 10 minutes to heat up
Heavy, which limits portability
While the Cloud Massage Shiatsu Foot Massager is undoubtedly pricier than other picks, it’s extremely versatile, providing not only a foot massage but also one for your ankles and calves, too. It uses Shiatsu therapy-style massage, combined with heat, to more fully pamper after a tough day.
We gave the machine near-perfect scores in both design and efficacy, largely due to the wide range of settings and the powerful nature of the massage it delivers to three different areas on your legs. What’s more, the massage is two-fold—inflatable pads apply pressure, while the machine kneads and vibrates your muscles in one of five different modes.
There’s an additional built-in heat function to warm up your toes during the massage, making it the perfect product for people who are always cold, but it does take quite a while to warm up—10 minutes, to be exact. Also, it is relatively heavy, which limits portability.
Price at time of publish: $269
Size: 22 x 11 x 17.7 inches | Weight: 22 pounds | Heated: Yes
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The Spruce / Leticia Almeida
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The Spruce / Leticia Almeida
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The Spruce / Leticia Almeida
Best Shiatsu
Miko Shiatsu Home Foot Massager Machine
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Amazon
Remote control
Targeted pressure points
Easy to clean
Doesn't accommodate larger feet
If you’re willing to spend a little more on a foot massager, the Miko Shiatsu Home Foot Massager Machine With Switchable Heat will leave your feet feeling relaxed and pampered. It has a variety of features to give you a customized massage, and the ease of setup and intensity levels makes it worth the price.
The Miko device features two separate foot chambers with washable cloth covers. Once you slip your feet in, you can operate the massager via the control panel on top of the machine or with the included remote—a great bonus feature, since it allows you to adjust settings, but still stay relaxed.
Some testers noted that at certain points, they felt like they were getting a professional 15-20-minute massage and appreciated the varied levels of pressure. However, we took some points off overall since testers noticed that while the massager applied a lot of pressure to the front of the foot, the heels and arches weren't getting the same love.
Price at time of publish: $250
Size: 17 x 17 x 9 inches | Weight: 12.85 pounds | Heated: Yes
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The Spruce / Leticia Almeida
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The Spruce / Leticia Almeida
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The Spruce / Leticia Almeida
Best Foot Bath
Ivation Foot Spa Massager
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Amazon
Heats up quickly
Includes pedicure attachments
LED display
Short cord
Sometimes you might want a little soaking action along with your foot massage, and on those days, the Ivation Foot Spa Massager has you covered. This foot spa has built-in massage rollers in the bottom of the tub, allowing you to work your feet while they soak in warm water.
The Ivation Foot Spa Massager can heat water up to 122 degrees Fahrenheit for a toasty foot bath. We loved how quickly the water heated up, as well as maintained its temperature. Also, it vibrates to relieve tension in your feet and legs, and there are multiple water jets that circulate bubbles throughout the tub. As you soak, two built-in, motorized massage rollers at the bottom work out kinks in your arches and toes.
We found the controls and LED screen interface incredibly easy to use, but the device lost one point since it was on the heavier side compared to other foot spas on the market, weighing 6.7 pounds before adding water.
Price at time of publish: $90
Size: 16.5 x 14.9 x 9.2 inches | Weight: 6.7 pounds | Heated: Yes
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The Spruce / Leticia Almeida
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The Spruce / Rebekah Joan -
The Spruce / Rebekah Joan
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The Spruce / Rebekah Joan
Best Heated
Etekcity Foot Massager Machine
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Amazon
Can fit up to a men's size 12 foot
Very easy to operate
Can be controlled via app or remote
Takes a while to heat up
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. It's easy to use and gets better and better as the massage goes on. The intensity builds, foot squeezing lasts longer, and heat develops. What’s 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 we 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 you’re not using it, then tote it to your favorite relaxing chair when you are.
Price at time of publish: $130
Size: 18.4 x 15.4 x 10.7 inches | Weight: 11.73 pounds | Heated: Yes
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The Spruce / Leticia Almeida
Best Gentle
Sharper Image Warming Foot Massager
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Sharper Image
Cozy and warming
Lightweight
Charming design
Doesn't massage, just vibrates
We love the cozy pockets on this massager—it feels really luxurious to slip your feet into at the end of a long day—but the machine doesn’t 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. It’s 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.
Price at time of publish: $60
Size: 13 x 12 x 4 inches | Weight: 1.62 pounds | Heated: Yes
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The Spruce / Leticia Almeida
Best Budget
Nekteck Foot Massager
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Amazon
Open style is good for large feet
Affordable option
Lacks settings
Requires counter-pressure, which limits relaxation
At a fraction of the price of other high-tech machines, this one delivers a perfectly adequate massage, though you will sacrifice the number of settings—it simply turns on and off and delivers (optional) heat.
Since there are no foot pockets, it’s a great option for anyone with particularly large feet or anyone prone to sweating when using heat settings. But because of this, the machine doesn’t hug your entire foot, which means you need to deliver a bit of counter-pressure to get a more thorough massage.
Price at time of publish: $67
Size: 15.75 x 14.17 x 3.15 inches | Weight: 7.63 pounds | Heated: Yes
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The Spruce / Leticia Almeida
Best for Legs
MedMassager MMF06 11 Speed Foot Massager
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Amazon
Very powerful
Has an impressive array of settings
Doesn’t heat up
Not very relaxing
For people who need a foot and calf massager that’s a bit more intense, the MedMassager Foot Massager Machine will surely provide relief. Unlike other foot massagers, this device focuses on reflexology, improving circulation, and reducing chronic pain. As such, it’s meant to be used over time to improve any condition plaguing you.
The device vibrates rather than kneads, but comes with 11 impressive settings. We couldn’t believe how powerful even the lower settings were that can make you feel like your feet are still vibrating even after you turn off the machine.
Also nice: This massager isn’t just for the feet. You can rotate the massage machine between three positions, so you can easily rest your feet and legs at varying angles, delivering a specially targeted massage to the areas you need it the most.
Price at time of publish: $220
Size: 16 x 12 x 9.5 inches | Weight: 11 pounds | Heated: No
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The Spruce / Leticia Almeida
Compare
Overall Rating | Size | Weight | Heated | ||
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Best Overall:
Best Choice Products Shiatsu Foot Massager
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Amazon | 22 x 10 x 12 inches | 13.5 pounds | No | |
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Best Manual :
TheraFlow Dual Foot Roller
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Amazon | 11.2 x 7.5 x 2.5 inches | 1.7 pounds | No | |
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Best Splurge :
Cloud Massage Foot Massager
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Amazon | - | - | - | |
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Best Shiatsu :
Miko Shiatsu Home Foot Massager Machine
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Amazon | 17 x 17 x 9 inches | 12.85 pounds | Yes | |
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Best Foot Bath :
Ivation Foot Spa Massager
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Amazon | 16.5 x 14.9 x 9.2 inches | 6.7 pounds | Yes | |
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Best Heated :
Etekcity Foot Massager Machine
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Amazon | - | - | - | |
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Best Gentle :
Sharper Image Warming Foot Massager
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Amazon | - | - | - | |
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Best Budget :
Nekteck Foot Massager
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Amazon | - | - | - | |
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Best for Legs:
MedMassager MMF06 11 Speed Foot Massager
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Amazon | - | - | - |
For a soothing and all-around effective, well-designed foot massager you can use at home, we recommend the Best Choice Products Therapeutic Shiatsu Foot Massager. It treats a variety of pressure points on your foot and ankle, has a built-in heat function, and even comes with a remote for convenience. If you’re on a budget or looking for something a bit more portable, you’ll love the TheraFlow Dual Foot Massager Roller. Though it is manual and requires constant attention, our tester said it delivered the most effective foot massage of the bunch—plus it weighs less than 2 pounds and has a very small overall footprint.
How We Tested
Editors at The Spruce consulted pedicurists and podiatrists and spent hours researching top-rated foot massagers from notable brands. We then ordered more than a dozen foot massagers to test in 20 minutes sessions in our Lab in New York City. During each test, our expert testers considered factors like ease of setup, design, size, effectiveness, and value. After adding up each score and assessing the overall value of each product, we chose our top nine picks.
What to Look for in a Foot Massager
Massage Methods
Foot massagers employ a number of different modes and methods to soothe sore feet, including shiatsu massage, manual massage, air compression, water jets (as seen on the Ivation Foot Spa), and electric massage rollers. Some machines use a combination of these techniques, but shiatsu is considered to be most similar to a massage you’d receive from human hands. Most massagers will also offer a variety of patterns and intensities to suit your personal preferences.
Heat
Many foot massagers use heat to increase effectiveness and relaxation. Look for adjustable heat settings to make sure that the experience is comfortable in all seasons and temperatures. For example, our favorite splurge option provides that soothing warm feel but may take a few minutes to heat up. Of course, manual massagers skip the heating function, so evaluate whether the convenience of a portable massager is worth losing the power of heat.
Controls
While some foot massagers come with a remote control (think: this shiatsu option from Miko) to adjust settings, many only have a control pad mounted to the machine. This means you’ll need to lean forward to adjust the speed and intensity. For some people, this is a major interruption to their relaxation routine while others don’t mind pausing to adjust settings.
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The Spruce / Leticia Almeida
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How do you clean a foot massager?
Most foot massagers can be wiped down or even spot cleaned. Some massagers even come with removable, washable linings. This is great if you plan to use the machine often and want the convenience and ease of keeping it clean.
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How often can you use a foot massager?
For those who simply want a bit of relaxation, once a week is great. However, for anyone who's on their feet a lot, more frequent use can provide some relief. Just be careful: "An overuse of the foot massager can overstimulate the muscles, causing pain and cramping," says Marcela Correa, owner of Medi Pedi NYC. She suggests up to 30-minute sessions two to three times a week.
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What's the difference between a foot spa and foot massager?
While both devices aim to help soothe tired feet, foot spas include a water element that helps users accomplish more cosmetic goals, like smoother skin.
Foot massaging devices offer various heat settings and massage nodes without necessarily having to get your feet wet.
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Do foot massagers help neuropathy?
Yes, foot massagers can help with neuropathy. A 2020 study found that 20-minute foot massages three times a week did help reduce peripheral neuropathic pain.
Why Trust The Spruce?
To make this list, Associate Editor Julia Fields spent hours scouring the market for top foot massagers. We then purchased a panel of 13 top-performing foot massagers to try at our Lab in Industry City, Brooklyn. Using a curated methodology, seven testers considered each massager's controls, heat, and massage methods. We also consulted professional medical pedicurist Marcela Correa, owner of Medi Pedi NYC. on how often to use a foot massager.
Each tester then ranked each one on a scale of 1 to 5, considering factors like design, effectiveness, and overall value, and we chose our top nine picks based on these scores.