The 11 Best Calf Stretchers of 2023 for Relieving Tight, Aching Muscles
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ProStretch’s The Original Calf Stretcher and Foot Rocker is durable, effective, and backed by experts
Verywell Fit / David Hattan
Being on your feet all day, sitting for long hours at a desk job, and wearing unsupportive shoes can all lead to tight calves. While your calves might not currently occupy a spot in your normal stretching routine, it’s important to keep them loose because tight calves have a more limited range of motion, says Lindy Royer, PT, NCPT, a physical therapist and master Pilates instructor based in Centennial, Colorado. “Calf restriction limits not only mobility, but strength, power, and endurance,” she explains.
Keeping your calves active and in good condition also helps combat cardiovascular diseases and diabetes, and can lower your risk of injury. But if manual stretches prove too challenging to hold by yourself, Royer says a calf stretcher can help keep your muscles in a lengthened position for longer, allowing for a secure, relaxed stretch.
Calf stretching equipment includes rockers, straps, incline or slant boards, and foam rollers. When shopping for a calf stretcher, consider whether the design will help you get a deep stretch in the right areas. It should also be sturdy, comfortable, and safe to use. To help you find the right calf stretcher, we asked experts in physical therapy, fitness, and fascial stretching which features set the top models apart. Then, we researched dozens of options on the market and evaluated them based on size, materials, portability, price, and more.
ProStretch The Original Calf Stretcher and Foot Rocker
Best Overall
Pros
Anti-slip surface and pads
APMA Seal of Acceptance
Compact
Cons
Requires good balance and stability
May be too small for some
With an ergonomic design that provides relief from plantar fasciitis pain, Achilles tendonitis, shin splints, and more, ProStretch’s The Original Calf Stretcher and Foot Rocker is our best overall pick. We love that it earned the American Podiatric Medical Association’s Seal of Acceptance, meaning a group of APMA podiatrists has determined that it helps promote good foot health. Simple yet effective, this rocker is made from durable plastic, with a weight capacity of 250 pounds.
It’s also compact, so you can easily tuck it away between uses. Although this stretcher requires some balance and stability, it has important safety features for easy stretching. Non-slip pads keep the rocker safely in place, while the curved heel cradles and traction give you more control over your foot.
However, it may be too small for some users, as it only fits up to men’s size 12 feet. ProStretch also offers a double rocker, to help stretch both calves at once—just note that it requires more balance and coordination.
Price at time of publication: $30
Key Specs:
Type: Rocker | Weight Capacity: 250 pounds | Materials: Plastic | Dimensions: 11 x 4.06 x 5.38 inches
Nooncrazypro Slant Board
Best Budget
Pros
Lightweight
Adjusts to five different angles
High weight capacity
Cons
May slide around
If you’re on a budget, we recommend this lightweight, foam slant board set, which can be arranged into various heights for gentle to deep stretching. Stacking the boards to change the angle is easy, from 8.5 to 34 degrees. Flip them around, and they’re a great tool for strength and conditioning or perfecting the “knee-over-toe” technique, a practice used to promote better depth while lifting weights without straining your knees.
“I love the Nooncrazy slant board because it has different ranges depending on each individual's mobility,” Vatche Ourishian, a fascial stretch therapist, corrective exercise specialist, strength and conditioning coach, and owner and performance director of Muscle Lab in Los Angeles, California, says. “It's also light and easy to travel with.”
Plus, this set has a weight capacity of 480 pounds—180 pounds more than CalfPro’s Deep Calf Stretcher Slant Board, one of our other top picks. We like that they’re recyclable, biodegradable, and come with a one-year warranty. However, users have found it helpful to position these blocks against a wall or on a grippy surface (like a carpet or an exercise mat) to avoid sliding during deep stretches.
Price at time of publication: $23
Key Specs:
Type: Incline (slant) board wedges | Weight Capacity: 480 pounds | Materials: Foam | Dimensions: 5.3 x 6.7 x 12.6 x 2 inches (small wedges), 5.3 x 6.7 x 12.6 x 4.2 inches (large wedge)
Trigger Point Performance GRID 1.0 Foam Roller
Best Foam Roller
Pros
Hollow core
High weight capacity
Textured padding
Cons
May be too short for some
Trigger Point’s GRID 1.0 Foam Roller is designed to help you reap the benefits of self-myofascial release (SMR), a massage technique that’s often used by experts to improve mobility. Performing SMR using a foam roller has been shown to relieve pain and boost muscle activation—not just in your calves, but also in the rest of your body.
We like that this roller has plenty of padding, while still being able to make a dent in tough knots. The grooved texture helps roll out tight areas and allows you to customize how much pressure you apply while stretching. And we love that the short length is easier to control, whether you’re working your calves or other muscle groups. However, the right length for a foam roller is a matter of personal preference, so this one may be too short for some.
The Grid Roller has a sturdy construction, thanks to a hollow, reinforced core, and a 500-pound weight capacity. Great for small spaces, it stores easily in a closet or under furniture. You can even use the hollow core as extra storage for smaller equipment, like towels, resistance bands, or jump ropes.
Price at time of publication: $37
Key Specs:
Type: Foam roller | Weight Capacity: 500 pounds | Materials: Foam, plastic | Dimensions: 13 x 5.5 x 5.5 inches
Related:The Grid Foam Roller Review
OPTP Stretch Out Strap
Best Strap
Pros
Budget-friendly
Portable
Includes book and video library
Cons
No padding
OPTP’s The Original Stretch Out Strap earns our vote for the best strap because you can use it to stretch out everything from your calves to your hamstrings. Favored by runners, dancers, and yoga studios, the strap works by providing a deep, passive self-stretch throughout the entire back of the leg.
With over six feet of slack and ten loops to hold, this one can accommodate long and short legs alike. We also like that it has ten loops for easy stretching—more than most yoga straps offer. And if you’ve never used a strap before, OPTP includes a book and a video library with over 30 stretches to help you get started.
While the Stretch Out Strap lacks padding, it’s also the most portable calf stretcher on our list, so you can toss it in your bag for stretching at the gym or on the go. It’s handy, budget-friendly, and easy to use: all features of a high-quality calf stretcher that’s built to last.
Price at time of publication: $16
Key Specs:
Type: Stretching strap | Weight Capacity: Not listed | Materials: Nylon | Dimensions: 6 feet, 4 inches long
Slant Board Guy Slant Board
Best Incline or Slant Board
Pros
Lightweight
Non-slip
High weight capacity
Cons
Not adjustable
Expensive
Although we recommend multiple incline boards on our list, Slant Board Guy’s Slant Board is our favorite because it’s simple and sturdy. Its strong, reinforced center and wooden construction give it a higher weight capacity than most foam boards (like Nooncrazy’s Slant Board).
Even so, weighing just over 6 pounds, it’s lightweight and easy to move around. We also like that the surface of the board is wrapped in durable, non-slip tape, so you can get a safe grip while stretching or lifting weights.
While it isn’t adjustable, this board’s streamlined design makes storage simple. If you’re a weightlifter, or you’re focused on improving your mobility, flexibility, or knee health, we think this slant board’s features make it well worth the high price tag.
Price at time of publication: $135
Key Specs:
Type: Incline (slant) board | Weight Capacity: 880 pounds | Materials: Wood | Dimensions: 19.69 x 12.6 x 5.91 inches
Hammacher Schlemmer The Plantar Fasciitis Relief Rocker
Best Rocker
Pros
Adjustable heel cradle
Lifetime guarantee
Non-slip
Cons
Only stretches one calf at a time
While we also recommend ProStretch’s The Original Calf Stretcher and Foot Rocker, Hammacher Schlemmer’s The Plantar Fasciitis Relief Rocker is our top pick if you’re looking for an advanced rocker that can still provide a good stretch as your feet and legs become more flexible.
Unlike ProStretch’s rocker, this rocker’s deep V design features an adjustable heel cradle, to help deepen your stretch over time. We also like the optional, angled toe wedge, which can be especially helpful for alleviating plantar fascia pain. And this rocker accommodates feet up to a size 14 (two sizes larger than the ProStretch does).
To make stretching easy, this rocker comes with a guide and a five-minute stretching routine. Although you can only stretch one calf at a time, its durable design and non-slip pads make it a safe option for those with balance issues. A lifetime guarantee also sets this rocker apart.
Price at time of publication: $50
Key Specs:
Type: Rocker | Weight Capacity: 300 pounds | Materials: Plastic | Dimensions: 14.25 x 6.75 x 4 inches
DMoose Calf Stretcher & Foot Stretcher
Best For Achilles Tendonitis
Pros
Budget-friendly
Comfortable foot cradle
Strap is easy to grip
Cons
May be too large for smaller feet
For safely stretching your Achilles tendon, we like this option from DMoose. Thanks to a comfortable, neoprene foot cradle and a strap with six loops that’s easy to hold, this stretcher is user-friendly, no matter where you are in your recovery journey.
We love how light, compact, and portable this stretcher is, weighing just a few ounces. It’s available in three colors or in sets of two and comes with a stretch and exercise manual for beginners.
However, some users have found that this stretcher isn’t as adjustable as others on our list. If you have smaller feet, you may need to wear thick socks or try a different strap, like OPTP’s The Original Stretch Out Strap.
Price at time of publication: $25
Key Specs:
Type: Stretching strap | Weight Capacity: Not listed | Materials: Nylon, neoprene | Dimensions: 2 x 34 inches (strap), 5 x 52 inches (foot cradle)
CalfPro Deep Calf Stretcher
Best Collapsible
Pros
Can be used with or without shoes
Padded heel cradle
Non-slip surface
Cons
Expensive
If you’re tight on space, we recommend this collapsible slant board from CalfPRO. We like this plastic stretcher’s unique design, which features a lever you pop up to lock the board into an incline. From there, you can position the board against a door frame or wall and adjust the stretch using your own body weight.
The surface has non-slip treads for safety. And although the bottom of the stretcher doesn’t have any grips, CalfPRO also sells a bundle that includes an exercise mat and a foam roller for better traction (and more stretching options).
CalfPRO’s Slant Board has a spacious platform that can be used with or without shoes, thanks to the foam-padded heel cradle. It is one of the pricier options on our list, but we think its convenient construction is a fair trade-off.
Price at time of publication: $130
Key Specs:
Type: Incline (slant) board | Weight Capacity: 300 pounds | Materials: Plastic | Dimensions: 14.2 x 6.5 x inches
Hammacher Schlemmer The 5 Exercises Plantar Fasciitis Trainer
Best For Plantar Fasciitis
Pros
Multiple ways to use
Removable roller can be used hot or cold
Lifetime guarantee
Cons
Expensive
A kind of “reverse rocker” with a 2-in-1 design, Hammacher Schlemmer’s The 5 Exercises Trainer is our favorite calf stretcher for combating plantar fasciitis pain. One side has ridges to strengthen your foot and leg muscles, while the other is shaped like a rocker to provide a soothing stretch.
Created by a podiatric physician and surgeon, the trainer offers five different ways to exercise. But we particularly love the removable soapstone roller, which can be heated up in boiling water or cooled down in the freezer for therapeutic relief. A set of five massage rings is also included, which you can slide onto the roller to better target the arch of your foot.
This stretcher’s unique design, combined with a lifetime guarantee, won us over—despite the investment required up front.
Price at time of publication: $100
Key Specs:
Type: Reverse rocker | Weight Capacity: Not listed | Materials: Plastic | Dimensions: 12.75 x 5.75 x 4 inches
Related:The 11 Best Plantar Fasciitis and Heel Spur Relief Products Available
Ansersto Calf Stretcher Slant Board
Most Durable
Pros
Adjustable
Replaceable, non-slip traction
High weight capacity
Cons
Not as compact
Our top pick for the most durable calf stretcher is this sturdy incline board made from hardwood plywood. With a weight capacity of 500 pounds, this board is strong, yet easy to pick up and move using two side handles. We also like that you can restore the non-slip surface with additional replacement paper, once the first layer wears down.
It’s not as compact as some of our other top picks, like Nooncrazy’s Slant Board. But “if you’re going to keep it in the corner of your house and it’s going to be stationary, the Ansersto is perfect for this,” Ourishian says. “And it has an adjustable lever to track improvements and progression,” he adds, which sets it apart from other wooden slant boards.
Switch between five different angles for a varied, challenging stretching or workout session.
Price at time of publication: $50
Key Specs:
Type: Incline (slant) board | Weight Capacity: 500 pounds | Materials: Plywood | Dimensions: 12.5 x 16.5 x 15 inches
IdealStretch Original Hamstring Stretcher
Best Full Stretch
Pros
Collapsible
Ergonomic handle
Comes with optional accessories
Cons
Bulky
For a full leg stretch, we love this stretcher that elongates your hamstrings and calves. The design takes the stress off of your knee and foot, so you can get into a deep stretch safely.
The IdealStretch has three adjustable length settings and an ergonomic handle that’s easy to grip. With the included instruction card, you can work your way through various full-leg stretches to target not only your calves, but also your lower back, groin, IT band, and hip abductors.
We like that it’s collapsible for storage or transporting, but it’s still larger and bulkier compared to some other options on our list, like DMoose’s Calf Stretcher and Foot Stretcher. Choose from the basic stretcher or kits that add an instructional DVD, a barefoot wedge pad, or both.
Price at time of publication: $82
Key Specs:
Type: Hamstring stretcher | Weight Capacity: Not listed | Materials: Steel | Dimensions: 16 x 8 x 7 inches
How We Selected the Best Calf Stretchers
To choose the best calf stretchers, we spoke with Lindy Royer, PT, NCPT, a PMA-certified physical therapist, National Certified Pilates Teacher, and founder of Center for Movement, to find out what causes tight calves and why you should stretch them regularly. We also asked Vatche Ourishian, a fascial stretch therapist, corrective exercise specialist, strength and conditioning coach, and owner and performance director at Muscle Lab, and Nicholas Duran, NASM-CPT, a yoga and fitness instructor with a background in dance based in Los Angeles, California, for their expert advice on how to use calf stretchers and what to look for when purchasing one.
Then, we researched dozens of calf stretchers from the top, trusted brands. We assessed which materials they were made from, how durable they were, which muscles they stretched, how much they cost, and more. Finally, our writer, a certified personal trainer and runner who regularly experiences tight calves, applied her personal and professional experience to detail our recommendations in this guide.
What to Look For in Calf Stretchers
Type
There are four main categories of calf stretchers: rockers, incline boards, foam rollers, and stretching straps. Made from varying materials like wood, rubber, plastic, or nylon, some are lighter than others. And they all have different benefits, uses, and mobility requirements.
Rockers, usually made from durable plastic, are ideal for deeper calf stretches. Using a wall or chair to stabilize yourself, you step onto it and use the curved bottom to gradually tilt into a stretch. Rockers require a good level of balance, coordination, and stability. We recommend Hammacher Schlemmer’s The Plantar Fasciitis Relief Rocker, which can fit up to a size 14 foot and features an adjustable heel cradle.
Incline (or slant) boards angle your feet to lengthen your calf muscles. They can be gentler than rockers and are common in physical therapy to actively stretch one isolated leg at a time. Made from wood, foam, or plastic, they usually have a non-slip surface and a high weight capacity, making them stable and safe—like our top pick, Slant Board Guy’s Slant Board. Some slant boards are also adjustable for varying depths of stretches or collapsible for simple storage.
Foam rollers come in soft and firm densities and can be used along with self-massage and myofascial release to stretch out muscles and tendons. They may be made from foam, rubber, or plastic. Unlike rockers, foam rollers can also be used to relieve tension in other muscle groups throughout the body. Trigger Point’s Performance GRID 1.0 Foam Roller is our top pick because its shorter length is easy for beginners to control.
Stretching straps or yoga straps use your own body weight to control the amount of tension in a stretch. A favorite of runners and yogis, straps are also used in physical therapy to get a full, deep stretch throughout the leg. This technique can be less isolating for the calves than rockers or incline boards, which may feel better if your hamstrings are tight. We recommend OPTP’s The Original Stretch Out Strap because it’s budget-friendly and has ten loops to help you get a good grip.
Lifestyle
Some people may benefit more from using a calf stretcher than others, our experts say. It’s also worth noting that some types of stretchers may work better for you, depending on where you’re experiencing discomfort or pain. If you sit for long periods of time at a desk job, your calves, hamstrings, and hip flexors are often affected. You may want to look for a stretcher that targets the whole leg, like IdealStretch’s Original Hamstring Stretcher.
But tightness specifically in the calves can be found in runners, walkers, or people who wear high heels, Duran says. Dancers, who put frequent strain on their calves, may also find relief from using a smaller calf stretcher regularly.
Consider which lifestyle factors contribute to your tight calves and whether you need isolated relief from a rocker, incline board, or foam roller. Otherwise, a stretching strap or a specialized device that targets the full leg or plantar fascia may be necessary. Make sure to be gentle and stretch slowly when using a new device to avoid injuring yourself. If you’re unsure whether you need to use a calf stretcher, it’s best to consult your health care provider before purchasing one.
Weight Capacity
Regardless of which type of calf stretcher you choose, avoid purchasing unstable devices that can’t handle the force or body weight required for specific stretches, Royer says. When shopping, always check the stretcher’s weight capacity to make sure it’s durable enough to use. The calf stretchers on our list have weight capacities ranging from 250 to 880 pounds.
Adjustability
If improving your stretching range is important to you, you may opt for a calf stretcher that’s adjustable. Some incline boards and foot rockers are adjustable, and most straps can be shortened or lengthened using Velcro or by holding different loops. These stretchers can help customize your routine on days when your muscles are tighter or looser than normal. You can also use an adjustable calf stretcher to help measure your progress over time.
Size
Practical factors like storage space or an on-the-go lifestyle can also help you decide which stretcher to get. Ourishian recommends Nooncrazy’s Slant Board for a portable option that’s lightweight, adjustable, and can be used almost anywhere. If you have more space and are looking for a stationary stretcher to keep at home, he prefers Ansersto’s Calf Stretcher Slant Board, which can be adjusted to five different angles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are calf stretchers effective?
Calf stretchers can be effective in helping you get a deeper stretch than you can achieve by yourself, allowing your muscles to gradually relax. The deeper and longer the stretch, the more potential for better relaxation, pain relief, flexibility, and injury prevention. Stretchers can help with shin splint pain, too, by working to elongate, strengthen, and reduce inflammation of the lower leg.
How often should you use a calf stretcher?
The American College of Sports Medicine recommends stretching two times per week for at least 60 seconds. Listen to your body’s comfort level, following the directions that come with your calf stretcher to prevent further pain. If you’re recovering from an injury, we recommend speaking with a health care provider before starting a new stretching routine or exercise.
How much does a good calf stretcher cost?
You can expect to spend anywhere from $20 to $200 on a high-quality calf stretcher. Less expensive stretchers may have a lower weight capacity, but can be just as effective. More expensive stretchers have a higher chance of holding up over time and may come with additional accessories. Either way, our experts recommend opting for an item with a return policy (just in case). Our top pick, ProStretch’s The Original Calf Stretcher and Foot Rocker, was $30 when we published this list.
What are the causes and risks of tight calves?
It’s not just athletes who experience tightness in their calf muscles. Common culprits include inactivity, overuse, the mechanics of your walking or running stride, or wearing unsupportive shoes. Tight calves may be a result of conditions like diabetes or deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which can restrict the blood flow to your legs. Sprains, strains, tendonitis, cramps, or bone injuries may also contribute to tension in your lower leg, Ourishian says.
He adds that tight calf muscles can put stress on your Achilles tendon, which could lead to Achilles tendinopathy, and increase the risk of spraining your ankle. They can even affect your posture: “Sometimes, tight calves can lead up through the body and cause tightness in the legs and issues with the hips,” Duran adds. “It can lead to how you walk and stand if you’re compensating for a muscle that is a little bit tighter.”
Short- and long-term complications of calf tightness depend on the underlying cause, Royer says. If you’re experiencing painful symptoms that don’t go away after massaging or stretching your muscles, “it’s important to seek professional support to determine the source of tightness and rule out factors that may require further intervention,” she says.
What’s the best way to loosen tight calf muscles?
Once you’ve ruled out that your tight calf muscles aren’t caused by an underlying condition, Royer says that a consistent regimen of massage or foam rolling can help. Any of the stretchers on our list can fit into your existing stretching routine.
It’s also a good idea to take proactive measures to loosen and protect your calves over time. Before working out, make sure to warm up your muscles and stretch properly using dynamic stretches. Warm-up exercises help improve your range of motion and take stress off of your joints and tendons to prevent injuries, according to the American Heart Association. Afterwards, Duran recommends cooling down with some static stretches to lengthen your muscles. Be gentle, he says, to allow your muscle fibers to fully relax.
Stretching works even better when combined with activity to keep your calves loose and healthy, Ourishian says. Simple exercises like standing calf raises can activate your muscles and increase their elasticity over time. The result? Strong, flexible calf muscles, plus better stability and balance.
Why Trust Verywell Fit
A certified personal trainer and runner, Jessica Murtaugh, NASM-CPT, CNC, experiences tight calves on a regular basis. When manual stretching exercises aren’t enough, she finds that equipment like calf stretchers can help relieve tension. Her favorite tool for massaging and releasing tight and painful spots is Trigger Point’s Performance GRID 1.0 Foam Roller. For this guide, she prioritized trustworthy exercise equipment brands that provide safe and effective products.
