These Foot Massagers Will Make You Say, 'Ahhh'

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The next time you’re looking to bliss out at home, don't leave your feet out of the pampering plans. A foot massage is just what the podiatrist ordered! No, really. Massaging your feet, calves, legs, or whatever else is aching improves circulation, reduces tension, and often eases pain, according to Harvard Medical School.

While you might be able to convince your S.O. to give you an old-fashioned foot massage once in a blue moon, if you want to treat your feet on the reg, a foot massager machine is your best bet. Many of the best foot massagers are electronic, with plenty of gizmos and doodads to amp up the relaxation, but there are effective low-tech options, too.

To maximize your comfort options, go for a massager that has different modes, heating functions, kneading options, and multi-function uses for those extra stressful days. To help you choose the best one for you, Women's Health spoke to foot experts about the best foot massagers to buy for any ailments (or just some quality relaxation).

See below for the nine best foot massagers, according to editors, podiatrists, and reviews.

Shiatsu Air 2.0 Foot Massager

Women's Health fitness editor Jennifer Nied loves keeping this Homedics foot massager under her desk at home. This tool includes both deep tissue and compression massaging capabilities. Plus, it has a washable liner.

"It has multiple settings and levels, so it's possible to customize the exact massage my feet need that day, whether it's recovering from a tough workout or targeting tough knots," Nied says. "The timed session also helps me stay productive and works as a reminder to switch tasks during my work day."

Rave Review: "It works, and I do look forward to using it. My feet feel less fatigued when I use it after a longer run in the morning. Plus, I have a job, so it really helps recharge my feet to keep moving later in the day. All in all, a good investment."

Lacrosse Balls

No, seriously. Physical therapist Alyssa Kuhn, among many other PT's, love this cost effective option as a foot massager. "It is harder than a tennis ball, but does have a degree of flex that can feel great on the feet," Kuhn says. All you have to do is set the ball on the floor and roll your foot over it in a circular motion. "This will help to bring blood flow to the muscles and small joints in the feet that can become stiff and sore," Kuhn explains.

Rave Review: "I use these balls to roll my back and shoulder muscles out against a wall and they work perfectly for that. They may be too hard for some, but for an average adult they work amazingly. After 10 minutes of rolling, my shoulder and upper back muscles feel instant relief."

Hypervolt 2

Looking for something to pinpoint tension? Women's Health health editor Caitlin Carlson loves this Hypervolt gun while she's marathon-training. "I use my Hypervolt most often as part of my workout warm-ups on bigger muscles like my glutes and quads," she says. "I also love to use it on the bottoms of my feet as a foot massager." Carlson was clued in to using this massage gun on her feet by an acupuncturist, and it has come in handy during plantar fasciitis flair ups.

Rave Review: "Unlike the previous (much cheaper) version, this has a lot power, even on my larger muscle groups like legs. Battery life is great. Exactly what I was hoping for in a handheld percussion massager."

360° Foot Massager

Want to feel ah-mazing all over? The Miko 360° Foot Massager will exceed your expectations by targeting not only your feet, but your ankles and calves as well. An Amazon bestseller, this heated foot massager can easily be customized to your specific needs. Choose from five adjustable pressure and vibration settings, three massage modes, and a deep-kneading function for a relaxing at-home experience that’s definitely worth the price.

Rave Review: "This foot massager is the best!! It's great for the feet and calves. I love the very easily adjustable bar/handle to create the best position for my massage experience. I use it on the floor while sitting up, as well as on the bed/couch while lying down. I have used my foot massager every night since I got it and I have noticed a huge improvement in my sleep, which is awesome."

Shiatsu Foot Massager

Dr. Rimawi recommends this pick for its ability to target the ankles and calves on top of giving you a high quality foot massage. It has heat capabilities and three distinct levels of intensity to meet your feet wherever they may be. It's great for plantar fasciitis or just a post-workout cool down. Plus, it has over 10,000 five-star ratings on Amazon. Many reviewers say that even its lowest level gets them a super satisfying massage.

Rave Review: "This massager really does the job. My partner and I both have planters fasciitis and after only a few uses our feet are already better. The massage feels so good and very relaxing. I haven't used the high power yet since the low power really does the job. Totally impressed, satisfied, and love this machine."

Foot Massager

Kiss, er, kick your discomfort goodbye as soon as you try this stylish massager that is sure to melt stress away throughout your entire body. Using reflexology, the Renpho foot massager targets specific areas on your feet that signal your body to relax, perfect for those who struggle with chronic foot pain.

Designed for maximum comfort, this massager gradually intensifies the heat, squeezing, and kneading so you can ease yourself into just the right level of relaxation. Dr. Rimawi also loves this option for neuropathy (a condition that can cause weakness, numbness, and pain in the hands and feet) patients, as its heat capabilities are optional. Your feet will thank you, trust.

Rave Review: "Because of my job, I am on my feet eight hours a day. At night I was exhausted and the pain in my feet was annoying. When I bought this foot massager, I was rescued!! The massager uses heat, vibration, air pressure, and Shiatsu-balls to gently relax tired feet. In 15 minutes, no more pain and tiredness!!"

Dual Foot Massager Roller

Nowhere to plug in your massager? No problem. This wooden, electricity-free option uses two different types of acupressure nubs to help relieve sore feet and stimulate blood circulation. All you have to do is roll the soles of both feet back and forth atop each side's five rows. Plus, it's portable.

Rave Review: "I bought this for my wife who has had issues with plantar fasciitis with both of her feet at different times. I read all the good reviews and it was reasonably priced so I bought it for her. She says it really helps. I've tried it a few times and it does make your feet [feel] good. You really notice it when you stand up and walk after using it for several minutes. I would recommend this to anyone with feet problems."

Leg and Foot Massager

Using air bags to achieve different compression sequences, this heated massager can provide instant comfort to tired feet and legs. It purports to help release tight muscles, eliminate muscle spasms, and decrease swelling and pain in the lower body. The massager also features two heat levels, which combined with the compression massage can improve circulation and increase relaxation. (Not to mention, doesn't it just kinda look cool?)

Rave Review: "These are great. I like the number of options and they have helped me from getting lower leg and foot muscle pain. I have plantar fasciitis and this helped it as well. I asked my physical therapist about it and she said 'yes, get it,' since it can help with circulation for healing. So happy with this product. It folds up nicely in the provided bag, which is a great advantage."

Read more: Best Compression Boots

Foot Massager

This may be the most convenient foot massager on Amazon. Not only does it offer high-end massage features for less than half the price of other options, but the Nektek Foot Massager steps it up a notch by offering an adjustable height feature. Easily lift or lower the massager up to three levels, depending on what’s comfortable for you. Plus, you can take the relaxation anywhere with its built-in cord storage and carry handle. The massager also provides six massage heads, 18 rotating massager nodes, and adjustable heat settings.

Rave Review: "I bought this mainly for the warming foot massage, but after using it once I was delighted to see the pain in my back had subsided. I was able to get up without cringing. What a relief and what a wonderful surprise. I highly recommend this device. It feels wonderful on my feet."

Air Compression Foot Massager

This Nekteck foot massager features an added twist (fun!). Using air compression technology and intense kneading functions, it will hug your feet in all the right places, claiming to reduce muscle stiffness, improve muscle tissue, and promote blood circulation in the foot and calf areas. Its special heating and rolling ball features can also help alleviate the pressure from a long day’s work. After using this massager, you won’t even know the difference between a professional masseuse and your Nekteck.

Rave Review: "Received my massager today and it is FANTASTIC! I love the way the shiatsu balls massage the soles, and the air compresses my feet and heels. I started on low pressure and then switched to high. I thought about going to a foot masseuse, but decided to check Amazon. I'm glad I did. Now I can get a great massage at home whenever I want."

FM60 Shiatsu Foot Massager

Prepare your feet for the relaxation they deserve with this 18-massage-head foot massager. If you’re into a deeper kneading massage, this product will be sure to get right into the cracks of your toes for a soothing, heated, and powerful massage. Using the adjustable pegs at the bottom, adjust the height of this foot massager to your liking, and enjoy a customized experience that's all about relaxation and reducing stress.

Rave Review: "Everybody who comes over LOVES this machine. It also massages my hands quite nicely. After a few minutes on this machine, my feet feel like new. I would recommend it for yourself or as a gift. Well worth the price...the heat feature is a definite plus, also. All around five stars."

Foot Spa Bath Massager

Want to bring the spa back home? Do it with a bubble bath for your tired feet. This deep-tub foot bath will pamper your tootsies and exfoliate your skin with heated, jet-like vibrations and eight massage rollers at the soles of your feet. Ahh, I can feel the relief already.

Rave Review: "It was exactly what I wanted. Love the heated water. I like the size—not too big and easy to store. Rollers are comfortable and do not hurt your feet like some. Very pleased!"

2-in-1 Shiatsu Foot Massager

Does your body need all the help it can get? You may have met your multi-functional match. This two-in-one massager treats your feet, back, and neck, relieving tension, pain, and aches with all of its amazing features. Use it as a foot massager, a back heating pad, or a seat cushion while getting your daily tasks done. With eight rotating shiatsu rollers and soothing heat, all you have to do is choose which part of your body gets to relax first. Any muscle aches, knots, and general fatigue will melt away thanks to the soft plush material from this massager.

Rave Review: "Wow, this massager is amazing! It gets my heels so perfectly and I also like to put it on my legs! The heat setting is just right and you can switch the direction of the massager. The cover easily removes and I can place it on my neck or my back! It's for your feet, but I find its multi-purpose function to be the best part! The cord is super long as well!"

Foot Massager Machine

With 10 massage levels, acupressure technology, and a remote control for your convenience, this lightweight foot massager will be calling your exhausted feet home after a long day. The kneading acupressure technology is perfect for increasing blood circulation. But the perks don’t end there: It also acts as a therapeutic foot, leg, back, and heel massager that works to reduce pain and stiffness. The remote control is an added bonus, allowing you to choose your intensity levels with ease.

Rave Review: "This massager is so relaxing after a long shift at work. All I need is to spend 20 minutes with this massager and I feel so good after that. It has multiple modes, which makes it even more great, and I usually use the second mode which is very comfortable! It’s a great purchase. I would love to buy one more for my mother."

Beskar Shower Foot Scrubber and Massager

Want to treat your toes but don't have the time? This shower foot scrubber and massager may be just what your morning routine needs. It’s the most comfortable way to clean and massage your feet at the same time. Simply stick it to your bathtub or shower floor, and let the dual-bristle design do the hard work for you. Hundreds of flexible bristles get right into the corners of your toes, massaging your feet and relieving tension from the body.

Rave Review: "I love the thickness of the foot scrubber. It felt really good on my feet. I’m so glad I made this purchase to help in the soothing of my feet issues."

How our team chose the best foot massagers

For the last year, Women's Health editors including commerce editor Jasmine Gomez and editorial assistant Olivia Evans, have been vetting the very best foot massagers to shop online. Our team consulted multiple experts, including a podiatrist, a physical therapist, and Women's Health fitness and health editors, and also vetted thousands of expert reviews to find the very best options available online.

Meet the experts

• Mohammad Rimawi, MD, is a podiatrist at Manhattan Foot Specialists. He specializes in general podiatric medicine, podiatric dermatology, and minimally invasive reconstructive surgery including bunions and hammertoes.

• Alyssa Kuhn, DPT, is a physical therapist and osteoarthritis specialist. She also is founder of the blog Keep The Adventure Alive.

We also considered

Beskar Shower Foot Scrubber— While this option is highly rated and affordable, there weren't enough standout factors to keep it included in WH's top picks.

RightMell Foot Spa Bath Massager—This foot bath exfoliates and warms your feet. It's a luxurious item to have in your home, but it didn't have quite enough massaging features to make the list.

TheraFlow Foot Massager—WH loved this pick for its price and how well it targets plantar fasciitis. However, with the expert-approved lacrosse balls, and the Hypervolt massage gun making the list, this one became a runner-up.

Emer Foot Massager Machine—This option is lightweight and includes 10 separate levels for massaging. While it's a great pick, nothing made it stand out among other options included in the list.

Miko Shiatsu Foot Massager—This pick has excellent features, and is a slightly less expensive version of the expert-recommended Cloud Massage. However, its similarities lost it a spot among WH's top picks.

What to look for in a foot massager

Overall, it is important to make sure you know what your feet can handle when considering a new foot massager, Kuhn says. "If you have decreased sensation in your feet or neuropathy, you may not be able to tell if the pressure is too much, if the temperature is too high, and/or if an injury or cut happens," she explains.

Here are some of the main things to consider when shopping for a quality foot massager:

Massage methods

Depending on what you're looking to get out of your massager, you might look for different modes. Air compression is a common mode in foot massagers, and it's great for circulation, Dr. Rimawi says.

However, if you're looking for something to reduce specific tension in your feet, you should look for something more targeted, such as a massage gun.

Heat

Dr. Rimawi recommends staying away from heat entirely if you have neuropathy to reduce risk of injury. "If you can't sense if the heat is too much, you run the risk of burning your skin," he says. "This is something we see often as podiatrists."

Of course, a little heat won't harm your feet, but Dr. Rimawi recommends exercising with caution and avoiding massagers with heat altogether if you can.

Controls

Whether you have controls on your foot massager is really up to your personal preference. Certain buttons can make it easier to control heat and vibrations, which can be beneficial if you have neuropathy. You may also prefer that your foot massager come with a remote control, so that you don't have to bend down to switch to a different function—all up to you.

How often can you use a foot massager?

Kuhn recommends using a foot massager only for a few minutes before or after an exercise. It's best to use a foot massager as a supplement with an exercise program if you're looking to lubricate joints and get good results, she says.

How should you clean a foot massager?

You can follow the directions on most foot massagers to clean them properly. Some come with a removable lining that can be washed, while others are better to spot clean.

Do foot massagers help neuropathy?

Somewhat! According to Kuhn, foot massagers may be able to increase blood flow in the feet, which can alleviate symptoms of neuropathy. However, you should exercise caution when using a massager with neuropathy, especially if you're using heat.

Dr. Rimawi says that there's some evidence of foot massagers repairing nerves, but he mostly recommends using one in a case-by-case basis. "As long as it does no harm, I don't see why people [with neuropathy] shouldn't use one," he says.

Is there anything you should be weary of when using foot massagers?

When using a foot massager, especially if you have neuropathy, you should be weary of any accidental injury caused by the pressure of a foot massager, say both Kuhn and Rimawi.

Dr. Rimawi also recommends seeing a doctor before using a massager, especially if you are trying to target a specific problem. "Foot massagers should never be replacement for medical opinion," he says.

Read more about the best products for foot health and recovery

Foot health

Best Compression Socks | Best Walking Shoes | Best Workout Shoes | Best Bunion Correctors | Best Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis

Recovery

Best Massage Guns | Best Neck Massagers | Best Foam Rollers | Best Compression Boots

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