8 Effective and Reliable Foot Massagers, After Testing 20 (2024)

When going to the spa isn’t an option, a foot massager is the next best option for relaxing and soothing tired feet in the comfort of your own home. You can take it from me—over the past three years, I’ve tested over 20 foot massagers inour Laband in my own hometo find the most comfortable and effective options for everyone, including busy moms and intense athletes.

Through testing different models and types of foot massagers, I discovered that customization is key. Finding a massager with different intensity and massage settings ensures everyone can choose the massage that feels best for them.This is particularly important when a massager is being shared by a whole family (or group of coworkers in our case while testing). Some even include heat settings for further relaxation (which I personally gravitate towards).

With this in mind, our list aims to provide a comprehensive guide on foot massagers for everyone, with an emphasis on customizable settings for a personalized massage.

Our Top Picks

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Best Percussive Massager:

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Therabody Theragun Sense at Amazon$299$199
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What We Like

  • Customizable knead and compression options

  • Heat settings

  • Suction cups on bottom to avoid slipping

  • Included remote with batteries

  • Two timer settings

What We Don't Like

  • Only one heat option

The Renpho foot massager’s gentle start and customizable settings earned it the top spot in our roundup. The first thing I loved while testing this option was that it automatically starts on the lowest setting. From there, you can personalize your experience with three knead intensities, three air compression settings, and a heat option.

Unlike other foot massagers I’ve tested, none of the settings hurt my feet. While the highest compression option is definitely close, I can see how it can be soothing to serious athletes or workout enthusiasts who need the extra strength. Compression squeezes your foot (which I quite enjoyed) while the massage settings periodically knead different parts of your foot. The heat just has one setting (which automatically starts when you press on) and is a nice touch but not overly warm.

Aside from the customizable settings, this massager’s features were also very impressive. First, it has suction cups on the bottom, so it won’t slip around, which I hadn’t seen before. I found that this can definitely make it harder to lift off hardwood floors, but it’s worth it for the stability.

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Another plus is that the fabric foot hole coverings unzip completely to throw in the washing machine. After they’re fully unzipped, you have to remove two strips of Velcro, which can be tricky at first. But we love this for cleanliness, especially when the massager is being used by multiple people.

You can control all of the settings with an included remote, which comes loaded with batteries, so you can enjoy it right away. You don’t have to bend down and interrupt your relaxation to adjust the pressure. It has a 15 and 30-minute timer as well, which is what most manufacturers recommend as a maximum time to enjoy a foot massager.

While none of the settings were particularly intense, I felt my feet tingly for a few moments afterward, which I didn’t mind. My only gripe with this option is the single heat setting. While you can feel it when it’s on, I wish you could tailor it more to your preference. Still, this is an amazing and lightweight option for almost any user.

Size: 13.2 x 7.5 x 15.6 inches | Weight: 6.4 pounds | Heated: Yes

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What We Like

  • Cylinder shape mimics the arch of your foot

  • Can adjust pressure and target certain areas

  • Very portable and lightweight

What We Don't Like

  • No special settings

Manual massagers like the Beskar Foot Massager Roller aren't fancy, but this one does a great job relaxing tired feet. In fact, we were surprised at its effectiveness despite the lack of settings or heat. Nonetheless, we found that this little plastic device delivered a great targeted massage.

To use this foot massager, you apply pressure while rolling the arch of your foot over the roller's “spikes.” Since it’s all manual, you can target exactly where you want your massage and how much force you need. We recommend using this option while standing because it’s easier to apply pressure. However, it does require a bit of balancing, so be careful.

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The cylinder shape mimics the arch of your foot, so it’s not too rough. But, the small bumps on the massager definitely pack a punch. We wouldn’t call this a gentle option for sure. While I enjoyed the extra pressure as someone with constant sore feet, another team member with flatter feet found it too painful. This proves again that massages are a personal experience and you should honor that when buying a foot massager for your home.

One of the best things about manual foot massagers is that they’re portable. This one is smaller than a water bottle, so it easily fits in your purse, backpack, or suitcase for taking on the go. It could also be a great secondary foot massager for those with a constant need for relief and who don’t want to lug around a heavy corded option from place to place.

Size: 5.9 x 2.6 inches | Weight: 0.3 pounds | Heated: No

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How often can you use a foot massager?

"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.

What We Like

  • Massages feet and calves

  • Three settings for both feet and calves

  • Pleasant compression

  • Fit wide calves with room to spare

What We Don’t Like

  • Bulky and difficult to store

  • No remote

Boot massagers like this one from Homedics are ideal for foot and calf massages. The foot massager can be used alone or in conjunction with the boot massager, which has three compression settings. While testing, my team and I preferred the medium intensity. The heat, though subtle, was also a nice touch.

You can also choose three foot massager settings by pressing the same button on the control panel 1 to 3 times. However, the calf compression was the real star here. Using both made for a relaxing experience beyond just your feet, which is always a great option.

We were initially slightly worried about fitting our feet into this massager. It zips around your calves, but we found that even with wide calves, we had room to spare. This is important for accessibility—when buying a foot massager for a household, you want to ensure that everyone can enjoy it.

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One downside of this massager is that it’s bulky. However, it’s not as unattractive as the typical black and industrial-looking foot massagers we’ve tested before. It resembles a pair of sherpa boots with wooden accents on the bottom. But, you should consider your space for using and storing your massager before choosing this one.

Also, the cord is relatively short, so we recommend storing it near an outlet for easy access when you want it. Keep in mind that this product doesn’t come with a remote, so you’ll want to find your perfect heat, knead, and compression combo before sitting back and relaxing.

Size: 16.7 x 15.9 x 11.8 inches | Weight: Not Listed | Heated: Yes

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What We Like

  • Highly versatile

  • 5 different modes

  • Heats as it massages

What We Don't Like

The Cloud Massage Shiatsu Foot Massager is extremely versatile, providing a foot massage and one for your ankles and calves. It uses Shiatsu therapy-style massage (a Japanese massage that targets pressure points) and mimics human hands combined with heat to fully pamper you after a tough day.

We really loved 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 twofold—inflatable pads apply pressure, while the machine kneads and vibrates your muscles in one of five different modes.

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There’s an additional built-in heat function to warm your toes during the massage, making it the perfect product for people who are always cold. However, it does take quite a while to warm up—10 minutes, to be exact. For reference, our best overall pick took about two minutes to heat up.

Because of the multiple intensity levels, we think this massager is great for a family home where multiple people can use it and customize the experience to their liking. While it is more expensive, you're paying for the multiple settings, whereas someone buying for themselves can afford less expensive options with fewer options that work just for them.

Size: 22 x 11 x 17.7 inches | Weight: 22 pounds | Heated: Yes

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What We Like

  • Remote control

  • Targeted pressure points

  • Easy to clean

  • Accomodate up to a size 13 foot

What We Don't Like

  • Doesn't target the top or sides of feet

Shiatsu massagers are meant to relieve tension in the body and often target different pressure points. For a foot massager that does these things, we love the Miko Shiatsu Home Foot Massager Machine. It left our feet feeling relaxed and pampered. Plus, we love that it has various features to give you a customized massage. The ease of setup and intensity levels make it worth the price.

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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 while still staying relaxed.

At certain points, we felt we were getting a professional 15-20-minute massage and appreciated the varied pressure levels. However, we 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 as they would, with an option that fully envelops your foot like our best boot.

Size: 17 x 17 x 9 inches | Weight: 12.85 pounds | Heated: Yes

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What We Like

  • Suitable for more than just feet

  • Comes with guided massages on the app

  • Five speed settings and four attachments

What We Don't Like

  • Can’t sit back and relax while using

Believe it or not, some percussive massagers work perfectly as foot massagers. The Theragun Sense blew me away during testing because of its smart capabilities, especially when using the Therabody app. It became clear quickly that this option was impressive, but even more so when I realized I could also use it on my feet.

The beauty of the massager is that you can utilize guided massagers on the Therabody app. Depending on the part of your body you want to target, the time you have to massage, and the type of exercises you enjoy, you can find a guided routine perfect for you. There are over 60 routines for calves and feet; you can also save ones you love to easily come back to them.

You can also adjust the intensity of the massage on the app itself, which I prefer to the LED screen on the actual massager. While there are five-speed settings, I find myself choosing the lowest one or two. All percussive massagers can feel harsh at first, so I recommend going slow to start.

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I enjoyed it mostly on the arch of my foot or my calves. As with all handheld massagers, you can target exactly where you feel tension. However, you can’t sit back and relax and let the massager do the work like you would with ourbest overall pick. This ensures you receive the massage exactly where you need it. Plus, the guided routines are great for learning more about your body and what it needs.

Another perk of this device is that it encourages mental health with guided breathing routines performed while holding two nodes on the device that vibrate as you breathe in and out. I think this is a nice touch for a product that aids your physical well-being so you can pay attention to your body and mind using one product.

That said, I wouldn’t recommend buying this product solely for your feet. It’s an awesome full-body massager that can be used in several ways with the four included attachments, so don’t be closed off from all of its uses. Still, it’s an amazing option for someone looking for a percussive massager to use at home who also wants something suitable for their feet.

Size: 8.3 x 6.3 x 2.6 inches | Weight: 0.3 pounds | Heated: No

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What We Like

  • Open style is good for large feet

  • Easy to target certain spots

  • Heating function

What We Don't Like

  • Lacks settings

  • Requires counter-pressure, which limits relaxation

Those with larger feet might have difficulty finding an appropriate foot massager, especially when browsing full-enclosed options. This option, however, operates more like a mat, so all foot sizes are welcome. It delivers a perfectly adequate massage, though you will sacrifice the number of settings. It simply turns on and off and offers (optional) heat.

Rather than placing your feet inside a device like other classic foot massager designs on this list, this option allows you to move your feet manually over the rotating nodes to target different areas that may be sore or fatigued, so anyone can use it, no matter their foot size.

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We found the gentle massage relaxing and liked that you could apply more pressure to change up the massage. It’s definitely one of the most gentle options on our list, so it’s best for those with flat or painful feet that can’t handle something more intense, like ourbest percussive massager.

Since there are no foot pockets, it’s a great option for anyone who gets particularly sweaty with an intense heat setting. Because of this, the machine doesn’t hug your entire foot, which means you need to deliver a bit of counter-pressure for a more thorough massage. It also won't target the sides or tops of your feet like other models.

Size: 15.75 x 14.17 x 3.15 inches | Weight: 7.63 pounds | Heated: Yes

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What We Like

  • Heats up quickly

  • Three different attachments

  • LED display

What We Don't Like

  • Heavy

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.

During testing, we found the controls and LED screen interface incredibly easy to use, which is always a plus. It can heat water to 122 degrees Fahrenheit for a toasty foot bath. We loved how quickly the water heated up and maintained its temperature. The tub vibrates to relieve tension in your feet and legs, and multiple water jets circulate bubbles throughout.

As you soak, two built-in, motorized massage rollers at the bottom work out kinks in your arches and toes. However, similar to our favorite manual option, you'll have to move your feet over the massagers yourself.

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The foot spa comes with three different attachments for the center divider between your feet, which you can move your feet across for three different massage experiences. In addition to the water and heat functions, the foot spa offers four varied massages. The kit also includes a pumice stone to remove calluses for a pedicure-like experience at home.

The device was heavier than other foot spas on the market, weighing 6.7 pounds before adding water. However, for an experience at home that rivals a professional pedicure, we think it's worth the extra weight.

Size: 16.5 x 14.9 x 9.2 inches | Weight: 6.7 pounds | Heated: Yes

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Final Verdict

The Renpho Heated Foot Massager is our top pick for the best foot massager. It has multiple compression and intensity levels, a built-in heat function, and even a remote for convenience. If you’re on a budget or looking for something a bit more portable, you’ll love the Beskar Foot Massager Roller, our best manual pick. It weighs less than five ounces and delivers an intense and targeted massage depending on the pressure you apply.

How We Tested the Foot Massagers

We consulted pedicurists and podiatrists and spent hours researching top-rated foot massagers from notable brands. We then ordered more than a 20 foot massagers to test in 20-minute sessions in our Lab in New York City.

During each test, we considered factors like:

  • Ease of Setup: We took note of the steps needed to set up the machine, including adding batteries, plugging in the machine, heating time, and adding water (if necessary).
  • Size: Some foot massagers are lightweight and easy to move around your space, while others are clunky, heavy, and require a lot of space to store.
  • Versatility: For foot massagers that envelop your entire foot, we noted if the holes felt snug or couldn't accommodate individuals with larger feet.
  • Effectiveness: During the massage, we noticed whether it felt firm or gentle, used all of the customizations and settings if possible, and noted any discomfort if the massage was too intense or frustration if it was lacking.
  • Value: After conducting all of these tests and using multiple massagers for over 15 minutes each, we determined whether each massage was worth the price.

After adding up each score and assessing the overall value of each product along with our research, we chose our top picks.

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What to Look for in a Foot Massager

Variety of Massage Methods and Options

Foot massagers employ several different modes and methods to soothe sore feet, including shiatsu massage, manual massage, air compression (as seen on our best boot, the Homedics Compression Boot Foot & Calf Massager with Heat), water jets (as seen on the Ivation Foot Spa, our best foot spa), and electric massage rollers.

Some machines use a combination of these techniques. However, shiatsu, like that found on our pick with the best settings, the Cloud Massage Shiatsu Foot Massager, is considered to be most similar to a massage you’d receive from human hands.

For foot massagers that the whole family will use, we believe customization is essential. Luckily, most options on this list have several settings to accommodate any and all preferences.

Adjustable Heat Settings

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, the Cloud Massage Shiatsu Foot Massager provides that soothing warm feel but may take a few minutes to heat up. For a quicker heat return, pick our Renpho Heated Foot Massager, which took just two minutes to heat up fully.

With our best foot spa, the Ivation Foot Spa, you can control the exact temperature of the water in your foot bath. It also helps maintain this temperature for longer, which we love.

Of course, our best manual option, the Beskar Foot Massager Roller, does not have a heating function, so evaluate whether the convenience of a portable massager is worth the loss of heat power.

How You Control The Foot Massager

While some foot massagers come with a remote control (think: our best shiatsu pick, the Miko Shiatsu Foot Massager) 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. Our best percussive massager, theTheragun Sense, allows you to control the device and follow routines through an app. While it definitely takes more effort than sitting back and passively enjoying a massage, it adds an educational element to your relaxation.

Keeping Your Foot Massager Clean

Most foot massagers can be wiped down or even spot-cleaned. An open-concept foot massager, like our best pick for large feet, the Nekteck Foot Massager, is easy to wipe down with a damp cloth after every use. Similarly, our best foot spa, the Ivation Foot Spa, can be easily rinsed and scrubbed clean after you use it.

Some massagers even come with removable, washable linings, like our best overall pick, the Renpho Heated Foot Massager, and our best shiatsu massager, the Miko Shiatsu Home Foot Massager. 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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Why Trust The Spruce?

To make this list, associate commerce editor Julia Fields spent hours researching and testing foot massagers to find the best option for every recipient. She's been writing about the best gift-worthy home products for the past three years, including foot massagers, back massagers, and other self-care essentials.

As someone constantly walking the streets of New York City, Fields has tired and painful feet very often, so she knows the benefits of a great foot massage. After using nearly every option on this list, she'll never be without a foot massager in her home again.

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8 Effective and Reliable Foot Massagers, After Testing 20 (2024)
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