The 10 Best Foot Massagers of 2024, According to Podiatrists | appencode.com

The 10 Best Foot Massagers of 2024, According to Podiatrists

If you’ve ever considered investing in a foot massager but wondered if it was truly worth your money and the storage space in your bathroom or closet, it turns out the answer is, actually, a resounding yes. Feet are made up of joints, ligaments, tendons, and sensitive nerve endings which can easily become irritated from chronic foot issues (such as plantar fasciitis), the wrong shoes, or simply being on your feet all day — and that’s where foot massagers come into play.

“All of us can benefit from daily foot recovery which includes massage with an at-home foot massager,” explains Emily Splichal, D.P.M., a podiatrist based in Arizona. “The benefit of an at-home massager over other foot release tools is that it may be easier for those who have balance issues or more sensitive feet.” After consulting a podiatrist, we researched the best foot massagers on the market, judging them on features, quality, value, and overall relief. These foot massagers will ease sore muscles and have you back on your feet in no time.

Our Top Picks

BEST FOOT MASSAGER OVERALL:

Renpho Foot Massager at Amazon ($140)

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BEST FOOT MASSAGER UNDER $50:

Nekteck Foot Massager at Amazon ($50)

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BEST SHIATSU FOOT MASSAGER:

Miko Shiatsu Home Foot Massager at Walmart ($140)

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BEST HANDHELD FOOT MASSAGER:

Therabody Theragun Mini at Amazon ($199)

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BEST MULTITASKER FOOT MASSAGER:

Snailax 2-in-1 Shiatsu Foot and Back Massager at Amazon ($50)

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EASIEST FOOT MASSAGER TO CLEAN:

InvoSpa Shiatsu Foot Massager Machine with Heat at Amazon (See Price)

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BEST FOOT BATH:

Ivation Foot Spa Massager at Walmart ($90)

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BEST FOOT MASSAGER FOR PLANTAR FASCIITIS:

Best Choice Products Shiatsu Foot Massager at Amazon ($80)

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BEST FOOT MASSAGER WITH AIR PRESSURE:

Mynt Shiatsu Foot Massager Machine at Amazon (See Price)

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BEST FOOT MASSAGER FOR FEET AND LEGS:

Cloud Massage Shiatsu Foot Massager at Cloudmassage.com (See Price)

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Best Foot Massager Overall

Renpho Foot Massager

renpho-foot-massager

AMAZON

View On Amazon$140View On Walmart$140View On Renpho.com

Why We Like It: It accommodates larger feet.

It’s Worth Noting: Reviewers report that the massage and kneading is very intense.

For a totally relaxing, now-entering-“aaah”-mode experience, we chose the Renpho Foot Massager as the best foot massager overall. This massager has a rotating ball, a rolling stick, and heating options — all of which you can control with a remote. It also features three kneading and three squeeze intensities that can be easily adjusted. The result? A totally soothing foot massage that can be customized to your exact specifications. It is one of the more intense foot massagers we’ve seen, so we wouldn’t recommend this for beginners or people with sensitive feet.If you’re concerned that your feet might not fit inside, this device can accommodate up to a men’s size 12 shoe. But be warned, that extra capacity makes this foot massager a little bulkier than other options we researched. 

Best Foot Massager Under $50

Nekteck Foot Massager

Nekteck Foot Massager

AMAZON

View On Amazon$50View On Walmart$46

Why We Like It: It’s lightweight, affordable, and easy to clean.

It’s Worth Noting: This foot massager doesn’t target the tops of your feet or your calves.

This gadget’s six massage heads and 18 rotating massage nodes work together to provide deep penetration for a well-rounded massage. The open ergonomic design is super lightweight and portable, so you can bring the massager just about anywhere. The device also features a breathable fabric that’s easy to clean, and its height is fully adjustable for added convenience. You don’t even have to bend over to press an on/off button — it’s easy to operate the device with your big toe.

But the heating is really what makes this the best foot massager on a budget we researched. The heat pad feels super relaxing and helps ease sore muscles. This is also one of the most versatile foot massagers we saw. Because you don’t have to stick your feet in little sock-like holes, you can flip the device on end and use it as a back massager too. Sweet relief has never been so close (and so affordable).

Best Shiatsu Foot Massager

Miko Shiatsu Home Foot Massager

Miko Shiatsu Home Foot Massager Machine

AMAZON

View On Walmart$140View On Target$140View On Shopmiko.com

Why We Like It: It includes two wireless remotes for easy control.

It’s Worth Noting: It may not fit larger foot sizes.

This shiatsu foot massager features rolling, deep kneading, air compression, and heating functions to relieve plantar fasciitis (inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of your foot), chronic pain, muscle tension from barefoot activities, or to simply relax your tired feet. It also has two wireless remotes, so you can control it without having to move from your comfortable position.

Best Handheld Foot Massager

Therabody Theragun Mini

Theragun Mini 2.0

AMAZON

View On Amazon$199View On Target$200View On Dermstore$199

Why We Like It: You’re in charge of how much pressure you apply and where you apply it.

It’s Worth Noting: You can pair to the Therabody app via Bluetooth for personalized routines.

You may want total control over how much pressure you apply during a foot massage (especially if you have sensitive feet) — and if that’s the case, you want the Theragun Mini, the smallest and lightest of Therabody’s massage guns. This petite, handheld device packs a powerful punch despite being super light and portable. The triangle-shaped foot massager is easy to hold without getting tired or feeling strained, and the massage gun comes with three attachments to vary your pressure. If you’re not sure where to get started with percussive massage, you can pair the Theragun Mini with the Therabody app for expert guidance. 

Best Multitasker Foot Massager

Snailax 2-in-1 Shiatsu Foot and Back Massager

Amazon Snailax 2-in-1 Shiatsu Foot and Back Massager

AMAZON

View On Amazon$50

Why We Like It: It’s multi-purpose and affordable.

It’s Worth Noting: The remote control device must remain attached to the foot massager.

A super affordable pick, this shiatsu foot massager can work on your feet and your back — you simply flip it over to the smooth side and use it like a pillow behind you for a back massager dupe. It boasts eight rotating massage rollers for a deep tissue massage to relieve knots, tightness, muscle pain, and fatigue after a long day. Plus, it comes with a soothing heat function. (Check out these other best back massagers, too.)

Easiest Foot Massager to Clean

InvoSpa Shiatsu Foot Massager Machine with Heat

Amazon InvoSpa Shiatsu Foot Massager Machine with Heat

AMAZON

View On Amazon

Why We Like It: The removable feet pockets are easy to clean.

It’s Worth Noting: The heating effect is minimal and may take up to three sessions to feel a significant temperature change, according to the brand.

This foot spa features infrared heat and three adjustable intensities for deep tissue and shiatsu massages. You can choose between kneading or rolling massages, and then adjust the direction with the press of a button. There’s even an extra mode that allows you to use only air compression. The individual foot pockets are also removable and machine-washable, making cleaning a breeze (especially if you’re prone to sweaty feet).

Best Foot Bath

Ivation Foot Spa Massager

Ivation Foot Spa Massager

AMAZON

View On Walmart$90

Why We Like It: It heats up to 122 degrees and has massage rollers.

It’s Worth Noting: The bubbles are a fun aesthetic effect but don’t actually massage.

For the full at-home spa experience, you need this foot bath and foot massager combo. Fill the tub with water and watch it heat up to 122 degrees (careful — it may be a little hot). Each side has a foot roller for motorized massage, and you can add in Epsom salts or other bath oils for extra relief. We love that this foot massager comes with a few extra accessories, including a pumice stone and a cleaning brush. 

Best Foot Massager for Plantar Fasciitis

Best Choice Products Shiatsu Foot Massager

Best Choice Products Reflexology Shiatsu Foot Massager

AMAZON

View On Amazon$80View On Walmart$100View On Target$130

Why We Like It: The center screen shows the intensity and massage directions at a glance.

It’s Worth Noting: The remote can be glitchy.

You’re able to control the power, speed, and massage directions of this unit with a convenient remote, as well as see the modes on the center LCD screen. Choose to target your toes, arches, or the soles of your feet, and opt between pulsing, kneading, and rolling motions. We love it for treating pain for everything from surgery and plantar fasciitis to heel spurs, and more.

Best Foot Massager with Air Pressure

Mynt Shiatsu Foot Massager Machine

Amazon Mynt Shiatsu Foot Massager Machine

AMAZON

View On Amazon

Why We Like It: The pre-set massage programs allow you to set it and forget it.

It’s Worth Noting: The foot massager can be loud, according to reviewers.

This massager offers a shiatsu massage (thanks to a rotation ball and rolling stick), three levels of air pressure intensity, and heat therapy that can climb to an impressive 131 degrees over 20 minutes. While it works wonders for plantar fasciitis, active people (who walk or hike often) will appreciate the comfort it brings after a long day on their feet. The air pressure made this foot massager stand out for us; the rhythmic compression and decompression help loosen tense muscles even more than the rolling and kneading.

Best Foot Massager for Feet and Legs

Cloud Massage Shiatsu Foot Massager

Cloud Massage Shiatsu Foot Massager

AMAZON

View On Cloudmassage.com

Why We Like It: This foot massager also targets your ankles and calves.

It’s Worth Noting: The model that comes with a remote control is much more expensive than the model without the control.

The best part about this massager is that it has an adjustable positioning bar, so you can massage your calves and ankles (a godsend for runners with tight calves). It offers three levels of intensity and five modes for comfort, including a rolling massage, a sway function, compression, and heat therapy. A quiet mode ensures you don’t disturb your partner, roommates, or family — and you can even discreetly use it under your desk at the office without your coworkers knowing.

What to Know About Foot Massagers

  • Features: When shopping for a foot massager, consider choosing a model with a soft, cushioned surface; different massage modes; various speeds and pressure levels; a separate heat function for relaxation; easy-to-use or toe-touch controls; and an automatic shut-off.
  • Intensity: “One of the most important features of an at-home foot massager is that you can control the intensity,” adds Dr. Splichal. “Everyone has their own level of foot comfort or sensitivity, so to be able to adjust to your personal preference is important.”
  • Benefits: Foot massagers can help to improve circulation, immunity, performance, and concentration and lead to reduced aches, pains, stress, and tension. “A foot massage on a regular basis can help improve cardiovascular health by increasing blood circulation throughout the body and lessen the workload of circulation on the heart, keeping it strong and healthy,” says Miguel Cunha, D.P.M., a podiatrist and founder of Gotham Footcare. “Reducing tension in the muscles of your feet will reduce the muscular contractions of blood vessels in your feet. That will promote the circulation of oxygenated blood to the brain, and therefore improve concentration.”
  • Heads up: If you’re experiencing extreme, sharp foot pain; have open wounds; or have a stress fracture, you should avoid an at-home foot massager, says Dr. Splichal

Why Trust Shape

Rebecca Carhart is a Home and Lifestyle E-Commerce for Yahoo. She was a senior e-commerce writer and strategist at Dotdash Meredith. She has over a decade of experience researching and writing about the best products in the fashion, beauty, home, and travel spaces. She’s covered everything from comfortable clothing to anti-aging skin care to travel essentials.

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