The one area we felt this massager could improve is its heating function; while it does keep the water warm, we noticed that it doesn’t really heat the water, and there isn’t an option for increasing the temperature. We think it will work best with already-hot water added to the tub to start.

If you’d like to combine your foot massage with a soothing foot soak, see our list of the best foot spas. When should I not use a home foot massager? The vibration option worked well but was less appealing to us than the traditional rolling massage feature. On the foot spa side of things, this massager offers a nice, deep tub that can accommodate all foot sizes, but it doesn’t take up much space. We also noted that this massager was a breeze to set up and use, with intuitive controls and smart storage. We felt relaxed and pampered by the time we were done with this massager, and we liked how it combines a traditional foot massage with a soaking spa element. Many people report the RENPHO feels more like a human touch and less mechanical than comparable products. Because it envelops your entire foot, it also offers more attention to heels and ankles — important for tight tendons. In testing, we did find this massager’s interface a little confusing at first, but since it comes with a remote, it’s still relatively easy to operate. There’s no heating element on this massager, and it’s fairly large. These types of massagers work better for people with tired, achy feet than people with chronic pain conditions since they are more like foot baths with a massaging element than dedicated foot massagers. In other words, if you need targeted therapeutic massage, opt for a traditional foot massager and not a foot spa but if you need to soothe your feet after a long day at work, a foot spa with a little extra massaging action will probably give you what you need.To narrow in on the best foot massagers, I spoke with a physical therapist, a podiatrist, and a massage therapist about what to look for in a safe and effective device. I've also included answers to a few FAQs, some shopping tips, and insight into how I tested each massager. Beret Loncar, a NYC-based massage therapist whose practice specializes in massage for medical problems, says a device like the FIT KING can minimize muscle contraction and potentially help move lymphatic fluid through the body, thereby reducing swelling by rhythmically applying small amounts of pressure. This kind of gentle pressure has been demonstrated to help with pain and swelling symptoms caused by fibromyalgia.

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 which targets different pressure points on your feet to make your whole body feel better. This type of massage is designed to improve circulation and reduce chronic pain. As such, it’s meant to be used over time to improve any condition plaguing you. While foot massagers can’t cure arthritis, they can act as a comfort device and alleviate some of your symptoms, says Dr. Feldman, who notes that many of them can decrease the inflammation associated with arthritis. Miko has the ultimate design with two separate foot champers that provide deep kneading to the sides and underneath your feet. Its soft vibrations are excellent for muscle relaxation. It’s easy to use thanks to the panel in the center where the touch buttons are located (adjust your preferred type of massage, level of vibration and heath). Miko is easy to clean (the foot opening cloth is removable and washable) and can be transported and stored anywhere (under the bed or couch). It comes with two remote controls, which makes the whole massage experience free of the need to bend and re-set it.There is one row of ridged rollers 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.

While you might think electric and expensive machines would be better, many people actually report this simple version provides more relief to their aching feet thanks to its pinpointing of trigger points and ability to manually control the pressure. It's also lightweight and small, so you can move it around the house easily and massage your feet under your WFH desk. Ivation Foot Spa: We appreciated the number of settings on this product and the deep, relaxing massage it gave, but it never really heated up the way we would have liked (and it’s bulky, making it hard to store). There are three different settings each for kneading and air compression intensity, creating a very personalized experience. There's also a warming setting to help loosen tight muscles and keep your feet cozy.Ideally, a foot massager will have a wide range of adjustable settings so you can find the intensity you need on a given day. What’s just right for one person may be way too powerful for another, so look for massagers that feature multiple intensity settings. If you’re considering a foot massager that doesn’t offer a lot of strength adjustability, see if it has a return policy so you can try it out at home; if it turns out to be too gentle or too harsh for you, you’ll be grateful you can exchange it for something that meets your needs.