Best Foot Massagers – 2022 Review Guide

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If you are looking for foot pain relief with a foot massager, you might agree with this statement:

Best Foot Massagers Review Guides

Sorting through all of the foot massager options out there can make selecting the best foot massager for you a difficult process, especially if you are looking to get the best value for your money.

With all of the foot massager brands on the market, it is easy to feel overwhelmed with finding the right foot massager for your circumstances. To help people with foot pain, I have put together this article to summarize the foot massager options out there to help others save time and money.

Best Foot Massagers

Is it worth spending money on a nice foot massager or will a cheaper one be good enough? Does the quality of the massage provided really differ between foot massager brands? Read on to learn what features differentiate the various foot massager brands out there and to see which massagers met the criteria to be listed in this article as one of the best foot massagers on the market today.

1. Miko Shiatsu Foot Massager – Editor’s Choice

The Miko Shiatsu Foot Massager considers itself a foot massager that brings the spa experience of getting a foot massage to the home.

The Miko Shiatsu Foot Massager has five different settings that offer increasing levels of intensity. This foot massager relaxes the feet with vibrations and deep kneading action and also has a heat setting for an added level of relaxation for your tired feet. Simply use the control panel to dial in your custom settings and relax. The Miko Shiatsu Foot Massager utilizes air pressure to encase your feet (both the bottoms and the sides) which, in itself, is relaxing even while it helps the massaging elements reach all parts of your foot. To top it all off, the included wireless remotes help you adjust settings as needed without having to bend over and strain your back.

Most people start off using the Miko Shiatsu Foot Massager 20-30 minutes per day and then work up from there. The Mike Shiatsu Foot Massager may offer a variety of traditional medical benefits classically associated with a foot massage. Fortunately, the covers can be taken off and cleaned / washed in the event that you have sweaty feet.

The Miko Shiatsu Foot Massager uses a standard plug for power and will automatically shut off if not used for 15 minutes. Despite having separate chambers for each of your feet, this foot massager is quite small. Weighing in at under 13 pounds, it is compact and can be tucked away without a huge footprint after use.

One great aspect of the Miko Shiatsu Foot Massager is that it has traditionally featured a nice warranty. If you don’t like it, you have up to one year to get a refund.

The Miko Shiatsu Foot Massager provides powerful kneading action which might be too much for sensitive feet.

Even at its lowest setting, the Miko Shiatsu Foot Massager provides an intense kneading action. People with sensitive feet may want to look at other foot massagers as this foot massager might border on painful. Also, people with large feet (size 12 and greater) might feel cramped in this foot massager given how it encloses the feet structurally and with the added air pressure. Nonetheless, the Miko Shiatsu Foot Massager is a great option for most people with a full set of features that will help relax even the most painful feet.

Summary Points
The Miko Shiatsu Foot Massager is a great, all-inclusive foot massager with a wide range of features.
Pros
  • Deep-kneading and Shiatsu massage capabilities that hit hard to reach spots of your foot.
  • Risk-free, money-back warranty for up to one year.
Cons
  • The kneading action might be too powerful for people with sensitive feet.
  • Large feet might feel cramped in this foot massager.

2. Brookstone F4 Shiatsu Foot Massager – Top Foot Massage Quality

The Brookstone F4 Shiatsu Foot Massager brings Brookstone’s sophisticated engineering and modern design into a well-regarded foot massager.

The Brookstone F4 Shiatsu Foot Massager offers three different massage programs that utilize both Shiatsu and compression-style foot massages to knead and squeeze the fatigue out of your feet. The rolling massage feature will stimulate and relax the bottoms of your feet. The quality of the massage is high and some might even say that it provides the best quality massage of any foot massager out there. Like many other high-quality foot massagers, the Brookstone F4 Shiatsu Foot Massager also includes a heating feature to juice up your massage experience.

The Brookstone F4 Shiatsu Foot Massager, like most Brookstone products, is sleek in design. The power cord tucks away nicely and the linings can be washed as needed. It is also portable, enabling you to store it away when you are done with it. This foot massage machine is also quite durable and will take many rounds of use without breaking down. This foot massager is also backed by a 1 year warranty from Brookstone.

The Brookstone F4 Shiatsu Foot Massager, like most Brookstone products, comes at a premium price.

Surprisingly, the Brookstone F4 Shiatsu Foot Massager does not include a remote control to let you change settings during a session without bending over. People looking for a massager that hits the top of the foot will want to look elsewhere as this foot massager simply provides limited compression on the tops. And, while the Brookstone F4 Shiatsu Foot Massager is a high-quality device, it is also expensive, even when compared to foot massagers with comparable features.

Summary Points
If the higher price point does not turn you away, take a good look at the Brookstone F4 Shiatsu Foot Massager for an excellent foot massaging device.
Pros
  • Lovely design and look.
  • Powerful, high-quality foot massage experience.
Cons
  • Would benefit from the addition of a remote control.
  • On the expensive end of the top foot massagers.

3. Belmint Shiatsu Foot Massager

The Belmint Shiatsu Foot Massager with Switchable Heat Function is a cozy warm option that offers a nice foot massage focused on the arches, ball and toes of the feet. The Belmint Shiatsu Foot Massager prides itself on a unique Shiatsu technique that kneads deeply into the feet to help relieve sore spots and knots. Featuring five different settings, the massage experience is akin to running a spiked ball massager rotating along the bottom of your feet. The massage experience is rejuvenating for most people and the kneading action helps spread and relax tendons in the feet.

People with flat feet might find this foot massager to suit them well. The Belmint Shiatsu Foot Massager also provides an optional heating feature to warm your feet. Heating takes place with a simple click and there is only one heat setting on this machine.

Like most foot massagers with this style of design, the Belmint Shiatsu Foot Massager can be taken apart and washed. To help save power, this foot massager machine has an off button and will shut off by itself in a short period of time when not being used. The company behind the Belmint Shiatsu Foot Massager stands by its product and offers a full refund within 1 year if you are not satisfied with your purchase of this foot massager.

The Belmint Shiatsu Foot Massager with Switchable Heat Function does not work well on heels.

The Belmint Shiatsu Foot Massager is mostly designed to massage the bottom of the foot. For most people, and particularly people with bigger feet the heels will not be massaged when using this foot massager. People with really big feet (greater than size 12) will not be able to use this foot massager at all. The Belmint Shiatsu Foot Massager with Switchable Heat Function does not have a remote control but does have a tappable toe button to control its settings. People with sensitive feet may also find the pressure to be too hard at times.

Summary Points
The Belmint Shiatsu Foot Massager with Switchable Heat Function offers a nice kneading massage focused on the front half of the foot.
Pros
  • Shiatsu-style action delivers good quality massage to the arches, ball and toes of the foot.
  • Nice, low profile design.
Cons
  • Will not massage the tops of the feet.
  • Not suitable for people with large feet.

4. Reflex 4 Foot & Calf Shiatsu Massager – Best Foot & Calf Massager

The Human Touch Reflex-4 Foot and Calf Shiatsu Massager comes to market from Human Touch – a company that has been producing wellness products for over three decades.

The Reflex-4 Foot and Calf Shiatsu Massager is a combination calf and foot massager. Angled to enable the lower extremities to be embraced by the massager, the Reflex-4 Foot and Calf Shiatsu Massager utilizes a proprietary massaging technology for the purpose of replicating the experience of being massaged by a trained person. Once positioned using the tilting mechanism, the calf massaging system generates a rolling force from the feet and up the calves to help simulate the body’s venous system and return blood to the heart and lungs. The calf inserts are fairly spacious and will accommodate people with wider calves. The rollers under the feet help relax the heels and the balls of the feet. A typical massage cycle on this machine will last 15 minutes.

Massage programs – four in total – on the Reflex-4 Foot and Calf Shiatsu Massager can be controlled with a few touches using the built-in control panel. The massage experience is built around the rollers and does not use air compression. Thoughtful design has gone into making the Reflex-4 Foot and Calf Shiatsu Massager useful around the house or office. Special floor protectors on the underside of the foot massager help dull any noises that might occur while using this massager on a hard surface like a wood floor. The inserts can be removed whenever they start to get dirty and need to be washed.

The Reflex-4 Foot and Calf Shiatsu Massager is heavy and does not have a heating option.

At over 25 pounds, the The Reflex-4 Foot and Calf Shiatsu Massager is on the heavy side. Fortunately, it does have a built-in handle which helps maneuver the machine around. Unfortunately, there is no heating option built into this massager. It also does not include a remote although the control panel is built into the top of the machine. Some might also find the calf pressure to be significant, particularly if one has sensitive calf muscles. However, if you are looking for a combined calf and foot massager, the Reflex-4 Foot and Calf Shiatsu Massager has a lot to like.

Summary Points
The Reflex-4 Foot and Calf Shiatsu Massager is a great option for a foot and calf massager that simulates a real massage experience.
Pros
  • Unique massaging process that emulates the body’s circulatory system.
  • Roller design penetrates deep into foot and calf muscles.
Cons
  • Lacks a heating feature and can be painful for people with sensitive calves.
  • Heavier weight restricts its use as a portable massager.

5. HoMedics Shiatsu Select Foot Massager

HoMedics, a large, consumer health company, has brought to market its own foot massager, the HoMedics Shiatsu Select Foot Massager with Heat. This foot massaging machine is an apparent upgrade to the previous HoMedics model, the Homedics FMS-270H Deep Kneading Shiatsu Foot Massager.

The HoMedics Shiatsu Select Foot Massager provides a Shiatshu foot massage utilizing twelve massage nodes in conjunction with four heads. The HoMedics Shiatsu Select Foot Massager also provides heat with the massage experience with a simple touch on the control panel with your toe.

With its open design, the HoMedics Shiatsu Select Foot Massager is a nice option for people with large feet or people who like to customize their foot placement while getting a foot massage. Also, if you find the tops of closed foot massagers to be irritating when they squeeze down, the open style of this foot massager just might be for you. While it takes more work to use this foot massager, the low price is worth it to many people.

The HoMedics Shiatsu Select Foot Massager is somewhat loud.

People used to foot massages might find that the knobs built into the HoMedics Shiatsu Select Foot Massager are on the smaller side. Also, this foot massager is on the loud side from a noise standpoint.

Summary Points
The HoMedics Shiatsu Select Foot Massager is a good value for an open foot massager that offers nice massages and heating functionality.
Pros
  • Open design is usable by people with all feet sizes.
  • Good value for a foot massager with heating capability.
Cons
  • Loud operating sound can interfere with relaxation.
  • Massaging surface might feel small to some people.

6. TheraFlow Dual Foot Massager Roller – Best Roller Foot Massager

While most of the foot massagers reviewed here are electric foot massagers, the TheraFlow Dual Foot Massager Roller is one non-electric foot massager to consider if you are looking for a more natural foot massage experience through a roller foot massager.

Weighing under two pounds, the TheraFlow Dual Foot Massager Roller is made of Theaceae wood constructed into this durable, solid foot massage roller unit. Indoors or outdoors, standing or sitting, the The TheraFlow Dual Foot Massager Roller is ready to help you sneak some relaxation into your aching feet. Looking at the TheraFlow Dual Foot Massager Roller, one can see a bowed design that helps get into the arches of your feet.

After use, the TheraFlow Dual Foot Massager Roller can be wiped clean with a sanitary wipe although just wearing socks might accomplish the same purpose. Historically, the company behind the TheraFlow Dual Foot Massager Roller has offered an unheard of lifetime guarantee for defects and damages.

The TheraFlow Dual Foot Massager Roller can make a distracting squeaky noise at times when being used.

The TheraFlow Dual Foot Massager Roller does smell when fresh out of the package but, in most units, this smell should clear over time. Also, there are reports that specific models of the TheraFlow Dual Foot Massager Roller become squeaky as the rollers are used, leading to a slightly annoying noise while getting a foot massage. Some lubricating oil might help in these situations.

Summary Points
For the price, the TheraFlow Dual Foot Massager Roller will get you an excellent foot massaging experience that you can take with you everywhere.
Pros
  • Backed by a lifetime guarantee for damage.
  • Light, portable and versatile foot massaging experience.
Cons
  • No heating capability given the lack of power.
  • Some units might start squeaking after frequent use.

7. Nekteck Foot Massager – Best for Flat Feet

The Nekteck Foot Massager Kneading Shiatsu Therapy Plantar Massage with Built in Infrared Heat Function is another value foot massager option that packages kneading Shiatsu massage into a relatively no-frills foot massage experience.

As the name implies, the Nekteck Foot Massager offers both Shiatsu massage functionality and heating. The massage functionality is powered by 18 massage nodes that utilize 6 different massage heads. With this construction, this foot massager will provide deep kneading pressure (no vibration) into the soles of your feet over a recommended cycle of 20 minutes. This foot massager is quiet and will appeal to people who want a foot massage in silence. The added heating capability is infrared and can be switched on and off as desired. The control panel utilizes a toe-based control system.

One nice user feature on this foot massager is that it adjusts in height. Find the best of one of three height settings for you to give yourself a little more customization around your massage experience. This foot massager should be used while sitting as standing on it is likely to break it.

The Nekteck Foot Massager has an attractive look and includes a handle for easier portability. At under 10 pounds, it is lightweight and easy to manage. When you are done, just press the off button and you can fold the power cord away into the cord compartment for easy cleanup. The Nekteck Foot Massager includes a one year warranty in the event that your specific model has an issue.

The Nekteck Foot Massager is not meant for people with high arches.

The Nekteck Foot Massager is meant for people with flat feet. If you have high arches, this foot massager is not for you. Also, the Nekteck Foot Massager requires that you turn it off manually and will stay on if you forget to hit the switch.

Summary Points
The Nekteck Foot Massager is a nice value foot massager suitable for people with flat feet.
Pros
  • Silent operation in spite of deep massage capability.
  • Portable and includes a handle for easy carrying.
Cons
  • Not a good option for people with high arches.
  • Could use an automatic shut off feature.

8. Miko Foot Massager Reflexology Machine – Comprehensive Foot Massager

The Miko Foot Massager Reflexology Machine is a sophisticated machine that not only provides a foot massage but is designed to loosen up all parts of your lower extremities. Used in medical and clinical settings as well as in homes, the Miko Foot Massager Reflexology Machine is a more complete massager for people looking for a more comprehensive solution and one with an emphasis on reflexology.

The Miko Foot Massager Reflexology Machine features a variety of massage programs and utilizes Shiatsu / kneading techniques, vibratory massage and heat to help restore your lower extremity health. Starting at the lowest pressure setting, this foot massager and reflexology machine will let you work your way up to more intense settings. The open design and numerous rollers enables this massager to hit all parts of your foot – high arches or not – and can accommodate people with larger feet. The compression bags within the machine will also fill with air, squeeze your legs and helping return blood to your heart for detoxification.

The Miko Foot Massager Reflexology Machine accomplishes a deep, customizable massage through the use of 3 programmed modes and 5 different pressure settings. This massager features a whopping 40 massage nodes – 16 deep tissue bidrectional nodes and 24 rolling nodes. If the massage is too intense for you, you can also switch on the vibration mode for a slightly more relaxed foot massage experience.

To use the Miko Foot Massager Reflexology Machine on lower extremity areas other than your feet, just manipulate the adjustable bar. Turn on some heat and feel it wrap around your feet to 120 degrees Fahrenheit to enjoy added relaxation to your tendons and ligaments.

The company behind the Miko Foot Massager Reflexology Machine wants you to be fully satisfied or get your money back. Miko has historically included a one year warranty with some limited components for this massage product.

Some might find the Miko Foot Massager Reflexology Machine to be too bulky and . expensive.

As you might have guessed, the Miko Foot Massager Reflexology Machine is on the high end of pricing when compared to other high-end foot massagers given all of the features that it packs into this machine. Also, it is not the easiest foot massager to move around given its bulky size.

Summary Points
The Miko Foot Massager Reflexology Machine is a more complete massage solution for people looking for a lower extremity massage device.
Pros
  • Adjustable to enable massage of other parts of your lower extremities.
  • Wide range of massage styles to suit most needs.
Cons
  • All this functionality comes at a higher price point.
  • Bulky and not very portable.

9. Mynt Haven Shiatsu Foot Massager – Shiatsu Foot Massage for Small Feet

If you have small feet and are looking for a foot massager to replicate a Shiatsu foot massage, check out the Mynt Haven Foot Massager. The Mynt Haven Foot Massager is an innovative electric foot massager engineered to deliver a Shiatsu style unique tapping foot massage experience.

The Mynt Haven Foot Massager features over 20 massage heads that combine its tapping massage capabilities with air pressure massage rollers to deliver a comprehensive foot massage experience to all parts of the foot. Utilizing the embedded controls, you can also customize your foot massage experience to focus on what you want, or use one of three programmed modes to refresh your feet.

The Mynt Haven Foot Massager also has a heat setting to enhance the massage experience. Utilizing a special heating design, this foot massager can reach 113 degrees Fahrenheit – a temperature which is suitable for foot relaxation – during its standard 20 minute cycle.

The Mynt Haven Foot Massager is relatively durable and the fabric within the massage pockets can be removed for easy cleaning in a washing machine. The ease of cleaning especially helps if multiple users are utilizing the machine at once. The Mynt Haven Foot Massager foot massager also includes a nice two-year warranty which is longer that many other foot massagers on the market.

The Mynt Haven Foot Massager is not suitable for people with large feet.

The Mynt Haven Foot Massager, because of its design, has constraints in terms of the feet size it can accommodate. Specifically, people with feel larger than 11 (US sizing) will find that the foot massage sleeves are too tight. Also, the Mynt Haven Foot Massager lacks a remote control, requiring one to bend down during a massage to change settings.

Summary Points
The Mynt Haven Foot Massager delivers a tapping foot massage experience for people with smaller feet.
Pros
  • Delivers unique Shiatsu-style tapping foot massage.
  • Excellent, two-year warranty.
Cons
  • Not suitable for people with larger feet.
  • Lacks a remote control to adjust settings.

10. MedMassager MMF06 11 Speed Foot Massager  – Best Foot Massager for Big Feet

Primarily designed for use in clinical practices for improving lower extremity circulation, the MedMassager MMF06 11 Speed Foot Massager is now also available for direct public purchase.

The MedMassager MMF06 11 Speed Foot Massager is a powerful foot massager, hitting speeds almost as high as 4,000 rpm. This electric foot massager uses a variety of massage techniques, including pulsing and kneading as well as a rolling motion to stimulate the feet. Pick from of the included massage programs installed in the software to have an expert-guided foot massage experience. To work your calf and achilles tendon, you can also tip the foot massage surface forward for an added leg massage. Because of it’s open design, the MedMassager MMF06 11 Speed Foot Massager is good for people with larger feet.

The MedMassager MMF06 11 Speed Foot Massager is made in an ISO 9000-2001 manufacturing facility and is constructed to be durable over long periods of time. FDA and CSA certified, the company behind the MedMassager MMF06 11 Speed Foot Massager also provides a one year warranty (an optional lifetime warranty is also available at an additional cost in the event that the foot massager has issues. And while this foot massager looks large at first glance, it is actually relatively compact for easy storage.

The MedMassager MMF06 11 Speed Foot Massager lacks a heating feature and can cause excessive noise in small spaces.

The MedMassager MMF06 11 Speed Foot Massager lacks a heating option which is a drawback for anyone looking for that feature in their foot massager. And, because this foot massager is quite powerful, it can lead to floor vibrations when in use and cause loud noises in the level below. People who live in apartment buildings with neighbors below might want to look for a quieter foot massager to avoid complaints.

Summary Points
The MedMassager MMF06 11 Speed Foot Massager is a very powerful foot massager which also can massage the calves.
Pros
  • Tilt feature enables achilles tendon and calf massage.
  • Open design is good for people with large feet.
Cons
  • Lacks a built-in heating option.
  • Powerful vibrations might cause excessive noise in lower floor levels.

11. Cloud Massage Foot Massage Machine – Most Massage Positions

The Cloud Massage Foot Massage Machine and Shiatsu Massager is a medical-grade shiatsu foot massager that packs a lot of features into a solid foot massage machine.

The Cloud Massage Foot Massage Machine utilizes a shiatsu-style massage to knead your feet and also your ankles and calves via the rolling massage balls. With various pressure levels, the Cloud Massage Foot Massage Machine also offers a compression feature and vibration massage for people looking for a less intense experience. And, the included heat setting will amp up your foot massage when you need it.

Unlike other foot massagers that might constrain you to getting massaged at a specific angle, the Cloud Massage Foot Massage Machine can be angled to deliver your massage at an angle that is comfortable to you. Like most foot massage machines, it is recommended that you start at the lowest setting and work to more intense settings as tolerated.

The Cloud Massage Foot Massage machine feels well-built and durable. Also, if the Cloud Massage Foot Massage Machine ends up not being right for you, it fortunately comes with a money-back guarantee to minimize the risk of trying it out.

The Cloud Massage Foot Massage Machine is not meant for people with sensitive feet.

There is a lot to like about the Cloud Massage Foot Massage Machine but people with sensitive feet may find that the pressure settings are too intense – even at the lowest setting. Also, from there, the highest setting is not really a whole lot different. Nonetheless, given the numerous angles and settings, the Cloud Massage Foot Massage Machine is a good choice for people looking for a customizable foot and calf massage experience.

Summary Points
The Cloud Massage Foot Massage Machine is a medical-grade foot and lower leg massager offers a variety of massage types and positions.
Pros
  • Adjustable bar allows for getting massaged in a variety of positions.
  • Medical-grade massage with vibration, compression and heat settings.
Cons
  • Pressure settings be too painful for people with sensitive feet.

12. Gideon Quilted Shiatsu Foot Massager – Cold Weather Foot Massager

If you live or work in a cold environment and are looking for a little escape, take a look at the Gideon Quilted Shiatsu Foot Massager + Cozy Heated Foot & Toe Warmer.

The Gideon Quilted Shiatsu Foot Massager is designed with warmth in mind and has large, warm pockets for your feet to get spoiled for a while. Made from plush fleece fabric, the foot pockets are like cozy mittens. With 8 separate massage points, the Gideon Shiatsu Foot Massager delivers a Shiatsu-type massage that can help relieve pain related to foot conditions. The heating feature can be enabled while getting a massage or used separately as a way to warm your feet and increase blood flow to them. Fortunately, the fleece foot pockets can be easily removed and machine washed.

One of the best features of the Gideon Shiatsu Foot Massager is that it can be used to massage other parts of the body in addition to the feet. To do so, all you have to do is remove the top foot fabric and then orient the massager to massage other desired body parts such as your legs or back.

The Gideon Shiatsu Foot Massager also comes with a remote control (attached via a cord) to control the massage action without having to bend over and do it.

The Gideon Shiatsu Foot Massager does not massage the tops of the feet well.

The Gideon Shiatsu Foot Massager is primarily focused on massaging the bottom of the feet. People needing a more comprehensive foot massage, especially on the tops of the feet, will want to look at other foot massagers as doing so with this foot massager requires some contortionism. People who like high heats may also find the heating setting (only one) to be not warm enough for their liking.

Summary Points
The Gideon Quilted Shiatsu Foot Massager is a good value foot massager for people who love to warm their feet.
Pros
  • Innovative design enables use as a massager for all parts of the body.
  • Good value for a heat-focused foot massager.
Cons
  • Difficult to massage the tops of the feet.
  • Heating element does not get as hot as higher end foot massagers.

Best Foot Massagers – An Overview

For thousands of years, taking care of our feet after a long day of using them has been a tradition across all cultures. From bathing them in water or salt baths to the ultimate luxury of a long foot massage from an expert, foot health can help improve walking health, posture, and one’s general well-being in addition to helping with certain acute and chronic health conditions.

In modern day life, many people forget to take care of their feet. Crammed into uncomfortable shoes for long periods of time, our feet get abused by long work days spent standing and using our feet day after day. The aches and pains that accumulate in our tired feet can compound into more severe health problems with ongoing neglect, including plantar fasciitis, neuropathy and other conditions. Foot massage may also help reduce anxiety and stress levels and help patients with post-operative pain.

The home foot massager is an excellent way to bring foot health into your weekly – or even daily – health and relaxation regimen. Getting the best foot massager for you might seem complicated but there are many good quality foot massagers that will be helpful to most people (and certainly better than doing nothing). From the simplest wooden roller massage to a sophisticated electronic calf and foot massage and reflexology machine, there are lots of ways that the average person can treat their feet so that they stay healthy in the years to come.

Foot Massages – The Benefits & Science

Why does a foot massage feel so good? Assuming you are one of the people who enjoys getting your feet massaged (i.e. it does not feel like it is getting tickled), the foot massage experience does provide some tangible benefits.

Promotes relaxation
Holistically, the experience of getting a foot massage promotes an overall sense of relaxation. The act of unpacking a part of your body that has been cramped and working hard all day starts that process. Then, just having someone or something take hold of your foot and focus attention on it helps us realize that the day is done and it is time to focus on our own well-being.

Improves circulation
Most people spend their days standing or sitting upright. Because of gravity, blood and fluids tend to flow downward as we work and play upright, leading to fluid collecting in our legs and feet by the end of the day. Some of those fluids do get returned through the actions of skeletal muscles contracting as we use them. In some people, however, this fluid “dependency” problem is so severe that their legs are noticeably swollen and the skin will depress when pushed. While lying down during sleep periods helps to redistribute the fluids to where they need to go, it may not always do the trick. A foot massage is an excellent way to help boost the process of returning fluids – often full of toxins and cellular waste products – back to the heart and lungs for purification.

Relieves tension and fatigue
While the foot looks like a flat surface, it is one of the most complex and tissue-dense parts of the body. Did you know that there are more than 100 ligaments, muscles and tendons in the feet? Those tissues are structured by 26 bones and 33 joints, many of which are lined up against one another to provide motion. In considering the complexity of this structure of the foot, it is no surprise that our feet store lots of tension as we stress them throughout the day. Fortunately, a well-timed, focused foot massage can help relieve that tension and fatigue, helping our muscles and other structures remodel and recover more quickly.

Alleviates muscle pain
Related to relieving fatigue and tension, a good foot massage will help reduce muscle pain. Just like other muscles in the body, when the feet muscles are overworked, they are tight and tense, pulling on associated structures abnormally. Products like a good foot massager can loosen and straighten out those muscles, reducing pain that has accumulated throughout the day.

Best Foot Massage Techniques

There are different massage styles and techniques available in the foot massagers out there. Understanding the different types of massage techniques available may be useful for determining which is the best foot massager for you.

Shiatsu massage
Shiatsu foot massage styles hail from Japan. Utilizing a technique that simulates pressure from the fingers, palms and feet, Shiatsu foot massagers may feature a tapping technique to help relieve tension from your feet.

Kneading massage
Kneading massage is similar to Shiatsu massage. Instead of using tapping motions, kneading foot massages often utilize circular motions in which the massage nodes press into your foot muscles.

Compression foot massage
Compression is a technique that applies pressure around a targeted area like the feet of calves to squeeze the muscles and ligaments. The squeezing effect is what creates the desired effects.

Rolling foot massage
Rolling foot massages utilize a rolling motion. They achieve relaxation by applying a steady massage pressure up and down the muscles to help relax them.

Vibration foot massage
Vibration massage techniques are frequently incorporated into the best foot massagers. Vibration massages involve shaking the target muscles lightly or vigorously to relax the muscles.

Best Foot Massagers – Other Features

In addition to choosing foot massage techniques that are better for your feet, there are a lot of other features that one can find in a quality foot massager. When selecting the right foot massager for you, it is helpful to consider these different features to rank what is important to you and select the right foot massager brand for your needs.

Intensity Settings
Because everyone has different thresholds for pressure and pain, finding a food massager that has a range of pressure settings from very light to hard is usually a good idea. The added bonus of this is that the same person might want a light massage on their sore feet after a very hard day and a hard massage another day to work out a particular knot or cord in a specific foot muscle.

Heat
It is always nice to have the option to have heat surround your feet while getting a foot massage. Heat can relax the muscles and allow the rollers and nodes work their way into the tight muscles. There are specific settings where having heat is far more desirable that others. Anyone who lives in a cold environment or sloshes through anything cold through the day can appreciate the wonderful pleasure of sticking cold toes and feet into a warm, massaging sock as a way to end the day. Foot massagers with infrared or added heaters are nice in hot environments also but they may not be necessary and, at times, might even be uncomfortable if they cause excess sweating.

Remote Control
While not essential, having a remote control to change settings on your foot massager while in use is a nice luxury, particularly if you like using different programs during a session. While being taken away on a foot massage, the last thing most people want to do is bend over and strain their back while making a program switch.

Design
An important consideration regarding foot massager brands is how prominently your foot massager will be displayed in your home or work. Some people live in tight spaces and might not have a lot of room to put their foot massager in a closet or under a piece of furniture after use. Other people might use it so frequently that they leave it out all in the time. In both cases, the foot massager will almost become another piece of furniture and its looks and design will become important. If you fall into one of the cases, consider how well you like your foot massager’s design so that you have a massager that is pleasing to look at.

Portability
Are you the kind of person who wants a foot massager that you can take from home to the office or elsewhere? If so, make sure you look for a foot massager that is compact in size. Many foot massagers also include a built-in handle to make carrying the foot massager around much easier. As can be expected, a vital component of portability is weight. While even the heaviest foot massagers are usually under 30 pounds, that is still heavy enough to make one think twice about taking a foot massager from home to the office every day.

Price
The best foot massagers are not cheap but are not so expensive that most people could not make an investment in one when needed. If you are on a tight budget, though, there are some good value foot massager brand options that should help you relieve your foot tension. It is a good thing that great foot massager brands can be found at all price points.

Best Foot Massager – Summary Points

For most people, doing some homework to find the best foot massager for their situation is well worth the investment. Given how much time we spend on our feet all day, taking a little extra time to pamper your feet and yourself with a good foot massager will help you stay relaxed and improve your foot health. Thanks for reading and feel free to send a note if you have experiences that you would like to share on your foot massager experiences.

This information is meant for informational purposes and is not intended to be used for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes.