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Whether you're after a relaxing spa moment or are struggling with serious arch aches and pedi pains, the best foot massagers can change the game. Massagers of all shapes, sizes, and sciences offer relief and relaxation you may not even know you need. While fan favorites range from low-tech percussive foot rollers to hi-tech heat and vibration chambers, all tools share a goal: making your feet feel better. According to Mona N. Ramani, DPM, a board-certified foot and ankle surgeon, and Erin K. Koprince, DPM, a board-certified podiatric surgeon, both of Aire Podiatry Studio in New York City, these massagers function as preventative care, too, because discomfort can indicate vulnerability to injury and further pain. So treat your tootsies right, whether to beat sore feet or prevent future hurt, and check out our roundup of the best foot massagers—plus, essential insight from board-certified podiatry experts. (And, psst, every one of these makes a great gift.)
Our Top Foot Massagers
- Best Overall: Sharper Image Shiatsu Foot Massager, $110
- Best Soak: Pursonic Foot Spa Massager, $50
- Best for Reflexology: TheraFlow Wooden Foot Massager, $26
- Most Versatile: Vibit Vibrating Foot Massager, $119
- Best Manual: Uncommon Goods Foot Sole Massager, $38
- Best for Heat Therapy: Comfier Shiatsu Foot Massager, $80
- Best Presets: Nekteck Shiatsu Foot Massager, $90
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the benefits of using a foot massager?
- How should I choose a foot massager?
- Meet the experts
- How we test and review products
- Our staff and testers
Best Overall: Sharper Image Shiatsu Foot Massager
Why it's worth it: Sharper Image's Shiatsu Foot Massager is the whole package: air compression, heat, and deep kneading with 12 massage heads and ample customizability. But even though there's a definitively hi-tech vibe, it's not at the expense of coziness. Nay, the roomy foot pockets are big enough to wear with socks without being overly snug and are lined with a soft, washable, removable fabric interior if you want to go (foot) commando. It soothes, alleviates pain, and just feels plain old good.
Weight: 1 lb. | Materials: plastic | Who it's for: everyone
Best Soak: Pursonic Foot Spa Massager with Tea Tree Oil Foot Salt Scrub
Why it's worth it: Kind of like living in the back room of your favorite spa, Purisonic's Foot Spa Massager is ready for your tootsies whenever they desire. It combines the best parts of a foot bath—soothing aches, relieving toenail pain, and reducing foot odor—with the bliss of a massage. A built-in heater keeps the bubble-jet spiked water warm while the accompanying tea tree–infused salt scrub exfoliates and moisturizes your feet. Plus, a salt soak can be particularly helpful for people with bunions.
Weight: 4 lbs | Materials: plastic | Who it's for: people with toenail pain and foot odor
Best for Reflexology: TheraFlow Wooden Foot Massager
Why it's worth it: Let's get back to basics: The TheraFlow Wooden Foot Massager is all about that wood, baby. A dream for anyone with plantar fasciitis (a.k.a that stubborn inflammation in the thick band of tissue running from your heel to your toes), its wooden rows are designed for reflexology (the science of stimulating pressure points to promote relaxation), improving blood circulation that radiates beyond your feet. You'll likely notice less swelling, too. It's also the perfect under-desk companion if you work from home—kind of like a fidget spinner for your feet. When stress hits, roll your soles over the arched massager and feel that instant pain relief.
Weight: 1.6 lbs | Materials: wood | Who it's for: people who want a manual option
Most Versatile: Vibit Vibrating Foot Massager
Why it's worth it: Like the love child of an electric and percussive massager, the Vibit Foot Massager delivers the best of both worlds. It combines soothing vibrations with a textured roller exterior, giving you a deep, targeted massage. With three speed settings and one pulsation massage mode, you can use it stationary or manually roll it up and down your foot for extra relief. Once your tired feet are satisfied, don't stop there—the Vibit works wonders on your neck, back, and shins, too—similar to a massage gun. Just charge it up with a USB-C for 120 minutes of relaxation. And if it runs out of juice? Fear not. The physical trigger points still work battery-free.
Size: 1.9 lbs | Materials: rubber | Who it's for: people who want a versatile option
Best Manual: Uncommon Goods Handmade Foot Sole Massager
Why it's worth it: Uncommon Goods's Foot Sole Massager is giving "zen garden." With two Finnish soapstone balls nestled in a cork base, this tool delivers a tender but firm massage while letting you control the pressure. The coolest part? The soapstone balls retain heat like a dream—place them in a bowl of hot water for a few minutes before use. Soak both at once, but massage with one at a time, swapping them out when you're ready for a fresh dose of warmth. Between the deep relief of tired muscles and the minimalist aesthetic, this one's a winner.
Weight: N/A | Materials: cork, soapstone | Who it's for: people who want a manual option
Best for Heat Therapy: Comfier Shiatsu Foot Massager
Why it's worth it: The Comfier Shiatsu Foot Massager is sleek, versatile, and ready to pamper. With heat therapy, massage rollers, and a deeply satisfying squeeze that reaches up to the ankles, it delivers full-foot relief at the press of a button (or two or three). Customizable vibration speeds, temperatures, and pressure levels let you tailor the experience to your exact needs, and the settings of each foot pocket can be adjusted independently—perfect if one foot needs a little extra TLC. A dream for anyone on their feet all day, it feels especially magical when you're posted up on the couch, binging your favorite show.
Weight: 6.7 lbs | Materials: plastic | Who it's for: people who want heated foot massage therapy
Best Presets: Nekteck Foot Massager
Why it's worth it: We love the presets on the Neckteck Foot Massager because they make it effortless to get your best massage yet—without the guesswork. But if you're more of a DIY-er (love), you can fine-tune the air pressure intensity level, speed, and vibration controls to your liking. Heads-up, though: when testing out the higher intensity settings, Neckteck recommends wearing thick socks to ease into the deep pressure. And if your feet are extra sensitive, this pick might be a bit strong for you.
Weight: 5 lbs | Materials: plastic | Who it's for: people who want presets
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of using a foot massager?
"As a foot doctor for over 15 years, I can attest to the incredible health benefits of a foot massage," says Casey Ann Pidich, MD, a New York City-based podiatrist. "Foot massage can help improve foot function and well-being, such as strengthening intrinsic foot muscles, which helps maintain balance." So naturally, when you have a massager on deck, at-home foot care and relief are always within reach. Dr. Pidich adds that foot massagers are especially beneficial for people who experience swelling and soreness after a long day of standing. Tools with heat functions can take muscle relaxation even further.
Mona N. Ramani, DPM, a board-certified foot and ankle surgeon, and Erin K. Koprince, DPM, a board-certified podiatric surgeon, both of Aire Podiatry Studio in New York City, agree. "We love a good foot massage, and not just because it feels good, but because there are tons of therapeutic benefits. Everyone knows a massage relaxes the tissues, but it does so by increasing the blood flow," they share. “Our blood contains oxygen and nutrients that can heal injured tissues, reduce swelling, and improve circulation.”
Dr. Ramani and Dr. Koprince also emphasize the importance of tuning in to your body. "Tension is not a normal state of being and is often a precursor to injury if ignored. The benefits of a foot massage can help to prevent injury and improve the health of our feet." So when you find yourself getting used to consistent foot pain or discomfort, remind yourself you and your feet deserve better.
How should I choose a foot massager?
With so many foot massagers on the market, narrowing your options can be daunting. But, just like choosing a beauty or hair product, it helps to start with your specific concerns. "We recommend a massager that will allow you to adjust the intensity of the massage to your preferences, which will decrease the risk of injury and enhance the therapeutic benefits," Dr. Ramani and Dr. Koprice note.
The two main categories are electric massagers and manual massagers. "Electric massagers with kneading, rolling, or air compression functions provide a hands-free experience and are ideal for deeper, consistent pressure," Dr. Pidich notes, whereas "manual massagers, like rollers or acupressure balls, are budget-friendly and suitable for targeted relief but require some effort."While Dr. Ramani and Dr. Koprice vouch for the benefits of electric foot massagers, they also emphasize the value of ease of use and portability. "Manual massagers tend to be the favorite for portability—electric massagers are typically bulkier and harder to use on the go," they point out. “Manual massagers are more affordable, easy to use, and allow you to control the pressure and intensity.”
Finding your perfect foot massager may take some trial and error—but the errors still feel pretty darn good.
Meet the experts
- Casey Ann Pidich, MD, a New York City-based podiatrist and author of Dr. Glass Slipper
- Mona N. Ramani, DPM, a board-certified foot and ankle surgeon at Aire Podiatry Studio in New York City
- Erin K. Koprince, DPM, a board-certified podiatric surgeon at Aire Podiatry Studio in New York City
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