Using foot massagers is a good way to relax after spending a long day at work. However, did you know that constantly using a foot massager can offer multiple health benefits? In the first part of the following article, we present the best foot massagers of 2021. In the second part of the article, we explain how each feature of the foot massager will influence your experience, and how to find the right model for your needs.
We’re certain that after reading the foot massager reviews and the comprehensive buying guide we prepared, you’ll have no problems making an informed decision on which is the best model for you.
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The Benefits of Foot Massage
Getting regular foot massages can offer a lot of benefits. Foot massages are refreshing and good for you. These benefits include, but are not limited to:
- Relaxation
- Improved Blood Circulation
- Pain Relief
- Nerve Stimulation
- Warming Your Feet
Why Do You Need a Foot Massager?
You might be wondering what foot massagers are good for. Well, in the following section we explain when specialists recommend using such a machine.
Relaxation
One of the first things you’ll notice after using a foot massager is how relaxed your muscles feel. Most of us nowadays spend a lot of time sitting or standing. Neither of these scenarios is good for our feet.
When we spend a lot of time sitting, our blood circulation is somewhat slow to reach our feet, so our feet might seem cold all the time. On the other hand, standing and walking a lot can lead to swollen or sore feet. Using a foot massager will work the muscles in your feet, and it has a relaxing effect.Poor Blood Circulation
Poor blood circulation in the feet can be determined by many conditions that can be the result of your life choices or different health conditions. People who spend a lot of time sitting usually experience poor blood circulation because they don’t move around as much as they should. However, even people who are active can experience poor foot circulation from time to time. Using a foot massager will stimulate your foot blood circulation, and it will make your feet warmer. Here’s how they do it.
When the massager works the muscles in your feet, the muscles warm up much as they would when you engage in physical activity. Thanks to the muscle activation, more blood reaches your muscles. The increased blood flow will bring more oxygen and nutrients to your feet muscles, so it will help them stay warm in the long run.
The effects of a foot massage can be enhanced by using the heated massage feature. Not only will this feature warm up your feet, but it will also make your blood vessels dilate, allowing more blood to reach them at once.
Neuropathy
People who suffer from chronic diseases such as diabetes can develop neuropathy over time. Foot massagers counter these symptoms by stimulating the nerves in the soles of your feet, reducing nerve pain, and easing your aches. This nerve stimulation can eliminate the numbness and tightness you might feel if you suffer from neuropathy.
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition when the tissue on the bottom of one or both feet becomes inflamed. People who suffer from plantar fasciitis need to treat it because they risk changing their posture and walking position otherwise. Luckily, you can use a foot massager to treat this condition in the comfort of your own home. If the plantar fasciitis determined pains or aches in the sides or arches of your feet, you should find a massager model that’s capable of targeting those areas as well.
Headaches
As you most likely know, the soles of your feet are covered in pressure points that can have different effects. These pressure points in feet are used in reflexology to relieve pain and promote relaxation. If you want to experience the full benefits these pressure points can offer, you should look for a model that provides a thorough kneading or shiatsu massage. Targeting the pressure points close to your toes can alleviate your headaches and reduce their frequency.
Running Aches
People who run over long distances and those who just start running are prone to experience running aches. Depending on the quality of your running equipment and your muscles’ status, you might experience running aches sooner or later. A foot massager can eliminate the tightness in your muscles and have a relaxing effect. Some people might experience muscle tightness in their calves as well as their feet after running. Luckily, some foot massager models can target those muscles as well.
Arthritis
Arthritis represents the inflammation of the joints. It can either be chronic or acute, and it can lead to swollen feet and fluid retention in your limbs. Using a foot massager can alleviate the symptoms of arthritis. If you suffer from this condition and you’re looking for a foot massager, you should look for a model that comes with a heated massage feature and it’s capable of providing a thorough kneading massage. Using both of these features will improve your arthritis and reduce your pain.
Bunions
People suffering from bunions experience constant pain in their feet. Because of hereditary or non-hereditary conditions, their big toes are pulled in towards their other toes, and that can be very unpleasant. Foot massagers can relax the muscles in the soles and sides of your feet, and they can improve this condition. If you’re suffering from bunions and you’re looking for a foot massager, look for a model that can massage both the soles and sides of your feet and that’s capable of providing a shiatsu massage.
Lower Back Pain
People suffering from lower back pain can benefit from foot massages. Sometimes the lower back pain is caused by a poor posture. The poor posture can be determined by pains and aches in your legs and feet. Using a foot massager can relieve the pain in your feet and legs, improving your posture. This can lead to a better posture and less frequent pain in your lower back.
Menstruation Pain
Certain pressure points in the soles of your feet can relieve menstrual pain. Based on reflexology principles, you can use a foot massager to reduce or relieve menstrual pain. If you’re looking for a foot massager that can deal with menstruation pain, make sure you look for a model that can target your calves as well as the soles of your feet.
Using Foot Massage to Induce Labor
Based on the principles of reflexology, you can use foot massage to induce labor. To do this, you will need a foot massager that’s capable of massaging the soles and sides of your feet. Besides these points, the massager should also work on your ankles and calves to make sure you target as many acupressure points as possible. However, you should always discuss with your physician before attempting to use a foot massage to induce labor.
Best Foot Massagers Comparison Chart
PRODUCT | DETAILS | ||
---|---|---|---|
MedMassager MMF06 11 Speed Foot Massager |
| View On Amazon | |
OSITO Foot Health Machine |
| View On Amazon | |
Shiatsu Foot Massager by QUINEAR with Heat |
| View On Amazon | |
Miko Shiatsu Home Foot Massager |
| View On Amazon | |
Homedics FMS-270H Deep Kneading Shiatsu Foot Massager |
| View On Amazon | |
Belmint Shiatsu Foot Massager |
| View On Amazon | |
Nekteck Foot Massager |
| View On Amazon |
Best Foot Massager Reviews (Updated List)
1. MedMassager MMF06 11 Speed Foot Massager
The MedMassager is one of the most powerful foot massagers currently available on the market. This model comes with 11 different intensity levels, and it can produce up to 3,700 rpm.
One of the advantages of using this foot massager is that it has a durable and sturdy construction. This will allow you to use the foot massager for a very long time.
Another advantage is the unit’s design. Even though the MedMassager seems like a regular foot massager, you can actually tilt it and use it to massage your ankles and calves.
Overall, this is one of the most powerful models currently available, and it’s a good buy.
Read more: MedMassager MMF06 11 Speed Foot Massager
2. OSITO Foot Health Machine
Now here’s a foot massager that is not only a foot massager. This OSITO unit comes with 4 electrode pads that you can put anywhere on your body and enjoy TENS stimulation. The product will not only relieve pain in your feet and legs but will also improve your blood circulation. It is great if you feel muscle weakness. We suggest that you use the foot circulation machine 1-2 times a day.
Unfortunately, the only way to know that the machine is working is by looking at the LED light. The unit will not vibrate and you will not feel the machine “working”. We also recommend that you see a doctor in case you have had a knee replacement because it is not certain how the machine will react if there is metal involved.
The voltage on the adapter is 100-240V and the cords of the pads are 72 inches long. The triple medic technologies that this product uses are EMS, EPT, and TENS.
The Osito brand has 20% off promotion code: A8A6HZFW, a deal to get the discounted price for MassageXpert audience.
Read more: OSITO Foot Health Machine
3. Shiatsu Foot Massager by QUINEAR with Heat
The QUINEAR foot massager with heat is an effective unit that comes with a small and compact design. Even though this is a small unit, it’s still capable of accommodating most users, and it will fit anyone who has up to size 10 feet.
A good thing about this model is that it uses 6 different intensity settings to massage your feet. This will allow you to select a different intensity setting depending on your moods and needs.
Another good thing is that it has low maintenance. The unit’s covers can be removed and washed, and you can clean and disinfect the foot spa basin with ease.
All in all, this is an effective unit that will provide comfortable foot massages.
Read more: QUINEAR Shiatsu QN-K818A Foot Massager
4. Miko Shiatsu Home Foot Massager
The Miko foot massager is one of the highest rated models currently available on the market. This model comes with a small and compact design that makes it both portable and easy to store.
A good thing about this model is that it uses a user-friendly control panel that will allow you to change its features and track the changes you make with ease.
Another good thing is that the unit comes with remote controls. This is good especially for those who have problems bending over, such as the elderly and those who suffer from chronic diseases.
Overall, this is a very effective model that provides good value for your money.
Read more: Miko Shiatsu Foot Massager Review With Deep-Kneading
5. Homedics FMS-270H Deep Kneading Shiatsu Foot Massager
The Homedics FMS-270H is an interesting foot massager that has a minimalist design. This unit is low and wide, and it’s very stable during the massage session. This will allow you to use the massager on shiny floor surfaces without worrying it will slip or slide.
An advantage of using this model is that it comes with 18 massage nodes that will work the muscles in the soles of your feet. Not only will this provide a comfortable massage experience, but it will also improve your blood circulation.
This is a very good model that comes with toe controls and provides a thorough foot massage.
Read more: Homedics FMS-270H Deep Kneading Shiatsu Foot Massager
6. Belmint Shiatsu Foot Massager
The Belmint foot massager has a low minimalist design that makes it very easy to store. The unit’s adjustable height will allow you to keep your legs comfortable wherever you sit, and it will allow you to change the massager’s inclination if you want to.
A good thing about this model is that it provides a thorough massage experience. The foot massager uses 9 massage nodes for each of your feet, and it will also produce comforting warmth that spreads across them.
All in all, this is a good foot massager that offers a nice value.
Read more: Belmint Deep Kneading Shiatsu Therapy Foot Massager
7. Nekteck Foot Massager
The Nekteck foot massager is an effective unit that comes at a cheap price. Even though this unit doesn’t cost too much, it’s still capable of producing a very comfortable massage.
An advantage of using this foot massager is that it uses 18 massage nodes to work the knots in your muscles and relax them. The 3 massage heads this model uses for each of your feet move independently, and they will provide a good massage experience.
Overall, this model is efficient and cheap, providing good value for your investment.
Read more: Nekteck Kneading Shiatsu Therapy Foot Massager
8. Belmint Shiatsu Foot Massager with Switchable Heat Function
The Belmint foot massager is one of the most popular models you can buy today, and it’s easy to see why. This unit uses 5 different massage intensities to work and relax the muscles in your feet, and it has a user-friendly control panel.
Even though the foot massager has a compact design, it’s still able to accommodate most users. This model can accommodate anyone who wears up to size 12 shoes, and it will provide a comfortable massage experience.
The bottom line is, this is a very popular and efficient model that’s well worth its price.
Read more: Belmint Shiatsu Foot Massager with Switchable Heat Function
9. NAIPO 2-in-1 Foldable Foot & Calf Massager
Here we don’t have your typical foot massager, which often resembles a flat board. This NAIPO unit will also give you calf massages as the body of the product is something in which you put your feet. When you unfold the massager, the back wall extends all the way up to your knees and will cover the backside of your calves.
This unique design provides excellent functionality and effectiveness and is the main reason why we love the product so much.
As you can expect from a brand such as NAIPO, the massage that you get is a Shiatsu kneading rolling massage, which can hardly be compared to anything. Yes, there is also a heating function, and it can be controlled separately. Your unit can be set to vibrate without the heating function.
All the covers are simple to remove. This means that cleaning and maintaining the massager will not be a challenge at all.
10. NURSAL Foot Massager
The NURSAL foot massager is a good model that comes at a decent price. This small and compact foot massager uses airbags and a kneading massage technique to relieve your muscles and provide a relaxing massage experience.
One of the advantages of using this model is that it’s small and portable, allowing you to move it with ease. This can also be an advantage if you plan on using a foot massager while you’re at work.
Overall, this is a good massager that provides a comfortable massage experience and it’s well worth its price.
Read more: NURSAL Foot Massager Kneading Shiatsu Therapy Massage
Foot Massagers Buying Guide | Everything to Know
Finding the best foot massager might be more difficult than you think. As you could see from our short reviews, the massagers currently available on the market have different designs. Each design offers certain benefits, but most of them also have certain downsides.
In the following section, we explain how each of the massager’s features influences your massage experience, and how to find the right foot massager for your needs.
8 Features to Consider Before Purchasing a Foot Massager
Design
The design of the foot massager will greatly influence your massage experience. Even though each foot massager has a different construction and it can offer more or less unique features, manufacturers currently use two types of designs for their products.
Open Design
- Multiple manufacturers rely on an open design for their products. The open design allows you to rest your feet comfortably on the massager’s deck even if you don’t feel like turning it on.
- Open design foot massagers are usually lightweight and highly portable, so you will be able to take them with you at work if you want to
- These models are silent, so they won’t interfere with your usual activities or attract unwanted attention if you’re using them around other people
- Foot massagers that have an open design are very stable, and they will keep your feet comfortable even if you place them on shiny floor surfaces
- These models produce a thorough massage for the soles of your feet, but most of them won’t work your ankles and your calves. Even so, there are some models that are capable of doing just that
- None of the models that use this type of design will massage the arches of your feet.
- Only a small number of open design models will reach and massage your heels.
- The heated massage feature will spread warmth through the soles of your feet
- Open design models have very low maintenance.
Closed Design
- These foot massagers are very popular nowadays, and it’s easy to see why once you start using a model.
- Closed Design foot massagers work on the soles, sides, and the arches of your feet.
- Multiple models will also work on your heels
- The heated massage feature will spread warmth across your feet, but it will spread it across the arches and sides of your feet as well as your soles.
- These models usually combine more massage techniques during each massage session
- Even though these models have a higher maintenance level than the open ones, they are still very easy to handle.
- Some models can be controlled through remote controls, so they might be better for people who experience difficulties with bending over and straightening, such as the elderly or those who suffer from chronic diseases.
- These models offer more massage intensity settings, so you can personalize each massage session according to your moods and needs.
- Most models are designed to accommodate most users, but some of them might be too tight to be used comfortably by those who have large feet.
Size & Weight
The size of the foot massager will determine who can use the unit and who cannot. Most foot massagers are designed to accommodate most users, but that doesn’t mean everyone will be able to use any unit they want.
Each foot massager has a limit on who can use it. Some models can accommodate people who have up to size 14 feet, but others will only be able to fit people who have up to size 10 feet. If you know you or someone in your household has very large feet, you should look for a model that offers more space.
On the other hand, people who have small feet should avoid models that can accommodate large feet. Even though you will surely be able to fit your feet in the foot massager, you might not get the best experience out of the massage.
If the massager is designed to accommodate large feet, some massage heads or massage nodes can miss touching your feet altogether if they are small. The weight of the unit is not very important in foot massagers, but it can influence the unit’s portability and stability. As a rule of thumb, models that are slightly heavier can be more stable during the massage.
Portability
The foot massager’s portability will allow you to move the unit from one room to another, or it will allow you to take the unit with you when you leave home. Foot massagers are not very portable, but there are some features that can help you with that. The weight of the unit is a decisive factor in its portability, but luckily, most foot massagers are lightweight enough to carry comfortably.
Another decisive factor is the unit’s size. Some models, especially those who have an open design, are very easy to fit in a bag and carry if you want to leave the house. The closed design models are not so small, so you might have a harder time carrying them.
Stability
As a rule of thumb, you shouldn’t stand up while your feet are resting on the or in the foot massager if you want to avoid damaging it. You can push against the unit’s surface to experience a rougher massage, but you shouldn’t push too hard or the unit’s motors might fail. The foot massager’s stability is closely related to its design. Open design models are low and wide, so they will be slightly more stable than the closed design ones. However, not only the unit’s design influences its stability, other characteristics do as well.
Some of the most important things for the foot massager’s stability are its feet. Most units come with small rubber feet that will keep the massager from sliding or slipping during the massage session. Some models come with adjustable feet, so you will be able to adjust their height every time you want. This is a good feature, as it will allow you to adjust the unit’s height according to the chair or sofa you’re sitting upon, but adjusting the front or rear feet will also allow you to incline the foot massager if you want to. Inclining the massager can improve your massage experience.
Massage Types
Every foot massager comes with different features that help it massage your feet. Even though they might look alike, two-foot massagers can provide different massage experiences, depending on the features they use.
Oscillating Massage
The oscillating massage can be used with great results by some open design models. Massagers that offer this type of massage will oscillate their surfaces as your feet rest upon them. The oscillation massage can be very helpful, especially if you place your feet on pressure points while the unit is working. This type of massage will improve your local blood circulation, and the best thing is that you will be able to feel the muscles in your feet and legs working from your toes to your knees.
Air Pressure Massage
This type of massage is usually used by closed design models to work the muscles in the arches and sides of your feet. This type of massage is produced by alternately inflating and deflating airbags that are built-in the massager’s walls. Even though this massage might not seem like much at first glance, it can be really effective. Most foot massagers offer you the possibility to select different massage intensity settings, so you will be able to customize your massage experience. This type of massage can be very relaxing, and it will soothe your tired muscles.
Kneading Massage
The kneading massage is very popular, and it’s used by both open and closed design massagers. This type of massage is performed differently by each foot massager.
Some foot massagers perform this massage technique using massage heads that contain multiple massage nodes. The massage heads spin clockwise and anticlockwise and perform a kneading massage on the soles of your feet.
Other models perform this massage technique using different mechanisms that are built into their floors. The mechanisms can either make circular or back and forth motions to perform this massage technique.
Shiatsu Massage
This is another type of massage you’ll encounter frequently in foot massagers, and it can be performed by both closed and open design models. Most foot massagers perform this massage by applying pressure on different parts of your feet. The pressure will stimulate and relax your muscles, and it will also improve your blood circulation.
Heated Massage
The heated massage feature is now frequently encountered in foot massagers, but not all the models on the market use it. The amount of heat produced is different for each model, and while some models might only produce a warm sensation, others produce heat so strong they’re not recommended for people who lost the sensation in their feet.
One of the advantages of using the heated massage feature is that it’s very relaxing. When the warmth spreads across the soles of your feet, you’ll feel more comfortable and secure. This will make you feel cozier, especially during the cold season.
Another advantage is that this massage feature will enhance the stimulation affect the massage has on your blood circulation. When the heat massage feature is activated, your blood vessels will dilate, allowing more blood to gather in your feet. The increased blood flow will bring more nutrients and oxygen to your feet, so it will warm up your feet and speed your muscle recovery.
Application
Another important aspect of the foot massagers, this feature will determine how much of your feet and legs will actually be massaged at the same time.
Foot
Unfortunately, most foot massagers only have a foot application. While foot massages are beneficial, most people would like to have a massager that can target more than just the soles of their feet. However, even solely massaging feet has multiple benefits.
Foot & Ankle
Some foot massagers, usually those that have a closed design, are taller, and they can reach up and massage your ankle as well as the soles of your feet. This is a good application because it usually implies the sides and the arches of your feet will be massaged at the same time, which can offer more advantages than just massaging the soles of your feet.
Foot, Ankle & Calf
Only a few foot massagers can reach up to your calf to massage it, and most of those who can manage it because they’re versatile. Instead of using the open design massager on the soles of your feet, some models allow you to tilt them and use them on your ankles and calves as well. Your calves can develop muscle knots from time to time, especially after training or after you spend a lot of time standing. Having them massaged can be a great advantage, and it can relieve the tension in your muscles.
If you’re looking for a warming and bubbling foot massager, there’s a foot spa that fits your needs. But, there are so many home foot spa machines in the market, but which ones are the best?
Using a Foot Massager For Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is a common condition, causing pain and discomfort in the heel area. While it is true that middle-aged people are more likely to experience it, young people might also suffer from plantar fasciitis. In essence, the pain is triggered by the inflammation in the ligament that connects the base of the toes with the heel bone – namely the plantar fascia.
It is essential to learn more about this condition so that you can diminish the severity of the symptoms. Truth be told, if you don’t address the problem, the pain will become worse by the day.
How to Treat Plantar Fasciitis: A Few Guidelines
First, it’s worth pointing out that plantar fasciitis is a common condition for runners, in particular. It is critical to provide your feet with sufficient time to recover after training. At the same time, if you are already dealing with this condition, it is just as important to give your feet the rest they need.
In addition to that, another critical element is choosing the right footwear. This is the one that facilitates sufficient heel and arch support while being shock absorbent. Aside from that, footwear should present the right amount of cushioning. This will essentially prevent the aggravation of the condition – which should be your priority.
There is another thing you could do in order to treat plantar fasciitis – namely consider massage therapy. For thousands of years, foot massage has been a popular and efficient way of treating various conditions. Not only that massage therapy is helpful for rejuvenating the feet and the legs, but it also alleviates the pain while promoting relaxation. There are specially designated foot massagers that do all this and more.
A Foot Massager Can Significantly Help in the Recovery Process
Plantar fasciitis can be a frustrating condition. But a foot massager is a convenient and efficient way of dealing with it, not to mention that it is an all-natural way of getting plantar-fasciitis massage for pain relief. With that in mind, you don’t have to fret about the potential side effects, as it is the case with most countertop medications.
That being said, we’d like to outline the reasons why a foot massager can help those suffering from plantar fasciitis.
Foot Massagers Increase Circulation
We could say that this is one of the most evident benefits. You should note that the circulatory system aims at regulating and distributing the blood cells throughout the entire body. At the same time, it redirects potentially harmful cells to specific parts of the body, for removal.
In the lower part of the body – in the proximity of the feet, in particular – the blood flow is lower in comparison with the upper part. This could be partly attributed to the significant distance to the heart.
This is why massaging the feet will optimize the circulation in the lower extremity of the body. Not only that this can really make a difference for people suffering from plantar fasciitis, but also for people suffering from diabetes, and the list could go on.
There has actually been a study that showcases the efficacy of massage therapy when coping with plantar fasciitis. Expressly, the people that combined massage therapy with stretching experienced unexpectedly positive results altogether.
Promoting Relaxation
This is the second most notable benefit. This condition can be quite nerve-wracking, as it causes a significant level of discomfort. This is where a massager comes in, as it promotes relaxation, thus enhancing your overall state of wellbeing.
In other words, a foot massager can notably improve your body’s homeostasis. Homeostasis takes place when the entire body works in unity. This facilitates a feeling of relaxation and overall wellbeing, which imminently diminishes negative feelings such as anxiety, frustration, so on and so forth.
Decreasing Discomfort and Soreness
If you’ve had an injury and you’re recovering, this means that you are also dealing with common side effects such as joint pain, muscle soreness, so on and so forth. Massaging can seriously help in this respect, as well.
As a matter of fact, when you combine foot massage with appropriate foot strengthening exercises, the road to recovery is obviously speeded up. Not to mention that this strengthens the feet, possibly preventing other similar incidents from taking place in the near future.
What Should You Consider when Using a Massager for Plantar Fasciitis?
If you’re thinking of getting a massager for treating this condition, then there are some things you should factor in. For one thing, plantar fasciitis targets the heel and arch of the feet. This is why you should direct your attention towards a device that focuses on these areas.
There is a wide range of products on the market, some targeting the entire foot – but such a unit isn’t of any help, as you need something that focuses on the target area.
The intensity of the unit is another factor worthy of your attention. To that end, you don’t want to get something that is too intense or, on the opposite side, fails to address your problem altogether. If your feet are overly sensitive or you’re also suffering from arthritis, you should choose a unit whose operation isn’t too harsh.
Plantar fasciitis is a type of injury that tends to be repetitive, targeting hikers, runners, but not necessarily. It is essential to differentiate between plantar fasciitis and heel spurs or flat feet – while there might be some similitudes, they are still different. The good news is that you can treat this condition by respecting a few general ground rules.
For one thing, you should allow your feet to rest, make sure you’re wearing the right shoes (look more into this if you aren’t certain what this entails), and give massage therapy a go. Of course, there are also more severe cases of plantar fasciitis: in this scenario, it is best to address your concerns to a certified professional, as opposed to leaving things to chance. In some isolated situations, plantar fasciitis can be quite a stubborn condition, so don’t underestimate it.
Also, Check out the online selection of the best massage oils and neck and shoulder massager reviews from a wide range of brands!
Wrap Up
As you could see in our short foot massager reviews, every model uses different features to provide a great massage experience. Not all the units we included on our list work in the same way, but all of them are very effective.
Keep in mind that the best foot massagers not only provide a relaxing experience, they also offer a lot of health benefits. To find the right model, you should think about how you’re going to use the massager most frequently, and what you’re planning on using it for.
Depending on the answer to these questions, you should either look for an open design model or a closed one and decide on which model offers the most helpful features for your needs.