Using a foot spa can lower your stress and relieve your aching muscles. But did you know that using a foot spa can also reduce the frequency of your headaches and their intensity? Your feet are very sensitive, and you’re most likely not treating them as well as you should. Using a foot spa will provide the necessary relief after a long day at work, and it can be helpful for people of all ages. Finding the best foot spa can be difficult if you don’t know what to look for. That’s why we prepared the following foot spa reviews and the buying guide, to help you make an informed decision.
We’re certain that after reading this article, you’ll be able to decide which model is the right choice for your particular needs.
See The Quick Comparison Chart
Why You Need a Foot Spa
Foot massage is highly beneficial for your health and so are foot spas. These benefits include, but are not limited to:
Lower Your Stress Levels
Humans carry a lot of weight on their feet. Your feet are more sensitive than they appear at a first glance, and you can tell just how sensitive they are by rubbing your soles. You can feel every single movement of your hand. We don’t treat our feet as well as we’re ought to. Our jobs and social lives make us spend a lot of time standing and walking, which is not very good for your feet, especially as you get older. Using a foot spa can relieve the tension accumulated in your feet, and this will lower your stress levels as well. Spending some time with your feet submerged in warm water can do wonders, and you will feel more relaxed at the end of a foot massage session.
Improve Your Blood Circulation
Your blood circulation will be stimulated when using a foot spa. The spa’s rollers are designed to provide a stimulating massage that will promote your local blood circulation. This will lead to a general stimulation of your blood circulation, and it will make you feel better by increasing your energy levels. Even if you don’t like using the massage rollers, you can still stimulate your blood circulation by rolling your feet over the built-in massage heads at the bottom of the unit’s basin. The results might take more to appear, but they will appear nonetheless.
Relieve Arthritic Pain
Foot spas are great at relieving tension in muscles and joints, so they’re very good for people who suffer from arthritic pain. If your joints bother you constantly, you can relieve the pain by using the foot spa in the morning and evening of each day. You might want to add some seaweed to your water if you’re suffering from arthritic pain, as they will reduce the pain by a higher degree than simple water and massage will.
Reduce Headaches
As you probably know by now, the soles of your feet are covered in different nerve points. A simple foot massage session will stimulate these nerves, and it can lead to fewer headaches and migraines. If you use the foot spa frequently, you will have fewer headaches, and the ones you have will be less intense.
Treating Indigestion and Stomach Acidity
Using a home foot spa can be beneficial in treating acidity and indigestion. As you massage the nerves in the soles of your feet, they will determine the reduction of the acidity in your stomach, making you feel better.
Treating Insomnia
Foot spas can help you treat insomnia in two ways. The relaxing effect of the foot massage can help, but you can also benefit from the soothing sound the bubbles produce when they break the water’s surface.
Detoxification
Using the foot spa with regularity can help your body to get rid of toxins. Foot detoxification is very helpful in eliminating toxins from your kidneys and liver, it helps your body maintain a balanced pH, and it straightens your immune system. This detoxification process will also help you get rid of acne and wrinkles.
Best Home Foot Spas Comparison Chart
| PRODUCT | DETAILS | ||
|---|---|---|---|
 | HoMedics Bubble Spa Elite Footbath |
| View On Amazon |
 | Ivation Foot Spa Massager |
| View On Amazon |
 | MaxKare Foot Spa |
| View On Amazon |
 | Kendal All In One Foot Spa Bath Massager |
| View On Amazon |
 | Kendal All In One Foot Spa Bath Massager w/ Heat |
| View On Amazon |
 | Kendal All In One Foot Spa |
| View On Amazon |
Best Home Foot Spa Reviews (Updated List)
1. HoMedics Bubble Spa Elite Footbath
HoMedics Bubble Spa Elite Footbath provides relaxation to your tired and overworked feet. The foot spa features a 2-in-1 removable pedicure centre that includes a pedicure brush and a pumice stone. In addition, it contains a seagrass surface, toe-touch control and a splash guard for convenience and ease of use.
Moreover, the foot massager also comes with easy-tote handle providing you with easier mobility. The heat boost power heats water in minutes and maintains a consistent temperature. However, it may take a while for the water to warm, sometimes it gets way too hot. Overall, this is a good unit that will impress you with great functionality and comes at an even better price.
Pros
- Revitalizes overworked feet
- Very easy to clean
- Comfort design
- Easy to store
Cons
- No temperature setting
- Noisy (however, it becomes quieter when it reaches its target temperature, which it does within a few minutes.)
2. Ivation Foot Spa Massager
Even though the Ivation spa doesn’t have an attractive design, it’s still a very efficient unit. This foot spa comes with two motorized feet rollers that produce a comfortable and relaxing massage.
The unit uses a thermostat, and it will keep the water’s temperature at a constant level, between 95 – 122 degrees F. The control panel is easy to read, and all the features can be turned on or off individually.
This is a very good foot spa, and it will provide all the features you would expect from such a device.
Read more: Ivation Foot Spa Massager
3. MaxKare Foot Spa
The MaxKare Foot Spa creates an ambiance of calm and relief when you come back home from work. This device combines heat, bubbles, and vibrations to release you from the stress and soreness in your feet. You can choose whether you prefer to experience one function at a time or all three of them together.
What we liked about this device was just how easy it is to use it. You can set your desired temperature and then wait for the element to heat up the water. The machine will work to maintain the temperature and the vibrations at your desired level. There are four removable rollers positioned inside the basin. Their job is to apply pressure on the soles of your feet.
Overall, the MaxKare Foot Spa will impress you with great functionality and pleasurable experience combined in one device.
Read more: MaxKare Foot Spa
4. Kendal All In One Foot Spa Bath Massager
Kendal brings you all in a one-foot spa that has electric leakage protection as a safety feature. It has a simple design yet effective. There are 2 removable rollers and you need to roll your feet on to relieve tension or fatigue. There are small nodes at the bottom which will be beneficial for acupoints. If you just want a soothing bath for your feet, you can use it without the rollers giving you more space.
They use a PTC quality heating semiconductor which will heat up the water quickly. The unit comes with a timer and when the water is heated at the preset temperature, the red light will switch off by itself. It also has outlets for air bubbles to promote blood circulation in the body.
The foot spa is made of high-quality plastic and will be durable. The massager is a decent size and will fit men’s size up to 14. It has rubber feet that keep the spa massager steady while in use.
Pros:
- Simple and effective design
- Electric leakage protection
- Temperature timer
Cons:
- No drainage tube
- Noisy
- Too small to fit large feet
5. Kendal All In One Foot Spa Bath Massager w/ Heat
The Kendall foot spa has an interesting design. The basin has an anti-spillage cover on the front and a drain hose on the rear. The basin’s floor is designed to outline the shape of the human feet, and it’s covered by massage beads.
When you place your feet on the outlines, you will benefit from the massage provided by two rollers and two jet sprays. The combined effect of the two massage techniques is surprisingly pleasant, and it will be very relaxing as well.
The spa is pretty large, but thanks to its casters and the drain hose, you won’t really need to lift it. The larger dimensions also allow you to fill the basin with water until it reaches your calves.
Overall, this is one of the best foot spas on the market today.
Read more: Kendal MS0809M Foot Spa Bath Massager
6. Kendal All In One Foot Spa
The Kendal all in one spa comes has a simple design, and even though it’s pink, it’s suitable for both women and men. The spa’s dimensions allow it to accommodate men who wear up to size 14 shoes.
A good thing about this model is that it has a very efficient heating element. You can fill the basin with cold water and warm it up in a matter of minutes. The heating element will also keep the water at a constant level. However, due to the lack of a thermostat, you’ll have to turn the heater on and off manually.
The bottom line is, this is a good foot spa, and it’s worth every penny.
Read more: Kendal MS0810M Foot Spa Bath Massager
7. ArtNaturals Foot Spa Massager
The ArtNaturals foot spa has an attractive design, and a very good control panel. You will be able to use access all the unit’s feature by using the 4 buttons on the control panel. You can track every change you make on the large LCD display, or by following the indicator lights.
This spa uses 4 removable rollers to massage the soles of your feet. The rollers have a good design, and they will produce a comfortable massage. The heating element can warm up the water or keep it at a constant level. The unit’s thermostat is accurate.
Overall, this is a good unit that comes at an even better price.
Read more: ArtNaturals Sit Back Foot Spa
8. HoMedics FB‐400 Bubble Foot Spa
The HoMedics FB-400 comes with 4 comfortable foot rollers. The rollers have a nice design, and they’re spread out on the basin floor to produce a comfortable massage on the whole length of your feet.
This foot spa is small and compact, and most people won’t have any problems picking it up even when it’s full. The spa comes with a good carry handle, so you will be able to move it around the house with ease.
The FB-400 is an efficient foot spa that comes at a cheap price.
Read more: HoMedics FB‐400 Bubble Therapy Foot Spa
9. Conair Foot Spa
The Conair Foot Spa is a device that combines vibrations, rollers, and aquatic therapy to release the tension in your feet. What we loved about this product was that it comes at a reasonable price, and it can successfully improve the state of your muscles.
The basin keeps the warm water at the same temperature for about 20 minutes – just enough for you to perform your relaxing session. You can control the intensity of the vibrations by clicking a button at the front with your toe. The basin has enough space for small and large feet to feel comfortable.
The device is not the most powerful on the market, but it will still do the job as a home spa machine. Although the water cannot heat up, it will still function to your advantage. Just plug the foot spa in the wall socket and enjoy it.
Read more: Conair Foot Spa/Pedicure Spa
A Complete Buying Guide For Home Foot Spa Machines
A. What You Should Consider When Purchasing a Home Foot Spa
It’s true that home foot spas provide a great way of relaxing your sore feet after a hard day at work, but you shouldn’t just buy the first model you lay your eyes on. In fact, you should ask yourself the following 5 questions before deciding on a model to be sure you make the right choice.
What am I looking for?
Well, a foot spa might be the obvious answer, but take a moment to really think about how using a spa might benefit you. What are the most important features for you? Are you looking for a home foot spa that can heat up the water or one that can produce a lot of bubbles? Do you think infrared therapy will be good for you or do you not really care about it? Do rollers usually seem too hard on your feet?
Depending on your answers to the questions above, you might want to choose different spa models.
How many times will I use the foot spa?
Some people might believe that they will use the foot spa every day of the week, but let’s be honest here. Given your current schedule, how often could you really use it? Once a week? Three times? As you could see from our short reviews, not all foot spas are built in the same way. Some of them come with casters for improved portability, and some of them have bucket handles you can use to carry them around.
If you’re planning on using the foot spa often, you might want to consider a model that’s easier to move around. On the other hand, if you’re not going to use it so often you might want to look at cheaper models. They might be able to provide all the features you need at a smaller cost.
Do I have a particular problem I am trying to solve?
Not everyone wants to use a foot spa just for relaxation purposes. Some people might want one for the beneficial blood circulation effects it has, or for relieving arthritic pain. Depending on the purpose, you can choose between different models.
If you want to improve your blood circulation, it might be better to opt for a model that comes with multiple rollers. The rollers massage the soles of your feet, and they stimulate your circulation. It might also be beneficial to look for a model that offers an infrared massage option.
If you’re looking for a foot spa that can relieve your arthritic pain, you should consider models that are suitable for salt and oil uses. If you find a model that’s compatible with seaweed use, that would be even better.
How much am I willing to spend on a foot spa?
Every time you want to buy something new, it’s better to consider how much you’re willing to spend before you start browsing for a model. This will allow you to limit your options and choose the best model within your budget.
Shopping without a budget might be more expensive than you would think. Foot spas are often cheap, but high-end models might be too expensive for some. True, high-end models do offer more features and they’re often more durable, but maybe you won’t even need the extra features.
How deep should the water be?
Foot spas are designed differently. Some models are so shallow that the water won’t even reach your ankles when you’re using the rollers. That’s not a bad thing, some people don’t like dipping their feet in the water, so these models are perfect for them.
Other models are deep enough to cover your ankles with water and keep submerged while you’re massaging the soles of your feet, but the water level is too low to cover your calves. Deep foot spas will provide enough water to dip your feet, ankles, and calves. They are perfect for people who enjoy spending a lot of time with their feet immersed in water, and they might even offer features such as bubble massage or vibration massage which will also massage your calves.
B. What to Look for When Buying a Home Foot Bath Machine?
As you could see from our short product reviews at the beginning of the article, not all the foot bath machines are designed in the same way. Sure, they all use the same technologies to provide a massage, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t any differences between the models, no matter how similar they appear.
In the following section, we present some of the useful features home foot spas have, and how they can benefit you.
Ease of Use
You might be wondering what’s so difficult to use when it comes to home foot spas. Well, first of all, good foot bath machines have at least two features you can use, one of those being the heated water massage.
Some units are really easy to use because they have a display, and you can adjust the water’s temperature using the control panel.
However, not all the temperatures displayed are in Fahrenheit. Some machines will show you the temperature in Celsius, and you’ll need to make a quick conversion. That’s not all, though. Some spas don’t have a display, and you won’t be able to set water temperature. When you activate the heating feature, they will heat up the water until you stop it. Not so easy to use, right?
Price & Durability
If you’re surprised we’re approaching price and durability at the same time, you shouldn’t be. When it comes to foot spas, these two are interconnected. High-end models are more durable than cheaper ones. That’s because they either use thicker plastic or a better one. More expensive models also provide more features and programs. Most of them have a digital display, and they use a thermostat. They have an easy-to-use control panel, and they have at least one security feature.
Cheap foot spas are not bad, by all means. They can provide a good massage experience, but they won’t have the flashy features of the expensive models. They won’t have a thermostat, but they will heat up the water nonetheless. You don’t see the changes you make on a display, but you will see them on the control panel. As for durability, these models can last a long time if you’re careful when using them.
Heat Functionality
The heated massage is the public’s favorite, and for good reason. There’s nothing more relaxing after spending a long day at work than dipping your feet in warm water and massaging them. Manufacturers implement the heated massage feature in three ways. The simplest way to do it, and usually found in the cheapest models, is to have a small heating element that doesn’t actually heat up the water but keeps it at a fairly constant temperature for 15 – 20 minutes.
Another way is having a good heating element that’s capable of warming up the water. This is a great way to make the spa easier to use because you won’t have to warm up the water or use hot water from the faucet. You can simply fill the unit’s basin, let the heater work for about 5 minutes, and start massaging your feet.
However, without the use of a thermostat, the heater will heat the water continuously until you stop it. To keep the water’s temperature at a constant level, you will have to manually turn the heater on and off once in a while. No biggie.
The best way to heat up the water is having a high-quality heater and a thermostat. You select the water temperature you want using the control panel, and the heater starts warming up the water. The thermostat makes sure the water’s temperature will be constant throughout your massage session. This feature is good especially for people with reduced sensitivity in their feet.
Size
Foot spas come in different sizes, and that’s great. Having more sizes to choose from will allow more people to be completely satisfied with their choice. The size of the foot spa determines how much water it can hold, and there are three basin depths you can choose from.
Foot Spas
These models have the shallowest basins. The water’s level will barely cover your feet when you’re massaging them on the rollers, and it won’t reach your ankles. These models are great for people who have a hard time picking up heavy objects and don’t like splashing their feet in the water but do it for necessity.
Foot and Ankle Spas
These models have a medium depth, and the water will cover both your feet and your ankles when you’re using the rollers. They are great for people who like spending a lot of time soaking their feet but don’t really care about wetting their calves.
Foot, Ankle, And Calves Spas – These models are deep enough to cover at least half the length of your calves in water. They are perfect for people who enjoy spending a lot of time with their feet in the water and don’t have any problems lifting heavier objects.
Massage Rollers
As far as massage rollers are concerned, they can be motorized and non-motorized. When you’re using spas with non-motorized rollers, you have to move your feet on the rollers to get a massage. The massage’s speed and intensity is dictated by the way you’re moving your feet and pushing against the rollers.
Motorized rollers do half of the job for you. You won’t have to move your feet front and back to get a massage, you will just have to keep your feet on the moving rollers. The massage’s intensity is still dictated by how hard you push against the rollers. These models are great for most people, but they’re not very good for people who like their foot massages rough. Pushing hard against these rollers can damage them. Foot spas use between 2 – 6 rollers. Some models even have removable rollers.
People who like massaging their feet slightly rougher might want to go with a model that offers more rollers. Those who have sensitive feet might want to choose a model that comes with two removable rollers. This will allow you to test a foot massage using the rollers, and remove them if you don’t enjoy it.
Bubbles & Jets
Bubbles and jets are simple features, but they make the foot massages better. Some models offer a powerful jet and produce many bubbles, while others produce a few bubbles that won’t affect you too much. Hearing the bubbles break the water can also offer a relaxing sensation.
Drainage
Most foot spa models come with a bucket handle. You can use the handle to move the spa around the house and drain it. This feature is not very helpful, especially if you have problems with lifting heavyweights. Other models come with casters and a drain hose. You can simply pull the basin near a drain and empty it with ease.
Compatibility with Foot Care Products
All of the models we presented on our list are compatible with both bath salts and oils. However, not all of them are compatible with seaweed use, so you will have to check this information directly with the manufacturer. Most of the foot spas available on the market are not compatible with seaweed because seaweed can easily get into one of the jet heads and block it.
Portability
Some models have limited portability and come with a simple bucket handle, while others have superior portability and come with casters. The models that come with casters are usually larger, and they would be harder to carry.
Motor Noise
The noise produced by home foot spas is not very loud usually, and it won’t interfere with your usual activities, such as watching TV or talking on the phone. If your foot spa machine is very noisy, contact the customer support service.
Splash Guard
The splash guard is very important, especially for shallow foot spas. Having a splash guard will limit the amount of water that gets spilled every massage session.
How to Use a Foot Spa Machine
Foot spas are not difficult to use. Most of them have easy to understand control panels, and they come with good instructions manuals. The first thing you want to make sure of when you’re using a foot spa machine is that you’re using it safely.
Safety
It’s important to find a foot spa that comes with overheating safety. These machines use electricity and water, and you don’t want them to overheat. Some of the best models on the market come with double overheating safeties, making them very safe to use.
You can follow the next steps to make sure you use the foot spa safely:
- Make sure the foot spa is placed on a level surface
- Make sure the spa is not plugged in before you fill it with water.
- Do not fill the water basin above the indicated limits.
- Do not plug or unplug the spa if your feet are in the water.
- Always make sure your hands are dry when you’re plugging or unplugging the foot spa.
If you’re using the massage attachments, make sure they’re firmly locked in place. Make sure the attachments in the storage area have no chance of slipping into the water.
General Use Indications
- Prepare Your Foot Spa – Get all the things you might need and place them within reach. This list can be very long, but you should at least have a foot lotion, a file, a scrub or a pumice stone, a brush, and a hand towel close at hand.
- Wash Your Feet – You should always wash your feet thoroughly before using the foot spa.
- Soak – Turn on your foot spa, relax, and let your feet soak for 10 -15 minutes. If your foot spa doesn’t have a heating option and can only keep the water’s temperature constant, keep hot water within reach so you can raise the temperature from time to time.
- Massage Time – Now that your feet are relaxed and soaked, use the rollers to massage the soles of your feet and stimulate your circulation
- Scrubbing Time – Use the pumice stone, scrub, or file to scrub your feet properly, and then brush them.
- Wash Again – Wash your feet until the water is clear. This might take some time.
- Wipe And Lotion Up – Use the hand towel to wipe your feet and apply body lotion on them. You can massage them again after applying the lotion.
What to Put In Foot Spa Water
One of the advantages of having a foot spa at home is that you can treat your feet with whatever you want. Some of the most popular choices are bath salts and oils, but you’re not limited at that. There are many foot soak recipes. Some people might want to use seaweed, and others might want to use other remedies. Let’s take a look at how these additions might benefit you.
Bath Salt
When people think about bath salts, they think about Epsom salt, and for a good reason.
Epsom salt has been used for a very long time, and it might be efficient at easing all kinds of pains and aches. Using it in your bath water will certainly do you good. Epsom salt is cheap and effective. When you put the salt in the water, it breaks down into sulfate and magnesium. These compounds then enter your body through the skin. This kind of salt can be used in the treatment of arthritis pain, swelling, sprains, bruises, ingrown toenails, psoriasis, insomnia, sore muscles, sunburn, and more.
Dead sea salt is more expensive than Epsom salt, but it also has a more complex composition. Dead Sea salt contains more than 20 elements and the most abundant are magnesium, potassium, sodium, calcium, and sulfates. Using this kind of salt has the following benefits: it cleanses and disinfects the skin, it’s deeply hydrating, it promotes youthful skin, it’s an excellent exfoliator, it can heal chronic skin conditions, and it calms rheumatoid arthritis.
Essential Oils
Essential oils can be used with great results with foot spa models. They can be used individually or combined, and they play important roles in repairing your skin and maintaining an optimal moisture level.
Here are the benefits of some of the most popular essential oils.
- Cedar Wood Oil is a great antiseptic and anti-fungal. This oil is the perfect choice if you’re suffering from Athlete’s Foot.
- Juniper Berry Oil relieves muscle aches, and it’s very efficient at relieving arthritis pains.
- Cypress Oil is a natural antiseptic and a deodorant. This oil can be very helpful if your feet are blistered, and it will also be very good for people who have smelly feet.
- Rosemary Oil will soothe your aching muscles, and it also has antiseptic properties. This is a good choice if you’re not suffering from any condition and only intend to prevent one from appearing.
- Lavender Oil is a natural pain reliever, so it’s great for aching joints and muscles. This oil is also very good for relaxation purposes.
- Tea Tree Oil has anti-fungal and deodorizing proprieties. This oil can be used by athletes with great results.
- Chamomile Oil has anti-inflammatory and analgesic proprieties. These proprieties make it a great choice for people who have sunburns, rashes, or inflammation.
- Wintergreen Oil is considered the “natural aspirin”. This oil is great for relieving pain and swelling, and it also provides a cooling sensation.
- Eucalyptus Oil has strong antibacterial and antiviral proprieties. This oil will help with relieving pain and aches, but it’s not the best choice for people who have high blood pressure, have epilepsy or pregnant women.
- Olive Oil is not exactly an essential oil, but you can still use it in your footbaths thanks to its high mineral and vitamin content. This oil is great at disinfecting injuries and it has healing proprieties.
Seaweed
Some people dismiss using seaweed for their foot spas because it can be slightly messy. Well, the curative and rejuvenating effects of seaweed baths might make you think twice before dismissing using them. Seaweed reduces your water retention and it balances your body chemistry. It accelerates the elimination of waste products through excess water, lipids, and toxins. Moreover, it relieves stress and lowers your anxiety levels. It is a natural anti-aging compound, as well.
Seaweed baths can also relieve conditions like rheumatism and arthritis, muscular pain, and they can even help with skin conditions like psoriasis and acne. They can re-hydrate your skin and restore its tone, elasticity, and vitality.
Foot Spa Cleaning And Maintenance
Home foot spas have a low maintenance level, and you can have them looking and working as well as a new unit just by spending a couple of minutes cleaning them after each use. Here’s how you clean and disinfect your foot bath:
- Make sure you don’t pour water over the power button when you’re filling or emptying the basin.
- Let the spa cool down before you start cleaning it.
- Always clean the spa using just a soft clean cloth and a mild cleaner. Wipe the unit down with a dry cloth after you clean it.
- Never submerge the whole spa in water.
- Don’t use the foot spa for a longer time than the one recommended by the manufacturer. This can lead to overheating.
Wrap Up
Everybody should enjoy a foot massage at least once a week. Your feet have been carrying you around since the moment you were born. Maybe it’s time to return their favor by treating them better. Not only will a foot massage make your feet feel better, but it will also improve your general health.
As you could see from our short foot spa reviews, the best models offer different features that can help you relieve the pain in your muscles and joints, and they can be very relaxing.
If you don’t know which is the best foot spa for you, just read our comprehensive buying guide to understand how they work and how their features can benefit you. We’re sure you’ll find the right model for your needs after doing that.
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