Sarah is a freelance writer with a focus on health and wellness. She has written for publications like Women's Health, Healthline, and Parents. She taught creative writing for five years, and has a bachelor's degree in English from Southern Connecticut State University.
Rochelle Collins, DO, is a board-certified family medicine doctor currently practicing in Bloomfield, Connecticut.
Marley Hall is a writer and fact checker who is certified in clinical and translational research. Her work has been published in medical journals in the field of surgery, and she has received numerous awards for publication in education.
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At the end of a long day, a foot rub can be the perfect way to unwind—and this is especially true if you have arthritis pain, plantar fasciitis, or any other common foot, leg, or ankle complaints. And if you don't want to make a regular trip to a salon or have a partner who's willing to massage you whenever you want, you can use a foot massager to get the sweet relief you're looking for.
With three massage modes, the Best Choice Products Therapeutic Shiatsu Foot Massager pulses and rolls your feet and ankles. Snailax Shiatsu Foot Massager fits in small spaces, is transportable, and is a great option if you're on a budget.
According to Alyssa Kuhn, DPT, "massagers can help to improve blood flow to the area and move some of the swelling out." Before purchasing a massager, consider the style of movement, added features, and the strength of the massage. Some massagers use roll, squeeze, or air compression.
We researched dozens of foot massagers and evaluated them for the price, style of movement, features, and strength of the massage. Each of the foot massagers chosen in this article was determined to be the best of these factors.
Here are the best foot massagers on the market.
Massages both feet and ankles
Some users find it too painful
We like that this foot massager has three modes and that it pulses kneads, and rolls, which is why we chose it as our top choice. Featuring compartments you slide your feet into, the device can provide massaging benefits to the tops and bottoms of your feet, as well as your heels and ankles. Bonus: The device can easily be set to manual, custom, or auto modes.
The foot massager has an easy-to-read LCD screen, a non-skid bottom, and washable foot sleeves, and it's small enough to be tucked away for storage.
Design: Motorized shiatsu | Added Features: Auto mode | Massage Method: Pulsing, kneading, and rolling
“You want to look for adjustability of the pressure because the bones in our feet are very small and you want to make sure the pressure is not too great. Most people will respond differently to different pressures, so you want to make sure you can control that.” —Alyssa Kuhn, Utah-based doctor of physical therapy
Can’t massage ankles or legs
If you’re simply looking for a way to massage and warm up the bottoms of your feet every day, this budget pick by Snailax focuses on soothing your heels, soles, and the undersides of your toes. As a bonus, it can also be used behind your back, giving you more for your money.
This device is a curved plate you place your feet on, with massage nodes built into the surface. The nodes roll along three different modes and three intensity levels, delivering a shiatsu massage that’s customizable to your needs. The heat function can also be set to two different levels.
In other features, this foot massager has a removable, washable cover, extra no-slip pads for raising the height, and accessible toe-touch controls. It’s simple and affordable—but effective.
Design: Motorized shiatsu | Added Features: Two heat levels | Massage Method: Massaging nodes
Three “smart” modes, one auto mode
May be too small for men with larger shoe sizes
For people whose foot pain extends beyond their feet—to their ankles, arches, shins, and calves—the TISSCARE massager can deliver targeted relief to a broader range of tired, aching body parts. A 360 degree bar allows the device to be rotated into multiple angles and positions, meaning you can put your feet on it or rest your legs inside it.
The TISSCARE Foot Massager features three auto modes and a manual mode, for people who like to customize their own settings. Either way, you can access multiple methods of massage: kneading, rolling, and pressing. There is also a heat function; consumers should note it’s designed to warm up slowly and not reach higher than 108 degrees. (This is good for people who are sensitive to heat, but may not be enough for users requiring higher heat.)
The massager also has a timer and auto shutoff capabilities, as well as washable sleeves and noise reduction technology. It’s a solid choice for people who need relief in their lower extremities, not just their feet.
Design: Motorized shiatsu | Added Features: Heat function, LED screen with remote | Massage Method: Kneading, rolling, and acupuncture
Detachable foot covers for washability
Footholds may be too small for some users
Like a heating pod for your feet, the Nekteck Shiatsu Foot Massager delivers soothing reflexology and toasty-warm heat for your soles, heels, and toes. Basically, you slide your feet into the device as if it’s a giant slipper, adjust the heat and massage settings, and let the pod get to work.
You can choose from three functions with this device: air compression for increasing circulation and reducing stiffness, heat for soothing overworked feet, and kneading massage for releasing muscle tension. The foot covers can be removed and machine-washed and the power screen makes it easy to tell which mode you’re selecting.
The massaging and compression modes are adjustable for intensity, but there is only one heat setting designed to be gentle and slow to warm for maximum comfort. Still, we like that the pod design of this device has the potential to heat the tops, bottoms, and sides of your feet rather than just the bottoms, like with many other heated devices.
Design: Motorized shiatsu | Added Features: Heat function | Massage Method: Kneading and air compression
Massages feet, ankles, and calves
Larger and harder to store
May be too powerful for some users
Let’s be honest: most of us neglect our feet by wearing unsupportive shoes, walking around barefoot in the summer, and running from one activity to the next for 18 hours every day. Given all that, don’t your feet deserve the best of the best when it comes to massage?
If you’re looking to spring for a true luxury foot massager, look no further than the Cloud Massage Shiatsu Foot Massager, which is like a souped-up TISSCARE machine: it’s fully adjustable to a range of positions, can treat your feet, ankles, and calves, has five modes of therapy, and a heat function.
Because of its wide variety of massage treatments, this device can help with a number of different conditions, whether it’s diabetic neuropathy, plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, injury, workout recovery, or just everyday soreness and pain. Rolling balls can massage, air compression can increase circulation, and a swaying function can loosen stiff joints. Each one also has three levels of intensity, which means it can work for beginning massage users or more advanced users. Either way, the Cloud Massage lives up to its name.
Design: Motorized shiatsu | Added Features: Heat function | Massage Method: Rolling, air compression, and joint loosening
Covers most of leg up to knee
A few of the massagers we’ve listed here can address ankle pain, but we’re choosing the Human Touch Reflex 5s device for this complaint specifically because of its design: you place your feet inside compartments shaped like boots, which means your ankles are fully—not only partially—surrounded by the machine.
Once your feet are settled inside, you can expect a reflexology massage meant to increase your blood flow and circulation, redirecting it from your feet back to your core. The machine kneads the heels and soles of your feet, while simultaneously massaging the rest of your legs with a rolling, “wave-like” motion.
There are two adjustable intensity levels, washable foot covers, and an easy-carry handle. The base of the machine also includes a bar so you can adjust the tilt of the device, making it extra comfortable.
Design: Motorized reflexology | Added Features: None | Massage Method: Foot rolling, wave-like calf massage
Choosing the right foot massager for you depends on what kind of relief you’re looking for. If you want more coverage with an average-sized price tag, you should opt for the Best Choice Products Therapeutic Shiatsu Foot Massager (view at Amazon). On the other hand, if you want to feel like you just took your feet on a spa day, spring for the Cloud Massage Shiatsu Foot Massager Machine (view at Amazon).
4.8 to 5 stars: These are the best foot massagers we reviewed. We recommend them without reservation.
4.5 to 4.7 stars: These foot massagers are excellent—they might have minor flaws, but we still recommend them.
4.0 to 4.5 stars: We think these are great foot massagers, but others are better.
3.5 to 3.9 stars: These foot massagers are just average.
3.4 and below: We don't recommend foot massagers with this rating; you won't find any on our list.
Some massagers roll, some squeeze, some use air compression, and others pulse. Many perform multiple kinds of movements with adjustable settings, but however your foot massager actually massages, you should know what that means—and if it’s what you’re looking for. If you have a particular injury or condition, consult your doctor to determine which type of movement is best for you.
Do you want heat? Easy operation with a remote? Auto shutoff? Spend some time thinking about what you want to get out of your foot massager and choose one with the extra features you need. It may come with a higher price tag, but some of the additional features may help if you have a specific condition.
Not everyone is looking for a foot massager that squeezes their feet (though some may be). If the foot massager you’re considering buying describes itself as providing an intense massage or a “tight squeeze,” make sure that’s what you’re actually looking for—and that you can tolerate it. Otherwise, you could end up in more pain than when you started.
They can be. A good foot massager will increase the blood flow and circulation to your feet, ankles, and lower legs, and may even alleviate back pain. Ones that provide deep tissue massage can be helpful for people with plantar fasciitis, and ones with heating features can give relief to people with arthritic conditions or old injuries.
However, foot massagers aren’t right for everyone. According to Utah-based doctor of physical therapy Alyssa Kuhn, people with stress fractures in their foot, who have had recent lower leg, foot, or ankle surgery, or who have hardware of any kind in their foot should probably avoid them.
“The bones in the feet are very small, and these massaging motions have the potential to knock something loose or aggravate a stress fracture,” she explains.
Yes. Between the massaging features and, in many models, the heating features, these products are essentially designed to increase blood flow in your lower extremities. That’s a good thing, because increased circulation often leads to less pain and stiffness.
It can also help your heart, too, says Dr. Kuhn: “Gravity is pulling on our bodies all day, whether we are standing or sitting, and fluid can be pulled down into our feet and legs, making our heart work harder to pull that fluid out.”
"People that have jobs requiring them to be on their feet all day can benefit from foot massagers, because as gravity pulls on our body, our feet and ankles can become swollen and achy by the end of the day; massagers can help to improve blood flow to the area and move some of the swelling out."—Alyssa Kuhn, Utah-based doctor of physical therapy
Sarah Bradley has been writing health content since 2017—everything from product roundups and illness FAQs to nutrition explainers and the dish on diet trends. She knows how important it is to receive trustworthy and expert-approved advice about over-the-counter products that manage everyday health conditions, from GI issues and allergies to chronic headaches and joint pain.
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