The 6 Best Foot Massagers of 2021

After 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 rely on an electronic device to get the sweet relief you’re looking for.

Whether you have a medical condition, an on-your-feet-all-day job, or an affinity for high heels, these are the best foot massagers around for working all the aches and pains out of your delicate feet.

Here are a few of the best foot massagers on the market.

The Best : Therapeutic Shiatsu Foot Massager

Pros :
– Massages both feet and ankles
– Adjustable massage settings
– Easy-to-use LCD screen

Cons
– Fixed intensity
– Some users find it too painful

Design: Motorized shiatsu | Added Features: Auto mode | Massage Method: Pulsing, kneading, and rolling

People buying foot massagers have a variety of preferences: some people only want to treat their plantar fasciitis, some people have chronically tight calves, and others just want the aching soles of their feet to be kneaded into deep relief.

Finding one device that can address these wide-ranging needs is tricky, but the Best Choice Products Shiatsu Foot Massager happily meets them all. 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. There are three modes of massage, all adjustable to speed and intensity, and 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. It’s a crowd pleaser with something for everyone and a set of user-friendly features, making it our best overall pick.

Best Budget : Snailax Shiatsu Foot Massager

Pros :
– Small and portable
– One size fits all
– Easy to clean

Cons :
– Can’t massage ankles or legs

Design: Motorized shiatsu | Added Features: Two heat levels | Massage Method: Massaging nodes

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.

Best Foot and Calf Massager

Pros :
– Adjustable to 360 degrees
– Three “smart” modes, one auto mode
– Auto shutoff

Cons :
– Not much heel massage
– May be too small for men with larger shoe sizes

Design: Motorized shiatsu | Added Features: Heat function, LED screen with remote | Massage Method: Kneading, rolling, and acupuncture

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.

Best Heated : Nektek Shiatsu Foot Massager

Pros :
– Full coverage for feet
– Adjustable intensity
– Detachable foot covers for washability

Cons :
– One massaging movement
– Footholds may be too small for some users

Design: Motorized shiatsu | Added Features: Heat function | Massage Method: Kneading and air compression

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.

Best Luxury : Cloud Massage Shiatsu Foot Massager

Pros :
– Massages feet, ankles, and calves
– Three levels of intensity
– Multiple modes of massage

Cons :
– Larger and harder to store
– May be too powerful for some users

Design: Motorized shiatsu | Added Features: Heat function | Massage Method: Rolling, air compression, and joint loosening

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.

Best For Ankle Pain : The Human Touch Reflex SOL Foot and Calf Mssager

Pros :
– Covers most of leg up to knee
– Tiltable base
– Five levels of intensity

Cons :
– Not many added features
– Bulky, hard to store

Design: Motorized reflexology | Added Features: None | Massage Method: Foot rolling, wave-like calf massage

A few of the massagers we’ve listed here can address ankle pain, but we’re choosing The Human Touch Reflex 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.

Summary :
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. 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.

What to Look for in Foot Massagers

1. Style of Movement
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.

2. Added Features
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.

3. Strength
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.