We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Shopping Health Products The 10 Best Foot Massagers of 2024, Tested by PEOPLE With relaxing features like heat, compression, and shiatsu massage By Cai Cramer Cai Cramer Cai Cramer is a shopping writer at PEOPLE.com with 2 years’ experience in journalism and digital media. She regularly tests the best and buzziest products in the beauty and lifestyle spaces and has researched and written about moisturizers, blow dryers, clothing, and luggage, among many other popular products. People Editorial Guidelines and Laura Denby Laura Denby Laura Denby is a food, home, and lifestyle writer who specializes in creating thorough and analytical product reviews to help shoppers make more informed purchasing decisions. She has a Culinary Arts diploma from the Institute of Culinary Education and a WSET Level 2 Award in Wine and Spirits. Her work has appeared in leading food and lifestyle publications like PEOPLE, Food & Wine, Real Simple, Martha Stewart Living, Verywell Family, Southern Living, and more. People Editorial Guidelines Updated on October 2, 2024 02:04PM EDT In This Article View All In This Article Our Top Picks Reviews Others We Tried What to Know Behind the Scenes FAQ Why Trust PEOPLE? What Is PEOPLE Tested? Photo: People / Tara Donne A good foot massage is a luxury for most, but given all that your feet endure, it should be a regular part of your self-care routine. Experts Say "Foot massagers can be great to alleviate pressure and stress on the foot that we get from our regular workday. Foot massagers can help with conditions like plantar fasciitis, tendinitis, heel pain, and just overall stress."—Dr. Bradley Schaeffer, a board-certified podiatrist, foot surgeon, and star of the TLC show My Feet Are Killing Me We conducted two tests over the span of two years, trying 20 foot massagers in our lab and in our homes, looking at the design, effectiveness, controls, settings, and overall value. We considered if the machines were convenient enough to use regularly, whether their features were helpful, and if they were actually effective. Our Top Picks Best Overall: SALE Miko Shiatsu Home Foot Massager at Amazon $250 $140 Jump to Review Best Overall (Cheaper): SALE Best Choice Products Shiatsu Foot Massager at Amazon $110 $80 Jump to Review Best Budget: SALE TheraFlow Foot Massager and Reflexology Chart at Amazon $25 $20 Jump to Review Best Shiatsu: Cloud Massage Shiatsu Foot Massager at Amazon $286 Jump to Review Best Shiatsu (Cheaper): Comfier Shiatsu Foot Massager at Comfier.com Jump to Review Best Heated: SALE Bob and Brad Foot Massager at Amazon $140 $112 Jump to Review Best Air Pressure: Homedics Shiatsu Air 2.0 Foot Massager with Heat at Homedics.com Jump to Review Best Features: NEKTECK Shiatsu Foot And Calf Massager at Nekteck.com Jump to Review Best Manual: SALE TheraFlow Dual Foot Roller at Amazon $30 $18 Jump to Review Best with Multiple Settings: Costway Foot Massage Bath Massager at Amazon $86 Jump to Review Best Overall Miko Shiatsu Home Foot Massager PHOTO: Amazon $250 $140 at Amazon $250 $140 at Target $14 at Walmart Star Qualities Completely customizable per your preferences Remote control lets you change the settings without needing to stand up Offers four different massage modes: rolling, compression, vibration, and shiatsu Deepest massage of all the machines we tested Red Flags Highest kneading setting is a bit intense This electric foot massager delivered the best and deepest foot massage. We also loved how straightforward it was to use. There are rolling, compression, vibrating, and shiatsu massage modes, which work to soothe aches along the bottom and sides of your feet, along with five adjustable air pressure settings to help stimulate blood flow. The strongest setting was a little too strong for our tester's preference, but because there are five pressure settings to choose from, it's not a big issue. Heat also promotes relaxation and loosens tight muscles, making this great for a post-workout routine or an at-home spa night (robe included). Our tester's feet got a little sweaty during the massage, but the liners are removable and machine-washable for easy maintenance. It even comes with an automatic timer and a wireless remote that can change the settings while you're sitting down. Plus, the brand provides an extra one in case you end up misplacing it. The Miko Foot Massager feels very well-priced for all of the fancy features that it offers and would make a great gift for someone who's always on their feet. Dimensions: 16.75 x 16.75 x 9.25 inches | Weight: 11 pounds | Heated: Yes PHOTO: The Spruce / Leticia Almeida PHOTO: The Spruce / Leticia Almeida PHOTO: The Spruce / Leticia Almeida Best Overall (Cheaper) Best Choice Products Shiatsu Foot Massager PHOTO: Amazon $110 $80 at Amazon $237 $100 at Target $15 at Walmart Star Qualities Three massage motions: pulsing, kneading, and rolling Removable covers make cleaning easier The massage felt like it was being done by a human Red Flags No heat function Only offers one pressure level option This foot massager comes with many of the same features higher-end electric models have, including a remote control, three settings (automatic, custom, and manual), and removable covers for easy cleaning. There are also three massage motions — pulsing, kneading, and rolling — that can target different parts of your feet. You can concentrate more on your sole, ankle, or toes using the manual mode or have the motions consistent by using the automatic setting. At times, we found this machine's massage motions a little too intense, but we appreciated that the power and speed settings can be adjusted (excluding the air pressure) for a deep tissue massage. We wish there was a heat function, but compared to other machines we tested, the Best Choice Products massager felt the most like a real foot massage from a human being, which is a hard thing to achieve and a huge win in our book. Dimensions: 22 x 12 x 10 inches | Weight: 13.5 pounds | Heated: No PHOTO: The Spruce / Leticia Almeida PHOTO: The Spruce / Leticia Almeida Best Budget TheraFlow Foot Massager and Reflexology Chart PHOTO: Amazon $25 $20 at Amazon Star Qualities Speed and pressure can be adjusted manually Easy to transport and move around Grips on the bottom keep it securely in place while in use Red Flags No electronic controls or high-tech features Simple and streamlined, this easy-to-use machine employs a series of rollers to target pain caused by plantar fasciitis. It offers specific trigger point stimulation while allowing your foot to roll over the rows, helping to relieve tension through deep tissue massage. In fact, the gadget utilizes 96 nubs to target different pressure points on the foot, all in one handy and convenient gadget. Made from soft, durable wood, the foot massager is easy to transport, while non-slip grips help it stay in place on the floor. It’s ideal for using under a desk or in a home office. Our testing demonstrated instant relief, and it’s easy to adjust the pressure with your feet. We didn’t notice any pinching or discomfort, and were thrilled at the quality of massage this simple gadget provides. Since it’s manual, there aren’t any electronic controls or features, and it doesn’t fold up. Dimensions: 11.25 x 7.5 x 2.5 inches | Weight: 1.6 pounds | Heated: No PHOTO: People / Salina Gallegos PHOTO: People / Salina Gallegos PHOTO: People / Salina Gallegos PHOTO: People / Salina Gallegos PHOTO: People / Salina Gallegos PHOTO: People / Salina Gallegos Best Shiatsu Cloud Massage Shiatsu Foot Massager PHOTO: Amazon $286 at Amazon Star Qualities Massages the ankles and legs in addition to the foot Adjustable base works on a wide range of foot sizes Five adjustable settings offer a range of massage styles Red Flags Setup is confusing at first, but it's easy to use once you do The Cloud Massage Shiatsu Foot Massager has an adjustable base that can rotate to support your legs, calves, ankles, or feet — plus a variety of foot sizes. It relieves tension and improves circulation with different intensity levels to accommodate muscle aches and conditions like plantar fasciitis and diabetic neuropathy. It was a top performer in efficiency and has five adjustable settings: rolling massage, compression therapy, a sway function, heat therapy, and a quiet mode. The setup is also user-friendly. All you need to do is plug it in, adjust the angle to your preferred position, turn it on, and select an intensity level (the brand recommends starting on the lowest one). Keep in mind: There was a slight learning curve for various features, and the brand suggests wearing socks for the best results. While it's a splurge, the device provides a versatile, deep massage, and we would recommend it to friends and family. Dimensions: 22 x 11 x 17.7 inches | Weight: 11 pounds | Heated: Yes People / Leticia Almeida Best Shiatsu (Cheaper) Comfier Shiatsu Foot Massager PHOTO: Comfier View on Comfier.com Star Qualities Controls are intuitive Machine-washable inserts make it easy to clean Wide range of features offers a range of massage styles Operates quietly Red Flags Short plug-in cord hinders portability Some heat and massage settings could be too intense for some Combining heat, vibration and rolling compression, this all-in-one massager can be customized to tackle a range of different types of foot pain and discomfort. Throughout testing we thought the controls were intuitive and easy to use. With shiatsu, rolling, fast heating, total squeeze, and vibration settings, it heats up quickly and can reach temperatures of 130 degrees Fahrenheit. We love the auto shut-off feature and the generously-sized foot spaces which accommodate large and small feet comfortably. Thanks to machine-washable inserts the device is easy to keep clean and soft, too. Keep in mind that some of the high intensity functions can be a little uncomfortable for some. Dimensions: 12.8 x 13.7 x 6.8 inches | Weight: 6.8 pounds | Heated: Yes PHOTO: People / Kayla Kitts PHOTO: People / Kayla Kitts PHOTO: People / Kayla Kitts PHOTO: People / Kayla Kitts PHOTO: People / Kayla Kitts PHOTO: People / Kayla Kitts Best Heated Bob and Brad Foot Massager PHOTO: Amazon $140 $112 at Amazon Star Qualities Controls are intuitive Machine-washable inserts make it easy to clean Generously-sized foot spaces can accommodate large and small feet Red Flags Shorter-than-normal plug-in cord hinders portability We love how comforting this massager is for sore feet; the intuitive and efficient heating controls provided instant relief after a variety of different exercises like running, ballet, and HIIT workouts. We found that using it immediately after exercise relieved pain compared to days we went without it. It treated each area of the foot effectively — from toes to heels. With four levels of massage, the machine treats swelling and plantar fasciitis, so it’s perfect for anyone who spends long hours on their feet. Some of the massage and heat settings might be too intense for some people though. Dimensions: 15.7 x 15 x 9.3 inches | Weight: 10.3 pounds | Heated: Yes PHOTO: People / Sarah Naftzger PHOTO: People / Sarah Naftzger PHOTO: People / Sarah Naftzger PHOTO: People / Sarah Naftzger Best Air Pressure Homedics Shiatsu Air 2.0 Foot Massager with Heat PHOTO: Homedics View on Homedics.com Star Qualities Washable liners are easy to remove and clean Air compression rhythmically compresses feet for customizable tension relief Features are completely customizable based on your preference Red Flags It’s not particularly compact Larger foot compartments don’t feel fitted for small feet The air pressure in this efficient gadget rhythmically compresses and releases your foot while bathing it in gentle heat for a comfortable and calming massage. The various settings tackle different pains and discomfort. For instance, the deep-kneading shiatsu setting relaxes the foot from heel to toe through targeted acupressure points, working out knots and leaving your foot completely relieved. This machine offers strong air compression that’s customizable, so you can select from a variety of intensity levels per your comfort level. Gentle heating also provides a soothing experience that helps relax tired muscles. While this is an easy machine to use, we found that it was a bit noisy. It also takes up a good amount of space and isn’t particularly portable. Dimensions: 17.13 x 14.37 x 8.7 inches | Weight: 9 pounds | Heated: Yes PHOTO: People / Bridget Annear PHOTO: People / Bridget Annear PHOTO: People / Bridget Annear Best Features NEKTECK Shiatsu Foot And Calf Massager PHOTO: NEKTECK View on Nekteck.com Star Qualities Can be used on feet, calves, or forearms An easy-to-use app acts as the control panel Auto shut-off timer is completely customizable Red Flags Short plug-in cord hinders portability Not suitable for higher arches With two levels of heating, two levels of vibration, three levels of air compression, and two levels of rolling, this super-customizable machine has easy-to-use features, all controlled in an app. The machine can be used on your feet, calves or even your forearms, so it’s a great option for anyone with frequent aches and pains. It’s one of the most versatile machines we tested, with an equally functional and convenient app. That said, it’s a bit bulkier than others, and a short cord hinders portability. It also might not be ideal for folks with high arches. Dimensions: 17.13 x 14.37 x 8.7 inches | Weight: 9 pounds | Heated: Yes PHOTO: People / Niky Cross Taylor PHOTO: People / Niky Cross Taylor PHOTO: People / Niky Cross Taylor PHOTO: People / Niky Cross Taylor PHOTO: People / Niky Cross Taylor PHOTO: People / Niky Cross Taylor Best Manual TheraFlow Dual Foot Roller PHOTO: Amazon $30 $18 at Amazon $28 at Walmart Star Qualities Easy to take with you to use anywhere Massages can be customized per your preferences Most affordable foot massager on our list Material feels very durable Red Flags Doesn't include any heat or pressure settings This foot massager rolls out bumps and aches, sans power. It uses eight durable wooden rolling dowels: six with trigger point-stimulating bumps and two with larger massaging nubs. The dowels are arranged to match the natural arch of the foot to provide comfort and relax tension from heel to toe. Our testers preferred the mighty massage of this manual device to some of the automatic massagers that we tried. It stimulates overall blood circulation and can target sore spots — just angle your feet and alter the amount of direct pressure you put on the dowels. If you like the fancy bells and whistles, this may not be the device for you, but it's a budget-friendly pick that gives a great food massage. Dimensions: 11.2 x 2.5 x 7.5 inches | Weight: 1.76 pounds | Heated: No PHOTO: People / Lindsay Boyers PHOTO: People / Lindsay Boyers Experts Say "Manual massagers are great because you can use your own amount of pressure and customize your massage to your areas of concern."—Dr. Schaeffer Best with Multiple Settings Costway Foot Massage Bath Massager PHOTO: Amazon $86 at Amazon $13 at Walmart Star Qualities Massage and bath settings include jets and vibrations that help relieve foot tension and increase relaxation Red light therapy option could help reduce muscle and joint pain Deep tub is capable of fitting different foot sizes Red Flags Doesn’t have a huge range of water temperature options to choose from Combining a foot massager and a foot bath, the Costway Foot Spa Bath Massager uses six motorized massage rollers to knead out knots and increase blood circulation, plus a flexible showerhead streams over your feet for a cleansing and relaxing experience. It also has a red light therapy mode that increases blood flow and circulation. The different pinpoints allow you to get different kinds of massages where you need them, providing a luxurious spa feel that aids in relaxing and soaking tired muscles at the end of the day. While we wish that the heat settings did more to change the water temperature, we still felt that the Costway Foot Spa Bath Massager was a good value considering that you're getting a foot bath and red light massager all in one device. Dimensions: 18 x 18 x 21.6 inches | Weight: 11.45 pounds | Heated: Yes Others We Tried Human touch Reflex5s Foot and Calf Massager: This massager was easy to use and clean, but there’s no heating option, and it only has two massage modes. More importantly, a short power cord isn’t as convenient as some others we’ve tried. Miko Y2 Foot Massager: With a long cord, auto shut-off feature, and useful remotes, this is one of the more convenient machines we tested. However, it only offers one massage movement, doesn’t have adjustable heat, and generally lacks some of the features that we look for to offer optimal comfort and relaxation. Nekteck Shiatsu Foot Massager With Heat: While this machine offers a ton of customization for a variety of features, we found it to be overly bulky, with a short cord that makes it cumbersome and inconvenient to use regularly. Triggerpoint Nano x Foot Roller: This machine offers targeted care for plantar fasciitis and can be used for temporary pain relief, but we found that the overall design is uncomfortable. It’s painful to use over long periods of time, and the design doesn’t really accommodate the natural contours of the foot. What to Know About Foot Massagers Size Storage space is an important factor to keep in mind. Foot massagers can be bulky, not to mention heavy — our top picks weigh between two and 14 pounds. Make sure you have proper space to keep it (that's also easy to access) when you're not massaging your feet. Our best overall, the Miko Foot Massager Machine, takes up a bit of space but provides a strong foot massage with multiple pressure settings, massage modes, and heat. If you're low on space, manual massagers like the TheraFlow Foot Massager are a great option. Price Foot massagers range in price from under $20 for a manual model to more than $300 for a foot massager with lots of features. Consider how frequently you'll be using the foot massager. If you live with chronic foot pain, it might be worth spending more money on a unit that you will use regularly, bringing down its cost per use significantly. But if you aren't on your feet for long periods of time, a more affordable option, like the Best Choice Products Therapeutic Foot Massager, offers a relaxing experience. Features If you have inflammation or stand on your feet for long periods, you should consider a model that offers a deep tissue massage through different pressure levels and vibration settings, and heat therapy. Dr. Schaeffer personally enjoys heated massagers, saying, "I like to use a foot massager with a little bit of heat modality added, especially after a long workday on my feet." But if you plan to use your foot massager intermittently, or just for pampering, you'll likely be more interested in a multipurpose model, like the Costway Foot Bath Massager, which can be used for soaking and massaging, or with something that doesn't have as many features, like a massage gun. Behind the Scenes To find the best foot massagers, PEOPLE Tested spent more than seven hours testing 20 foot massagers in our in-house lab and at home. Settings: We compared some of the most popular foot massagers on the market, making careful note of all of the settings offered and controls available before testing each machine out. Once it was time to see how well each device worked, we put our feet inside and turned the machines on, trying out each setting to see just how relaxing and effective each foot massager was.Features: We tested foot massagers with a variety of features including different massage techniques, intensity adjustments, heat therapy, red light therapy, and water features. We also tested foot massagers that can comfortably accommodate different-sized feet.Effectiveness: To measure the effectiveness of each foot massager, we considered the pressure and heat settings of each model we tested. We considered the intensity of the massage and the areas that were targeted. We also were mindful of the amount of heat produced (by heated models), and most importantly, how our feet felt after using each massager. And, to ensure unbiased results, all of our testers did not learn the pricing of the foot massagers until after the testing was complete. People / Kayla Kitts Frequently Asked Questions What are the benefits of a foot massage machine? Foot massage machines can provide several benefits, including easing pain, increasing circulation, reducing stress and muscular tension, and promoting recovery. Dr. Schaeffer adds that they can be helpful for a myriad of health conditions. "Foot massagers can help with conditions like plantar fasciitis, tendinitis, heel pain, and just overall stress," Dr. Schaeffer says. "I like to use a foot massager with a little bit of heat modality added, especially after a long workday on my feet." Our best overall pick, the Miko Shiatsu Foot Massager, includes a heat function. How long should you use a foot massager? A foot massager should be used for 15 to 20 minutes at a time. Many of these machines have automatic timers to help make sure you don't overdo it. Always keep in mind that while the massage might feel deep on certain parts of the foot, it should never feel painful. If you're worried about overdoing it, using a manual massager like the TheraFlow Foot Massager can be a good way to control your massage without worrying about overdoing it. Can I use a foot massager every day? Foot massagers are safe to use every day as long as they are used properly. Dr. Schaeffer touts the relaxing effects of using a foot massager after a long day. "Foot massagers are also a great way to de-stress from a long day because the effect also relaxes and radiates throughout the whole body," Dr. Schaffer says. But, if you experience any pain while using a machine, it's time to stop. Why Trust PEOPLE? Cai Cramer is a staff writer for PEOPLE, covering the best and buzziest products across the beauty, fashion, health, and lifestyle spaces. To inform this story, Cai spoke with Dr. Bradley Schaeffer about how foot massagers can benefit people with foot pain stemming from a variety of conditions. Laura Denby is a contributing freelance writer who updated this story with our latest testing insights. Our Expert Panel Dr. Bradley Schaeffer is a board-certified podiatrist, foot surgeon, and star of the TLC show My Feet Are Killing Me. What Is PEOPLE Tested? We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs. But we don't stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we've awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square. In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.