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By Malia Griggs , Rebecca Brown , and Jake Henry Smith
Anyone with tired, aching feet, or who is simply looking for new ways to unwind, should consider trying one of the best foot massagers. These devices can help increase blood circulation, soothe muscles after tough workouts, and feel damn good at the end of a long day. We spoke with a podiatrist to learn more about the benefits of a foot massager—and brought you the best ones to try, including models that have deep-kneading functions that can be used on your feet, calves, back, and neck.
Jump to the full list.
Studies show that just a few minutes of foot massage and reflexology can reduce stress and pain—and who couldn’t use that? “Foot massagers can absolutely be great devices for your feet, depending on certain pedal conditions,” board-certified podiatrist Chanel Perkins, DPM, tells Glamour. “They’re great for improving circulation, stretching, and easing discomfort, especially with inflammation, stress, and fatigue that we oftentimes experience with our feet.” (And if you’ve been walking in sandals or pushing your running shoes to their limit, a massage can undo miles of discomfort.)
Make sure you’re getting one that’s the right fit for your foot size and for the amount of space you have, Dr. Perkins says. Electric massagers come in many styles: open-toe, boots that knead your calves, and ones you rest your feet upon. Some varieties are great for travel, such as mats that roll up and handheld massage guns, while others are heftier and are perhaps best suited for wearing in your living room while you tune out to the TV.
You should consider the device’s various control settings and functions as well. Electric foot massagers often offer special features that hands alone can’t achieve—and what bliss! “Look for various control settings for massage intensity, speeds, and heat functions,” plus toe-touch operation, Dr. Perkins says. “If the foot cover is removable and washable, this is a bonus.”
It’s worth noting that you should always check in with a podiatrist if you’re suffering from any chronic pain (such as chronic plantar fasciitis), recently had surgery, or are diagnosed with tears or fractures in your feet, Dr. Perkins says. Whatever your “kneads,” we’ve listed the very best foot massagers, from Shiatsu machines that target pressure points to foot baths that gently wash and rub your soles.
All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
This is one of the most popular foot massagers, featuring three intensibites of shiatsu kneading massage and three intensities for controllable squeezes; you can completely customize the experience to mirror what you might ask from an IRL massage. Coupled with a heating system that stays warm for 30 minutes and touch buttons that let your toes act like a remote, this device will help you slip right into recovery mode.
Review: I ran a half marathon last week and this was the most incredible recovery tool! My feet, which had been swollen and sore, felt revitalized after a day or two (quick for a post-race run). —Meenu, reviewer at Amazon
Speed and function: 3 kneading and 3 squeeze intensities / Heated: Yes / Pros: Fits a variety of feet; highly adjustable settings; toe-touch control / Cons: Heating can be weak
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If you prefer deep-tissue massages or long, even strokes that focus on blood flow, you can replicate both styles with this shiatsu electric foot massage machine. The Miko boasts 40 deep-kneading nodes within its boots, which slip around the calves for some blood-flow-inducing massage. The machine’s handlebar converts it into a foot and ankle massager, with a gentle swaying feature that relaxes. Other useful features: a wireless remote, toe-touch control, and a timer.
Review: It’s great for the feet and calves. I love the easy adjustable bar/handle to create the best position for my massage experience. I use it on the floor while sitting up, as well as on the bed or couch while lying down. I also like that the bed is open at both ends. It allows me to adjust my feet and calves to where I want them during my 20-minute massage experience. I have used my foot massager every night since I got it and noticed a huge improvement in my sleep, which is awesome. —Cindy, reviewer at Amazon
Speed and function: 3 massage modes, 5 pressure settings / Heated: Yes / Pros: Durable design; highly adjustable massage modes; ease of use; remote control / Cons: Heavy; pricey
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The Nekteck foot massager prioritizes simplicity—and lovely, much-needed warmth. There’s a single rolling mode that’s powered by 54 rotating nodes, plus a heating feature. Toggle the machine on and off with a toe touch and let it do the work. The best-selling machine has six massage heads (three per foot) that target your heels, arches, and toes. The design is smooth on top, so you can slide it under your shoulders, back, or calves too. At $50, this option is tough to beat.
Review: I bought this mainly for the warming foot massage, but after using it once I was delighted to see the pain in my back had subsided too. I highly recommend this device. It feels wonderful on my feet…and the side-effect is even better. —Patty, reviewer at Amazon
Speed and function: 1 kneading intensity / Heated: Yes / Pros: Relatively affordable; versatile design; toe-touch control / Cons: No adjustable features
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Rather than sliding your feet into this shiatsu massager as if it were a pair of slippers, you can control the placement of the massage nodes and pressure points you want rubbed. This open-toe design is especially helpful for anyone with larger feet who finds the closed-toe fit too snug. It comes with a remote control and an easy-to-see LCD screen, and it has three massage modes that target the sensitive spots in your feet—including an auto mode that circles through all of them. Some reviewers mention that they’ve used the gadget to massage calves and arms as well.
Review: The massager goes for 15 minutes at a time and feels like real hands on my feet. The pressure is awesome on the bottom of my feet, and it squeezes the sides, which feels amazing. I can move my feet up or down to focus pressure more on my heels, mid feet, or bottom of my toes. I only use the remote to turn it on and off—the setting it came on works wonders. —Cara, reviewer on Amazon
Speed and function: 3 massage settings / Heated: No / Pros: Great for larger feet; includes remote control; removable washable cover / Cons: No heating feature or pressure adjustability
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The Human Touch Reflex Sol provides immense relief to your feet and calves at the same time, so you don’t have to move the machine every time you want to switch your position. This, combined with its proprietary CirQlation tech, which helps circulate blood from your foot and lower leg up towards the rest of your body, makes it a great option if you have swollen calves and feet.
Review: I bought this foot massager hoping that it would help with circulation and pain relief for my feet and calves. I was not disappointed! It has varied levels of intensity, and the buttons are easy to access (no remote needed). I am very happy. —Genie, reviewer on Amazon
Speed and function: 3 massage modes, 2 speeds / Heated: Yes / Pros: Customizable settings; accommodates most feet; tilting base / Cons: Very pricey, bulky
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Can’t decide between a foot massager and a heated full-body cushion? With this versatile tool, you don’t need to. When you’re done with your relaxing foot massage, simply take your feet out of the snuggly opening and unzip the top section to reveal a cushy heated base that can be used on your back—or wherever else you need it.
Review: I’ve tried foot massagers before and been so disappointed. That did not happen this time! This one can actually get my arches, where most of the pain and knots are. I do tend to lean on my legs to get in there good and have worried I will break it, but so far it’s sturdy enough to take the weight. I also love that you can easily take the top off and use it elsewhere on your body if you want. —Kristen, reviewer on Amazon
Speed and design: 1 massage setting / Heated: Yes / Pros: Versatile design; nonslip base; faux fur interior; under $100 / Cons: Remote cord is short; limited speeds and modes
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If you’re seeking variety, you’ll want to pay close attention to this one. It offers five modes: a rolling massage with three levels of intensity; compression therapy, to squeeze the sides of your feet or calves; a sway function that loosens tight muscles and joints; vibration for extra relaxation; soothing heat therapy for all-around comfort; and even a quiet mode for people who want to zen out (without disturbing their housemates).
Review: This is by far the best investment I’ve ever made for myself! The Cloud has a patented bar that allows you to change the machine to various positions. You can do multiple angles, straight up and down (for calf massage), or flat (which is the only position other massagers have). This is a heated, vibrating, deep-kneading shiatsu massager that has these airbags that squeeze in and out at various pressures, which is awesome for my circulation issues. —GirlOfPeace, reviewer on Amazon
Speed and function: 5 massage modes, 3 intensity levels / Heated: Yes / Pros: Tons of functions; adjustable design / Cons: Pricey; heavy
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Glamour reviewer Rebecca Mouridy sings the praises of this HoMedics massager. “I like its pressure, especially after walking around in New York for my commute everyday—it relieves pain and helps my sore feet,” she says. Its nodes and air compression replicate Japanese shiatsu massage techniques by deeply and rhythmically pressing all along the tops, bottoms, and sides of the feet. You can choose from three speeds, depending on how gentle or intense of a rubdown you crave, and its sleevelike design ensures no heat escapes. Slip your feet inside its cozy sleeves and let the machine take over.
Reviewer: I received my foot massage a week ago and I’m loving it. I love the different settings. The highest setting gives the deepest massage, and that one is my favorite because it is so relaxing. My feet feel less tired. That’s great to know that I can get perfect massage anytime I want. —Punkin, reviewer on HoMedics
Speed and function: 2 massage modes, 3 intensities / Heated: Yes / Pros: Fits up to men’s size 13 feet; washable lining; automatic shutoff / Cons: Pricey; openings may be too small for some feet
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This unique mat is about the size of a piece of paper, weighs less than half a pound, and rolls up so you can stick it in your bag for you to always have it on hand when your feet need soothing. Though its slim design doesn't offer the nodes of other massagers, its heat options specifically stimulate acupressure points in the soles of your feet. It is USB rechargeable so you can go cord-free, has 19 levels of delicious adjustable heat, comes with a three-button controller you can work with your toes, and costs under $50. Cold feet, who?
Review: After trying this pad, I felt relief in different areas of my sore feet, ranging from my heels to the balls. The pad is simple to use and portable. The USB charger is very practical, which makes storage easy. I let my girlfriend try it. She mentioned that she hasn’t experienced any issues with plantar fasciitis. I bought a pad for my parents and they love it too. I highly recommend the foot massager pad, especially for athletes and/or people who experience pain in their feet. —Samora, reviewer on Amazon
Speed and function: 8 massage modes, 19 intensity levels / Heated: Yes / Pros: Travel-friendly; good for cold feet; USB rechargeable; cordless; easy to clean / Cons: No massage nodes
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Celebs like Rihanna and Jay-Z have touted the benefits of Therabody’s massage guns, which use percussive therapy to pound away at tight muscles and knots. “I gave this to my mom, who has plantar fasciitis across the top of her feet, and she texts to tell me how helpful it is in the evening before bed,” says Glamour commerce editor Malia Griggs. “I’ve used it myself (and own the smaller Theragun Mini version) and appreciate that it comes with attachments that apply different types of massage across the body, depending on where else you want to use it (neck, arms, IT band, etc.). It’s powerful, but I’m someone who likes my feet hammered.” The gun weighs two pounds and fits inside an included travel case, making it perfect to keep in a gym bag or backpack when on the go.
Review: I ride horses and the Theragun relaxes my sore muscles so well that using it before rides has my trainer asking me what I’m doing differently. It’s incredibly powerful like others have said, even on the lowest setting. But I find that after a few uses this goes away. It shows me that I probably have inflammation and tight fascia in places I didn’t realize. Worth every penny. —TBH, reviewer on Amazon
Speed and function: 5 speeds / Heated: No / Pros: Versatile for use across the body; travel size; attachments included for different types of targeted pressure; app control / Cons: Requires hands to use; no heat settings; pricey
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Similar to compression socks, compression boots squeeze your muscles to boost blood flow in your legs and reduce soreness. These trendy Hyperice boots are great for athletes, but also for anyone who’s on their feet for long periods. The system uses air pressure to warm up and massage five different zones of your legs including your feet, calves, and ankles. The boots are an investment, but worth it if you’re extremely active.
Review: I was reluctant to spend $700 on a recovery system—I’m an intermediate-level speed skater, and this seemed like something pros or the Olympic team would use. I was curious for the longest time and finally took the plunge and plunked down the cash. I was able to use HSA money so that was a plus. Yep, it’s worth it. This isn’t some department store “massager.” I have the controller set on 5 out of 7 for the intensity, and it squeezes the legs. Hard. Setup and use were very easy; everything just clips together, and unclips for storage. —ZeroPly, reviewer on Amazon
Speed and function: 7 compression levels / Heated: Yes / Pros: Powerful; full-leg massage; app connectivity for personalized sessions; long battery life / Cons: Very pricey; bulky
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Perhaps the biggest advantage to the TheraFlow foot massage roller is that it’s small and lightweight enough to be used—and taken—anywhere. The manual massager has 96 wooden nodules that act as trigger points, and it comes with a corresponding foot reflexology chart that serves as your own handy healing guide. At under $30, it’s one of the best budget options out there—and it doesn’t require an oulet.
Review: I’ve had tendonitis in both my feet and now plantar fasciitis. I get foot cramps all the time. After just one day with this under my desk at work, I feel a huge difference. My feet feel tingly—in a good way. I look forward to being able to go for a walk and not having to rest along the way. I also love that it’s small, looks nice, and doesn’t slide around. —Vanessa, reviewer on Amazon
Speed and function: None / Heated: No / Pros: Affordable; includes foot chart; fits most feet / Cons: Requires effort to use; no heat feature
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Wash away a long day with a foot bath that soaks your soles while gently massaging them with vibrations and a built-in pressure-point cushion. You won’t have to lift a fing—er, toe—with its single-button control. The spa tool is the perfect self-care gift (and is only $25 right now, if you want to throw one in for your mom or bestie too).
Review: The bottom of the bath has raised bumps that can gently massage your feet by moving them back and forth. I like the gentle vibrations, and my feet tingle after I’m finished using this. The on/off feature is easy to use too. —Janet Marie, reviewer on Amazon
Speed and function: Vibrating function / Heated: No / Pros: Affordable; toe-touch control; massage attachment; washes feet / Cons: No heating feature; no nodes; noisy
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