Are electric foot massagers good for you?

A good foot massager will induce blood flow and circulation to your feet, ankles, and lower legs. If you’re experiencing plantar fasciitis, arthritis, or have old injuries, using a massager may be helpful. However, foot massagers aren’t right for everyone. People with stress fractures in their foot , who have had recent lower leg, foot, or ankle surgery, or have hardware in their foot should avoid them, says Dr. Kuhn. “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 says.

Do foot massagers increase circulation in the feet?

The short answer: 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.”

How much do foot massagers cost?

Foot massagers can vary in price between $18 and $280. The cheaper choices range from an all-wood massager relying on acupressure nubs to electric massagers with only one setting. More expensive choices can feature heat settings along with multiple massage options. Our best overall pick, Best Choice Products Shiatsu Foot Massager , is in the middle of the price range at the time of publishing at $90.

The 6 Best Foot Massagers of 2023, Tested in Our Lab

Best Foot Massagers Test — Verywell Health / Leticia Almeida

A foot rub can be the perfect way to unwind after a long day. This is especially true if you have arthritis pain, plantar fasciitis, or any other common foot, leg, or ankle complaints. While going to a massage spot or salon sounds great, the cost can deter some people. If you can’t make the regular visit, an at-home foot massager could be the solution and provide the relief you’re looking for.

“Massagers can help to improve blood flow to the area and move some of the swelling out,” says Alyssa Kuhn, DPT, Utah-based doctor of physical therapy. Before purchasing a massager, consider the style of movement, added features, and strength of the massage. Some massagers use roll, squeeze, or air compression.

We researched dozens of foot massagers and evaluated them for price, style of movement, features, and strength of the massage to find the best foot massagers on the market. A podiatrist from our Medical Expert Board then reviewed the contents of this article for medical accuracy surrounding what to look for in foot massagers, the potential benefits they can provide, and who should avoid them.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Best Choice Products Shiatsu Foot Massager at Amazon

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Best Budget:

Nekteck Shiatsu Foot Massager Machine at Amazon

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Best Calf:

Fit King Leg & Foot Compression Massager at Amazon

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Best Heated:

Miko Shiatsu Home Foot Massager Machine at Amazon

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Best Travel:

TheraFlow Dual Foot Roller at Amazon

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Best for Relaxing:

Cloud Massage Foot Massager at Amazon

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In This Article

Our Picks
How We Tested
What to Look For
FAQs
Why Trust Verywell Health

4.2

Amazon

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Pros

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

Cons

May be too big to leave out
Fixed intensity

Using a pulse, knead, and rolling technique, Best Choice Products Therapeutic Shiatsu provides a targeted massage for all areas of the feet, which is why we chose it as our top pick. The machine has three massage modes: manual, custom, and auto, and it comes with a remote, so you can easily control the power and speed. Plus, it has an easy-to-read LCD screen and washable foot sleeves.

One caveat our tester noted was that the massager was too big to store. “If I owned it, I think I might just leave it out all the time as it's kind of big to try to store away in a closet,” they said. Overall, it scored no less than a 4.5 across all attributes, receiving an overall value score of 5.

Price at time of publication: $100

Added Features: Auto mode, foot sleeves | Massage Method: Pulsing, kneading, and rolling

Verywell Health / Leticia Almeida

Amazon

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Pros

Full coverage for feet
Adjustable intensity
Detachable foot covers for washability

Cons

Only one massaging movement
Footholds may be small for some users

This massager gets the job done for the price. Using kneading and adjustable air compression, Nekteck’s Shiatsu massages your foot’s reflex zones to relieve muscle tension, and is equipped with a heat function to target stiffness. It also comes with a detachable foot cover, making for an easy clean and wash. “I think this is a great, affordable option for targeting the bottoms of your feet and the heat settings are very nice,” says our tester. The massager has an open concept, so all you have to do is slip your feet in.

Because the massager has only two adjustable intensity levels, it may not be strong enough for some, according to our tester. Regardless, the massager induces a calming effect and will have you feeling relaxed.

Price at time of publication: $80

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

Amazon

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Pros

3 massage intensities
Targets the feet and calves
Comes with a remote to adjust intensity and mode

Cons

Requires bending to adjust the controls

The FIT King Leg Air Massager uses a combination of kneading and air compression to provide much-needed relief to your muscles. With two modes and three massage intensities, you can adjust the settings to target the areas you need, and thanks to the remote, you can do so with a click of a button.

“I like that this massages your feet and your calves at the same time and it is easy to wear while moving your legs and staying in a comfortable position,” our tester say. One thing to keep in mind is that the lowest setting may feel intense for some, according to our tester.

Price at time of publication: $130

Added Features: Remote | Massage Method: Air compression

Verywell Health / Leticia Almeida

4.6

Amazon

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Our Ratings

Design

4.8/5
Effectiveness

4.5/5
Overall Value

4.5/5

Pros

Massages feet, ankles, legs, and calves
5 pressure settings
Has heat therapy

Cons

Expensive

Using heat therapy, air compression, and kneading, this electric foot massager works to fix aching feet, relax muscles, and improve blood flow. Using the wireless remote, you can change it to five pressure settings, three massage modes, and turn on the heat therapy function. The massager comes with a rotation bar, so you can lay it flat or on an angle to target your feet, ankles, legs, or calves.

It scored a five across all attributes, earning an overall score of five. “Changing the pressure ensures that you get the perfect massage at the right intensity for you and the heat is a nice touch,” says our tester.

Price at time of publication: $250

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

Verywell Health / Leticia Almeida

4.8

Amazon

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Our Ratings

Design

4.5/5
Effectiveness

5/5
Overall Value

5/5

Pros

Portable
Affordable
Uses acupuncture nodes

Cons

No additional features

The TheraFlow actually feels like a foot massage, using two different types of acupuncture nubs to release pressure from your feet and relieving conditions if you're looking to treat plantar fasciitis, aching heels, sore arches, or some types of neuropathy. The massager is made of durable wood and is small enough to travel with. Plus, there’s an anti-slip base.

“I love how cheap this is, it's a really effective and affordable model for anyone. It would also be convenient to pack and travel with, if necessary,” says our tester. They add: “It's stocking-stuffer cheap, easy to store, and should work for anyone looking for a deep sole massage.”

Price at time of publication: $17

Added Features: None | Massage Method: Acupuncture nubs

Verywell Health / Leticia Almeida

4.7

Amazon

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Our Ratings

Design

4.7/5
Effectiveness

4.7/5
Overall Value

4.3/5

Pros

Massages feet, ankles, and legs
3 levels of intensity
5 massage modes

Cons

Expensive
Bulky

As the name implies, the massager is like a cloud, offering relaxing vibes. After putting your feet into the cloud-like pillows, the device uses a kneading technique to stimulate blood flow and and reduces inflammation in your feet, ankles, and legs. The machine also offers three distinct levels of intensity and five modes: a rolling massage, compression therapy, a sway function, heat therapy, and quiet mode, making it friendly for all users.

One caveat our tester noted: “It’s a little big. I can see it being a challenge to store in a small space.” All in all, it received a five for the overall value. It’s an effective machine that’s worth the heftier price tag.

Price at time of publication: $260

Added Features: Heat function | Massage Method: Kneading

Verywell Health / Leticia Almeida

		Overall Rating	Size	Weight	Heated
Best Overall: Best Choice Products Shiatsu Foot Massager	Amazon	4.2	22 x 10 x 12 inches	13.5 pounds	No
Best Budget: Nekteck Shiatsu Foot Massager Machine	Amazon	Testing Now	-	-	-
Best Calf: Fit King Leg & Foot Compression Massager	Amazon	Testing Now	-	-	-
Best Heated: Miko Shiatsu Home Foot Massager Machine	Amazon	4.6	17 x 17 x 9 inches	12.85 pounds	Yes
Best Travel: TheraFlow Dual Foot Roller	Amazon	4.8	11.2 x 7.5 x 2.5 inches	1.7 pounds	No
Best for Relaxing: Cloud Massage Foot Massager	Amazon	4.7	-	-	-

How We Rated Foot Massagers

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.

How We Tested the Foot Massagers

Verywell Health / Leticia Almeida

We tested 12 foot spas and massagers at The Lab in Industry City, Brooklyn. Our testers unboxed, set up, and put the foot spas/massagers to work for eight hours. Considering the expert advice of Alyssa Kuhn, DPT about what to look for, we evaluated each foot spa/massager for the following attributes: setup, features, effectiveness, design, and ease of cleaning. Each of the foot spas/massagers was tested for over 20 minutes to get a feel for the product and our testers cleaned them after each use. Using this data, we boiled it down to the best foot spas/massagers.

What to Look for in Foot Massagers

Style of Movement

Verywell Health / Leticia Almeida

Not every massager is made equal. Some massagers roll, some squeeze, and others use air compression or pulse. Many perform these movements with adjustable settings. If you have a particular injury or condition, it is recommended to consult with a doctor to determine which type of movement is best for you.

Added Features

Some massagers come with additional features, such as a heat option, a remove, and auto shutoff. While these features aren’t necessary, having them can enhance your massage experience or help if you have a specific health condition.

Strength

Verywell Health / Leticia Almeida

Not everyone is looking for a massager that squeezes their feet. If the massager you’re considering buying is described as providing a “tight squeeze,” make sure that’s the type of pressure you’re looking for. Otherwise, you could end up in more pain than when you started.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are electric foot massagers good for you?

A good foot massager will induce blood flow and circulation to your feet, ankles, and lower legs. If you’re experiencing plantar fasciitis, arthritis, or have old injuries, using a massager may be helpful.
However, foot massagers aren’t right for everyone. People with stress fractures in their foot, who have had recent lower leg, foot, or ankle surgery, or have hardware in their foot should avoid them, says Dr. Kuhn.
“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 says.
Do foot massagers increase circulation in the feet?

The short answer: 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.”
How much do foot massagers cost?

Foot massagers can vary in price between $18 and $280. The cheaper choices range from an all-wood massager relying on acupressure nubs to electric massagers with only one setting. More expensive choices can feature heat settings along with multiple massage options. Our best overall pick, Best Choice Products Shiatsu Foot Massager, is in the middle of the price range at the time of publishing at $90.

Why Trust Verywell Health

Receiving her master’s degree in public health in 2020, Kayla Hui, MPH, is a seasoned public health practitioner and health journalist. She has interviewed dozens of experts, reviewed numerous research studies, and tested a plethora of products to deliver well-researched product reviews and roundups. Her goal is to help readers make more informed decisions about their health and well-being.