Best foot massagers to help with circulation and relaxation

The perfect treat after a long day.

best foot massagers

by Ellen Kinsey |
Updated on

The best foot massagers are the perfect way to unwind after a long day. They work by using vibrations, kneading and massaging away those pesky pains just like massage guns. Even if you’ve been embarking upon your daily exercise in some of the best walking boots on offer, there’s still a good chance you’re experiencing a bout of dryness and aches from all that movement and the change in weather. That's where the best massagers come in.

Wellness technology makes excellent gifts to help your loved ones (or you) unwind. Massage guns help to target aches and pains in the body. Face massagers help relieve tension and puffiness. Foot massagers help to stimulate your muscles and improve your circulation, and foot massagers can even be critical for those with long-term conditions such as diabetes. You no longer need to take a trip to the spa to give your body the treatment it deserves.

Best foot massagers at a glance

However, like most things, they come in all shapes and sizes, and knowing which one is right for you can be the challenging part. So, we’ve come up with the ultimate list of the best foot massagers to suit every budget, need, and lifestyle.

Best foot massagers

Best overall foot massager

RENPHO Foot Massager Machine with HeatRENPHO/Amazon

This panel-controlled foot massager from RENPHO has arguably the sleekest design of all. With the touch of a button, you can get a foot massage with a 15 or 30-minute timer, combining air compression, foot reflexology and soothing heat therapy. We love that it has a number of different options and intensities so that every massage can be personalised and suits people looking for relaxation all the way through to training athletes. It also has a touch button control which can be operated by your feet so you don't have to bend down to operate it. Best of all, the RENPHO suits feet up to a UK size 12, which is also larger than most.

With over 18,000 reviews, this is a popular choice with customers on Amazon. People liked the firmness of the massage it provides and found that it effectively targeted their pressure points. Opinions are mixed on the heat settings of this massager, with some saying it's a bit lacklustre but others saying it's really good.

Pros

  • Combines air compression, foot reflexology and soothing heat therapy
  • Multiple kneading intensities
  • Touch button which can be controlled by your feet

Cons

  • Opinions of customers are mixed on the heat setting

Best budget foot spa

Spensio SpaSpensio/Amazon
Price: £33.60

The SENSIO HOME Foot Spa is a foot spa designed to alleviate foot aches making it the perfect companion after a taxing day. Immerse in its warm, bubbly embrace, enhancing blood circulation and rejuvenating tired muscles. It comes with a luxury pedicure kit, complete with multiple attachments, which elevates the pampering experience. With adjustable settings and removable rollers, every massage session is tailored to perfection.

This foot spa is a number one best seller in Amazon's electric foot massagers category, with 6,000 reviews and an average star rating of 4.4 stars out of five. Reviewers think it is great value for money and think it does a great job at making their feet feel relaxed and comfortable. They also say it is a little noisy though!

Pros

  • Has an additional luxury pedicure kit included
  • Comes with multiple attachments
  • Adjustable settings and removable rollers to tailor the massage to your preference

Cons

  • Reviewers mention it's a little noisy

Best foot massager for larger feet

HoMedics Shiatsu Foot Massager with HeatHoMedics/Amazon

A slightly more industrial style of foot massager, the HoMedics device offers six rotating massage nodes and 18 massage heads on a portable board, which is big enough for up to size 12 feet. We love that you can also add a touch of heat to your massage using the hands-free controls, and it’s the perfect size for storing away when you’re done. It’s on an automatic 20-minute timer, so you don’t need to worry about being sat there for too long either, as tempting as it may be.

Although the HoMedics Shiatsu Foot Massager doesn’t win any points for style, it is praised by customers for the deep kneading settings and its heat feature for adding comfort. There are some customers who felt the massager’s intensity was too strong so we’d advise using it on the lowest setting to begin with and build up your tolerance.

Pros

  • Hands-free controls for fuss-free use
  • Suited for up to size 12 feet
  • Good size for easy storage

Cons

  • Not particularly stylish compared to others

Best foot massager on a budget

Snailax 2-in-1 Shiatsu Foot and Back MassagerSnailax/Amazon

Rrp: £49.99

Price: £38.99

The Snailax 2-in-1 is a great budget option for anyone looking for relaxation. Its versatile design means that it acts not only as a foot massager but also as a foot heater, a back-heating cushion or a back massager. In terms of massaging capabilities, it has eight shiatsu rollers to combat tension, as well as heated shiatsu balls to stimulate circulation in your feet. It’s not designed for anything too strenuous and as it doesn't have any kneading function, it only offers a basic massage, but it is definitely a great pick-me-up after a long walk.

Customers appreciate how easy it is to use and how comfortable it is too. Reviewers say it works well but it does get hot so be mindful not to use it for too long to avoid it overheating.

Pros

  • Eight shiatsu rollers to combat tension
  • Heated shiatsu balls to stimulate circulation in your feet
  • Doubles as a back heating cushion or a back massager

Cons

  • No kneading function so it's a bit more basic compared to others

Tested

Best foot massager for on-the-go

Yours.co.uk/H&S

Rrp: £14.99

Price: £9.39

The H&S (H&S Alliance UK) Foot Massage Roller provides instant or temporary relief to your feet. It offers muscle and deep tissue massage for arch pain, plantar fasciitis treatment, heel spurs reliever and tired feet. The nubs recreate acupressure effect of deep-tissue massage to aid pain relief. The ergonomically contoured roller ensures full contact with the sole of the foot. This electric-free choice is popular with athletes as it is lightweight and portable, so you can take it on a long walk or run. Just by rolling your foot over the roller, you’ll instantly feel the benefits of stretching and massaging your muscles from heel to toe.

Our tester said: "I was curious to try this product, as I am a keen runner and walker my feet sometimes can get sore and ache. It’s a simple product, ready to use straight out of the box. The instructions come with pictures so look easy to follow. It’s inexpensive, at £7.99 from Amazon, so there is nothing to loose in giving it a try.

"I am a 52-year-old female. I have a busy job and try to keep fit by running a couple of times a week and taking several walks. I run and walk almost always on roads and paths so my feet do take a bit of a battering. My husband also tried the product as he works 12 hours a day on his feet and in steel-toe-capped boots, which are designed for their protection rather than comfort, so he too gets achy feet. He also has a high step and found the roller particularly good at easing the pain in that part of his feet.

"I found this product easy and convenient to use while seated. You can almost forget you are doing it. It is better used standing up, but it is not as convenient or easier on carpet. I personally found it difficult to use on other areas. I tried it on my calves, but it was not easy to achieve.

"For the low price of this product, I was pleased with the results it gave. Tired feet were instantly relieved. It’s refreshing to have a product that is simple to use, with no need for batteries or charging. As a couple, we love a city break and always walk rather than use public transport. I will be taking this product with me the next time we go away.

"As a family, we have all suffered from Plantar Fasciitis at some point. I will keep this foot roller handy for whenever anyone gets it again, as I am confident it would help.

"It's easy and quick to use, just 5–10 minutes. It’s a nice design and feels well-made and robust while also being lightweight. I would give this product 5 stars. This is due to the low price point and that it does ease my tired feet. I would have marked it down as not easy to use on other areas, but its main purpose is a foot massager, and it serves that purpose well."

Pros

  • Can be used to relieve all sorts of muscle pain, not limited to feet; massage calf muscles, hands, triceps, hamstrings and glutes
  • Simple design, feels sturdy, comfortable and lightweight
  • Can be used standing or sitting down
  • Great colour options and good value for money

Cons

  • Doesn’t work so well on hard floors it slips or rolls away
  • Difficult to use on calves and glutes
  • Ease of use
    5.0
  • Performance
    4.5
  • Functionality
    4.5
  • Value for money
    5.0
  • Made from high quality PU and TPE material that's non-toxic skin-friendly
  • The foot roller measures diameter 7cm and width 17cm

Tested

Best for circulation boosting

Yours.co.uk/Revitive

The Revitive Essential Circulation Booster is a medical device designed to relieve pain, swelling, and muscle stiffness in the legs by using electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) to trigger muscle contractions, enhance blood flow and improve circulation. This product is designed for individuals who spend long periods sitting or standing, as it alleviates discomfort and pain in their legs.

Our tester said: "I’m 55 years old and split my time between working from home during the week and spending 7-8 hours on my feet in a store every Saturday. This shift from sitting down to standing for long periods of time leaves my legs in significant pain, and due to my medical condition, I’m unable to use pain relief gels like Voltarol, so I have been using a handheld massager, which only targets one area at a time, to help relieve the stiffness I have in my legs.

"The Revitive kit includes a foot plate, power lead, body pads, and a user manual with clear, step-by-step instructions and safety guidelines. The foot plate has an LED display, an automatic 30-minute countdown timer, and adjustable intensity levels for different personal needs. I was hoping the Revitive would offer a better solution to my leg pain instead of using a handheld massager, which did not give me much relief.

"When I first used the Revitive, I followed the instructions and used a low intensity. At the start of the session, I could feel a pins-and-needles sensation in my feet, and then I could feel my muscles contracting in my calves. The feeling was strange, but it wasn’t painful. The intensity then started to fluctuate throughout the session, and I felt the device really working on my legs.

"I did notice that one leg of my leg felt more muscle contractions than the other, which I think is due to my long-standing issues with that leg. It would be good if the device lets you adjust the separate intensity for each leg, as this could increase the effectiveness of the treatment. But so far, the Revitive has provided a noticeable difference in the pain in my legs, and I feel that it’s doing what it is supposed to.

"After four weeks of using the Revitive, I did notice a reduction in the pain and stiffness in my legs. I’m no longer limping home or struggling to go up and down stairs in pain. My sister, who has bad circulation and night cramps in her legs, also tried the Revitive, and after several uses, she mentioned that it did help reduce the pain in her legs when she had cramps during the night.

"I would recommend the Revitive to anyone who, like me, is not very active and struggles with poor circulation and leg stiffness. While it’s quite expensive, it’s a worthwhile investment if it helps alleviate leg pain and improves your quality of life. I think that with continued use, I will gain further benefits."

Pros

  • Easy to set up and user-friendly
  • Lightweight and portable for easy transportation between rooms
  • 30-minute countdown timer automatically switches off at the end of the session
  • Body pads with electrode core included can be used on specific areas of the legs to relieve pain and discomfort
  • Adjustable intensity levels from 0-50 to users to customise their personal preferences

Cons

  • Cannot adjust intensity separately for each leg
  • Replacement pads could become costly in the long run
  • Design
    4.5
  • Ease of use
    5.0
  • Ease of cleaning
    5.0
  • Comfort
    4.3
  • Performance
    4.3
  • Value for money
    3.5
  • 2-year warranty (on registration)
  • Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS) technology stimulates muscle contractions to enhance blood flow
A foot photographed to two positions demonstrating the use of a manual foot massage roller
Our tester demonstrates using a manual foot roller ©Yours.co.uk

Best foot massagers FAQs

What are the benefits of using a foot massager?

Foot massagers can help alleviate pain, reduce stress, improve circulation, and promote relaxation. Regular use can also aid in the recovery of foot injuries and reduce muscle soreness.

Are foot massagers suitable for people with medical conditions?

While foot massagers can be beneficial, those with certain medical conditions such as deep vein thrombosis, blood clots, or diabetes should consult with a healthcare professional before using one.

How often can I use a foot massager?

For most people, using a foot massager daily for 10-30 minutes can be beneficial. However, it's essential to listen to your body and avoid overuse. You could even try using massage oils, if your new piece of kit allows it.

What's the difference between a manual and an electric foot massager?

A manual foot massager requires you to move your feet over the device to get the massage, while an electric foot massager typically has automated nodes and rollers that provide a more intense and consistent massage.

Ellen Kinsey was a Senior Health and Wellness Product Writer and has been a part of Bauer Media since 2020. She has left to study Ayurveda in India to expand her knowledge and skills in the health and wellness field, where she plans to continue making journalistic contributions.

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