How to Improve Circulation in Feet and Toes
You might not have considered investing in one of the best foot massagers, but these gadgets can deliver a range of benefits, from helping you unwind at the end of the day, to helping sore feet recover faster, to improving your circulation. And many are surprisingly affordable too.
Unlike the best foot spas, which require filling with water and emptying and cleaning afterwards, foot massagers are generally 'plug and play', so are much simpler to use. They're all designed to massage away your aches and pains whenever you feel the need, but there are a few different ways they can achieve this: many use rollers, while others vibrate or use air compression and EMS (electro muscle stimulation).
The more advanced options will include different cycles and settings for different use cases, and ways to control the device without having to bend down, ruining your Zen. Some even include heat to make the experience even more soothing.
If you want your back pummeled you should consult our best massage chair ranking, while our general best massager guide covers a range of use cases. But if you've decided to give your toes a treat, read on for our pick of the best foot massagers 2021. We explain what each has to offer, their pros and cons, and the most important details you need to know to make your decision.
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(Image credit: Beurer)
The best foot massager overall
Specifications
Types of massage: Shiatsu, air pressure, heat
Max shoe size: UK12
Weight: not stated
Warranty: 3 years
Reasons to buy
+Multiple massage cycles +Air compression option +Soothing heat function
Reasons to avoid
-Not the cheapest -Air cycles are a bit noisy
It's not the cheapest, but boy oh boy is the Beurer FM90 a dream to use. A worthy holder of our best foot massager crown, this gadget serves up multiple Shiatsu massage options, with variable intensity, comfortable cushioning and optional heat. The standout though is the air compression option that's ultra-soothing, if a little noisy. The slightly odd looking black half-dome is suitable up to a UK12, and includes an easy to use control panel. For tired toes, this in an investment you won't regret. Head to our Beurer FM90 foot massager review for more info.
(Image credit: Homedics)
The best affordable foot massager
Specifications
Types of massage: Shiatsu, heat
Max shoe size: N/A (LxWxH 35x12x30.5cm)
Weight : 2.7kg
Warranty : 3 years
Reasons to buy
+Variable intensity +Control with your toe! +Effective heat function
Reasons to avoid
-Only two programmes -Only massages your soles
If you're on a tighter budget, the best foot massager for you might be this Homedics Dual Shiatsu one. This one focuses on soothing your soles, with two rotating massagers per foot, each with three massage heads, which ease away your aches. While there aren't hundreds of options to explore, you can amp the intensity up or down, and there's an ultra-soothing heat function for chilly days. Plus, it's designed to be controlled with your big toe, so you don't even need to bend down to turn it on or off! You'll find more info in our Homedics Dual Shiatsu Foot Massager review.
(Image credit: TheraFlow )
3. TheraFlow Dual Foot Massager Roller
The best manual foot massager
Specifications
Types of massage: manual rolling
Max shoe size: N/A
Weight: 720g
Warranty: no
Reasons to buy
+Cheap and easy to use +Fits any shoe size +Doesn't require power
Reasons to avoid
-You do all the work
A reminder that you don't necessarily need an electronic device to massage your feet: this cheap and effective wooden device is purely mechanical, and features 10 independent rollers cleverly designed to hit the pressure points on your feet. Simply run your feet over them, to knead away knots and tension. Lightweight and portable, you can take this device anywhere and never need to worry about plugging it in. There's not really much to it beyond that, which is reflected in the low price, but it is surprisingly effective as long as you're prepared to put the work in, which is why it has earned a place amongst our best foot massager picks.
(Image credit: Snailax)
4. Snailax Foot Warmer
The best vibration and heat foot massager
Specifications
Types of massage: vibration massage, heat
Max shoe size: 12
Weight: 1kg
Warranty: 2 years
Reasons to buy
+Use on other body parts +2-year warranty +Low price
Reasons to avoid
-No kneading
Next up in our best foot massager list is the Snailax Foot Warmer with Massage. While this device doesn't come with rollers, it does offer a combination of vibration and heat to revive your feet. There are five vibration massage modes, you can turn the heat on and off, and the device automatically switches off after 15 minutes. Note that the vibration is pretty subtle, so if you're looking to give your feet an intensive workout, you'll be better off looking elsewhere on this list. On the plus side, you can remove the detachable top cover, and use it as a vibration/heat pad for other parts of your body, including your back, neck, and legs. We also like the non-slip rubber bottom, which does a good job of keeping it in place, and the fact it comes with a two-year warranty.
(Image credit: Revive)
5. Revitive Advanced Circulation Booster
The best EMS foot massager
Specifications
Types of massage: electro muscle stimulation
Max shoe size: N/A
Weight: 1.4kg
Warranty : 2 years
Reasons to buy
+Electro muscle stimulation +Use on other body parts +Fits any shoe size
Reasons to avoid
-Expensive
The Revitive Advanced Circulation Booster offers something that none of the other devices on this list include: electro muscle stimulation (EMS). Basically, it emits electrical pulses that contract your muscles and help boost circulation. For this reason, it should not be used by anyone pregnant, anyone being treated for deep vein thrombosis or anyone fitted with an electronic implant, such as a pacemaker.
The manufacturers recommend you use it for at least 30 minutes a day and it couldn't be easier to do so. Simply place your bare feet on the footpads and let it do its work. You can choose between 15 stimulation waveforms, using the included remote control, to get the right intensity for your needs. Plus, the device also comes with Electrode Body Pads that let you target other areas of the body, such as the lower back, shoulders, arms, thighs and knees.
(Image credit: Belmint )
6. Belmint Shiatsu Foot Massager
Another good value foot massager
Specifications
Types of massage: kneading, heat
Shoe size: 12
Weight: 3.5kg
Warranty : 1 year
Reasons to buy
+18 nodes +Deep kneading
Reasons to avoid
-No air compression -Only 1 year warranty
The Belmint Shiatsu Foot Massager doesn't offer air compression, but it does deliver a lovely deep-kneading foot massage experience, with heat, in one affordably priced device. Massage is delivered via 18 deep-kneading nodes that target acupuncture points on your foot to help stimulate blood flow and relieve stress. And it couldn't be easier to use. Just press the centrally-placed button (which is angled towards you, so you can operate it with your toes) and put your feet in. When hot, the button is red; to turn the heat off, press the button again and it will turn blue. There's a removable and washable cloth cover, and the mesh insert is made of a comfortable, breathable fabric that feels nice on your feet. There aren't any super-clever features here, but given the low price, what's on offer is pretty impressive.
How to Improve Circulation in Feet and Toes
Source: https://www.t3.com/us/features/best-foot-massager