The best foot massager can help to relieve muscle soreness if you've been on your feet all day or recovering from exercise.
We tested popular foot massagers from brands including Homedics and Renpho, costing from £35 upwards. Our testers, who comprise a range of ages and shoe sizes – one is even a trail runner – tried each foot massager machine below and assessed them on how effectively they massaged, how comfortable they felt to use, the range of settings they offered and more.
We found one standout Best Buy that provided a strong and effective massage; it had a comfortable fit and was super-easy to operate. Read on to find out which model impressed our testers and for expert advice from a podiatrist on when foot massagers should be avoided.
The best foot massagers
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| Foot massager | Price | Score | Effectiveness | Fit* | Heat function |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 86% | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ||
| 80% | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | ||
| 79% | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ||
| 75% | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ||
| 74% | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ||
| 65% | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ||
| 64% | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★☆☆☆ |
Date tested: December 2024. Page last checked: December 2024. We are not able to show every retailer and cheaper prices may be available.
*How comfortably feet fit into or on top of the foot massager
The foot massagers we tested
All the foot massagers we tested are listed in alphabetical order below.
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Beurer FM90 Shiatsu Foot Massager
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Massage settingsAir pressure (low, medium, high); massage modes: 1 (air pressure), 2 (massage without air pressure), 3 (massage with air pressure)
Heat settingsOne non-adjustable setting
Need to know40 x 31 x 15cm (L x W x D), 4.6kg, 310cm cable, detachable foot sleeves, hand-wash only, use for maximum 15 minutes at a time, use barefoot or with socks on
Comfier Shiatsu Heated Foot Massager
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Massage settingsKneading (low, medium or high); air compression (low, medium or high); vibration (low, medium or high)
Heat settingsLow (45-50°C claimed temperature), high (50-55°C claimed temperature)
Need to know39 x 30 x 13cm (L x W x D), 2.6kg, 194cm cable, detachable and machine-washable foot sleeves, use for maximum 15 minutes at a time
Homedics Deluxe Shiatsu Foot Massager
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Massage settingsOne non-adjustable setting
Heat settingsOne non-adjustable setting
Need to know36 x 30 x 10cm (L x W x D), 2.5kg, 192cm cable, wipe clean, use for maximum 15 minutes at a time, use with socks on
Homedics Dual Shiatsu Foot Massager
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Massage settingsOne non-adjustable setting
Heat settingsOne non-adjustable setting
Need to know28 x 35 x 10cm (L x W x D), 2.3kg, 181cm cable, wipe-clean, use for maximum 15 minutes at a time, use barefoot or with socks on
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InvoSpa Shiatsu Foot Massager
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Massage settingsSix massage intensity settings
Heat settingsOne non-adjustable setting
Need to know40 x 30 x 19cm (L x W x D), 3.7kg, 191cm cable, detachable and machine-washable foot sleeves, use for maximum 40 minutes at a time, remote control included, use with socks on
Medcursor Foot Massager
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Massage settingsAir pressure (low or high); massage modes: M1 (kneading, rolling, heat, air pressure), M2 (kneading and rolling), M3 (air pressure with no kneading)
Heat settingsOne non-adjustable setting
Need to know37 x 32 x 10cm (L x W x D), 2.7kg, 187cm cable, detachable foot sleeves, use for maximum 30 minutes at a time, suction feet
Renpho Shiatsu Foot Massager Pro +
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Massage settingsKneading (low, medium, high); air compression (low, medium, high)
Heat settingsOne non-adjustable setting
Need to know41 x 33 x 22cm (L x W x D), 3.7kg, 182cm cable, detachable and machine-washable foot sleeves, use for maximum 30 minutes at a time, remote control included
Snailax Shiatsu Foot Massager
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Massage settingsKneading (low, medium, high); air compression (low, medium, high); vibration (low, medium, high)
Heat settingsLow, medium, high
Need to know37 x 31 x 15cm (L x W x D), 2.7kg, 195cm cable, detachable and machine-washable foot sleeves, use for maximum 15 minutes at a time, remote control included
How we test foot massagers
We buy the most popular foot massagers available at UK retailers. Our panel of testers, who are a range of shoe sizes, spend time using all of the foot massagers we've reviewed. This is so they can compare each model fairly and put the results in context.
We regularly revisit the foot massagers on sale, to see if there are any more popular models that need testing and when we find them we do.
Our testers rate each foot massager on the following factors:
- Massage effectivenessTesters try out different settings on the foot massagers and rate them for how comfortable and effective they feel to use. The best foot massagers are powerful enough to work out the knots in your feet but the worst are too intense or conversely, too weak to have any effect.
- Heating effectivenessAll of the foot massagers we test have a heating element, which the manufacturers claim help to relieve sore muscles. Testers assess how soothing this feels.
- FitMost of the foot massagers we review have foot sleeves to insert your feet into. Our testers score each machine on how comfortable their feet feel inside them. The best have plenty of room to fit larger shoe sizes but the worst are too snug and can't accommodate them.
- Ease of operatingTesters also rate how easy the control panel is to use on each foot massager and how easy it is to adjust the settings.
In addition to the panel test, we also assess:
- VersatilityWe look for foot massagers with a wide range of adjustable massage, air compression and heat settings. This is so you can tailor the massage to suit your comfort level.
- Ease of cleaningThe top foot massagers have detachable foot sleeves that can be thrown into the washing machine, for easy cleaning. The worst have foot sleeves that can only be hand-washed or have sparse instructions that don't give any detail how to clean them.
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Do podiatrists recommend foot massagers?
We asked Emma McConnachie, a practising podiatrist and spokesperson for the Royal College of Podiatry, if it's advisable to use a foot massager. She says: 'They can be used for general foot comfort and relaxation; however, there are limitations and potential risks.
'Where there is an underlying health condition that affects the circulation or sensation in the feet, including peripheral arterial disease, diabetes, deep vein thrombosis and neurological conditions, these devices should only be used under the advice of a healthcare professional, such as a podiatrist or GP, who is familiar with your medical history.
'If you have open wounds, sores or infections, you should avoid the use of the devices as they may worsen or delay healing.'
If you are pregnant or have a health condition and are unsure whether you can use a foot massager, we'd recommend to check the manufacturer's instructions or consult your GP.
Do foot massagers really work?
If you've been on your feet all day, or experiencing muscle soreness after exercise, a foot massager can help to relieve some pain. However, they shouldn't be used as a permanent solution to chronic pain.
'Foot massagers are not a substitute for professional foot care,' says Emma. 'If you are experiencing ongoing foot pain, discomfort or other foot-related issues, we recommend consulting a podiatrist for a comprehensive assessment and tailored treatment plan.'
Alison Potter, senior editor at Which?, tested foot massagers after a weekend of running.
'The air pressure and kneading modes on the foot massagers really helped to sooth my heel and toe pain from a long trail run, as well as to alleviate soreness on the balls of my feet. After using them, I was surprised by how much of a difference it made and how much better my feet felt.'
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What to look for in a foot massager
- MassageMost machines have adjustable settings so you can tailor the intensity to suit your comfort level.
- HeatAll of the foot massagers we test have a heating element that manufacturers claim to soothe sore muscles. Some have a range of heat settings, but some are non-adjustable. Sign up to Which? to find out how our testers rated the heat settings on each foot massager.
- Air compressionMany foot massagers have an air compression setting, which manufacturers claim boosts blood flow and circulation. This feature makes a sound akin to Darth Vader and feels like a blood pressure monitor as it slowly squeezes your feet.
- Foot sleevesMost machines have foot sleeves that you slot your feet into. We also tested a couple that you place your feet on top of.