Foot massagers are a fantastic way to relieve the aches and pains of daily life. Whether it’s from chasing your little ones around all day, a workout at the
gym or simply a bad day at work, there is no better way to unwind than sinking your feet into a warming, soothing foot massager. These products incorporate an alternative medicinal approach in their design, known as reflexology. Reflexology works by applying pressure to specific areas of the foot to aid in relieving a variety of health problems such as sinus pain and headaches.
These wonderful little machines work by using electricity to operate a series of rollers to gently massage the foot, with some brands even incorporating water to create a foot spa effect as well (try adding some
essential oils for a more realistic spa feel). If, however, you are interested in a higher-end product that focuses on removing the toxins from your body as well as soothing your feet, then don’t forget to check out our review for
ionic foot spas instead.
Now, when it comes to foot massagers there are two main types for you to choose from: electric foot massagers and spa massagers. Unlike standard foot massagers, electric foot massagers do all the work for you, allowing you to lie back and enjoy all the features your foot massager has to offer. These products work by using an oscillating or rolling mechanism that massages your feet (and sometimes calves) at the flick of a switch.
Spa massagers, on the other hand, work by incorporating water and heat into the massaging process, for a more therapeutic experience. These products are often larger than electric foot massagers and are therefore less portable and compact. As a result, if you are looking for a massager to relieve pain while you are away from home, then a standard electric foot massager may be the better choice. If, however, you are looking for a product to help you unwind after a long day at work AND that includes lots of soothing features, then a spa massager may be more what you are looking for.
Another thing you may want to consider before making a purchase is the specific areas you want your electric foot massager to focus on. Most foot massagers focus on your feet, toes and soles, however, some products go even further than this. If you have weak or delicate calves (or have spent the night out on the town wearing the highest heels imaginable), then you may want to opt for a product that targets this area too. Some spa massagers also focus on the health of your toenails, including items such as pedicure sets and pumice stones.
Price
The price of your new electric foot massager can vary quite dramatically depending on the style of the product, the features it includes and the specific area the product targets. Spa foot massagers tend to be less expensive than electric foot massagers and will cost you between $35 and $85 depending on the features the product uses. Products that contain splash guards and heat controls will often be at the higher end of this scale.
If, however, you are after a standard electric foot massager, you can expect to pay between $250 and $400 for these types of products. Electric foot massagers tend to be more expensive than other products as they focus more on massaging the feet and surrounding areas rather than water and heat therapy. Products at the higher end of this scale target more areas and contain more features such as padding and vibration options. Cheap electric foot massagers are available on the market ($25 or lower), but be aware that these products may not be as effective or as long-lasting.
Features
The features you will want included in your new electric foot massager will depend entirely on your own personal preferences as well as the specific areas you want to focus on and the style of massager you are after. There are, however, a few features we recommend keeping an eye out for to ensure you select the perfect product for you.
Here are some important features to look out for:
- Cushioning
- Speed Settings
- Convenient Control Options
- Heaters
- Water Jets (spa products only)
Construction and Design
A feature we recommend looking for in your new electric foot massager is a product that contains cushioning. By having cushioning in your product, it can further your comfort levels and allow you to get more out of your massager. Foot padding and cushioning work by conforming to the contours of your feet whilst creating a non-slip surface for added safety.
Another handy feature to look out for in your electric foot massager is a product with speed settings. A product with multiple speeds (they usually contain three speed settings) will allow you to customize your massage experience. Make sure, however, that the product you choose has a durable base to ensure the product doesn’t shift during use.
We also recommend looking out for foot massagers that have convenient control options too. Basic foot massagers usually have control settings at the bottom or side of the product. Although this is perfectly fine for some users, it may be problematic for others, especially if you are relaxing and don’t particularly want to move. This is why we recommend looking for products that use a remote control instead or have controls within the product itself, as this will allow you to change settings with ease.
Heaters are a great feature to include in your new foot massager as they can be used to further relieve aches and other foot pains. They also add more of a therapeutic quality to the product which is pushed even further when teamed with a water foot spa. Heaters in foot massagers can be used directly on the bottom of the foot, with more high-end products projecting heat onto the ankles and calves too.
Finally, if you have opted for a spa style foot massager, then water jets are definitely a feature you will want to keep an eye out for. Water jets are a great way to increase the circulation of blood in your feet as well as relax your muscles…they are super fun too!
Performance and Ease of Use
When it comes to caring for your new electric foot massager, this is going to depend entirely on the style of foot massager you have opted for. If you have selected a spa style electric foot massager, you will want to ensure you give the product a good clean after each use, using warm, soapy water or an antibacterial spray. As spa style products use water AND heat, they are prone to bacteria, so it’s also important to wipe down the product properly after each use.
Electric foot massagers, however, are much easier to care for and will not need to be cleaned as thoroughly. If your product contains heating pads, however, then you may want to consider wiping down the product after each use due to sweat…yuck! The majority of foot massagers won’t require much set up at all -- simply plug them in, wait for them to heat up and BAM, instant relaxation!
Hopefully, after reading through our buying guide, you have now figured out what type of electric foot massager is most suitable to your needs as well as all the features you would like included in your new product. This will make it a lot easier when it comes to narrowing down your options and selecting the best electric foot massager for you and your feet! So let’s get looking at our top 5 picks, shall we?
By now you should have a better idea of what you want from your new electric foot massager. This is great news as it means you are now one step closer to resting your feet and massaging those troubles away. But before that, you need to choose which product is the perfect one for you! If you aren’t a fan of the featured products we have chosen, all our brands have a huge range of products that we are sure you will love. Simply browse through the brands’ other products to find the best electric foot massager for you!
