Buyer's Guides

The Best Foot Massagers For Relaxation & Recovery

Whether you're on your feet all day, a runner, or suffer from foot pain the best foot massagers can help improve the way your feet feel. 🦢
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Some foot massagers are great for relaxation, others are excellent at alleviating pain, but the best foot massagers can do it all.

A good foot massager can do wonders for certain types of injuries and help relax us after a day at work.

TL;DR: The #1 Foot Massager for Most People πŸ‘‡
Price reduction
Renpho Foot Massager Machine with Heat and Remote
17,026 Reviews
Renpho Foot Massager Machine with Heat and Remote

The Renpho foot massager offers unbeatable value for money while still delivering a fully fledged foot massage experience. Enjoy a shiatsu-style foot massage in the comfort of your home from one of the most trusted brands in the massage equipment world. 😌

The 6 Best Foot Massagers Available to Buy in Austalia

1. Best Foot Massager for Pregnancy: Breo Shiatsu Foot Massager Machine with Heat Function

2,148 Reviews

Why we like it:
  • 4 massage methods (ball, roller, air compression, and heat application)
  • Non-slip rubber underside to prevent slipping on flat surfaces
  • Suitable for feet up to a US men’s 12
  • Excellent build quality from a trusted brand
What customers say:

“I use this every night after work. I have plantar fasciitis and this helps me feel so much better. You kinda have to strategically place your feet to get the pressure in just the right but easy enough. The high setting is very intense and I haven’t gotten to the point where I can handle it yet but medium is just right.” – Vickie

The Breo Shiatsu Foot Massager Machine with Heat Function takes the top spot in our list of best foot massagers due to its wide range of massage functionalities. Additionally, this unit is reasonably priced, making it ideal for anyone who is looking to massage their feet in the comfort of the home.

It offers everything the Renpho Foot Massager does, but also adds a scraping technique that is designed to loosen muscle fascia and help alleviate tension. In almost every other area this foot massager is identical to the Renpho, but some users report that the heating functionality is better, with a reported top temperature of 45 degrees Celcius.

There are also double air compression airbags for acupressure massages that deliver a full foot massage. When this is combined with the heat function and deep kneading you’ll experience a professional-grade foot massage. This makes the Breo Shiatsu Foot Massager Machine with Heat Function an ideal choice for expectant mothers.

Pros
  • Good heat function
  • Scraping function
  • Adjustable intensity
  • Excellent all-round foot massager
Cons
  • No remote

2. Best for Most People: Renpho Foot Massager Machine with Heat and Remote

Price reduction
17,026 Reviews

Why we like it:
  • 3 massage methods (rotating ball, rolling stick and heat application)
  • Adjustable massage intensity
  • Replaceable and removable internal cloth to keep things clean
  • Suitable for feet up to a US men’s 12
What customers say:

“I am an essential worker and on my feet all day at work. By the end of day my feet are so tired and achy. I have been searching for something to help my feet for a while now and I have finally found it.
I was a bit dubious about the price tag but it is so worth it. The foot massager makes a huge difference to my painful feet that now I can get a good nights sleep before off to work again the next day.” – Jenny B

The Renpho Foot Massager Machine with Heat and Remote is our top pick for the best foot massager in Australia thanks to its full suite massage functions and almost 10,000 happy customers. In fact, this isn’t just our top pick, it’s Amazon’s top pick as well.

This foot massager is the epitome of comfort and relaxation. With an ergonomically designed interior, lined with a soft and lush liner, your feet will relax before you even switch the device on! And once you do switch it on be prepared for foot massage heaven.

With deep-kneading Shiatsu massage, a heat function, and acupressure, the Rehnpho Foot Massager offers a foot massage on par with a masseuse. These massage techniques are designed to help alleviate pain and treat conditions such as plantar fasciitis, among other common foot issues.

There are varying levels of intensity that can be controlled using the included remote. The inner lining is also removable and machine washable, so don’t worry about it getting a bit smelly over time.

So, do your feet a favor and pick up the best foot massager in Australia!

Pros
  • Very comfortable
  • Heat function
  • Suitable for larger feet
  • 3 massage techniques
  • Insane value for money
Cons
  • No countdown timer
  • Temp is too low for some

3. Best Foot Massager for Plantar Fasciitis: REVITIVE Pro Relief Circulation Booster

18 Reviews

Why we like it:
  • Can improve blood circulation
  • 99 different levels of intensity
  • Full body benefits
What customers say:

We have not really had sufficient time to fully test Revitive, but early indications are that it certainly helps relieve the pain in tired and aching legs. I suffered some lower back injuries in a road accident six years ago which has left me with severe backache. I believe the use of Revitive has reduced the pain level.” – Bill Wilson

The REVITIVE Pro Relief Circulation Booster is the most expensive foot massager on this list and arguably one of the most effective foot massagers.Β  From our research, this will be overkill for the majority of people but does offer an excellent solution to those with more serious foot issues.

This is more of a medical device, rather than a relaxation tool, although it does help relax. It uses patented and clinically proven Waveform technology to target specific muscle activation to stimulate and promote healthier blood flow. This is a drug-free alternative to help relieve swollen lower extremities and alleviate aches and pain in the feet, ankles, and calves.

The device helps promote healthy blood flow through the entire body by helping blood flow through the lower legs, where it often pools. It’s incredibly comfortable and ergonomic. using its patented IsoRocker system to adjust its position in a way that is most comfortable for the user.

And just like the Maxkon device we looked at above, there are also body pads included helping treat other problematic areas of the body!

Pros
  • Clinically proven
  • Reduces swelling
  • Promotes blood flow
  • Includes body pads
  • Very ergonomic
Cons
  • Pricey

4. Best Foot Massager for Infrared Therapy: MaxKon Electromagnetic Wave Foot Massager

29 Reviews

Why we like it:
  • 99 different levels of electromagentic massage intensities
  • Infrared therapy function
  • Full body benefit
What customers say:

“More than i expected. My partner has to wear socks to use it, but i dont. Helps with fluid retention in his ankles and give me greater flexibility. Afterwards, i get a feeling of freedom in my feet.. No tension, and more relaxed feet when trying to sleep.” – Christine LD

The MaxKon Electromagnetic Wave Foot Massager is the most customisable foot massager on the Australian market. In fact, there are more massage modes than you would likely ever use! With 50 different massage modes, you’re almost guaranteed to find the perfect level for your preference.

There is also an infrared heat function which has been shown to promote better blood circulation and aid in better flexibility. This device utilizes low-frequency electrical impulses to trigger the nerves of the feet. And if you’re in the market for a full-body effect, this unit includes 8 electrode stickers to help treat other areas of the body too!

So although this is primarily marketed as a foot massage device, it can help treat the entire body. Which makes it pretty good value for money!

Pros
  • 50 massage modes
  • 90 minute timer
  • Can treat entire body
Cons
  • Included manual is unclear

5. Best foot Massager for Circulation: Renpho Foot Massager with Soothing Heat

Price reduction
7,465 Reviews

Why we like it:
  • 6 massage heads with 18 rotating nodes
  • 2 levels of massage speeds to choose from
  • Heat application
What customers say:

” I have to say I am really impressed with this so far. To start with I could feel my feet crunching away as the knots in the bottom of my feet were worked through, after 15 minutes my feet were a lot looser and felt much more relaxed. I run a lot and do have problems with plantar fasciitis and Moretons Neuroma. ” – Mr T. S Winfram

TheΒ  Renpho Foot Massager with Soothing Heat is yet another great foot massager that you can consider buying. This is a more simple device similar to the Beurer Shiatsu Foot Massager below, but with a bit more quality and an adjustable height stand.

This is a surprisingly good device considering the cost and offers a lot of value for money. There are 6 massage heads, with a total of 18 rotating massage nodes. This means every part of your foot can be massaged simultaneously, something which the Beurer can’t do.

There are two different levels of intensity, with the higher level being reported as very firm – which will suit some people, but if it’s too much the manufacturer recommend placing a towel down for extra padding. On top of the variable message intensities, there is also a heat function, which adds another level of relaxin and also helps with blood circulation.

Another excellent feature is the size of the massage pad itself – it’s massive. In fact, it fits a shoe size up to 14.6 Australian men’s shoe size.Β  The padding on top of the massage pad is easily removable and machine washable to keep things hygienic.

Pros
  • Suitable for large feet
  • Heat function
  • Two levels of intensity
  • 18 massage nodes
  • Excleent value for money
Cons
  • Heat function is weak

6. Best Value Foot Massager: Beurer Shiatsu Foot Massager with Heat

107 Reviews

Why we like it:
  • Small and compact
  • 6 massage balls
  • 3-year warranty
What customers say:

“It kneads through the soles of our feet and we are doing good. It also warms enough. However, it does not replace the daily necessary walk.” -Gerdi

The Beurer Shiatsu Foot Massager with Heat is a step back from the first two foot massagers, but there’s always room for a budget variant! This guy is perfect for those who want to take their weight off after a long day and get out the day’s tension.

It lacks many of the bells and whistles found in the more expensive units, but that doesn’t mean this foot massager isn’t an effective massaging tool and with its own unique benefits. With 6 rotating massage heads (3 for each foot), and a heating function, this foot massager will alleviate tension, promote healthy blood flow and help the body enter a more relaxed state.

It’s incredibly easy to operate and can be done using your feet. So if you have a bad back, or just feel like not bending over, simply press the button with your foot and you’re off!

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Very affordable
  • Still effective
  • Heat function
Cons
  • Lacks advanced functionality

How Did We Pick the Best Foot Massagers

There are dozens and dozens of different foot massagers on the Australian market, many of which are very similar. We looked at all the major retailers, market places and independent brands to find worthwhile products for our reviews.

In total we found 26 different foot massagers that we then compared, analysed, checked reviews for, and even consulted the scientific literature (some of which is included in our Buying Guide at the bottom of this list.

We compared their specs, their features, their price point, and how true their claims were. From this analysis we were left with the 6 foot massagers you see above.

Foot Massagers: Buying Guide

Before spending your hard-earned cash on a foot massager, we’ve put together this buying guide to help you become a more informed consumer. We also look at some of the claims made by the manufacturers to refer to scientific journals to determine how accurate their claims are.

What are the Benefits of Foot Massagers (according to science)?

There are numerous benefits to using foot massagers, some of which we address below:

Blood Circulation

Improved blood circulation is one of the most common claims made by foot massager manufacturers, but how true is this claim? Well according to almost every study on reflexology and blood circulation, there is a strong correlation between massages and improved blood flow. One such study states the following:

“The big surprise was the massage-only control group, who showed virtually identical levels of improvement in circulation as the exercise and massage group,” said Phillips. “The circulatory response was sustained for a number of days, which suggests that massage may be protective,” said Phillips. For people with limited mobility or those with impaired vascular function, further research may show that regular massage offers significant benefits, the authors say.”

Injury Prevention

It is claimed by some manufacturers that foot massagers can help prevent injury, but this study concludes that there is insufficient data to make such a definitive claim. They report in the study the following:

“However, limited research has investigated the effects of pre-exercise massage on performance and injury prevention. Massage between events is widely investigated because it is believed that massage might help to enhance recovery and prepare athletes for the next event. Unfortunately, very little scientific data has supported this claim.”

Another study focusing on male bodybuilders states that:

The massage group in general demonstrated a better recovery rate. As such, a post-exercise massage session can improve the exercise performance and recovery rate in male bodybuilders after intensive exercise.

Recovery

It has been shown in numerous studies that foot massages are an effective muscle recovery tool. This study researched the impact foot massages have on ultramarathon runner and states that:

“In the context analyzed, massage was an effective treatment to reduce DOMS during the onset of symptoms.”

Pain Reduction

It has been shown in numerous studies that foot massagers are very effective at reducing pain across a wide range of different issues, some of which are listed below:

Heel Lancing

Numerous studies have researched the effectiveness of foot massagers in heel lancing injuries, with this study concluding the following:

Acupressure and massage were effective in reducing pain in neonates during the heel lancing procedure. However, there was no statistically significant difference between acupressure and massage”.

Plantar Fasciitis

It has been shown that Plantar Fasciitis is treatable with foot massages, but to what extent an automatic foot massager is up for debate. This study from the American Family Physician titled “Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis” states that:

Cross-friction massage above the plantar fascia [is an effective treatment].”

It must be noted that not many foot massagers can deliver this type of massage, and that massage is only one technique of an entire recovery program.

General Pain Relief

There are dozens of studies that conclude that pain relief is a result of foot massagers, for example, this study concludes reduced pain in breast cancer patients, this study demonstrates reduced pain after a cesarian delivery, and this study shows reduced pain after abdominal surgery.

Reduced Anxiety

This is another common claim and one that does have a basis in scientific literature. This study titled “Effects of foot massage on relieving pain, anxiety and improving quality of life of patients undergone a cervical spine surgery” concludes that:

“This study found that foot massage was effective in alleviating pain and anxiety while improving quality of life in patients undergone ACDF, indicating that this intervention should be considered in the clinical management of these patients.

What to Consider When Buying a Foot Massager

There are numerous key considerations to pay attention to before committing to a purchase. The most important ones are listed below:

Type of Foot Massager

There are a few different types of foot massagers, each of which has a different purpose:

Shiatsu Massage

This type of massage is designed with relaxation, stress and tension relief, and pain reduction. It’s a Japanese massage technique that mimics the feeling of a masseuse using their hands, palms, and thumbs.

Heat Therapy

Heat therapy is effective at easing muscle tension, reducing stress, improving blood circulation, and minimizing pain.

EMS (Electric Muscle Stimulation)

EMS messages activate muscle fibers with electro-magnetic waves. This type of foot massager is effective in helping increase muscle strength by activating the muscles. They can also help with nerve damage by strengthening the mind-body connection for that particular area.

Portability

Some foot massagers are more portable than others. Some require a mains connection, whereas others can be battery powered. There can also be a wide range of sizes and weights depending on the type of unit. Opt for one that suits your needs.

Price

There is also a wide range in cost. Basic foot massagers can be purchased for around $50, and go as high as $1000. Make sure you’re not spending more than you too, but also make sure you’re not buying a foot massager that won’t benefit you.


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Last update on 2024-04-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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