
The texture on the TigerTail Tiger Footsie Foot Massage Roller gets into the nerves on the bottom of the foot. Photo: iRunFar/Eszter Horanyi
When it comes to taking care of your feet, having the best foot massager at your disposal can go a long way toward helping tired feet feel better. As runners, we know that happy, healthy feet are literally and figuratively the foundation of joyful and pain-free miles. While there are myriad ways to care for our feet, digging into the nerves and muscles with a massager in between runs can feel good and help with recovery.
This guide rounds up the best foot massage tools currently available. While there are countless options on the market, from basic roller balls to spiky balls and textured foot massage rollers to luxurious foot massager machines, some stand out from the rest. Our team tested nearly two dozen options for foot massagers and ranked them based on their effectiveness, price, durability, and versatility. We also considered ease of use and size.
Ultimately, we named the Medi-Dyne ProStretch Roundchucks Massage Balls our favorite foot massager ball and the Due North Foot Rubz as our favorite spiky option. When it came to giving our feet the ultimate treatment, we loved the Renpho Shiatsu Foot Massager Premium.
To learn about other types of recovery tools, check out our guide to the best recovery tools for athletes. For more background information on this guide, see our buying advice, testing methodology, and frequently asked questions below.
Best Foot Massagers
Best Foot Massager Ball: Medi-Dyne ProStretch Roundchucks Massage Balls
Other Great Foot Massager Balls: Lacrosse ball, Lululemon Release and Recover Ball Set
Best Foot Massager Spiky Ball: Industrial Rubz
Other Great Foot Massager Spiky Balls: Pro-Tec Athletics Spiky Ball, TriggerPoint MobiPoint Massage Ball
Best Foot Massager Roller: TigerTail Tiger Footsie Foot Massage Roller
Other Great Foot Massager Rollers: Roll Recovery R3 Orthopedic Foot Roller, Pro-Tec Athletics Dr. Cohen’s AcuRoll
Best Foot Massager Machine: Renpho Shiatsu Foot Massager Premium
Best Foot Massager Machine – Runner-Up: Nekteck Shiatsu Foot Massager Machine

With rounded spikes, the texture on the Pro-Tec Athletics Spiky Ball felt amazing on all parts of the foot. Photo: iRunFar/Eszter Horanyi
Best Foot Massager Ball: Medi-Dyne ProStretch Roundchucks Massage Balls ($21)
- Larger and squishier than a lacrosse ball
- Versatile for massaging other parts of the body
Cons:
- Only sold as a pair
If the simplest tool for rolling out tired, overworked feet is a smooth ball, then the Medi-Dyne ProStretch Roundchucks Massage Balls are a perfect choice. The silicone balls come in a set of two and are slightly larger and softer than a lacrosse ball. For easy transport, they can be stored either in their cylindrical container or a mesh pouch, making them a handy tool to keep near your work desk or in the bag you carry to the track for workouts. Having a pair of them also allows you to keep them in different places without transporting them in between.
Since they have some squish, they’re more versatile than a lacrosse ball. With that extra give, you can really press down on them and get deeper into those foot muscles. The softer surface also feels less intense, making dialing in the right amount of pressure easier. Since they’re not huge, it makes accessing hard-to-reach areas on your body easy. Additionally, they’re useful beyond the feet. From the hips and glutes to the shoulders and back muscles, there are many opportunities to use these tools for targeted acupressure or myofascial release — and you can squeeze them to build hand grip strength or as a stress outlet.
Claimed Weight: 9.2 ounces | Dimensions (diameter): 2.7 inches (6.9 centimeters) | Material: Silicone
Shop the Medi-Dyne ProStretch Roundchucks Massage BallsOther Great Foot Massager Balls: Lacrosse ball ($6)
- Good size
- Inexpensive
Cons:
- Too firm for some
Runners have been using the classic lacrosse ball as a foot massager long before specialty options existed on the market. For many, they are the ideal size and firmness for providing a deep foot massage. Plus, you can’t argue with the fact that they are less expensive than nearly any other option available. While tennis and golf balls also exist in many runners’ recovery toolboxes, we think the lacrosse ball is the best size and the most versatile. Tennis balls tend to be a bit too soft and fall apart if you use them frequently for massage. Golf balls are so small and firm that they are only good for intense massage. The size of a lacrosse ball makes it ideal for use on foot arches, reaching between the metatarsal bones, and providing acupressure on the calf muscles.
A lacrosse ball is still pretty firm compared to many of the other massage balls in this guide, including the Medi-Dyne ProStretch Roundchucks Massage Balls reviewed above. This makes it more difficult to adjust the massage intensity and limits its overall versatility. Additionally, as with any firm or intense massage tool, it can be easy to overdo it.
Weight: 5 ounces | Dimensions (diameter): 2.6 inches (6.5 centimeters) | Material: Rubber
Shop the lacrosse ballOther Great Foot Massager Balls: Lululemon Release and Recover Ball Set ($28)
- Three-in-one set offers versatility
- Each ball has a different size, density, and texture
- It can work well for other muscle groups aside from the feet
Cons:
- It may contain latex, so those with a latex allergy should avoid it
- Even the softest density ball may feel too firm
- It is relatively expensive, even for a set of three
Like an improved tennis, lacrosse, and golf ball set, the lululemon Release and Recover Ball Set is highly versatile and can meet any of your foot massage needs. Each of the three balls has a different size, density, and texture, making it easy to provide different massage intensities and use them on various muscle sets. The small one is approximately the size of a golf ball and has a firm density and spiky texture. It was our favorite for using against the arch, heel pad, and between the metatarsals. The medium size has a rippled texture, making it feel less smooth underfoot. It’s a little smaller than a lacrosse ball and has a slightly softer density than either a lacrosse ball or the small spiky ball in this set. However, it’s still on the firmer side.
Finally, the large ball resembles a lacrosse or tennis ball in size, is very firm, and has a ribbed texture. Like a lacrosse ball or the Medi-Dyne ProStretch Roundchucks Massage Balls above, it feels excellent against the bottom of the foot, and its texture helps you get a little deeper into the muscle tissue than a smooth ball does. You can use this set of massage balls for massage all over the body, as they are also excellent for the back, shoulders, and glutes.
While this set is more versatile than other options, it may still be too firm and, therefore, too intense for some. The medium ball has the softest density but is still quite firm, and its wavy texture makes it feel less comfortable than a smoother option. We had difficulty micro-adjusting the intensity level of the massage this ball was able to provide.
Weight: 3.2 ounces (entire set) | Dimensions (diameter): Large – 2.7 inches (6.9 centimeters); Medium – 2.2 inches (5.6 centimeters); Small – 1.75 inches (4.4 centimeters) | Materials: 67% ethylene vinyl acetate, 33% natural rubber
Shop the Lululemon Release and Recover Ball SetBest Foot Massager Spiky Ball: Industrial Rubz ($8)
- Small size is versatile for reaching tiny foot muscles
- Good size for massaging hands as well
- Great price
Cons:
- Limited versatility
There’s something about a small spiky ball against the bottom of the foot that just feels good, and among all of the options we tested, the Industrial Rubz feels the best. This little green ball has a firm density similar to a lacrosse ball. While the size is more comparable to a golf ball, it is significantly softer, providing a less intense massage experience. Tiny spikes flattened on the top cover the ball, and this texture feels so nice against the skin, fascia, and nerves on the bottom of the foot. We appreciated the non-pointy spikes as they felt less intense than other similar options.
This durable rubber ball fits in the palm of your hand and is easy to carry anywhere and everywhere with you. Its downside is that its small size and firm density limit its use to the hands and feet. But with a very reasonable price of eight dollars, it’s a great option to have around.
Claimed Weight: 2.1 ounces | Dimensions (diameter): 1.9 inches (4.8 centimeters) | Material: Rubber
Shop the Due North Foot RubzOther Great Foot Massager Spiky Balls: Pro-Tec Athletics Spiky Ball ($10)
- It feels pleasantly stimulating against the bottoms of the feet
- Reasonable price
Cons:
- It doesn’t reach the nooks and crannies between the metatarsals as well as a smaller ball
- Firmness and spiky texture limit its versatility more than a soft, smooth massager
Roughly the size of a lacrosse ball but with a surface covered in pointy spikes, the Pro-Tec Athletics Spiky Ball is a great foot massager if you’re looking for something firm enough to really dig into yet is soft enough that it never feels too intense. This bright red spiky foot massager has the perfect firmness and feels fantastic on the feet. If you have an office job, this one’s great for keeping at your desk during the day and rolling out your feet while working at a computer.
This ball feels hollow in the middle, which has us questioning its durability, but we’ve also been using it for many months, and it still hasn’t shown any signs of cracking, deflating, or otherwise being damaged. The give allowed by the hollowness makes it easy to change the level of intensity of the massage, both up and down. Additionally, the slightly rounded spikes help keep them in the range of feeling stimulating but never painful or uncomfortable.
Weight: 2.5 ounces | Dimensions (diameter): 2.8 inches (7.1 centimeters) | Material: not listed
Shop the Pro-Tec Athletics Spiky BallOther Great Foot Massager Spiky Balls: TriggerPoint MobiPoint Massage Ball ($12)
- Spiky texture with flattened tips feels stimulating but not painful
- Good size for massaging small foot muscles and bones like the metatarsals
Cons:
- Less expensive options are available
- The small size limits this massage ball to hands and feet
Another great spiky foot massager is the TriggerPoint MobiPoint Massage Ball. This spiky ball has a raised texture with spikes squared off so that nothing feels too sharp or intense. The size is perfect for massaging the feet, hands, and wrists, and it fits easily in the palm of your hand.
Like other small massage balls, this one is limited in versatility and won’t feel great beyond the hands, feet, and maybe a few other targeted spots.
Claimed Weight: 1.9 ounces | Dimensions (diameter): 2 inches (4 centimeters) | Materials: Solid plastic
Shop the TriggerPoint MobiPoint Massage BallBest Foot Massage Roller: TigerTail Tiger Footsie Foot Massage Roller ($23)
- Feels amazing
- You can also use them for calves, Achilles tendons, and forearms
- Good value
Cons:
- Questionable durability
The combination of the size, shape, and texture of the TigerTail Tiger Footsie Foot Massage Roller made it stand out from other similar products on the market. This little roller feels so amazing on the bottoms of the feet and is easy to use without thinking too hard about what you’re doing with your feet. It’s perfect for having under a desk and using while working.
The spikes that give the texture have flattened tips, so they don’t feel too intense. Still, they easily get into the nerves and tissue on the bottom of the foot to massage. The roller has a concave shape that dips in the middle and is perfect for cradling the foot’s arch. It also allows you to adjust the roller diameter you’re using on specific parts of your feet. Two rollerblade-like wheels on either side roll easily over carpet, tile, or hardwood floors.
While this foot massage roller has admittedly gotten tons of use, it is already showing some disappointing signs of wear and tear after just a few months. Most of it is cosmetic, like scuffs on the wheels, but there’s also one textured bump that’s snagged and looks like it will probably come off. While this type of wear doesn’t impact the roller’s performance right now, we doubt its long-term durability. It’s worth noting that this foot massage roller comes with a lower price tag than other favorites in this category.
Claimed Weight: 11 ounces | Dimensions: 6.5 x 2.6 inches (16.5 x 6.6 centimeters) | Materials: not listed
Shop the TigerTail Tiger Footsie Foot Massage RollerOther Great Foot Massager Rollers: Roll Recovery R3 Orthopedic Foot Roller ($35)
- The shape offers versatility for accessing foot and arch muscles
- Great value for the price
Cons:
- Surface collects dust and pet fur
A compact and stout foot massage roller, the Roll Recovery R3 Orthopedic Foot Roller has much to offer for tired or achy feet. This roller has a sturdy construction with a very firm density that feels incredibly durable. Yet, despite its firmness, its asymmetrical shape gives you a wide range of intensities and experiences as you massage and roll the feet. The more rounded center curves are perfect for accessing the inside of the arch, the outside length of the foot, and the pad under the big toe. It’s also an excellent shape for massaging the Achilles tendon. The narrower convexities on either end of this roller feel amazing under the metatarsals and other bones along the bottom of the foot.
While the price of this roller is a bit higher than other options, its thoughtful design, sturdy build, and versatile application make it a great value. You also get three different color options to choose from. The only real gripe is the same one we had with Roll Recovery’s foam roller featured in our best foam rollers guide: the surface material loves to collect lint, dust, and pet fur. If you live with furry family members or in a particularly dusty environment like the desert, you’ll want to use this foot massager with a yoga mat to help keep it clean.
Claimed weight: 14 ounces | Dimensions: 5.5 x 2.5 inches (14 x 6.4 centimeters) | Material: TPU, engineered ABS
Shop the Roll Recovery R3 Orthopedic Foot RollerOther Great Foot Massager Rollers: Pro-Tec Athletics Dr. Cohen’s AcuRoll ($50)
- It softens when heated up and feels amazing
- Versatile application beyond the feet
Cons:
- The spiky texture feels more intense than other options
- Spendy
If you want to give your feet the ultimate foot roller massage, the Pro-Tec Athletics Dr. Cohen’s AcuRoll is a robust little massage tool with several unique features that make it a worthwhile investment — mainly because it can also provide heat therapy. It’s comparable in size to the TigerTail and Roll Recovery options above and has ridges, curves, and a spiky texture for digging into soft tissue and releasing tension.
The key difference with this massager is that it can be heated in the microwave or a boiling pot of water and provides a hot massage. It doesn’t take long for this roller to heat up — about 90 seconds in the microwave or a pot of boiling water will do it. Once you remove it from heat, it’s warm to the touch but not too hot to hold or place against your skin. The transformation this roller undergoes when it heats up is fantastic. It feels much more soft and squishy, and as it’s rolled underneath your foot, it’s way easier to massage the arch and dig into all the foot muscles. We liked placing our feet so that the roller’s outer convexity was against our arch, and the firm center ridges designed for spine alignment were under the outside of the foot. We would lean our foot inward to get to the arch and outward so that the center ridges cradle the bony outside of our foot.
When this roller isn’t heated up, it’s pretty firm. If that’s your preference, this is fine, but it could also feel too intense for some people. After heating, it stays warm for about five to ten minutes, which is enough time to roll out your feet.
Weight: 17.7 ounces | Dimensions: 7.5 x 3 inches (19 x 7.6 centimeters) | Material: not listed
Shop the Pro-Tec Athletics Dr. Cohen's AcuRollBest Foot Massager Machine: Renpho Shiatsu Foot Massager Premium ($230)
- Multiple heat settings
- Kneading feels great and not too intense
Cons:
- Expensive
- Maxes out at men’s size 12
For maximum foot care, it doesn’t get much better than a foot massager machine, and our top pick is the Renpho Shiatsu Foot Massager Premium. This foot massager machine combines rolling, kneading, pressing, heat, and air compression to massage the arches, heels, and toes. What’s unique about this machine is that it has a lot of settings that are all very intuitive and easy to operate. For example, it has three heat settings: the bottom of the foot, the instep, or the entire foot. Additionally, this machine has three kneading intensity levels and three air compression levels. We appreciated adjusting both the kneading and air compression intensity to get the right experience for a particular session. Finally, the machine has four timer settings: 15, 20, 25, or 30 minutes. You can operate these settings using buttons on top of the machine or via the Gennec app with a WiFi connection. Unfortunately, you can’t operate it via a Bluetooth connection.
This foot massager machine seemed to have smaller kneading components than others. It felt like a soothing yet deep massage without feeling too intense. Some of the other machines we tested felt too intense, even at their lowest setting. With this machine, we could lower the intensity level and the air compression to medium or high if our feet felt sore and sensitive. Other times, we could opt for medium or high kneading intensity and dial the air compression up or down to find the right balance. Finally, this machine’s heat was more noticeable than the others tested. Renpho claims the heat rises to 131 degrees Fahrenheit within a few minutes. We couldn’t measure the temperature, but we appreciated that we could adjust the heat to different parts of our feet. We often heated our entire feet on chilly spring days and skipped the heat or only heated the bottoms of our feet during summer.
Claimed weight: 11 pounds | Dimensions: 22 x 13.3 x 12 inches | Other specs: Three kneading intensity levels, three air compression levels, three heat modes
Shop the Renpho Shiatsu Foot Massager Premium - WiFiBest Foot Massager Machine – Runner-Up: Nekteck Shiatsu Foot Massager Machine ($90)
- Squeezes the heels and Achilles tendon
- Liners are soft and cozy
- Quiet
- Great price and value
Cons:
- Only one timer setting
- Three modes don’t offer variations in intensity
- Only fits up to men’s size 11 feet
The Nekteck Shiatsu Foot Massager Machine offers the same basic features as other foot massager machines at a much more competitive price. It is also lighter weight and lower profile than our other top picks in this guide. This foot massager machine stood out because it massages the heel base where the Achilles tendon attaches to the heel bone. It feels fantastic if you have some tightness there. The kneading underfoot initially felt slightly intense compared to other foot massagers, but you can address that by setting the air compression level to low. The heat in this machine felt especially cozy, thanks in part to its soft, fuzzy footliners. Putting your feet in this machine feels like putting on warm slippers that massage and squeeze your feet. Finally, another standout feature of this machine is that it’s especially quiet compared to others.
The buttons on the top of this machine are intuitive and make it easy to operate. It has three massage modes that offer different experiences but not different intensity levels. The only way to really adjust the intensity is by choosing either the low or high air compression level. There is also only one heat setting, either on or off. Additionally, this machine has just one timer setting, which is about 20 minutes, so you’ll have to continue to restart it if you want to use it for longer sessions. That said, while it has fewer bells and whistles than some other options, this is still a great foot massager at a reasonable price that gets the job done.
Claimed weight: 5 pounds | Dimensions: 14.6 x 13.4 x 6.6 inches | Other specs: Three massage modes, two air compression levels
Shop the Nekteck Shiatsu Foot Massager MachineComparing the Best Foot Massagers
FOOT MASSAGER | PRICE | WEIGHT | DIMENSIONS |
Medi-Dyne ProStrech Roundchucks Massage Balls | $21 | 9.2 ounces | 2.7 inches (diameter) |
Lacrosse ball | $6 | 5 ounces | 2.6 inches (diameter) |
Lululemon Release and Recover Ball Set | $28 | 3.2 ounces | 2.7 inches (diameter) |
Industrial Rubz | $8 | 2.1 ounces | 1.9 inches (diameter) |
Pro-Tec Athletics Spiky Ball | $10 | 2.5 ounces | 2.8 inches (diameter) |
TriggerPoint MobiPoint Massage Ball | $12 | 1.9 ounces | 2 inches (diameter) |
TigerTail Tiger Footsie Foot Massage Roller | $23 | 11 ounces | 6.5 x 2.6 inches |
Roll Recovery R3 Orthopedic Foot Roller | $35 | 13 ounces | 5.5 x 2.5 inches |
Pro-Tec Athletics Dr. Cohen’s AcuRoll | $50 | 17.7 ounces | 7.5 x 3 inches |
Renpho Shiatsu Foot Massager Premium | $230 | 11 pounds | 22 x 13.3 x 12 inches |
Nekteck Shiatsu Foot Massager Machine | $90 | 5 pounds | 14.6 x 13.4 x 6.6 inches |
Glossary of Foot Massage Terms
- Shiatsu – A Japanese term meaning “finger pressure” and a massage technique that involves kneading, pressing, tapping, stretching, and performing acupressure with the hands, thumbs, elbows, knuckles, feet, and palms. In this guide, it refers to the style of massage provided by foot massager machines, which is primarily kneading and pressing.
- Fascia – Thin connective tissue that wraps and holds every organ, blood vessel, bone, nerve fiber, and muscle in the body.
- Myofascial Release – A massage treatment that attempts to release tension in the fascia caused by trauma, posture, or inflammation.
- Plantar fasciitis – When the fascia connecting the muscles and bones in the foot, particularly between the arch and the heel, becomes inflamed and painful.
- Neuropathy – Damage to the nerves, in the feet or elsewhere in the body, that results in numbness, tingling, or weakness. Vitamin deficiencies often trigger it.
- Morton’s neuroma – A thickening of tissue and inflammation around the nerves in the foot, which causes discomfort or pain in the ball of the foot between the third and fourth toes.
- Achilles tendinitis – Inflammation of the Achilles tendon that connects the calf muscles to the heel bone, typically resulting from overuse.
- Compression therapy – A massage technique that compresses the muscles to help blood flow more efficiently and prevent it from pooling in various parts of the body. Compression therapy can help reduce swelling and pain.
- Metatarsal bones – The five bones of the forefoot connecting the tarsal bones of the midfoot and the phalanges (toes).
- Bunions – Bony bumps that form near joints in the toes when the toes are out of alignment.
- Bone spurs – Bony growths forming near joints or along bone edges and may or may not be symptomatic. They are called osteophytes.
- Hammer toes – A condition in which the middle joint in the second, third, or fourth toe is bent. A hammer toe is usually caused by wearing shoes with toe boxes that are too narrow, such as high heels.
- Corns and calluses – Thick, hardened layers of skin caused by friction or pressure. Corns tend to be small and round.
Considerations when Choosing the Best Foot Massager
Common Foot Aches, Pains, Injuries
Common foot injuries, aches, and pains include plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, and Morton’s neuroma. While each condition is different, they all stem from inflammation within the muscles and tendons of the feet. The root cause of these foot issues can include any number of factors, ranging from overuse to posture or running form to poorly fitting shoes. We recommend seeking advice from a medical professional if you have persistent foot pain.
When it comes to choosing the best foot massager to help address common foot aches and pains, there are many options, and the best one for you will likely come down to personal preference, the severity of the issue, and your budget. With plantar fasciitis, for example, anything from a lacrosse ball to the Pro-Tec Athletics Dr. Cohen’s AcuRoll could provide the relief you need. The Renpho Shiatsu Foot Massager Premium is excellent for sore Achilles tendons because it squeezes the heels with just the right amount of pressure. A foot massager machine may also be a good option if you’re dealing with Morton’s neuroma since these machines can knead the ball of the foot. Again, it’s a great idea to consult your doctor or physical therapist before investing in massage tools to ensure you get to the root cause of your foot issue instead of just treating the symptoms.
Existence and Severity of an Injury
Depending on the specific foot issue or injury you’re dealing with, the length of time it’s been a problem, and its severity, you may opt for any number of solutions to help address it. Using plantar fasciitis as a common example, some people experience this painful condition briefly and can address it with a pair of insoles or better-fitting shoes. Others opt for tools like Pro-Tec Athletics Spiky Ball to massage their arches, compression socks, supportive recovery sandals, a foot massage machine, or all of the above. The key is to work with a medical professional to resolve the problem at its core, and if possible, visit a specialty running store where experienced employees can analyze your feet and gait and recommend specific shoes to meet your needs best.
Types of Treatment
Depending on the issue or injury you’re dealing with, treatment can involve massage therapy, acupuncture, physical therapy, strength training, cross-training, and rest. Treatment may also include getting a new pair of running shoes that fits better or provides more support. Supportive running insoles can also make a big difference. The tools included in this guide can help supplement any of the above treatments, and we recommend working with a medical professional to determine the best treatment plan for you. Foot massagers can be part of a treatment plan, and the right one will not be the same for everyone. Still, using something like the TigerTail Tiger Footsie Foot Massage Roller will feel good on just about any set of feet, and will most likely not do any harm.

The spikes on the Pro-Tec Athletics Dr. Cohen’s AcuRoll really dig into the foot for a great massage. Photo: iRunFar/Eszter Horanyi
Budget
The nice thing about having so many foot massage options is that there’s an excellent tool for just about any budget. While the foot massage machines, in general, are quite an investment, the Nekteck Shiatsu Foot Massager Machine is an excellent value for what it provides. Otherwise, some of the best foot massager tools are conveniently inexpensive — for example, the TigerTail Tiger Footsie Foot Massage Roller costs $23 and feels absolutely amazing. The Pro-Tec Athletics Dr. Cohen’s AcuRoll gives you a lot of versatility beyond just the feet for a $50 investment. Sometimes, the best foot massager is as simple as a $6 lacrosse ball.
Traveling with Foot Massagers
Small foot massagers like the Industrial Rubz spiky ball or the Roll Recovery R3 Orthopedic Foot Roller are compact, lightweight, and easy to take wherever you go. On the other hand, foot massager machines are bulky, relatively heavy, require an outlet, and are generally impractical for travel. If you travel a lot and want to take your massage tools with you, you’ll be better off with either one of the small foot massagers or a massage gun, which you can stow in your carry-on for flights. You can check out options in our best massage guns guide. Collapsable foam rollers are also a great choice, and you can check out options in our best foam rollers guide.
Why You Should Trust Us
The iRunFar team comprises road, trail, and ultrarunners with 150-plus years of running experience. We began this buyer’s guide with extensive research into the running recovery marketplace to uncover the best foot massager available in various categories. From there, author Alli Miles refined a list of the top choices. She tested a variety of foot massagers over many weeks — after long runs, hard workouts, and strenuous powerlifting sessions. As she built up her mileage while training for a 100-mile race, Alli put each of these foot massagers to the test and further narrowed the selections to the very best options listed above. We evaluated the foot massagers on their versatility, effectiveness, price, and durability.
Frequently Asked Questions About Foot Massagers
How does foot massage help with running recovery?
Many aches and pains in the feet result from overused and overly tight muscles and tendons — our feet are working really hard, after all! And many issues with our bodies, including knee, hip, and back pain, start with or are directly related to what’s happening in our feet. The best foot massager options help loosen muscle tissue, facilitate blood flow to sore or inflamed areas, increase flexibility, and relieve pain. The perfect firmness of the Medi-Dyne ProStrech Roundchucks Massage Balls makes it easy to dig into foot muscles.
While regular massage or physical therapy can help with ongoing running recovery and general wellness, the massage tools included in this guide can assist in maintaining happy and healthy muscle tissue between those appointments. And if you’re on a tight budget, these tools can help you care for your muscles at a lower cost. Rolling your feet around on the TigerTail Tiger Footsie Foot Massage Roller while sitting at a desk at work can make your feet feel a lot better.
Do doctors recommend foot massagers?
Generally, doctors recommend foot massagers to help with pain or discomfort associated with standing on your feet all day, minor inflammation, or fatigue. Using something like the Pro-Tec Athletics Spiky Ball is a fairly safe way to relieve foot pain. Doctors may not recommend foot massagers for people with certain medical conditions, severe injuries, medical issues, or nerve-related injuries like neuropathy. We suggest consulting with your doctor before using any foot massager for treatment, especially before using a foot massager machine.

The asymmetrical shape of the Roll Recovery R3 Orthopedic Foot Roller makes it a versatile foot massager option. Photo: iRunFar/Eszter Horanyi
Are foot massage machines good for your feet?
For many, foot massage machines can relieve fatigue and minor aches or pains after a long day of standing or running. Using a foot massager machine like the Renpho Shiatsu Foot Massager Premium can feel soothing and relaxing, and it may help reduce pain associated with inflammation like plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendonitis. That said, foot massager machines are not recommended for people with medical conditions relating to the nerves, particularly if symptoms include numbness. It’s best to ask your doctor whether a foot massager machine is a good treatment tool for you.
Are foot massagers worth it?
The relatively low price of foot massagers makes them a great recovery tool for those on a budget. While some options in this guide are more expensive, like the Roll Recovery R3 Orthopedic Foot Roller, a $6 lacrosse ball can also do the trick. If you’ve got tired or achy feet, just about any foot massager will help provide relief. If you want the ultimate foot massage tool and can afford one, a foot massager machine like the Renpho Shiatsu Foot Massager Premium will provide soothing and luxurious comfort.
If unsure, you can start small with a relatively affordable and versatile tool like the lululemon Release and Recover Ball Set or the Pro-tec Athletics Dr. Cohen’s AcuRoll. Then, consider a more substantial investment in a foot massager machine, massage gun, or even compression boots if you’re looking for more options. Learn more about these options in our article on the best recovery tools for athletes.

While we tested many spikey and textured massage balls, a few stood out from the rest. Photo: iRunFar/Eszter Horanyi
How do foot massagers work?
Foot massagers will work differently depending on the tool but have some commonalities. Essentially, they’re all designed to massage the muscles, tissue, and tendons on the bottom of the feet. You can do this with a smooth or spiky ball, like the Medi-Dyne ProStretch Roundchucks Massage Balls or the TriggerPoint MobiPoint Massage Ball, a massage roller like the TigerTail Tiger Footsie Foot Massage Roller, or one of the foot massager machines described above. These tools can massage the tissue on the feet and calves, help stimulate blood flow, and gently stretch muscles and tendons.
What should I look for when buying a foot massager?
When buying a foot massager, there are a few important things to consider. The most crucial factor is the quality of the product. Many very inexpensive foot massage tools are available online, but many are made with cheap materials and lack durability. All the foot massagers in this guide have proven to be of good quality, regardless of the price. Even the $10 Pro-Tec Athletics Spiky Ball has held up to regular long-term use. This means that, whatever your budget, you can find an option here that’s a solid value.
If you’re considering a foot massager machine, you’ll want to look at the included features. For example, all the machines above have options for heat, air compression, and various massage modes or intensity levels. Then, there are lower- and higher-cost options, with the key differences being the additional bells and whistles, or lack thereof. The Nekteck Shiatsu Foot Massager Machine is an excellent option for a relatively affordable price.
When should you not use a foot massager machine?
Many foot massager machines indicate that they are unsuitable for people with pacemakers, heart disease, cerebral thrombosis, joint replacements, or other major diseases. Foot massagers are also not recommended for people with diabetes, neuropathy, or other conditions that may cause numbness in the feet. We suggest consulting with your doctor first if you’re considering investing in a foot massager machine. The various settings on the Renpho Shiatsu Foot Massager Premium make it easy to dial in the massage intensity for multiple situations.

The Pro-Tec Athletics Dr. Cohen’s AcuRoll is a foot massager you can also use on the spine. Photo: iRunFar/Eszter Horanyi
Is it safe to use a foot massager daily?
Using a simple foot massager, like the Pro-Tec Athletics Spiky Ball or Roll Recovery R3 Orthopedic Foot Roller can feel great on a daily basis. Whether you want to give your feet a little extra love after a run or while sitting at your desk at work, chances are you can only do good for your feet with them.
A foot massager machine, such as the Renpho Shiatsu Foot Massager Premium, can be used daily to promote relaxation and relieve aches and pains in the feet. We recommend following the manufacturer’s guidelines included with the foot massager, as well as the advice of your doctor or physical therapist. You should definitely stop using a foot massager if you feel any pain.
Do foot massagers help with plantar fasciitis?
Foot massager machines like the Renpho Shiatsu Foot Massager Premium can help relieve pain associated with plantar fasciitis. Using tools like the Roll Recovery R3 Orthopedic Foot Roller or Medi-Dyne ProStretch Roundchucks Massage Balls can also help relieve pain. That said, the best recommendation is to work with your doctor or physical therapist to determine the best treatment plan for you.
How long should you keep your feet on a foot massager machine?
Most foot massager machines have automated cycles that range from 15 to 30 minutes. The Nekteck Shiatsu Foot Massager Machine has a single cycle length of about 20 minutes, but it’s easy to restart it when it ends. While testing foot massager machines for this guide, we occasionally used a machine for two to three consecutive cycles. That said, we recommend following the instructions or guidelines included with your foot massager and any advice from your medical professional. Finally, you should stop immediately if you experience pain, tingling, or numbness while using a foot massager.
Is it possible to overuse a foot massager?
Like anything, too much of a good thing can become a bad thing. While a softer foot massager like the TigerTail Tiger Footsie Foot Massage Roller probably won’t do any harm, even if you spend your entire working day with your foot gently rolling around on it, you can overuse firmer options. Spending too much time pressing down on the Roll Recovery R3 Orthopedic Foot Roller has the potential to cause harm. If you’re dealing with a foot injury, you want to be extra careful not to overdo it and place excess strain on your foot’s muscles, ligaments, and tendons.
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