Unfortunately, many of us tend to take our good foot health for granted, and only realize how important a role they serve in our body’s overall well-being and daily lives, once they suddenly begin to hurt or do not function properly. You probably know the old saying about “how we never miss the water till the well runs dry.” When your feet are in good health and free of experiencing pain and discomfort you never give a thought to preserving and maintaining their well-being and vitality.
Sadly, in today’s fast-paced lifestyle, we forget to prioritize and take time out for ourselves and make our good foot health a priority. However, the mere fact that you are interested and care enough to be reading this guide already means you have probably taken the first step of realizing that nothing should be taken for granted.
Practicing a daily foot care routine at home is arguably one of the most crucial steps you can take toward keeping your feet healthy and functioning the way they should. And if you do not believe me then you will realize this more as you age.
If you have never tried incorporating physical activity and good foot care habits into your daily routine yet, it is high time to change that! This will not only benefit your overall health and your body’s ability to operate and function as a whole, but will help keep you mobile, independent, and upright. Remember, your feet, ankles, and lower legs are pretty important, and the very best thing that you could do to ensure their long-term health is to incorporate daily foot care into your routine. If you are new to the whole idea of making your foot care a regular part of your daily evening routine, then one of the finest ways to do so is to have your feet massaged regularly using either a foot massager or a sole foot spa.
Set aside any misconceptions that foot massage is only a pampering experience. On the contrary, foot massage with the appropriate foot massager or a foot bath for your individual needs lays the foundation by helping you take charge of your foot health and well-being at home, whether you have a specific foot health issue or not.
There is a whole range of different types of at-home foot massage devices available on the market to choose from, each offering various sizes, styles, features, capabilities, quality, designs, and prices, each serving a different purpose.
While it is a very good thing to get a lot of options, sometimes finding the best one out of them might become a very challenging task, especially if you are not sure what to look for, what is important, and what is not. So when it comes to selecting what foot massage device to buy as part of your regimen, it is well worth it to take some time and carry out a bit of research before settling on the model you want to have during your daily evening foot care routine!
However, what you have to know is that not all types of foot care devices provide a sufficient level of functionality – which means some models may not be capable of performing a quality massage experience to your feet with a high degree of effectiveness.
In this comprehensive buyer’s guide, you will learn more about the core features, all the key considerations, and other important aspects of both foot massagers and foot bath massagers including what they are good for, and which are the best ones.
As mentioned above, there is a wide range of different types available – from basic manual foot sole massagers to mechanical foot massagers, pedicure massagers, foot spas, etc. So when you are considering the different options to incorporate into your routine, ensure you consider what type of features may be most beneficial to you, or what type of foot massage experience you want.
Different types of foot and leg massagers are designed to also perform different forms of massage actions on the feet (e.g. kneading/shiatsu, rolling, soothing, vibration, and/or oscillating) which makes them suitable for different purposes.
What should one look for when buying an at-home foot massage device?
There is no denying that there is a lot to consider when searching for the best sole foot spa or foot massager to buy. Read this in-depth buyer’s guide to understand what to consider and learn all about the difference between a foot massager and a foot spa. Hope after reading the whole article, you will have a good idea of what to look out for and what to prioritize on your at-home foot massage device-buying journey!
In a nutshell, the spa-type massage device for the leg and foot is a container of some kind of plastic that uses water, heat, and reflexology foot massage rollers as a means to achieve its therapeutic effects. In effect, the beauty of a sole foot spa is that it combines the best of both worlds, pleasure, and relaxation.
The foot bath-type massagers range from very basic ‘entry level’ models that do not have a heating element inside to heat the water or even maintain its temperature, to more advanced ‘high-end’ designs equipped with pedicure capabilities, water jet streams, intelligent temperature controls, and more functionality. There are also plenty of mid-range options for those who prefer the golden middle.
What is the difference between a foot spa-type massager and a foot massager?
Let’s take a closer look at all those differences before you pick one over the other.
The simplest way to explain the difference between the two types of at-home foot care massage devices is that foot baths are based on a massage technique performed through the aid of water combined with enhancement features (heat, massaging rollers, bubble jets, infrared light) that aid to the overall massage experience. These kinds of warm, water-based foot massagers are designed for both reinvigoration and relaxation purposes. Soaking in a foot spa is an ideal way to remove the tiredness of the feet, loosen tight and tense muscles, and increase blood circulation.
The major thing that differentiates the two types is that a foot massager is ready to use whenever you decide to, while a foot spa requires it to be filled with water and heated to the temperature of your choice before the start of the massage. Additionally, the spa container requires it to be emptied, cleaned, and disinfected in some way after every single use to ensure that it lasts as long as it is intended.
A foot spa-type massager also is typically quite heavy and hard to lift off and carry around when it is filled with water, although the new models with casters facilitate movement from one location to another. So if that is going to create difficulties that will involve the use of a water pitcher or a bowl to remove the greater part of the water to become lighter, and then easier to drain.
It must, however, be kept in mind that many spas and even enclosed foot massagers are not intended for people with large feet. Therefore, the bath’s interior dimensions are arguably one of the most crucial aspects to consider when looking to achieve the best possible foot spa massage experience. There is no point in buying a foot spa with the most advanced features and functionality on the market if you cannot fit both feet comfortably in it. Likewise, if you have small feet there is no point in pampering at a large foot spa that has been designed to accommodate larger feet.
As for the foot massagers, they are available in either enclosed or open-based designs. What sets them apart from their counterparts is their ability to apply pressure on other points of the feet through kneading, tapping, rolling, or pressing massage techniques. Additionally, in contrast to foot spas, foot massagers are easy to use because they do not involve the use of water.
Which is best – a foot massager or a foot spa?
To answer this question, you should think about: what you are looking for from a foot massage.
If you are after a relaxation and tension relief experience after a long day and do not mind planning a bit ahead for when you want to dip your feet, then a heated, water-based foot spa massager will do the job. However, if you prefer a bit more intensive, invigorating, and deep-penetrating foot massage experience and additional features or functionality not found in the foot spa-type massagers, or maybe just want to enjoy a therapeutic foot massage to help rehabilitate injury or sports performance then nothing compares to the fabulous massage that the best foot massager provides.
Regardless of which type of foot massager you end up with, practicing a daily at-home foot care routine can have a positive effect – not only on your overall health and well-being – but also on your life.
How much does it cost to buy a sole foot spa compared with buying a foot massager?
Like any product, both types of massagers have quite a range of prices, so it is necessary to consider your certain demands when deciding.
In general, foot massagers with more advanced functions such as deep kneading and rolling or vibration, compression, or heating tend to be much more expensive compared to entry-level foot spa models. Foot massagers with great design and features will generally provide you with greater enjoyment, but as with most things, this does come at a cost.
For example, low-end massagers are usually less capable as regards massage techniques than their more costly counterparts, and this means that they offer less customizable modes of foot massage.
Yes, you can spend less if you are interested in a mediocre device with fewer features or are happy to slightly compromise on the quality, and you can spend a lot more if you are serious about incorporating good foot care habits into your daily routine.
What to look for when buying a foot spa or massager
Here are the top 10 essential things to aid your final buying decision.
1. Material: The best foot spas are made of ABS plastic, this is a lightweight material that is resistant to high impact and mechanical toughness, as well as to high temperature and aging.
2. Size options: Even though there are not a ton of variations in the sizes to choose between, the design of the model itself needs to be able to accommodate both of your feet comfortably. Likewise, it is also necessary to consider the height of the model itself, as some models are surprisingly small, while others are deep enough to fully cover the ankles and even the lower legs in the water.
The potential disadvantage and biggest challenge in picking the perfect type of foot massage machine is finding a design of a foot bath or enclosed massager that could be suitable for people with larger-sized feet.
3. Design: Look for a design that ensures maximum leg space that allows a comfortable sitting position. For example, the width of the spa’s sidewalls at the calf area must be designed such that to not allow your knees to be placed too close together. This is a big plus because it avoids any discomfort that might come from sitting with knees fairly close together while using the unit.
4. Type of heating element: A good heating element is essential to keep the water warmed up. Unfortunately, low-quality foot spas do not have a heating element built-in, which means that they can maintain water temperature, but they are not capable of heating it. The lack of this means that you will have to preheat the water before you want to use it. For convenience, opt for a spa that can heat the water and allows you to adjust the water temperature.
Additionally, some foot spa models use less expensive heaters to generate heat. Unlike cheaper alternatives, the premium ones use positive temperature coefficient (“PTC”) heaters. These types of water heaters are much more energy-efficient than conventional ones because they provide a higher level of safety, faster water heat-up time, and distribute heat evenly throughout your feet, toes, and ankles.
5. Price: Both foot massagers and foot baths can range in price significantly depending on the quality, capabilities, size, type, and features included. So it is wise to set a budget beforehand and know how much you are willing to spend.
6. Sound level: All devices used for foot care are electronic devices and as such they may vibrate, oscillate or emit a certain amount of sound during use. So when deciding to buy one, it is best to choose a model that has quiet, or a near-silent operation so you won’t have to worry about the noise output when you want to use it.
7. Functionalities: To get the absolute best relaxing experience, look for a sole foot spa that offers features such as automatically driven rotatable massage rollers and acupressure nodes that knead and press the feet, a water jet shower (air jets that bubble the water, an automatic temperature sensing, a remote control, as well as the option to add various aromatic, therapeutic, or hygienic ingredients into the water. These features will aid you to achieve the ultimate foot relaxation experience every time you use your foot bath.
8. Adjustability: Everyone’s tolerance to foot massage is different, so it is best to pick a machine that incorporates a variety of speeds and massage modes so that you can control/adjust the level of intensity or rolling pattern of the massage according to your personal preference and requirements. A foot machine with lots of different settings means more paths to relaxation and relief.
9. Massage rollers placement: Foot massage rollers are another important aspect that plays a colossal part in your overall foot massaging experience. Simply having more massage rollers does not mean it provides the best foot massage. Quality foot baths have built-in motorized massage rollers that inexpensive models do not. Instead, they require you to roll your feet on them. The quality of the motorized rollers’ and their placement is what separates a mediocre foot spa from a premium one.
This may seem insignificant at first to you, but this is what will make the difference between a good foot massage experience and a fantastic one.
10. Easy cleaning: Cleaning is another crucial criterion that has to be taken into account when selecting the appropriate at-home foot massage machine. As the home foot spas happen to be more exposed to bacteria, dust, dirt, and debris, both enclosed and open-design foot massagers prove to be a better option in this regard. Ideally, the internal fabric covering the space where you insert the feet of the enclosed-design foot massagers should be easily detachable with a zip fastener, to make them easy to wash and clean for better hygiene.
There you have it. If you consider these ten points before choosing your at-home foot care device, you should have no trouble deciding on the ideal fit.
Which type of at-home foot massage device would be best for my needs, budget, and lifestyle?
Overall, the question of a foot massager vs a foot spa comes down not only to the cost, but also to the overall purpose of the machine, how often you intend to use it, and how you will use the features you are paying for. While both foot massagers and foot spas can be used as a way to help maintain good foot health and overall health and well-being, it is important to recognize that both types of foot care devices have their particular benefits and drawbacks.
One of the main benefits that you can get out of using a foot bath-type massager is that if you are experiencing dry skin on your feet and cracked heels, then the warm water temperature and soaking your feet in the water will repair, hydrate, calm, and regenerate your feet immediately. Also, a foot spa is an ideal solution for the ones who suffer from chronic cold feet due to poor circulation in the legs.
The foot massagers, on the other hand, utilize a combination of various types of stimulating modes, techniques, and massage effects users can choose from. This includes a Shiatsu massage, soothing heat, kneading, rolling, squeezing, and airbag compression. They are capable of massaging/stimulating specific regions of the feet in different manners and various foot reflexology intensities. The foot massagers can deliver a gentle or more targeted deep massage experience than the foot spa-type foot massagers can. So they are ideal for those seeking an intense experience.
While foot massagers can be very good for certain types of muscular complaints and can be a great tool to boost your health, some people with diabetes who have some form of neuropathy in their lower legs and feet, or other types of issues should be especially careful with these massage devices because they might not be able to feel whether the massage is too intense or whether it cause discomfort on their feet.
The MedMassager-MMF06 is one, of the very few foot massagers that have proven to be beneficial to people with diabetes in managing neuropathy symptoms.
These modern foot care devices offer unparalleled convenience and are a relatively affordable at-home alternative to expensive visits to professional foot masseuses. Not only are they accessible 24 hours a day 7 days a week, but they are also like having your massage therapist on call. They save you time and effort and enable you to avail an awesome foot massage immediately when you want and when you need one, without stepping out of your doorstep.
Overall, the option you choose should depend only on your budget, your circumstances, your needs, and how often you want to use it.
In summary
The above are all the tips and details you need to know before you select the best type of at-home foot massage device. Although there is no one good perfect type of electric foot massager available that is designed to address all your health problems, needs, and requirements you can find the option that can assist you in maintaining healthy feet.
Just put in the necessary time and effort researching and understanding what features make a foot massage device high quality, before settling on a final choice. That will help you narrow down all the best foot massager and spa design options and choose one from them.
Hope this guide has helped you understand the main differences between the two types of foot massagers and will assist you in finding the perfect spa or foot massager that best meets your family’s needs and budget.