Regular foot massages provide foot relief after a long day. Buying a home foot massager allows you to get a massage on demand (and as often as you like) without blowing your budget on salon sessions. The Shiatsu Foot Massager is one of the more affordable electric foot massagers currently on the market, so we wanted to see if the lower-end model packed enough punch for our money. Read on to see what we found.
Performance: Adequate pressure—just a few caveats
Belmint’s model uses deep-kneading massage motions—combined with heat—to alleviate soreness. We regularly used the massager after long walks with our dog, and after a few minutes of rolling nodes firmly massaging the soles of our feet, a lot of tension was released. Since we used the machine on particularly cold mornings, the built-in heat function was also much appreciated. Overall, the massager works quite well, but we did have to keep repositioning our feet to target specific areas and pressure points. For example, if you keep your feet in the center of the foot pads, the kneading motion is intense on your heels, but lacking on the balls of your feet. If you put your heels at the very bottom of the machine, removing them from the footpads and resting them on the plastic edge, however, you’ll target the balls of your feet. Check out our guide to the best foot spas you can buy.
Design: Compact and easy to use
At less than 8 pounds, the Shiatsu Foot Massager is light and portable and can be easily stored under a bed or in a closet. For safer and more convenient storage, you can wrap the power cord around four hooks located underneath the machine. There are also eight adjustable feet on the bottom, which allow you to customize the height of the massager and better balance it on uneven floors. Belmint’s Shiatsu Foot Massager has an innovative, ergonomic design that is intended to fit the curve of your foot. Six massage heads—three on each footpad—remain in constant motion while 18 deep-kneading nodes help relieve tension and soreness. Whether you’re looking to revive your feet after a long day of standing at work or just want to relax, the machine can likely help. Operation couldn’t be easier. There is only one button on the massager and it acts as a dual control: you press it to turn it on and off, and you also use it to activate and deactivate the heat. When on, the nodes light up red. We found that the button is large enough to be operated with your toe, so you don’t have to bend over. The built-in heat function does a great job of keeping your feet warm, but you can also turn it off at anytime. After about 20 minutes, the whole machine will shut off automatically. For hygienic reasons, we suggest washing your feet before you use the foot massager—especially if you’ll be sharing it with a partner or your kids. The user guide recommends that you spot-clean the unit with a soft, dry cloth. Because you can’t use any liquid cleaners, chemicals, or harsh abrasives to clean the machine, though, it’s not possible to fully disinfect it.
Price: A quality option for a reasonable price
Retailing around $50, this foot massager is among the best mid-range options available on the market. Although it lacks some of the premium features available on more expensive models, it still delivers a powerful massage for a moderate price.
Competition: More customizable units come with higher price tags
There is a large selection of foot massagers available at a variety of price points. If you want something with customizable options, such as adjustable pressure levels and different massage techniques, a more expensive model is worth considering. The HoMedics® Shiatsu AirMax Rolling Foot Massager retails for about $100 and allows you to choose between high and low intensity and three massage speeds. Retailing around $140, the high-end Miko Shiatsu Foot Massager offers five adjustable pressure levels and varying massage techniques. If you’re looking for a foot massager that targets more of the foot, including the sides, both the HoMedics® and Miko models come equipped with chambers that encapsulate your feet and provide a more thorough massage. That said, the lower cost of the Belmint Shiatsu Foot Massager might be its biggest selling point. You can’t go wrong with a product that’s effective on your feet and easy on your wallet. Need some more help finding what you’re looking for? Read through our best foot massagers article. Although it lacks some of the bells and whistles available on higher-end models, the Shiatsu Foot Massager delivers a deep kneading massage that targets the bottom of your feet. It’s great not only for people who stand all day at work, but those who have chronic sore feet.
