Nurses Swear By These $50 and $130 Foot Massagers for Pain Relief

Jul 27, 2023

Both soothe sore muscles and swelling after prolonged standing.

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After a long, exhausting day, there’s no better feeling than putting your feet up and relaxing. However, for nurses, whose job consists of hours walking and standing, that sense of relief can be unobtainable due to foot pain that lingers long after a shift ends. While supportive shoes and orthotics are a medical professional’s best bet for preventing pain, many also rely on recovery tools to help them get back on their feet (literally) for the following day of work. Take foot massagers, for instance: While they might not be a household staple like anti-inflammation creams and massage guns, these devices can have significant health benefits.

In addition to managing pain, "a foot massage on a regular basis can help improve cardiovascular health by increasing blood circulation throughout the body and lessen the workload of circulation on the heart, keeping it strong and healthy," podiatrist Miguel Cunha, D.P.M., previously told Shape. However, with machines ranging from prices as low as $40 to as high as $20 to as high as $2,000, it can be hard to determine how much you actually need to invest in an effective, long-lasting massager. With this in mind, we’ve compared two popular versions, the $50 Nekteck Foot Massager and $130 Miko Foot Massager to help you decide whether to save or splurge.

Amazon

Buy It: $50 (was $80), amazon.com

Main Specs: Six rounded massage heads ease tension and swelling by applying pressure to toes, heels, and soles.

Other Features: A heating function works in tandem with the aforementioned pressure nodes to loosen tight muscles and relieve pain.

Best for: Those who regularly experience foot pain and swelling.

Shape previously awarded this device the title of “Best Overall Foot Massager” of 2023, and with good reason: Six heads and 18 rotating nodes evenly target every area of the foot while the heating function loosens muscles for even deeper penetration. The lightweight design can be easily picked up and stored, making it a great option for those who live in small spaces or frequently travel. “This is probably one of the best purchases I have ever made,” wrote one nurse who dubbed the massager “heaven” for getting through their 12- to 14-hour shifts. It “makes a huge difference in my pain and even my energy level,” they added. Another nurse compared it to a professional spa treatment, explaining that they can now “come home every day after work and ease [their] knotted feet and feel so much better.”

The mesh material that surrounds the foot holes is thin, and according to some shoppers, can tear easily. Other reviewers found that the massage nodes deliver too much pressure for their preference.

Amazon

Buy It: $130 (was $250), amazon.com

Main Specs: Pressure nodes deliver a combination of rolling and kneading movements to deliver a deep tissue massage to the entire foot.

Other features: A heating system brings the interior temperature up to 115 degrees to relax sore muscles. Additionally, air compression surrounds the entire foot to ensure an even massage.

Best for: Those who endure prolonged walking and standing, or those with an intense workout schedule.

This device has a ton of customizable features, including a range of heat and pressure options that allow users to design the perfect massage for their needs. “This is a life saver,” raved one nurse, who relied on the massager to get them through “12 hour work shifts while seven months pregnant.” A second nurse who walks for “miles and miles on concrete flooring every day” agreed that it “transforms” their sore feet at the end of each day. Even with all of its features, this design only weighs 11 pounds, making it easy to carry.

Many shoppers note that the remote controls for this massager only work from an extremely close range.

At just $50, the NekTeck Foot Massager has everything you’d expect in a high-end device, including multiple effective pressure nodes and heat therapy. Plus, it has nearly 17,000 perfect ratings on Amazon. However, those who want a deeper massage or are sensitive to pressure may benefit more from the $130 Miko Foot Massager, which gives users more control over the heat settings and pressure nodes.