There’s no better way to relax after a long day of work than using a foot spa. Your feet are subjected to a lot of wear and tear during the day. Whether you stand on your feet for hours at a time or you do a lot of walking on hard concrete surfaces, that constant pressure on your feet will take its toll. Not only can you experience immediate foot pain, but lasting health issues can arise.
A foot spa it like a mini-vacation for your feet. Spas feature a warm bath, massaging functions, and much more. They relax your muscles and help you recover from fatigue. They can also help with other areas of your body. For example, it has been shown that foot spas alleviate arthritic pain, headaches, indigestion, and insomnia. While many people pay a lot of money to take advantage of these benefits at a professional spa, you can do so from the comfort of your own home.
Home foot spas are easy to use and provide you with all of the same benefits. They take only a few minutes to set up. Most of them are also very portable, allowing you to store it away when it’s not in use. There are many great options to choose from. Here’s a selection that can help you relax.
MaxKare Foot Spa with Massa
This foot spa has three different ways to get relief. It has an LCD screen that lets you heat up the water to your exact temperature preference. It also produces air bubbles and vibrations to get the water moving. On the bottom, you’ll find four removable rollers. While they’re not motorized, the grooves on the rollers make it easy to get a thorough massage.
Pros:
- Produces air bubbles and vibrations
- Relatively easy to use
- Removable massage rollers
- Convenient LCD screen and heating elements
- Attractive design
Cons:
- No drainage hole
- No handle or wheels
- Might be too small for some users
Conair Active Life Waterfall Foot Spa
From Conair is this innovative massaging foot spa. It has a large waterfall mechanism that constantly showers your feet with water. There are also multiple ways to get a good massage. In addition to a non-motorized roller, it has a central massage pad that can be switched out with a brush or pumice stone. Two large loofah pads on the top allow you to scrub away dead skin as well.
Pros:
- Produces large waterfall
- Air bubble jet
- Removable massage roller
- Three different massage pads
- Loofah pads
- Deep basin
Cons:
- No drainage hole
- No handle or wheels
- Doesn’t heat water
Comfortology Leak-Proof Foot Spa
From Comfortology is this high-tech foot spa. It has a very deep water basin that can fit large feet. A built-in heating element heats up the water using PTC technology. As a result, it brings the water temperature up to your desired setting quickly. An LCD screen and numerous buttons on the top help you get the perfect settings. It has motorized rollers and a handy remote control for your convenience.
Pros:
- Four motorized rollers
- Fast heating technology
- Easy-to-use remote control and LCD screen
- Memory system
- Deep basin
- Filter, drainage hose, and powerful motor
Cons:
- Weak water circulation and bubbles
Kendal Large Foot Spa
This feature-rich foot spa can help you create a relaxing experience. The deep basin holds a lot of water. It also has an automatic drain system to make cleanup a breeze. Removable massage wheels and large nodes on the bottom can be used to relieve pressure points. You can set your desired water temperature on the LCD screen. There’s also a convenient herb container, temperature status light, and splash guard.
Pros:
- Removable rollers
- LCD controls
- Splash guard and cover
- Drainage system
- Deep basin
- Bubble jets
Cons:
- Rollers not motorized
ACEVIVI Foot Spa
This spa can accommodate up to a men’s size 18 foot, so it has more than enough space to get comfortable. Multiple massage wheels are placed on the bottom. They’re motorized and work in tandem with the bubble function to help relieve stress and pain. Both of these functions can be turned on with the control panel on top. You can also set the water temperature to as high as 118 degrees for ultimate comfort.
Pros:
- Motorized rollers
- LCD controls
- Heating system
- Drainage system
- Deep and long basin
- Bubble jets
- Includes handle and wheels
Revlon Invigorating Pedicure Foot Spa
Treat yourself with this foot spa from Revlon. It has waterproof controls and a splash guard for safety. On the bottom of the basin, you’ll find a single non-motorized massage wheel. On the top of the splash guard, there’s a pumice stone. Warming elements in the basin help to maintain water temperature. It also has some jets to produce bubbles.
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Waterproof controls
- Maintains water temperature
- Splash guard
- Pumice stone
- Massage wheel
Cons:
- Doesn’t heat up water
- Non-motorized massage wheel
Foot Spa Buying Guide
When it comes to your podiatric comfort, no detail should be overlooked. Foot spas are versatile and can be used a number of ways. However, not all products utilize the same features. To make sure that you choose one that’s right for your unique needs, here are some things you’ll want to consider.
Basin Size
The size of the foot spa basin is one of the most important things to consider. A spa will only be useful if you can fit your feet in the basin! Not only that, but size also determines how much water you can use. A smaller basin is great if you need something that takes up a small footprint. However, the amount of water they hold will only cover a part of your foot. As a result, you may not be able to take full advantage of the benefits it has to offer.
Medium and full-depth basins can provide you with full water coverage. Some models may also be able to cover part of your ankles. The downside with a larger basin is that it will be heavier and may be harder to empty when you’re done relaxing. Before you select a spa, measure your feet and pay close attention to basin dimensions.
Heating Function
A heated foot bath can soothe your muscles and alleviate pain almost immediately. Not all foot spas will have the same type of heating mechanism. More affordable options aren’t capable of heating up the water at all. Instead, they’ll keep the water warm for up to 20 minutes. To use these devices, you need to preheat the water before pouring it into the basin.
More advanced foot spas come with a full-fledged thermostat. They allow you to adjust the temperature of the water by single degrees. This is a great option for those who have sensitive feet. With these spas, you can add room temperature water, set your desired temperature, wait a few minutes, and get in.
Massaging Features
When you’re on your search for that perfect foot spa, you’ll find that the massage functions vary dramatically from manufacturer to manufacturer. Most have some kind of massager built right in. Simpler products have small grooves and bumps that you can rub your feet on.
Rollers are also very common. There are motorized and non-motorized rollers available. With non-motorized rollers, you’ll have to move your feet forward and back to use them. While this may not seem like a big deal, it can be problematic if the basin is too small. You’ll also have to worry about splashing. Motorized rollers do the work for you. They often have speed adjustments, so you can find a setting that’s comfortable for you.
Another massaging feature that’s available is bubbles. Small air and water jets move the water to provide a gentle massage. You can find jets with a range of power levels. The power of the jets can affect how much the water splash around as well as the sound your machine produces.
Portability
Chances are, you’re not going to be using the spa every single day. Most people use it a couple of times a week. If you plan on storing the spa away when it’s not being used, portability should be considered. Some models feature a bucket-style handle to lift it up and away. Others have strong and durable caster wheels that you can use to roll it. Consider your needs and take the overall weight of the spa into account before you make a commitment.
Convenience
How simple do you want your spa to be? Spas are supposed to be relaxing and comfortable. Truth is, there are some things you will have to do before and after you use your spa. Convenience features can make those tasks easier.
One task you’ll need to complete is water drainage. Depending on the particular model, you may have to lift the spa up to pour the water out. Not only is this uncomfortable, but it can instantly take you out of your relaxed mood. If you want to simplify things a bit, look for a model with a built-in drain and wheels. With these spas, all you have to do is roll the basin to a convenient spot and open the drain.
During your spa session, certain convenience features can make or break the mood. Splashing is bound to happen, especially if you have jets in the basin. Luckily, many models utilize a splash guard to prevent any messes. Another consideration is noise. Loud motors can be jarring and interfere with your relaxation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Foot Spas
Q: Are foot spas safe?
A: Generally, foot spas are built to be safe. Most manufacturers utilize waterproofing measures to ensure that none of the electronics are compromised once you add water. With that being said, you still need to exercise caution. Never fill the basin beyond the recommended line. Also, you need to place the spa on a level surface as far away from a power outlet as the cord will let you go. When you’re done, make sure that your hands and feet are completely dry before you unplug the spa and empty it.
Q: Can beauty products be used with foot spas?
You can enhance the benefits you receive from your foot spa with additional beauty products. Most spas are safe to use with bath salts and essential oils. They can add additional soothing effects and a pleasant aroma. You may also be able to use seaweed. However, it’s important to check with the manufacture instructions beforehand. Seaweed and other herbs can easily clog jets if they’re not adequately contained.
Q: How do you maintain a foot spa?
To keep your spa in good condition, you will need to clean it regularly. Luckily, the cleaning process is simple. Before you start, let the spa cool down completely. Then, use a soft cloth and mild cleaner to wipe down every surface. Never put the spa under running water or submerge it.
Q: How long should you use a foot spa?
This will depend on the product’s design. Most manufacturers designate the recommended usage time. Oftentimes, it’s between 15 and 20 minutes. You should never use the device for longer than the recommended time, as this can cause certain components to overheat.