The best foot spas: relax and unwind with an at home pedicure

Everyone loves a foot treatment, but it can sometimes be a struggle to find the time or budget to go for a pamper as often as you deserve (which is a lot). Luckily, there is now an option to bring the salon experience to your home, and this comes in the form of a foot spa.

A home foot spa offers a relaxing soak for your feet which helps to reduce muscle tension and soreness. Think bubbles, massage rollers, hot water, and jets, all available at your beck and call

Here at The Recommended, we’ve analysed the top foot spas on the market so you can take your pampering to the next level. We’ve also put together a buyer's guide to help you choose the right foot spa for your personal needs.

Best foot spas at a glance

• Best at home pedicure: Revlon Pediprep Foot Spa
• Best for hydro massage: HoMedics Bubblemate Foot Spa and Massager
• Best range of massage function: Turejo Foot Spa
• Best for bubbles: Sensio Foot Spa Massager Pedicure Bath
• Best luxury model: RENPHO Foot Spa Massager
• Best for relaxation: Beurer FB35 Foot Spa with Aromatherapy

The best foot spas:

Best at home pedicure: Revlon Pediprep Foot Spa

Comes with nine nail care accessories

This affordable foot spa from Revlon is designed with pedicures in mind. It’s designed as a relaxing bubble bath and comes with a nine-piece nail care set, so you have everything you need for your at-home pedicure. - just add nail varnish.

It maintains whatever water temperature you choose and features massaging bubble jets, acting like a relaxing hot tub for your feet. Mechanical rolling massage and pumice stone attachments help you to keep your feet soft and relaxed.

Best for hydro massage: HoMedica Bubblemate Foot Spa and Massager

Gently massage your feet with bubbles

Powerful jet streams of bubbles are the selling point for this foot spa, providing a gentle yet effective massage for your feet that will leave them refreshed and relaxed. If a bubbly footbath is what you’re after, look no further than the Bubblemate.

The clue is certainly in the name here, and this foot spa features invigorating turbo bubble strips that offer a powerful yet gentle massage for your feet, relaxing and rejuvenating them after a long day. There’s also a handy removable pumice stone attached so that you can keep your skin soft and supple.

Best range of massage function: Turejo Foot Spa

Features six motorised foot massagers

Let your tired feet feel the benefit of six automatic massage rollers, which target acupressure points to relieve stress and fatigue. Great for people who are on their feet all day. This Turejo foot spa features six motorised massage rollers that target pressure points in your feet using techniques borrowed from reflexology, acupuncture, and shiatsu massage.

It is designed for people who spend a lot of time on their feet, from office workers in high heels all day to athletes returning from training. It heats and maintains the water, which is made even more relaxing with bubble jets. It also includes a drain and handy carry handle and is suitable for feet up to UK size 15.

Best for bubbles: Sensio Foot Spa Massager Pedicure Bath

For a salon experience at home

Unwind after a long day with this foot spa from Sensio, designed to recreate the salon experience in the comfort of your own home. Bubbles, vibrations, and massage rollers ease your aches away. If you’re looking for a way to unwind after a long day, this Sensio foot spa is designed to give you the salon experience at home.

Just add warm water and let your feet be soothed and relaxed by a combination of bubbles, vibrations, and massage rollers. Adjustable settings mean you can up the settings if you’ve had a particularly tough day.

Best luxury model: RENPHO Foot Spa Massager

A great choice for frequent use

Perfect for athletes or anyone on their feet all day with work, this luxury foot spa features three massage modes, adjustable temperature, and powerful bubble jets. Suitable for daily use. If you’re looking for a foot spa with bells and whistles, this Renpho option is a great choice.

Its combination of warm water, infrared light, powerful bubble jets, and motorised massage rollers offer relief for even the most tired of feet. It features temperature control, multiple massage settings, wheels, a handle, and a drainpipe. If you are an athlete, on your feet all day, wearing high heels, or just someone who suffers from cold feet, this is the best buy because it stands up to frequent use as well as offers a multi-feature experience. True R&R for your feet.

Best for relaxation: Beurer FB35 Foot Spa with Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy functions to help you unwind

Get double the relaxation with this foot spa, which combines the soothing effect of heat and massage for your feet with the calming powers of essential oil aromas. This aromatherapy foot spa features a special compartment called an aroma filter, which is designed to hold essential oil-infused bath salts or crystals.

The spa itself features soothing bubble and vibration massage functions, and the footbed has nodules to stimulate reflex points and encourage circulation. Look after your feet and your mind, too, as the combination of massage, heat, and aromatherapy leads you to full body relaxation.

Foot spa buyer’s guide

Foot spas come in all shapes and sizes, and with so many different features, it can be hard to work out which one is best for you. To help, we’ve put together this buyer’s guide so you are well-informed before purchasing your next pampering accessory.

If you’re unsure about the benefits of a foot spa, what type of foot spa is best for you, or even how to use them, this buyer’s guide is for you. We'll explore essential features, massaging techniques, and tips for integrating foot spas into your self-care routine.

What is a foot spa?

A foot spa is essentially a mini-bath especially made for the feet and often comes with special added features such as bubbles, massage rollers, and jets. It is placed on the floor, and you can then sit down and place your feet inside of it. People use them for a variety of reasons, such as softening their feet, relaxing, or even taking weight off after a heavy training session.

Simple foot spas will usually contain a bubble machine, but in recent times more advanced models have been able to offer extra features. For an added price, you can now find foot spas with reflexology pressure pads, infrared lights which promote cell regeneration, or even built-in aromatherapy diffusers that release the aromas of essential oil bath salts while you soak.

Benefits of a foot spa

The reason you buy a foot spa is for the benefits, so it’s important to know what they are so you can choose a model which incorporates as many as possible.

Stress relief

Most people know that when visiting a spa or having a pamper, a feeling of relaxation is the aim and foot spas provide this in the comfort of your own home. They help to release tension in the feet and body whilst also providing an escape for people.

Pain relief

Soothing heat and massage techniques can alleviate foot and ankle discomfort. These are especially useful if you’re on your feet all day, wearing uncomfortable or high-heeled shoes, or suffer from aches and pains or arthritis. If you’re an athlete or sports enthusiast that needs to take the weight off after training, foot spas are also a good investment.

Improved circulation

The warm water and massaging actions in foot spas help to stimulate blood flow in the feet. With foot spas that have massage rollers, your muscles can receive more blood through regular use, meaning circulation and recovery in the feet are both improved.

Mental health benefits

Regular foot spas can contribute to overall feelings of better mental health. Relaxation and switching off from the outside world can help you gain an overall feeling of wellness. Stress and pain relief will also help you have a calmer outlook and fewer distractions during the day.

Foot spa features to look out for

When you are selecting a foot spa, you should consider a few key features if you want the best experience.

1. Temperature control: It’s important that your foot spa has an adjustable temperature control, and it is suggested that this be between 35-48C. This way, you can change the temperature to suit your own comfort level.
2. Massage features: These are important because they help to stimulate blood circulation and promote relaxation. More affordable foot spas will usually have massage rollers, while more expensive ones will feature vibration or bubbles. However, despite the price, the massage features you choose should be based on personal preference.
3. Water jets: These are important if you want to have your own customised hydrotherapy sessions. You can use the jets to massage but also as an added relaxation technique.
4. Ergonomic design: You should opt for a spa with a comfortable base that is also made to be slip resistant. It’s important to check the size of the spa before you buy it to see if your feet will fit in and if it will fit into your living area/bathroom.

Foot spa massage features: rollers, vibration and bubbles

When buying a foot spa that has a massage option, you can opt for a variety of massage techniques, so it’s important to know which ones your spa offers and what they entail. The most simple of the massage types is a manual roller is non-motorised and works as you press your feet against it.

There are then the motorised rollers which offer a more powerful massage with adjustable speed settings. A more advanced massage option is the shiatsu which mimics a traditional Japanese massage by applying pressure to specific points on the feet through tapping, kneading, and pressing.

Some more advanced foot spas contain acupressure nodes that target reflexology points on the feet. These focused massage points help to promote balance and overall well-being. Finally, there are air-pressure massagers, which have small, focused areas of massage that you can choose to put your foot on.

How to start using a foot spa and integrate it into your routine

Now you’ve chosen which foot spa you want to use, there are some helpful tips to help you make the most of it. Integrating it into your self-care regime is the easiest way to maximise the use of your spa. To do this, you can follow some of our key tips below.

1. Set aside dedicated foot spa time: Choose a time that you will use your foot spa and stick to it - this can be on a weekly or monthly basis.
2. Create a calming atmosphere: Dim the lights, play soothing music, or use aromatherapy to enhance your experience.
3. Pair with other self-care activities: Enjoy a cup of herbal tea or read a book while using your foot spa.
4. Practise deep breathing or meditation: Focus on your breath to heighten relaxation and mindfulness during your session.
5. Share the experience: Invite friends or family members to enjoy a foot spa session together.

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