The Ergonomics And Design
You should also considerthe design of your chosen foot and calf massager. Not only should it look good,but be constructed to function well. Focus on massagers which add to your userexperience over flashy features you wont even benefit from.
With that said, look intomassagers with design features such as easy-to-grab handles, an adjustabletilting base, removable and washable fabrics, non-skid floor protectors, andmore purposeful add-ons.
Best Choice Products Foot Massager Massages Your Feet And Heels In Three Modes
Christina Oehler is a commerce editor for Verywell Health. She has a degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and has work published on sites like Health, Shape, and Brides.
We independently research, test, review, and recommend the bestproducts. Healthcare professionals review articles for medical accuracy. Learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.
Verywell Health / Leticia Almeida
A foot rub can be the perfect way to unwind after a long day. This is especially true if you have arthritis pain, plantar fasciitis, or any other common foot, leg, or ankle complaints. While going to a massager spot or salon sounds great, the cost can deter some people. If you cant make the regular visit, an at-home foot massager could be the solution and provide the relief youre looking for.
What Is Calf Massager For Runners
Calf massagers can be beneficial for runners who experience pain or tightness in their calves. Massaging the calves can help to improve circulation and loosen up tight muscles. This can help to prevent injuries and improve recovery time. Calf massagers can also be used to warm up the muscles before a run.
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Leg Massagers Are One Of The Best Investments An Active Person Can Make
If you are an active person and love being in the thick of anything physical, then you have probably experienced leg pain before. Whether you are a runner, cyclist, skier, climber or hiker, having pain in your legs can take the fun out of the activities that you love. But there is a solution, one that doesnt involve visiting a physiotherapist every time you experience pain. Leg massagers can be the best thing to invest in and heres why:
Opove Apex Affordable High Amplitude Runners Massager
The Opove APEX can be a great companion for runners who are looking for a punchy massage gun tailored especially for them. We recently tested it and we must say we had fun with it.
What makes it different from the Sonic above is that its the latest tech its super quiet, ergonomic, and surprisingly well made. It is a tad more expensive, but has better specs.
Whereas Ekrin B37 gives you that balance, high stall force and great cover from the manufacturer, the APEX gives you more amplitude. It doesnt have any bells or whistles, but it does what its meant to do.
You will love the 14.5mm amplitude if the 12mm on the Ekrin B37 isnt enough. If you want the Achedaway Pros 16mm but cant afford the extra bucks, this one will handle the business just fine.
About the stall force, the two guns above already have more than you will need as a runner. Theyre great devices that will not let you down when you want a deep tissue massage. But the Opove APEX isnt so bad either.
Remember how we said that mid 40s stall force is good enough? This device has that kind of stall force. It doesnt easily stall. Another cool thing with this device is when you apply too much pressure, it doesnt shut off completely. It simply halts and continues to rev when the pressure is eased.
MORE INFO Read our full Opove Apex review.
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The Advanced And Healthy: Cloud Massage Foot Massage Machine
The Cloud Massage Machineoffers a wide range of modes for comfort and pain relief. It doesnt only workbest for runners with fatigued feet, but for those who have differentconditions as well, from plantar fasciitis or diabetes. The massager offers adual massage of both vibration and compression to decrease numbness and keepyour blood circulating your lower legs.
Just take note that it canapply more pressure than youre used to, so start gradually. Other than that,its a great choice if youre more focused on its compression features.
Pros:
Features To Consider When Buying Calf Massager For Runners
When it comes to choosing a calf massager for runners, there are a few key features to consider. The first is the type of massage. There are two main types of massage: kneading and percussion. Kneading involves using the thumbs or fingers to apply pressure and massage the muscles in a circular motion. Percussion involves using rapid, short strokes with the hands or a handheld device to stimulate the muscles.
Next, consider the intensity of the massage. Some massagers provide a light massage, while others offer a more intense experience. If you are new to using a massager, it may be best to start with light intensity and increase the intensity as you become more comfortable with the device.
Finally, consider the size of the massager. Some are designed for use on the calves only, while others are large enough to massage the entire leg. If you have larger calves, you may want to choose a massager that is designed for use on the entire leg.
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Lifepro Marvalax Foot And Calf Massager
First, lets delve into our top pick for the best calf massager for runners, the LifePro Marvalax Foot and Calf Massager. This model doesnt require charging and can provide instant pain relief after plugging into a nearby wall outlet.
It has an adjustable bar that tilts up to 45° for enhanced support and comfort. This models shiatsu massage features make it a great tool for relieving foot pain and healing tense calf muscles. Its multi-functional remote control lets you customize your massagers heat and vibration levels swiftly and conveniently.
This model has three foot massage speed levels that you can switch between based on your pain relief needs. It usually takes three to four minutes to heat up, but the amount of heat you feel might not feel significant.
The Marvalax Foot and Calf Massager fits calves with a maximum circumference of 12.5 inches and foot sizes of up to US Mens 13 and US Womens 14. However, its force can shift your feet out of position when used at a higher speed setting.
Pros:
- Automatic shutdown after 15 minutes
- Three foot massage speed levels
- Massages calves for up to 59 minutes
- Fits calf circumferences of up to 12.5 inches
Cons:
More Foot Massagers To Consider
We also tested these foot massagers but ultimately decided not to include them in our list of recommendations. They fell short in our test when it came to convenience, effectiveness, and setting options:
- Ivation Foot Spa: Our testers appreciated the number of settings on this product and the deep, relaxing massage it gave, but it never really heated up the way we would have liked .
- Sharper Image Warming Foot Massager: This massager gave us a toasty, cozy experience, but it was mostly superficial it doesnt massage enough to work out knots and wouldnt be a good fit for people wanting deep tissue relief.
- Snailax Shiatsu Foot Massager with Heat: With a slipper-like shape, this massager has good under-the-foot rollersbut thats about all. Theres very little variation in settings and wasnt something we thought we would reach for day after day.
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What Should Runners Look For In A Percussion Massager
As runners we have found that there are two main occasions when massage guns have been helpful for us the first and obvious one is after a run when deep tissue massage is needed, and second, just before a run, when you need to warm up and ease the tight muscles.
For the warm up phase, youll probably only need a simple device. Weve heard of runners also needing a quick massage mid-racing to dispel lactic acid and get rid of fatigue before they can continue. Even then youll require a less intensive massage.
After a run, however, you will likely need something more powerful for treating your legs2, and this is where all the nitty-gritty details start to matter more.
Here are some things youll want to be keen on as you prepare to find something suitable for you.
Air Compression Leg Foot
Like shiatsu massagers, air compression leg massagers are electrically powered for a hands-free massage.
Instead of kneading your muscles, they wrap around your feet and calves and apply pressure to stimulate blood and lymphatic circulation.
Theyre much easier to travel with because theyre made of fabric.
However, it doesnt give you the kneading that mimics a masseuses hands, the way a shiatsu massager does.
Related:The Best Leg Massagers in 2022
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The Advanced Technology: Naipo Foot And Calf Massager
The Naipo Foot and CalfMassager offers one of the most advanced technologies. Though it comes at ahigher price compared to other massagers Ive tested, it does the job well donein all necessary aspects.
For starters, it has themodern and foldable design to easily store, with its chambers fitting snugly inmost calved and feet. It also comes with the excellent compression withpressure enough to improve circulation AND keep your feet pain-free, whetherits from a run or condition. It has the quality nodes and with a build thatlooks like it can last for years, making it worth the investment.
Pros:
Renpho Shiatsu Deep Kneading
REASONS TO AVOID
The RENPHO Shiatsu Deep Kneading has three massage speeds and three air pressure settings allowing the user to dial in their preferred massage intensity. The user’s feet are pressed down and forward into the machine by two airbags, and the massage is delivered by rollers that work the soles of the feet. Further enhancing the experience, the unit offers heat to loosen the mussels as they are kneaded.
Unfortunately, we found the roller action to be pretty aggressive and, even on the lowest settings, a bit too much for our liking. Also, the unit’s design requires the user to remain in the seated position an issue that many other models have resolved. Finally, the control interface is slanted away from the user, and the indicator lights are a bit dim. This makes the interface hard to see, and thus the operating procedure is more difficult than it needs to be. That said, if you like a firm foot rub, this could be just the unit for you.
The Miko Shiatsu Deep-Kneading provides kneading Shiatsu action in combination with downward air pressure that pushes the user’s feet into the rollers. While many machines use this method, we found the Miko to be more comfortable and relaxing than the others. This is in part because the unit is open in the back, so you don’t feel like your feet are in a vice. The open back also has the added benefit of accommodating large feet.
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How Does An Air Compression Leg Massager Work
Air compression leg massagers have adjustable settings. You can control the pressure and the squeezing effect. Some provide deep tissue massages to relieve stressed muscles, prevent blood clots in the legs, maintain proper blood flow, and reduce swelling and pain. This is especially beneficial for athletes, older adults with mobility issues and a risk of deep vein thrombosis , varicose veins, and other related issues.
The air compression massagers are easy to use and usually come with instruction manuals. However, to make it easier for you, here are a few tips on using them correctly.
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Best Calf Massager For Runners Comparison Table
| Calf massager for runners | |
|---|---|
| yes | remote control |
Hand-held massagers are typically less expensive than electric models, and theyre easy to use. However, they can be tiring to use for extended periods of time, and they may not be as effective as electric massagers.
Electric massagers are more expensive than hand-held models, but theyre also more powerful and easier to use. Theyre a good choice for runners who need a more intense massage.
When choosing a massager, its important to consider your budget, your needs, and the features that are important to you. There are a number of different massagers on the market, so take your time to find the one thats right for you.
How We Selected Leg Massagers To Test
As we researched leg massagers, we learned from reading Amazon reviews, RZeddit threads and medical articles that the vast majority of people who use leg massagers are seeking relief from muscle strain, restless leg syndrome and most frequently edema. Before deciding which leg massagers we would test, we spoke with licensed massage therapist Vincent Bennett.
Hes worked with many people who suffer from edema, the treatment for which is a massage technique that gently pushes accumulated fluid in the feet and ankles upwards toward the heart.
Vincent explained I usually try one or two conventional massage sessions to see if the person gets relief. If not, then the person more than likely requires medical attention. He thinks the new at-home compression devices are fantastic, and they can alleviate a persons pain, but Vincent also emphasizes that an air-compression leg massager should be used in conjunction with a doctors care and not as a stand-alone treatment.
With this in mind, we looked for at-home air-compression leg massagers that were most often recommended by people suffering from edema. There are three types of air-compression leg massagers: full-leg, calf and calf-foot. Other massagers focus more on the feet, which we tested and reviewed in our article about the best foot massager.
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Best Basic Foot Massager
The TriggerPoint MBX Massage Ball provides firm pressure to roll out sore arches or your plantar fascia tendon, for a great price.
Pros: Affordable
Cons: Not super versatile on foot pain
This manual massage ball is another of Dr. Walding’s top choices. The lacrosse-style ball really gets in there it’s meant to mimic the pressure of a massage therapist’s elbow. If you suffer from sore arches or pain with your plantar fascia tendon, put this ball under your foot and let your bodyweight work with the targeted pressure to provide relief. For some, this is really the heart of what they need a foot massager for, and the $20 price tag is a true gift.
However, the ball is a bit of a one-trick pony when it comes to foot pain if your feet are also sore at the Achilles tendon, ankle, or top of your foot, it’s hard to nail targeted relief with this device.
That being said, this massage ball is intended to be used anywhere on your body to provide trigger point relief, so you can place it between your shoulder blade and a wall to roll out tight spots in your back, or between your calf and the floor to roll out tight muscles that may be contributing to foot pain. Ariana DiValentino and Rachael Schultz, Insider Reviews health and fitness editor
If You Want Water/soaking Element
Traditional foot massagers dont come with a soaking option, but some foot baths offer a massaging element so you can get the best of both worlds. The massaging element can be motorized or manual .
These types of massagers work better for people with tired, achy feet than people with chronic pain conditions, since they are more like foot baths with a massaging element than dedicated foot massagers. In other words, if you need targeted therapeutic massage, opt for a traditional foot massager and not a foot spabut if you just need to soothe your feet after a long day at work, a foot spa with a little extra massaging action will probably give you what you need.
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The Best Deals On Foot Massagers From This Guide
For anyone who spends a lot of time on their feet or who deals with chronic pain, a quality foot massager is invaluable. It can help reduce swelling, ease pain, and provide some much needed relief at the end of a long day and there’s perhaps no better time to buy one than during a Black Friday or Cyber Monday sale.
Premium foot massagers can cost anywhere from $50 on up to $200 or more, so it’s smart to take advantage of a discount when you see one. It’s also worth keeping in mind that not all foot massagers are the same. Some are machines you physically put your feet into while other options include massage guns, heating pads, and leg wraps.
Below are the best deals we’ve found on some of our favorite foot massagers.
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