RENPHO Shiatsu Foot Massager with Heat, Deep Kneading & Auto Foot Size Fit

Why it's worth it

The RENPHO combines 360° rotating rollers, air compression and heat up to 122°F in one enclosed chamber. It's the rare unit that works the arch as thoroughly as the heel, and the independent speed and squeeze settings let you dial it down on a bad day.

It actually reaches your arch. That's the whole game with plantar fasciitis, and plenty of massagers miss it. RENPHO's rollers rotate in three dimensions instead of just sliding back and forth, so they follow the curve of your foot from heel to toes. Flat vibration pads and heel-only rollers leave the fascia band mostly untouched. If you've tried a cheap massager and felt nothing where it hurts, this is why.

The heat is hot enough to do something. It climbs to 122°F, which is well past the lukewarm setting on a lot of units. Podiatrists generally suggest 15 to 20 minutes of heat before activity to loosen stiff fascia, and that's easier to follow when the machine gets warm quickly. Let it run about 10 minutes before you put your feet in. Cold-starting it wastes most of the session.

From our review of 8 foot massagers for plantar fasciitis, by Eleanor Vance, Health & Beauty Editor

What we like

• +It actually reaches your arch
• +The heat is hot enough to do something
• +You get nine real combinations, not nine marketing bullet points
• +The details make daily use likely

What to know

• –It stops at your ankle
• –It's big and it's heavy
• –The preheat adds time to every session