If you want some spa-like pampering in your own home, then there’s only one thing for it – a foot spa. What could be better after a long day than popping your tootsies into hot, bubbling water, while jets and rollers help massage and relax your feet? Gone are the days that such experiences were confined to a trip to a beauty salon, and today you can pick up a foot spa for home use at a fraction of the cost of regular treatments.
The only downside is that some are pretty poor. In fact, we tested models that, frankly, were no better than using a bucket, while others actually inflicted pain in their attempt to manipulate key pressure points on the feet. We also came across foot spas that worked for a while, but then simply gave up the goat. However, the right model will care for your feet as well as any top pedicure and will play a part in your overall wellbeing for many years to come.
How to buy the best foot spa for you
What features should I consider?
- Heating unit: This helps to stop the water turning cold, which is ideal for longer soaks. However, do check the maximum temperature and the length of time for which it keeps the water warm. Some foot spas even heat the water to the required temperature in the first place – for this you’ll need a spa with an actual water heater.
- Base nodes: These small bumps on the floor of the foot spa act as acupressure massage nodes. Do your research, though: we found some were too pointy, while others were positioned badly, which can be painful.
- Bubbles and jets: Arguably the best bit of a foot spa, these are a standard feature on most foot spas – although double-check for their inclusion in budget models.
- Massage Rollers: on the base of the unit are the most common type of massagers and these can be manual or automatic. Usually you’ll find one, two, three or four rollers per foot (or per spa with cheaper models). In some higher-end spas they spin, or have even more advanced features.
- Variable settings: Cheaper-end spas just switch on and off, while more advanced machines have adjustable settings for bubbles, heat and vibration.
- Splash guard: Bubbles and jets mean potential water spillage. To counter against this some spas have a built-in guard, while others have a removable option.
- Attachments: Pumice stone, nail brush and roller massage are the most common attachments available alongside the Spa itself. Ensure you don’t end up paying for attachments that you won’t ever use, however.
- Ease of use: Look for waterproof controls, which ideally can be operated by toe-touch or remote control. This will stop you having to bend down and ruining your relaxation, or resulting in a crook back.
- Noise: Some foot spas’ motor can prove super-noisy, which may or may not bother you.
- Size: Make sure your foot spa can accommodate the size of your feet – some models are surprisingly small. Also consider height, since some people only like their feet covered, while others prefer their ankles also immersed in water.
- Portability: Most spas are lightweight, but soon become heavy when filled with water. Look for models that have a handle, and ideally a built-in drain too.
- Warranty: One of the biggest issues we’ve found with foot spas is that they can suddenly stop working after a few months. Good ones should come with at least a year’s warranty.
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The best foot spas to buy in 2018
1. Beurer FB 50: Best luxury foot spa
Price: £85 | Buy now from Wellindal
This is the daddy of all foot spas. It looks great, is easy to set up and use, is big enough for large feet, has a nice clear display – and has just about every feature you could think of and more. Impressively, it heats up the water, which it then keeps warm. The massage rollers go a long way to relieving tension at the end of a long day – but note that you can remove them, if you don’t like them – and also included are a massager, brush and pumice stone. This foot spa will even do dry massage, and it’s surprisingly quiet in operation too.
It’s a shame then that it isn’t particularly portable – as I’d take it with me everywhere! It would be nice if it was a little deeper for the price, too. Overall, however, this is an excellent machine that delivers as close to the full spa experience as you can get.
Key specs –Massage type: vibration and bubbles; Heater: yes; Display: yes; Timer: yes; Number of pedicure attachments: 3; Warranty: 3 years
2. HoMedics Foldaway Luxury Foot Spa FB-350-GB: Best foldaway foot spa
Price: £40 | Buy now from Boots
If storage space is an issue, or you want to travel with your foot spa, then this fold-away machine is a great buy. There’s no compromise on size, since it’s actually quite large, but it can fold flat when not in use. The bumpy bottom (which HoMedics refer to as “acu-nodes”) is good for soothing tired feet, especially when used with the vibration massage, which focuses on the acupressure points of your feet. The foot spa is easy to set up, although you’ll have to heat the water to the right temperature first. The water stays warm for long periods and pours out easily afterwards thanks to a handy spout. Weaknesses include the noise levels and the short cable, but neither are deal breakers. Two pumice stones are included – a coarse one to exfoliate and a fine one to polish.
Key specs – Massage type: vibration and bubbles; Heater or keep warm: keep warm; Display: yes; Timer: yes; Number of pedicure attachments: 2; Warranty: 2 years
3. Beurer FB 35: Best foot spa for an aromatherapy experience
Price: £54 | Buy now from Amazon
Another corker from this top foot spa brand, the FB 35 stands out for its aroma container with built-in filter, allowing you to bathe your feet in your preferred bath salts or crystals. Prepare, then, to feel soothed and serene – aromatherapy is known for helping to relieve inflammation, too. Relaxation is further enhanced with the inclusion of three massage functions: vibration massage (helps stimulate circulation), bubble massage (for relaxing) and foot reflex zone massage (to massage the soles of your feet with removable roller attachments). We also like the foot callus-removal attachment, water temperature control, infrared light treatment and carry handle. The FB 35 is easy to use – although it might take a while to familiarise yourself with the attachments – and it’s surprisingly affordable, too. Note that it isn’t the quietest, though.
Key specs – Massage type: vibration and bubbles; Heater or keep warm: heater; Display: yes; Timer: no; Number of pedicure attachments: 3; Warranty: 3 years
4. Hangsun Foot Spa and Massager FM200: Best budget foot spa
Price: £40 | Buy now from Amazon
This foot spa proved so easy to set up and use that we barely needed to refer to the instructions. However, be sure not to overfill the spa before you set the bubbles, vibration and infrared (separately or together – the latter is definitely our preference). The two massagers on the floor of the foot spa on which you can roll your feet work well, but be aware that this model doesn’t include the magnetic feature standard on many other foot spas. In addition, we also found the water didn’t keep its temperature longer than around half an hour. Not the best for storage, but it’s built to last.
Hangsun Foot Spa And Massager FM200 Foot Bath With Infrared Heat And Magnetic Therapy For Foot Care
Key specs – Massage type: vibration and bubbles; Heater or keep warm: heater; Display: no; Timer: no; Number of pedicure attachments: none; Warranty: 1 year