Buying guide for Best foot spas
For some individuals, foot care is the peak of luxury. A foot massage is at once relaxing and invigorating. For everyone else, you just haven't had the right experience yet. A foot spa will make you a believer. But you can't just purchase any old model: to experience the best, you need the best.
The ideal foot spa can heat the water to your comfort level, has a textured bottom, and is deep enough so you don't make a mess while soaking. A foot spa that is easy to use and easy to keep clean is a foot spa that you will use more often. Look for a model that offers attachments or has desirable features such as a roller or a pumice pad.
Reasons to own a foot spa
Foot spas aren’t just for commercial use; there are plenty of great reasons to keep a foot spa on hand at home.
Relaxation
After a long day, soaking your feet in a foot bath can help you unwind. It’s a great way to let go of your worries and pamper yourself.
Grooming
Soaking your feet in a foot bath can make callus removal and nail-trimming easier. The device is particularly helpful for softening the skin on very dry feet.
Pain relief
Some people with foot and joint pain stemming from arthritis find that a foot spa helps relieve their discomfort.
We factor in the size of each foot spa in our assessments. Will it accommodate larger feet? Does it take up a lot of storage space? These are some of the questions we consider.
Some foot spas have the ability to heat water. Others simply maintain the temperature of the water added to the unit. When researching foot spas, we note these capabilities.
We scrutinize each spa to determine whether it’s easy to operate and clean after use. The easier a model is to maintain, the more likely you are to use it often.
We want to know if the controls of each foot spa are user-friendly, and we take note of whether a remote control is included with each product.
We think about the various reasons a person may wish to purchase a foot spa, from relaxing tired feet to easing pain.
We research the noise output of each foot spa on our list. Occasionally, models are loud, which is a deal-breaker for some consumers.
Some of the best foot spas come with extras, such as a built-in foot brush, roller, or pumice stone. We take note of these extras.
A foot spa can be heavy and awkward to move when filled with water, but some foot spas have wheels to make transport easier. We take this into consideration during our evaluations.
Some of the foot spas we look at have water jets, which produce bubbly water to gently massage the feet during a soak.
While many spas are designed to only soak the feet, some have a larger capacity for soaking the lower legs. We look at both types in our research.
Factors to consider when choosing a foot spa
Heating capacity
Can the foot bath you’re considering heat the water? Not all can; some are only capable of maintaining water temperature. If you want to soak your feet in hot water, choose a unit that allows you to adjust the temperature to your ideal comfort level.
Size
Will your feet fit in your chosen foot spa? If you have particularly big feet, check the dimensions first. Also of note is the fact that some foot baths have taller tubs that can accommodate the user’s legs. If you suffer from leg pain, getting a taller tub may be a good idea.
Keep in mind that you’ll need to fill the tub with water before using it, so you’ll want a tub that’s light enough (when filled) that you can easily carry it.
In addition, you should also consider whether you’ll have enough space in your home to store your foot bath when it’s not in use.
Caution
Bacteria and fungus thrive in moist, dark environments, so be sure to keep the basin of your foot spa clean. If you share a foot spa with others, it’s particularly important that the spa be cleaned thoroughly between uses.
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Ease of use
Do you want a foot spa that’s easy to operate? Most people do. Intuitive, easy-to-read instructions will make your foot-soaking experience that much more relaxing. Some foot spas come with preset programs so you can simply press a button and enjoy. Others come packaged with a remote so you don’t have to lean over to fiddle with the onboard controls mid-soak.
A foot bath should also be easy to clean. The more contoured/textured the foot basin is, the more difficult it can be to clean. If you want a no-fuss cleanup, opt for a foot bath with smooth edges and fewer hidden crevices where bacteria and fungi can proliferate.
Consider where you’ll be using your foot spa, too. Is there an outlet close by? If not, is the unit’s cord long enough to reach the nearest outlet?
Attachments and extra features
Would you like a roller or pumice attachment with your foot spa? If you’re interested in giving yourself a pedicure, you might. But when it comes to the various extras and attachments that come with some foot spas, we encourage potential buyers to think carefully. Ask yourself, “Are these extra attachments quality pieces that would fulfill my needs?” If not, the extras might not be worth the money.
Noise
Do you mind a little background noise during your foot spa experience? In general, foot spas are not very noisy appliances, but if you get one with massaging water jets, you can expect the device to make a little sound.
Did you know?
Not all foot spas can be used with essential oils or bath salts. Check the instruction manual to make sure your unit is compatible before using these add-ins.
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Foot spa prices
There are plenty of foot spas available for under $50 that provide a luxurious, spa-like experience.
That said, prices can rise well above $100 for these amenities.
Generally, the pricier the foot spa, the more features it will have.
FAQ
Q. How should I clean my foot spa?
A. You should empty the water and thoroughly clean and disinfect your foot spa with soap and disinfectant after every use. Don’t skip a cleaning – especially if more than one person uses the spa.
Q. Who should not be using a foot spa?
A. It’s recommended that those living with diabetes avoid using foot spas. Anyone with open or healing sores on their feet should also refrain from soaking their feet in a foot bath. In addition, pregnant people should avoid using foot spas. This list is not exhaustive; check with your doctor if you’re at all concerned about whether using a foot spa is safe for you.
Q. Isn’t it safer to just go to the spa?
A. The cost of going to the spa on a regular basis can add up quickly, and while it can be an excellent way to treat yourself, getting a pedicure or foot treatment at a spa comes with risks. Spas are supposed to adhere to strict sanitary guidelines, but ultimately, you don’t have control over how hygienic their practices really are. With an at-home foot spa, you do have control. You know if it’s been cleaned and can take proactive steps to adequately disinfect it between uses.
Q. I don’t just have pain in my feet; my calves and ankles are killing me, too. Is there a foot bath that could help me?
A. Yes. If you’re suffering from ankle or calf pain, consider investing in a foot spa that will soak and massage your lower legs with warm water. There are three different heights available. Most common are spas that soak only the feet. Next, you have slightly deeper tubs that can accommodate the ankles as well. The tallest foot spas allow users to soak in water up to their calves. This might help you, although a foot spa is no substitute for professional help if you’re suffering a medical problem.
Q. How long should I soak my feet in a foot bath before giving myself a pedicure?
A. To soften the skin, you’ll need to soak for at least 15 minutes prior to your pedicure. Get yourself a magazine or put on a podcast, then sit back and relax.
Q. What’s the advantage of using essential oils in a foot spa?
A. First, make sure that your foot spa can be used with essential oils. Read the instruction manual to verify that adding them won’t damage the unit. Essential oils can be used for aromatherapy and help with the relaxation process. Some essential oils, like tea tree oil, have medicinal properties and can be used to treat ailments like foot fungus. Others help soften and moisturize the skin.
