We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.
The best at-home foot spas to get your feet sandal-ready
Soothe your soles from the sofa
Whether you're looking for year-round TLC for your feet or specifically prepping them for warmer weather (hello, sandal season!), the best foot spas can help soothe achy feet, smooth rough heels and soften hard spots for the ultimate DIY summer pedicure. Just add our best heel balms for dry and cracked feet.
What are the benefits of using a foot spa?
While you can soak your feet in any vessel and use your hands to massage your toes, foot spas with special features can do both at once with minimal effort, thanks to their in-built massage options and temperature controls. They can be particularly effective for those who stand all day, for avid runners and walkers, and anyone looking to enjoy a self-care moment.
“A foot spa is a luxurious and effective way to care for your feet, offering both relaxation and therapeutic benefits," says podiatrist and CEO, Margaret Dabbs.
"It helps to relieve tension, improve circulation and soften the skin, making it particularly beneficial for tired, aching feet. The combination of warm water and gentle massage can help to soothe discomfort, and reduce aches and pains in your feet.” It makes removing calluses and tough skin easier and painless too.
What to look for when shopping for a foot spa
Look for features that enhance both relaxation and effectiveness when shopping for a foot spa. Below, Dabbs shares her top considerations.
✔️ Adjustable heat settings: A heating function is beneficial to maintain a consistent water temperature, ensuring a soothing experience. Plus, an ice cold foot bath does not sound as relaxing as soaking your feet in warm water (except those three days of high summer we enjoy every year!).
✔️ Reflexology features: Vibrating and massaging elements can help to relieve tension and improve circulation, particularly for those who experience foot fatigue.
✔️ Ease of cleaning: While they offer many soothing and spa-like benefits, detachable pumice stones, massagers, 'bubble' holes or other small compartments can be difficult to clean and potentially harbour bacteria and mould. To avoid possible contamination, always clean and dry your foot spa thoroughly.
✔️ Size: Big and bulky is not ideal no matter how much living space you have. Look for an option that is foldable, collapsible or tucks away neatly to optimise storage. The size of the foot spa should also accommodate your feet comfortably, allowing enough space to move them freely.
Looking for more at-home recovery tools? Check out our wellness editor's compression boots review and acupressure mat review.
How we chose the best foot spas
We've hand-picked a range foot spas based on the most popular and innovative releases from market leaders and positive online reviews. We took Dabbs' list of must-haves into account when selecting our picks. We also asked the Good Housekeeping editors which ones they use for the ultimate pamper-from-home experience.
Get ready to heal your body, mind and soles.
The RENPHO brand is expert at creating wellness-enhancing products, and features in both our best massage guns and best bathroom scales roundups. This time, we’re shining the light on its massaging, temperature-changing, bubbly foot spa.
The three automatic massage rollers work hard to target pressure points and relieve tired feet, while the bubble jet function adds an extra element of relaxation. The default massage time is 15 minutes, but you can just press go again if you can't get enough.
The brand says it’s suitable for elderly people, athletes, insomniacs, cold feet peeps, and many more. But rest assured, you don’t need a reason to invest outside of a simple want for relaxation.
Key specifications
| Size | 48.26 x 40.64 x 31.24 cm |
|---|---|
| Weight | 3.82kg |
| Temperature control: | Yes |
| Heat | Yes, 35° to 40° |
In theory, a washing up bowl filled with hot water could provide a similar effect, but this simple, price-effective option is the perfect upgrade (and we wouldn't put our feet where our plates have been and vice versa).
It has an adjustable temperature to keep your toes cosy throughout, as well as massage rollers to stimulate blood circulation. At under £35, it’s a great treatment without the spa price tag.
Key specifications
| Size | 41 x 35 x 18.5cm |
|---|---|
| Weight | 2.7kg |
| Massage rollers | Yes |
| Temperature control | Yes, 35° to 40°c |
In need of a pre-holiday pedi? Then get your feet in tip top condition with this foot spa. First, choose your desired temperature level, and once heated up, pop your toes in and let them soak up all the goodness. Though not automatic, there's a foot roller for you to massage your feet with, plus an exfoliating pumice stone, which you can use to remove dead, hard skin off your soles.
It comes with an additional pedicure kit to keep your nails clean and neat, too. Included in the set are a nail brush, cuticle stick, cleaner, scissors, toe separator and a file, all tied up neatly in a convenient storage bag. Be sure to pick out a lovely nail polish to complete the look. One from our editor’s Nails.Inc 1-step polish review, perhaps?
| Size | 18.4 x 43.2 x 35.8 centimetres |
|---|---|
| Weight | 86 g |
| Massage rollers | Yes |
| Temperature control | Yes, 35° to 40° |
For those who love the aromatherapy benefits of calming scents like lavender or soothing eucalyptus, look no further than this specially designed foot spa. It has an added aroma filter, where you can add in essential oil-infused bath salts or crystals, for total relaxation.
It also comes with a handy cornea remover, a brush and massage attachments – all handy touches.
Key specifications
| Size | 41 x 35 x 18.5cm |
|---|---|
| Weight | 2.7kg |
| Massage rollers | Yes |
| Temperature control | Yes, 35° to 40° |
If you’re short on storage space, then this convenient collapsible foot spa is a great option. It can be folded down to 5.5 inches thick, an ideal size for storing in wardrobes. Though small, it still has a range of features, such as bubbles, massagers and adjustable temperatures, all of which can be controlled from a sleek touch-screen.
The six massage rollers aren’t motorised but you can stimulate the pressure points by pressing your feet across them. There are also removable pedicure stones to smooth rough soles.
When it’s time to fold it away for storage, the added carry handle comes in handy. A great pick if you want to transform a weekend away into a spa-break.
Key specifications
| Size | 40.5L x 33.5W x 13.2H cm |
|---|---|
| Weight | 2.28kg |
| Massage rollers | Yes, non-motorised |
| Temperature control | Yes, 35°c to 48°c |
The large basin on this foot spa can accommodate up to size 12 feet, so it's a great option for all the family (if you can bear to share and clean it thoroughly in between).
The four bubble strips and vibrating mode deliver the ultimate pampering session. There are also acu-nodes (little bumps) on the bottom of the spa, which are designed to work with the vibration massage to stimulate the acupressure points on your feet. While it doesn't have a heat-up setting, it does have a 'keep warm' feature to keep the water at a cosy temperature.
| Size | 18" x 16" x 4" |
|---|---|
| Weight | 2.3 kg |
| Massage rollers | Yes |
| Temperature control | No heat up option, but a keep warm setting |
What kind of soak should I use in a foot spa?
There are many different things you can add to enhance your foot spa experience, such as Epsom salts, or an aromatherapy oil of your choice. Our lifestyle writer, Madeleine, recommends this Neom De-Stress Oil, which delivers a gentle scent of lavender, without being too overpowering.
However, make sure you check your chosen spa's instructions to see if they're compatible first.
How do you use a foot spa?
- Brush toenails and soles of the feet to remove dirt or debris.
- Soak feet for about 15 minutes.
- When finished, dry your feet well, paying close attention to in between the toes.
- Use an exfoliator to gently remove any skin buildup on the soles and sides of the feet.
- Apply a foot cream to lock in softness. Have a look through our recommended heel balms for an extra hydration boost. This step is important, as the hot water can actually strip moisture and oils out of nails and leave them dry.
- Gently clean up around the nails and then cut and/or file to your desired length.
How often should you use a foot spa?
“For general maintenance, using a foot spa once or twice a week for 15 minutes at a time is ideal,” advises Dabbs.
“If you have specific concerns, such as aching feet, fatigue or dryness, you may benefit from more frequent use. However, it's important not to over-soak the feet, as this can compromise the skin’s natural barrier.”
Can diabetics use foot spas?
“Diabetics must take extra care when using a foot spa, but can reap the amazing benefits by taking care of their feet in this way,” advises Dabbs.
“It's essential to ensure the water temperature is warm but not too hot, as diabetes can cause reduced sensitivity in the feet, making it difficult to detect excessive heat that lead to burns or irritation.
“It's also advisable to avoid prolonged soaking, as this can cause the skin to become overly soft, increasing the risk of injury or infection.”
Dry feet thoroughly afterwards, paying close attention to the areas between the toes. Always consult a medical professional if unsure, and always seek professional treatment for corns or calluses.
Madeleine is our Lifestyle Writer, specialising in expert-tested reviews and round-ups on the latest beauty Beauty and Health & Wellness products. From skincare to protein powders, Maddie is committed to providing honest and helpful reviews to help guide readers to the best product for them. Maddie has a BA in English Literature and Language, which stemmed from her lifelong interest in reading and writing. She started her post graduate life at Hearst UK within a marketing capacity, which quickly turned into a desire to fulfil a writing career.
When she is not writing about the latest expert reviewed products, you can find her rifling through vintage shops or car boots, reading a print magazine, or capturing portraits on her film camera.
13 best electrolyte drinks to keep you hydrated
The best cooling pyjamas for hot nights
14 best yoga mats for all budgets
These cooling PJs are the dream for hot sleepers
