Epsom salt. Both Drs. McEneaney and Weiser say that Epsom salt is helpful, especially if you have sore, achy feet. Yes, with some caveats: “Ionic foot baths should not be used if you have open sores or if you are a diabetic,” says Dr. Weiser, adding that Epsom salts should also be avoided for those with diabetes. Ice (in non-electric foot baths). “Most people think the bath should be warm, but if you're having joint pain, a cold foot bath can be helpful,” says Dr. McEneaney. The name says it all: Zircon's foot spa is a 5-in-1 machine that works wonders on sore feet. The 14 included massage rollers have adjustable intensity levels allowing you to customize your experience, along with the option of adding the vibration setting and jacuzzi-like bubbles. While many love the massage rollers — and you have the option to remove them completely if desired — a few users noted their intensity and found them to be too strong. Most foot baths on our list have some added features like vibration, rolling massage, bubbles, and pumice stones, which may be particularly important depending on your personal needs.

attention to dimensions. If you have larger feet, or if you want to be able to store your foot spa in a particular spot, it’s important to note how much it weighs and what its dimensions are. Make sure the foot spa is unplugged while you fill it to the MAX line with warm (not boiling) water. You can add some of your favourite bath salts to create a calming aroma to relax in.For any and all foot bath needs, be they therapeutic or just for fun, the Niksa Foot Spa Massager with Heat has something for everyone. Vibration and rollers massage tired feet while temperature-controlled heat and bubbles soothe away stress. It heats up fast and is easy to use, making it our top choice for everyday use. The theory is that the ionization will detoxify the body, as opposed to a regular foot bath which has whirlpool jets that just move the water around,” says Dr. Weiser.

If you want a slightly more deluxe, spa-like experience, we recommend the HoMedics Shiatsu Bliss Footbath with Heat Boost. With deep, acupressure kneading and a heat boost feature, you can get a luxurious foot bath in your own home. How We Selected the Best Foot Baths The most important step is to always follow your soak with a moisturizing cream and heel protectors," Correa says. "While it may feel soothing and relaxing, hot water strips all of the moisture and oils out of your skin and nails, leaving them super dry." Built-in heat bubbles helps effectively relieve fatigue, eliminate fatigue and improve sleeping quality It’s not hard to recreate a spa-like experience at home, especially with the help of a heated foot spa like this one. Featuring two foot massage rollers, a toe-touch button, and a special heating element that can warm up the water up to 104 degrees Fahrenheit, this pedicure spa is perfect for those with achy and tired feet. The new Foldaway Luxury Foot Spa, designed by the home spa experts at HoMedics, makes unwinding at home completely hassle free.

I recommend Epsom salt soaks [after] ingrown toenail procedures or simply for tired feet,” says Dr. Sidney Weiser, president of Quality Podiatry Group. “Soaking [also] helps with softening [hard fungal] nails and makes them easier to cut, and soften corns and calluses prior to debridement.” While most foot spas — even the compact ones — take up a good deal of space, this one from HoMedics folds flat and is super easy to store in between uses. Correa is a fan of that key feature, as well as "its vibrational settings for added relaxation." Her only downside for this one: no heat.

adding essential oils or bath salts to the tub: If the manufacturer’s instructions indicate that it won’t damage the tub to add bath salts or oils to your foot spa, these "extras" can help amplify your relaxing, pampering experience. Extra settings. Options like adjustable heat and temperature controls allow you to customize your experience. Apply a foot cream and use a manual exfoliator to gently remove any skin buildup on the soles and sides of the feet.They suggested a combination of features to consider, told us what types of things can be added to foot baths to maximize your experience, and made some important safety notes. Obviously, if you want even more coverage, you’ll have to keep the height of your foot bath in mind, too. Some are designed to be taller than others, allowing you to fill them more (and soak more of your leg) than shallow baths. off after taking a dip: As fun as it is to soak your feet, it’s also important to properly dry your feet afterward. Have a towel at-the-ready to dry off your tootsies to help prevent bacteria and fungi from growing.

Going to the salon once or twice a month for a pedicure may feel like a sweet treat, but let’s be honest, your tired, swollen feet deserve much more pampering than that. To the rescue: the best foot spas! After long bouts of walking, standing all day, or even cramming your toes into pointy pumps, giving your achy feet a warm soak can make all the difference. Consider this the Rolls Royce of foot spas: it has six areas of 3D Tai Chi massage balls to massage the acupuncture points on feet to relieve foot pressure and improve blood circulation. It also has three different modes of massage frequency: continuous, intermittent or intelligent. Correa likes these massage setting options along with "the adjustable heat temperatures ranging up to 118 degrees," but notes that "it is extremely important to utilize safety measures and know how to use it properly." One of the biggest deterrents for many people when it comes to buying a foot bath is how and where they will store it. The Daily Remedy Collapsible Foot Spa solves that problem with its flexible basin, which can be folded down between uses and slid under furniture (unlike most other foot baths with molded basins). Some people add tea tree oil to their foot baths [and] while there's no harm in doing this, studies have shown that tea tree oil isn't enough to cure fungus, so don't rely on that for any medical treatments,” Dr. McEneaney says. Have a routine, of course!" Correa says. She shares her step-by-step process to make the most of your foot spa:

Lastly, don’t forget to have a good moisturizer on hand after the bath. Dr. McEneaney says people think soaking their feet also moisturizes them, but in reality, it dries them out because you're essentially washing away the natural oils that your body produces to keep them hydrated. Follow up with a nourishing cream or lotion after your feet have been soaked and towel-dried. Essential oils. Certain scents, like peppermint, can be soothing and add to the relaxation benefits of the bath. Foot baths need to be big enough to place both feet inside, and water should be able to cover above the ankle,” says Dr. Weiser.