So I’m weight training again and walking super long distances — and honestly, my feet were just really sore. I was tired of them being in pain. I started reading all these fitness subreddits and blog posts, and foot massagers kept coming up over and over again as a way to deal with sore feet.
But I also found out all these other things, so I want to tell you five common health problems that can be helped by using a foot massager — besides just relieving sore feet.
Why I Chose the Renpho Shiatsu Foot Massager
This is the Renpho Shiatsu Foot Massager, and I chose it for a couple of reasons: ease of operation, great reviews, and mostly because I knew that if I’m walking and weight training and my feet are really sore, I’m not going to want to do either one of those things.
I just took it out of the box and plugged it in — just came home from the gym, so what better time? My feet hurt.
First Impressions
It has a timer, knead pressure (low, medium, high), air intensity (low, medium, high), power, and heat. I’m just going to turn it on with kneading intensity… oh my — that feels so good.
Let’s try the air intensity… oh my God, you guys. I’m going to use this for a few minutes and get back to you.
The heat’s starting to go — which I didn’t think I’d want, but it actually feels so good. My feet hurt, I just did a killer leg day workout — oh my God, that feels so good.
Honest Review (Not Sponsored!)
I’ve reviewed so many different Renpho products on this channel. No, I’m not sponsored by Renpho — but they did reach out and say, “Hey, we have these four products, which one would you like us to send you?” And I chose the foot massager for all the reasons I just said.
I have full autonomy to say the truth, and what you’re hearing is exactly what I think.
Features Breakdown
- Power button
- Two timer settings: press once for 15 mins (red), twice for 30 mins (blue)
- Low/Medium/High kneading and air pressure
- Heat on/off
- Corded with a long cord (perfect for under-desk use)
Also — I love that I can just use it as a footrest when not in use. It fits up to a size 12 foot. I have a size 7.5, and I’ll say the bigger your foot is, the better it works.
Foot Positioning Tips
If your foot is straight under a desk, it mostly massages the back of the foot — which I loved. But I wasn’t getting a lot of toe action. When I leaned back in my chair, I got more pressure on the front and sides — which I personally love.
Air Pressure and Intensity Notes
I turned the air intensity to high, and a lot of people say it’s too much — but I’m here for it. Maybe it’s because I don’t have huge feet, but I didn’t feel real pressure until high.
Yes, it’s kind of like a blood pressure cuff, but not that bad. You’ll hear it build and release. Start with low/medium and work your way up.
Removable Liner and Socks Tip
You can remove the foot liner — it unzips and Velcros. I use a laundry bag to wash mine. This means everyone in the family can use it, which is awesome.
Some people say to use it with socks — I’ve tried both, didn’t notice much difference.
Bonus Hack
Use hot cream, then put on socks, and then use the massager with heat. That combo is next level.
Five Unexpected Benefits Beyond Sore Feet
- Plantar fasciitis relief
- Reduces edema — helpful for diabetes, heart/kidney issues, pregnancy
- Helps lower blood pressure
- Reduces cortisol (stress), improves sleep
- Relieves headaches — I used it with an ice pack on my head and felt human again in 20 minutes
Also helps with bloating, cramps, and mood swings. Reflexology makes sense here — if the feet affect the whole body, of course a massager helps.
A Great Gift for Anyone on Their Feet
This would make an awesome gift for anyone — parents, athletes, people with health conditions, or anyone on a weight loss journey who wants better circulation.
If they update this model, I’d ask for more heel engagement — unless I dig in, I don’t get as much heel pressure. But it’s still amazing.
Push your feet forward if they’re small — the pressure’s better that way.
Final Thoughts
It’s about 12″ across and 9″ tall. Not tiny, but worth it. I just keep mine under my desk. My feet are either in it or on it basically all the time — unless someone else in the house is using it.
Now that you know how many health issues can be helped by foot massage — who knew? — you can start dealing with sore feet and improving overall wellness.
If you’re curious, check the link in the description. I’m not affiliated, but they had a $30 off coupon when I filmed this.
I got this product for free — but even if I had paid for it, my review would’ve been the same. I don’t lie in reviews. I’ve been doing them for years.