Beauty
Fact-checked

At BeautyAnswered, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

How Do I Choose the Best Foot Bath?

Patti Kate
Patti Kate

When choosing a foot bath, you can opt for a pedicure foot spa or a do-it-yourself foot soak made with homemade ingredients. A foot bath with built-in massage can feel invigorating to sore, aching feet. To relieve painful arches, choose a foot spa with infrared heat. A detoxification foot bath is designed like an in-home hot spring, although this type of machine can be very expensive. It's not advisable to purchase used foot baths from a flea market or auction, as these units may not be sanitary.

You can find in-home foot baths at department stores and pharmacies. Look for various features to enhance your spa experience. A model that has a splash guard can prevent messy, wet floors. Some of the better units come with pedicure attachments, such as a nail buffer or pumice stone. A foot spa that comes equipped with removable gel inserts may be beneficial as well.

A foot bath can be done at home.
A foot bath can be done at home.

Look for a foot bath or spa that is equipped with compact on-board storage. This feature is more convenient and compact than having to store your foot spa accessories separately. At the same time, choose a model that is lightweight, or you may find it cumbersome to pick up and carry.

Avoid buying an unknown brand foot bath. Buy your foot bath from a reputable manufacturer that is well known for health and beauty care. These companies generally offer the best customer service and warranties. If your product does not include a manufacturer warranty, repairs can be costly.

A do-it-yourself foot soak with homemade ingredients can provide a nice foot bath.
A do-it-yourself foot soak with homemade ingredients can provide a nice foot bath.

If you prefer, you can buy foot treatments for bathing your feet. These specially formulated oils or beads may be dissolved in a small tub or basin of warm water, allowing you to soak tired, aching feet. Aromatic foot soaks can be an inexpensive way to relax. Choose lavender foot soaks for a calming effect. Look for a foot bath that also has bath oil beads to soften and smooth your skin. Additionally, you might prefer an antimicrobial solution to destroy bacteria.

Essential oils may help with the symptoms of sore, aching feet.
Essential oils may help with the symptoms of sore, aching feet.

Pedicure packs are another way to help soothe tired feet, and these also make nice gifts. Most pedicure sets are packaged in a zippered bag, complete with several products for foot care. Many pedicure packs will come with a foot-soaking solution, foot cream or lotion and a deodorizing foot spray. Look for a package that includes a Mediterranean sea salt scrub. These salt scrubs will help to remove dead skin, while softening and revitalizing your feet.

Discussion Comments

burcinc

@burcidi-- I agree with you. The best foot bath depends on what you need and it's best made at home.

When I had tendinitis, my feet and ankles were in pain all the time. Even the topical pain-relieving creams were not working. I went to a shop that had organic essential oils and asked the person there if they had something that I could use in a foot bath and which would relive pain. I was recommended rosemary oil and I bought a small bottle of it for about $15. But that bottle lasted me a whole year because I only need a drop of it each time.

It worked really well too. I would soak my feet in hot water with rosemary oil for half an hour before I went to bed. It was the only way I could fall asleep.

burcidi

@ysmina-- I've never had an ionic foot bath and have actually heard of it for the first time from you. But I do think that a foot bath at home with hot water and epsom salt would work equally well.

There are also spices and essential oils which you can add for whatever ailment you're trying to work on. Epsom salt is also good at detoxifying and relaxing tired feet. Simply adding some fresh ginger or ginger powder to the water will make your feet sweat and remove toxins. Cayenne pepper is another ingredient which can do that.

For painful feet, you can add several drops of essential oils like eucalyptus, lavender or peppermint oil which are known for relieving pain from injuries, inflammation and arthritis. If you have any fungal or bacterial problems, tea tree oil can be added for that.

So I think that there are plenty of options out there when it comes to making the right foot bath for yourself. And it costs very little.

ysmina

I've been hearing a lot of good things about the ionic foot bath. I first heard about it from my coworker and then my cousin said that she has it too.

It's supposed to be a foot bath with charged ions that extract and neutralize toxins, chemicals and metals from the sole of the foot. My cousin said that it's very relaxing and great for tired and painful feet. There's apparently a foot bath kit which has a basin and power supply all included so it can be done at home.

I work on my feet all day and have chronic pain in my soles and heels. I'm looking for a foot soak that will really make a difference and ionic foot bath sounds promising but it's also very expensive. I'm just not sure if it's worth the money or not.

Has anyone used it? What do you think of it?

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • A foot bath can be done at home.
      By: Nobilior
      A foot bath can be done at home.
    • A do-it-yourself foot soak with homemade ingredients can provide a nice foot bath.
      By: Tandem
      A do-it-yourself foot soak with homemade ingredients can provide a nice foot bath.
    • Essential oils may help with the symptoms of sore, aching feet.
      By: nebari
      Essential oils may help with the symptoms of sore, aching feet.