An expensive toy that's good for the sole
[[VIDEOID:1dc83ecd3872ce00d0a3b44c0afffc9]] DISCLOSURE: I received this product at a discount to test and review.<br /><br />I spent way more for this than I typically do to review a product, but I had to have it. I love having my feet massaged. I've had Swedish massage, acupressure, deep tissue, reflexology, and I've even been Rolfed. I even had a friend once who would give me a foot massage in exchange for fresh pineapple. I made sure I always had one around when he visited. (This massager is better than he was.)<br /><br />This is an odd machine. It resembles a bumper car and even has its own headlight. It provides the following functions from which to choose:<br /><br />Self-Timer (10, 20, 30 minutes)<br />Shiatsu (On/Off)<br />Program mode (P1, P2)<br />Pressure (F1, F2, F3, F4, F5)<br />Heating (H1, H2)<br /><br />There are really only two functions: 1) round knobs under your feet that move back and forth; 2) air bags similar to BP cuffs above your feet that inflate (and then deflate) and put pressure to the top of your feet which also serves to push your feet harder against the moving knobs. Most of the actions occurs to the front half of your feet with the heels getting little action. What's odd is that there appear to be six knobs around the heel (two rows of three knobs), but only the center knob of each row moves. It would have been much better if all six knobs moved.<br /><br />The heating function doesn't work that well. I think that's where this massager really needs attention. And the program modes don't excite me much. They seem the same and aren't as good as turning on Shiatsu and air pressure.<br /><br />The foot sockets have liners that can be unzipped and removed for cleaning. The bottom of the unit has two indents you can slide your fingers into to pick this up to move. The cord is somewhat thin and short.<br /><br />Overall, the massage feels really good. I've been able to get the air pressure up to only F3, and that was after I used this for a few days. Too much air pressure pushing your feet against the knobs can be painful if you're not ready for it, but there is a button to release the air if you get uncomfortable. I've also found that I can slide my size 10 feet around a little inside for different effect. I also like to put them in at an angle so that knobs can massage the outer side of my foot. Yum. I wish the heater worked better, and I really wish there was a compartment built into this to hold the power cord/transformer so I didn't have to carry it around separate from the massager.<br /><br />If you work on your feet, you're going to love coming home and slipping them into this unit. You don't have to beg anyone for relief. This is an expensive toy, but if you can afford it, go for it.
Rating: 4 stars