The best calf and foot massagers to ease achey legs and tired feet, according to podiatrists and physical therapists

If you're looking to invest in your foot, calf and back health, the Therabody Wave Duo stands out as an excellent option. This innovative device — part foam roller, part percussion massager — delivers big relief in a petite package.

The Wave Duo's rippled silicone exterior and five vibration levels work together to target the curves in your calves, feet and back, offering precise acupressure for targeted relief. For an even more personalized experience, the Therabody app provides customized routines and guidance, including helpful prompts for when to shift positions.

Not only does the Wave Duo hold a charge for 3+ hours, it weighs less than 3 pounds, making it easy to travel with.

There are a few potential downsides, however: At $99, this isn’t the cheapest tool for feet and calf relief. And its smaller size means you may accidentally hit the power button mid-massage (though this is less likely as you get used to using the tool). 

In the end, the Therabody Wave Duo is an investment in foot and calf health — and about as close to an irl calf or foot massage you can get!

"Foam rollers are excellent for releasing muscle tension," says Jasmine Toor, a sports medicine physician at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore. The 321 Strong Foam Roller is no exception. In fact, with its extra features, it's actually exceptional! 

The textured 321 roller is designed to mimic the feel of hands, fingers and thumbs on your body, and with three massage zones, you can hone in on the intensity you need. Got a knot? Arrange your calf or foot over the massage zone of choice and press down slightly. Rest for a moment and — voila! — tension relief. While it may feel a little uncomfortable at first, the roller is impressively effective at releasing muscle tension.

Despite its heavy lifting in the tension-relieving department, the 321 Strong Foam Roller remains lightweight, making it easy to cart to the gym. In fact, in our test of 12 different foam rollers, this one took our top stop as a travel-friendly option. 

"My favorite foot massagers are ones that can be frozen, because you can stretch and ice at the same time," says Lockwood. Our pick for best tool for tired feet not only checks that box — but you can heat it too. 

Enter the Blissful Being Hot and Cold Foot Roller. Toss in the freezer for an hour to later massage, stretch and soothe tired feet. (An icy roll is also great for easing swelling and inflammation post-injury.) Or soak it in warm water for a few minutes for a heated massage to improve circulation, eases plantar fascia and help prevent injury.

While Blissful Being is technically a foot roller, you can easily use it on your calf. Just be aware that its small size means you have only so much surface area to work with. Still, at just $12, this is a smart tool to add to your arsenal.

If you're dealing with plantar fasciitis, you know that uncomfortable heel pain all too well. It happens when the plantar fascia — the band of tissue stretching along the bottom of your foot — becomes inflamed and irritated. While there are a range of treatments that can help (and choosing better footwear can help too), the PowerStep UltraFlexx Foot Rocker is the one that Lockwood loves. (She's been known to give her plantar fasciitis patients handouts on the UltraFlexx.)

The magic of this rocker lies in its gentle stretch, which you can adjust based on your comfort level and needs. Roll it forward and back for targeted heel or toe stretches. And here's the thing: Even if you think you're already flexible, you might be amazed at how much further this tool can take your stretching game.

The rocker's nonslip bottom keeps you stable and in control, preventing any accidental overstretching. One note of caution: This isn't ideal for folks with balance issues. But for $20 and its versatility, this rocker makes for a solid choice.

While using a lacrosse ball as a massager sounds random, hear the experts out: Many podiatrists and physical therapists recommend lacrosse balls for working out sore muscles because of their firmness and low price point. "They can target specific pressure points in the feet to relieve tightness," says Toor. 

This two-pack from Champion Sports, just $8 on Amazon, fits the bill. Use them to deliver a targeted foot massage or roll them up and down your calves to work out soreness. You can even put them in the freezer for cooling relief. (These balls are incredibly durable too; I've had my set for five years and they're still going strong.)

Worth noting: Lacrosse balls are excellent for easing muscle tension in your glutes, lower back, and hamstrings, among other areas, making them a surprisingly versatile tool.

The Original Massage Stick is a legend in physical therapy circles, and its more petite version, Little Stick, is shooting for the same status. Both massage sticks feature smooth spindles that roll along your calves and feet, digging deep to release muscle tension. The flexible design molds to your muscles, letting you control the intensity with just the right amount of pressure.

At 14 inches long, the Little Stick is small enough to toss into a backpack or gym bag, but still packs enough punch to work your calves and feet like a champ.

Resistance bands aren't just for strength training. Nearly every expert we consulted recommended them for stretching your feet and calves too. "They help promote better mobility and injury prevention," says John Gallucci Jr., a physical therapist and CEO of JAG Physical Therapy.

The Fit Simplify Resistance Loop Exercise Bands provide five latex bands with different resistance levels (from extra light to extra heavy), so you've got options for every need. Each band is color-coded and clearly marked, making it easy to grab what you need. Plus, the set comes with a travel bag to keep everything organized.

While looks shouldn't be your main reason for choosing massage and stretching tool, these bands come in six different colors to add some fun to your routine. Best of all, you can use them for everything from arm-strengthening exercises and lunges to ab workouts, making them surprisingly versatile. Plus, it's worth noting that in our tests of 13 different resistance bands, these were our favorite set of mini bands. 

While a massage gun may not be for everyone (or every budget), it's worth considering if calf pain is a regular concern. "Massage guns can help provide tension relief and comfort," Gallucci says. And Toor adds they're effective for deep tissue relief as well.

The Hyperice Hypervolt 2 Pro delivers serious massage power. Its 60-watt motor offers five speeds to customize your percussive therapy, while five interchangeable heads let you target different muscle groups. A single charge gives you up to three hours of use.

At under 2 pounds, this massager won't wear you out. The extended oval shape and grooved handle provide a solid grip. One heads-up: Like most massage guns, it can get noisy at higher speeds.